Between kids, pets, and life in general, the carpet on your stairs can start looking dingy fast. Discover our steps for keeping the carpet on your stairs clean and stain-free by hand or by machine, as well as tips and tricks for keeping them looking their best in between cleanings.
Cleaning By Hand
What You’ll Need:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mild detergent
- Warm water
- Carpet spot remover
- Soft bristle brush
- Microfiber cloths
- Towels
Steps
- Start by giving your the carpet on your stairs a good vacuuming. This removes surface dirt and makes the cleaning process more effective. Plus, you’re not rubbing dirt further into the carpet fibers.
- Treat any stains on the stairs with the carpet spot remover, and let it sit for up to 30 minutes.
Pro tip: Remember to sweep starting from the top to the bottom to avoid dirt being grounded further into the carpet. You can combine water and carpet shampoo to tackle stains on non-wool carpets.
- Combine warm water with a small amount of mild detergent in a bucket. Less is more here—you don’t need suds galore on your stairs.
- Before diving in, test your solution on a small, hidden area on your stairs to ensure it doesn't discolor your carpet. This is especially important with natural or dyed fibers on your stairs.
- Dip your brush or sponge into the solution, then gently scrub the carpet of the stairs, focusing on high-traffic areas. Work in sections, starting from the top of the stairs and moving down.
- After scrubbing, use a clean cloth dipped in plain water to blot away the soap on the stairs. Repeat this until the detergent is fully removed.
- Use dry towels to blot up as much moisture as possible. Then, let your stairs air dry completely before walking on them.
Cleaning By Machine
If you're after a deeper clean or just want to save time, a carpet cleaning machine is especially handy for larger jobs or when you’ve got some stubborn grime that needs serious attention on your stairs.
What You’ll Need:
- Carpet cleaning machine
- Natural carpet cleaner
- Vacuum cleaner
Steps:
- Just like with hand cleaning, start by vacuuming your stairs. Machines work best on dirt-free surfaces.
- Fill the machine’s tank with the appropriate amount of water and carpet cleaner. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results on your stairs.
- Begin at the top of the stairs and slowly work your way down, ensuring you overlap each section slightly to avoid missing spots.
- Consider doing a second pass on your stairs with just water to make sure all the cleaner is rinsed out. This prevents residue buildup, which can attract more dirt later.
- Allow the carpet to dry completely before using the stairs again. Depending on the humidity in your home and stairs, this might take a few hours.
Special Considerations
Sometimes, your carpets need a little extra TLC. Whether it’s a nasty stain or a funky odor, here’s how to tackle those special cases.
Removing Stains
If you don’t have a natural stain remover on hand, you can try this DIY cleaning hack for stubborn stains.
What You’ll Need:
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Soft brush
- Water
- Blot the stain – do not rub it. Use a clean cloth to soak up as much as possible.
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle a little baking soda on top. You’ll hear some fizzing—don’t worry, that’s the sound of the stain breaking down.
- Use a soft brush to work the mixture into the carpet fibers.
- Rinse the area with water and blot dry. Repeat if necessary.
Disinfecting
Keeping things safe and germ-free is a must, and this cleaning hack is especially important if you’ve got little ones crawling around.
What You’ll Need:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle.
- Combine one part vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist your carpet and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Blot the area with a damp cloth to remove the vinegar, then let it air dry. The vinegar smell will fade as it dries, leaving your carpets fresh and clean.
Deodorizing
Sometimes, the problem isn’t visible but you can definitely smell it. Here’s how to freshen things up.
What You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Essential oil (optional)
- Vacuum cleaner
- Cover the carpet with a thin layer of baking soda. Add a few drops of essential oil if you like a bit of fragrance.
- Allow the baking soda to sit for at least 30 minutes—overnight if possible.
- Vacuum up the baking soda, and enjoy your now-fresh-smelling carpet.
FAQs
Can You Combine Both Hand and Machine Cleaning?
Absolutely. For the most thorough clean, you can start by hand scrubbing particularly dirty spots or stains, then follow up with a machine to cover the entire carpet. This combo approach gives you the best of both worlds—targeted cleaning where you need it most and an overall deep clean.
When Should You Replace Carpet?
No matter how diligent you are with cleaning, there comes a time when your carpet might be past the point of no return. If your carpet is frayed, flattened, or still smells musty after a good cleaning, it might be time to consider replacement. Stains that have become permanent or areas that are worn down to the backing are also signs that it’s time to let go.
Remember, carpets don’t last forever—especially on high-traffic areas like stairs. Replacing your stair carpet with a new, eco-friendly option might not only freshen up your home but also provide a safer, healthier environment for your family.
