Keeping carpets clean is an essential part of home maintenance. But cleaning carpeted stairs can be tricky. The heavy traffic going up and down the stairs means carpets get dirty faster. And maneuvering a vacuum cleaner on stairs is difficult.
At Eagle’s Eye Carpet Cleaning, we are experts at deep cleaning carpets on stairs. After years of experience, we’ve perfected techniques to make your stair carpets look brand new.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of deep cleaning carpeted stairs, step-by-step.
Why It’s Important to Clean Carpets on Stairs
Carpets on stairs take more abuse than regular floor carpeting. Not only do they accumulate dirt, dust, and allergens faster, but the edges also tend to get more worn down from foot traffic on the stairs.
If you don’t regularly clean carpets on stairs, over time they can start to look dingy and worn. Spills and stains can set in and become permanent. Pet dander, pollen, and dust mites can accumulate and aggravate allergies.
Deep cleaning carpets on stairs helps refresh their appearance and extend their lifespan. It also makes your home healthier by removing allergens and improving indoor air quality.
Cleaning Carpeted Stairs: Step-by-Step
Supplies Needed
- Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
- Carpet stain remover
- Carpet cleaning machine or rental unit
- Carpet cleaning solution
- Soft scrub brush
- Clean towels
- Fan
Prep the Stairs
First, thoroughly vacuum the entire staircase from top to bottom. Make sure to use the hose attachment to reach corners and edges. This will pick up surface dirt and debris to make the deeper cleaning more effective.
Pretreat Stains
Examine the carpeted stairs closely for any stains or heavily soiled areas. Pretreat these spots with a carpet stain remover. Allow the pretreatment to dwell for 5-10 minutes before proceeding. This will help loosen set-in stains.
Deep Clean with Carpet Cleaner
Fill up the carpet cleaning machine reservoir with the cleaning solution. For best results, use a cleaner formulated specifically for carpets and stairs.
Starting at the top of the stairs, use the carpet cleaner wand to apply the cleaning solution over a small section of the carpet. Use overlapping strokes and make sure to cover edges.
Use the soft scrub brush to work the cleaning solution deep into the carpet fibers. Scrub any stained or heavily trafficked areas.
Follow immediately with the carpet cleaner suction to extract the dirty solution from the carpet. Work slowly down each step and overlap passes. Empty the dirty water tank as needed.
Rinse and Dry
Once the stairs are deep cleaned with the carpet cleaner machine, go over them again with just hot water in the machine to rinse out any cleaning solution residue. Extract the rinse water.
Speed dry the stairs with towels and a fan. Place towels over damp spots and stand on them as you work down the stairs. Run a fan pointed directly at the damp carpeted stairs.
Final Vacuum
After the stairs have dried completely, give them one final vacuum to lift up any remaining dirt loosened by the cleaning.
Tips for Cleaning Carpets on Stairs
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Always start at the top and work down. This prevents you from trampling dirt deeper into the freshly cleaned carpet.
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Work in small sections. Clean and extract one or two stairs at a time before moving lower. This ensures thorough cleaning.
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Rinse with plain water after using cleaning solutions. Residual chemicals left behind can actually attract more dirt over time.
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Allow plenty of drying time. Stairs should dry overnight before walking on them to prevent mold or mildew.
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Consider heavy traffic areas. Entryway stairs and main home staircases likely need deep cleaning more often than basement or attic stairs.
Common Questions About Cleaning Stair Carpets
How often should I deep clean carpeted stairs?
For high traffic stairs, we recommend deep cleaning carpets every 6 months. Cleaning twice a year will keep them looking fresh and new. For lightly used basement or attic stairs, deep cleaning once a year is usually sufficient.
What is the best carpet cleaner to use on stairs?
Look for a carpet shampoo formulated for stairs. Avoid regular floor carpet cleaners, which are too wet for stairs. A great option is Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover – it’s safe for stairs and helps lift stains.
Can I just rent a carpet cleaner from a hardware store?
Yes, you can rent a carpet cleaning machine from most hardware stores or superstores. Make sure to select a carpet cleaner that is designed for stairs and has an upright wand for easy maneuverability.
How long does it take to deep clean carpet on stairs?
With the right equipment, it takes 30-45 minutes to deeply clean an average flight of 10-15 carpeted stairs. Large or heavily soiled staircases may take over an hour.
What is the best way to dry carpet on stairs?
Speed drying with fans pointing directly on the stairs is best. You can also place dry towels over damp areas and stand on them as you work down the stairs. Thorough drying prevents mold or mildew.
Trust the Carpet Cleaning Experts
Cleaning carpets on stairs can be a chore. Our carpet cleaning technicians have years of experience and use powerful deep cleaning equipment to make your stair carpets look their best.
For expert carpet cleaning in your home, trust Eagle’s Eye Carpet Cleaning. We offer affordable and reliable service with unbeatable results. Give us a call today to schedule your carpet cleaning!