Do you have the same questions in your mind: How to clean wooden stairs? ”Do wooden stairs have the same cleaning process as regular concrete stairs?” or does a wooden staircase require special cleaning equipment to clean it? I believe you are not alone, because hundreds of our readers have the same question in their minds. But don’t worry, we are here to give you a comprehensive cleaning process for wooden stairs and how to clean them. So you will not have any questions when you read the article to the end.
Therefore, it is more important to keep your wooden stairs clean if they are painted, polished and stained. This will not only enhance their beauty but also extend their lifespan. After all, who wants dirty or old wooden stairs that are already polished or painted? Moreover, if there are humid conditions in coastal areas or dry indoor heating in Stockholm during the long winters, it is smart to take care of your stairs and their beauty.
In this guide, we will go through a detailed stair cleaning process, discussing some tricks and tips that will make your cleaning process easier and more enjoyable.
Why should you clean your wooden stairs?
Wooden stairs are more sensitive than other concrete stairs because they can get scratched, stained or even damaged due to dirt and other small particles on them. When someone walks on them, these small particles can get stuck under the foot, and the wooden stairs can get scratched easily. Therefore, it is more important to clean them regularly, which will keep them fresh for a long time.
When it comes to Sweden’s weather conditions, there is a higher chance that your wooden stairs will not last as long due to sudden changes in the weather. In southern areas, there is often excessive humidity, and in winter, dry heat is common in every home or office. As a result, the wooden stairs wear out and look very old. These are the reasons why cleaning plays an important role in protecting those wooden stairs and preventing them from getting damaged.
But wait! Is cleaning wooden stairs a complicated process, or does it require special equipment or materials to do it? A big “NO” from my side! Cleaning wooden stairs is a simple process that makes a big difference. But this does not mean that it can be completed in a few minutes. Of course, it will take some time to complete the process, but it will be worth it in the long run. Let’s move on to the main topic, which is the “wooden stairs cleaning process.”
1. Gather your cleaning supplies
Before we start the actual cleaning process, let's gather all the necessary tools. By the way, you don't need anything too fancy. Here's what you'll need: Now it's time to gather all the important tools that we will use to clean the wooden stairs. Don't worry. We won't list tools that are too fancy:
- Soft broom or vacuum cleaner: To remove dust and small particles such as debris.
- Microfiber cloths: These are gentle and will not scratch the wood floor.
- Mild detergent: Of course, it should be gentle to preserve the wood’s finish.
- A bucket of warm water: This is for mixing your cleaning solution.
- Wood cleaner or polish: If you want to give the stairs extra shine after cleaning.
- Old towels or dry cloth: To wipe down the stairs after cleaning.
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started!
2. Remove loose dirt and spills
After gathering the necessary tools, it is time to remove the loose dirt and spills from dirty shoes. Remember! Do not rub these small particles with a hard tool or brush, as this can damage the wooden surface during cleaning.
You will need to use a soft brush, or it is best to use a vacuum cleaner for best results.
You will need to use a soft brush, or it is best to use a vacuum cleaner for best results.
Additionally, you need to start the cleaning process at the top of the stairs and work your way down. This way, you won’t get the stairs dirty again once they’re clean. Furthermore, when you clean the stairs, dust particles often collect in the corners of the stairs. Clean them thoroughly, as they can return to the corners of the stairs through the air and recontaminate your stairs over time.
3. Create a cleaning solution
After scrubbing the stairs with a soft brush to remove dirt and spills, it’s now time to prepare your cleaning solution. Don’t worry, it’s really easy! Fill a bucket with warm water (which works very well during the cleaning process) and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Gently stir the water until it’s well mixed.
You don’t need a lot of soap – just a little to break down the dirt. If you’re worried about harsh chemicals, you can also opt for a wood-specific cleaner (you can find it easily at your local hardware store). These are specially formulated for wooden stairs to be gentle and safe for your wooden stairs.
Note: Avoid using harsh cleaning agents, such as bleach, vinegar, or ammonia, as they can damage the wood finish over time. Additionally, these harsh chemicals can also damage your hands.
4. Clean the wooden stairs
Now that you have your cleaning solution ready, it’s time to begin the cleaning process. To do this, take the microfiber cloth, dip it in the cleaning solution, wring it out, and wring it out so that it is just damp, not completely wet, as too much moisture applied to the wooden stairs can damage the wood. Wipe each step thoroughly.
Once you have completed the cleaning process, it is time to start the next round. So before starting the next round, assess the stairs and how dirty they were, if they were very dirty, clean them twice while starting the cleaning again from the top of the stairs, otherwise the cleaning process is complete.
Note: If you find a dirty spot on the stairs that needs cleaning, you can use a soft brush or sponge to make cleaning easier. Again, do not apply too much pressure on the brush, as this can damage the surface of the wooden stairs.
5. Wipe down the stairs thoroughly
When we clean something, such as stairs, floors or any surface, it is very important to dry it because moisture can cause damage. Simply take your dry towel or microfiber cloth and wipe the surface of each step gently. Here you will see a shine on your wooden stairs, where each step shows well the cleaning you have done.
To make them shine even more, you can gently apply polish or wood cleaner to enhance the beauty of the stairs and protect them very well.
6. Deep clean and polish (optional)
Now, if you need to polish your wooden stairs, like with a new one, you can use a polishing pad or a small microfiber cloth to polish them. If you are new to this process, you can start with a small area and see if it works for you. Of course it will work, and you will see the magic: a new, brand new wooden staircase.
7. Regular maintenance for clean wooden stairs
At this point, you’ve done a great job, and your wooden stairs are clean and shiny. But regular maintenance is key. A quick dusting or vacuuming once a week can keep your stairs looking fresh for a long time without the need for a cleaning solution or other maintenance. Therefore, always clean up spills and small dirt particles as they accumulate, making your life easier.
Do you feel this is too much?
No problem! You can always take the opportunity to book a Stair Cleaning , Window Cleaning , or even a House Cleaning with our cleaning professionals at Städhjälpen . This way you have more time to focus on other things while we take care of your wooden stairs, shiny windows, and even your entire home! Imagine how wonderful it will feel to have a clean and fresh home, all without lifting a finger. Contact us today and let us help you keep everything in tip-top condition!
