How To Clean Wood Stairs In Easy Steps

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Wood stairs can get really dirty, especially if they are in a high traffic area. There are many different methods that you can use to clean your wood stairs some of which are popular include using vinegar or bleach.

Start by sweeping or vacuuming the stairs to remove any loose dirt or debris. If there are any spots or stains on the stairs, treat them with a suitable cleaner before proceeding with the rest of the cleaning. Once the stairs are free of dirt and debris, you can start cleaning them with a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to rinse the stairs well after cleaning them, and then dry them with a soft cloth.

Cleaning wood stairs can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few tips on how to clean wood stairs:

Supplies You Will Need:

Water
Bucket or mop
White distilled vinegar. Do not use any other types of vinegar.

Bleach. Make sure to add in baking soda if you are using it instead of white distilled vinegar.
150 grit sandpaper or an orbital hand sander with 100-120 grit paper.
A brush for cleaning off the dust.

A towel for drying off the stairs after you have rinsed them clean.

Methods Of Cleaning Wood Stairs

There are several methods on how to clean wooden staircase including:

1. Vinegar

Vinegar is a great option for cleaning wood stairs because it has anti-microbial properties. This means that mold, mildew and other bacteria will not grow on your stairs after you clean them with vinegar.

The steps to doing this are pretty straightforward:

Get yourself some water, white distilled vinegar, do not use apple cider or any other types of vinegar, and a mop or bucket.
Fill the water up until it is about half way full, then add in your white distilled vinegar to fill the rest of the container. If you are using bleach instead of white distilled vinegar some people say that adding baking soda will help neutralize any smell from the bleach but be sure to do your own research before adding anything into the mixture.

Now all you need to do is mop this solution on to your wood stairs and let it sit there for about 20 minutes, then rinse off with clean water.

2. Bleach

Bleach is another great option for cleaning wood stairs because it also has anti-microbial properties. Bleach will help to kill off any mold or bacteria that may be growing on your stairs and make them look good as new again.

If you are worried about the bleach smell make sure you add in some baking soda or another neutralizer, but again do not use any other types of vinegar.

Let this mixture sit for 20 minutes and then mop off with clean water while making sure that all of the bleach is rinsed away from your wood stairs.
Both of these methods are great for getting your wood stairs clean because they kill off any bacteria or mold that may be growing on them and make the stairs look like new.

3. Sanding

One of the most popular and effective methods for getting your wood stairs clean is through sanding them. Using a power sander with some 150 grit paper you will be able to remove any mold, dirt or other stains that may have built up on your stairs over time.

You can also use an orbital hand sander instead if you do not have access to a power sander.
The key here is to make sure that you sand evenly. Do not go too deep, as this can cause damage and splintering to your wood stairs. Thereby, making them look worse than before you started the process of cleaning.
Be patient. If it takes more time than planned to sand your wood stairs it is better than having to go back and do the job again.

How To Clean Wooden Stair Railing

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean wood stair railings

Method 1: Water and Vinegar

Step 1: Mix 1:1 parts of water and vinegar in a bowl.

Step 2: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the railing.

Step 3: Let the mixture sit on the railing for a few minutes.

Step 4: Wipe the railing with a clean, damp cloth.

Step 5: Dry the railing with a clean towel.

Vinegar help how to clean wood stair rails. It is a natural disinfectant and will kill any bacteria on the surface of the wood.

Method 2: Dawn Soap

Step 1: Make a mixture of one part Dawn dish soap to four parts water in a bucket.

Step 2: Dip a sponge in the mixture and wring it out so that it is damp, not dripping.

Step 3: Rub the sponge on the stairs in a circular motion, starting at the top and working your way down.

Step 4: Rinse the stairs with a hose or a bucket of clean water.

Step: Let the stairs air dry or dry them with a towel.

Dawn soap helps how to clean dirty wood stairs because it is designed to cut through grease, which can build up on stairs. If your stairs are extremely dirty, you may need to use a stiff brush to scrub them before you rinse.

Method 3: Steam Cleaner

Step 1: Fill the steam cleaner with water and vinegar.

Step 2: Put the steam cleaner on the lowest setting and hold it about two inches from the railing.

Step 3: Slowly move the steam cleaner back and forth along the railing.

Step 4: Wipe the railing with a clean, damp cloth.

Step 5: Dry the railing with a clean towel.

Method 4: Murphy Oil Soap

Step 1: Add one cup of Murphy Oil Soap to a bucket of warm water.

Step: Dip a sponge in the mixture and wring it out so that it is damp, not dripping.

Step: Rub the sponge on the stairs in a circular motion, starting at the top and working your way down.

Step: Rinse the stairs with a bucket of clean water.

Step: Let the stairs air dry or dry them with a towel.

Method 5: Pine-sol

Step 1: Add one cup of Pine-sol to a bucket of water.

Step 2: Use a scrub brush to apply the mixture to the stair rails.

Step 3: Rinse the stairs with clean water.

Step 4: Allow the stairs to dry completely.

Pine-sol is a great way to clean wood stairs because it disinfects and cleans at the same time.

Types Of Stairs

1. Wood Stairs

There are a lot of homes that have traditional wood stairs. These usually come with carpeting on them which can make cleaning difficult, however if you want to clean your hardwood steps then all you need is some warm water and dish soap. Make sure that when cleaning these types of stairs that you do not use bleach because this will discolor the stairs.

How To Clean Wood Stairs

Here is a step-by-step on how to clean unfinished wood stairs:

Step 1: Use warm water and dish soap or laundry detergent.

Step 2: Add cleaner if necessary.

Step 3: Scrape any loose pieces off with a screwdriver if needed.

Step 4: Vacuum up any additional dust, dirt or small particles that might be left over after the initial cleaning process.

Step 5: Rinse the stairs down with warm water.

Step 6: Let the stairs dry off completely before putting them back in place.

Step 7: Repeat as necessary or if desired.

2. Tile Stairs

Tile stairs are great because they do not require a lot of maintenance. You can use the same cleaning solution that you would to clean your kitchen tiles on these types of steps which is usually just warm water and dish soap. Make sure, however, if there is any kind of grout between each tile then using vinegar instead of regular soap and water will help remove any mold or mildew that has started to grow.

How To Clean Tile Stairs

Step 1: Take your warm water and dish soap or vinegar.

Step 2: Mix the solution together in a bucket until it is relatively foamy.

Step 3: Dip your mop into the water mixture, wring most of the excess out so that you only have a small amount left over on the mop head.

Step 4: Wipe the stairs down with your mop head. Use a circular motion to clean any dirt or debris that might be stuck in between each tile slat.

Step 5: Repeat this process until all of the tiles are cleaned off completely and let them dry before putting them back into place.

3. Stone Stairs

Stone stairs are fairly easy to clean since they do not require much scrubbing. All you need is some warm water and dish soap in order to get these types of steps looking like new again. You can also use a special cleaner or even vinegar if there is any stickiness around the edges where dirt might be trapped under small pieces of stone.

How To Clean Stone Stairs

Step 1: Take your warm water and dish soap or vinegar.

Step 2: Mix the solution together in a bucket until it is relatively foamy.

Step 3: Dip your mop into the water mixture, wring most of the excess out so that you only have a small amount left over on the mop head.

Step 4: Wipe the stairs down with your mop head. Use a circular motion to clean any dirt or debris that might be stuck in between each tile slat.

Step 5: Repeat this process until all of the tiles are cleaned off completely and let them dry before putting them back into place.

4. Rubber Stairs

These types of stairs can be greats for high traffic areas like your garage. They are usually made out of rubber and they do not require a lot of maintenance either which is why people tend to use them in their basement or indoor spaces that see a lot of foot traffic such as the front entranceway. All you need is warm water, dish soap or laundry detergent plus some cleaner to get rid of any dirt that might have built up over time.

How To Clean Rubber Stairs

Step 1: Mix some warm water with dish soap or laundry detergent.

Step 2: Add in cleaner if needed and mix all of the ingredients together until you get a nice thick consistence.

Step 3: Use a standard mop to add the mixture onto your rubber stairs and scrub them down using an old toothbrush for any tough dirt or spots.

Step 4: Use a hose to rinse the stairs down until they are completely clean.

Step 5: Let your rubber stairs air dry before putting them back into place.

Step 6: Repeat as necessary for very dirty stairs, but try not to do this too often because it will wear out the steps quicker.

5. Metal Stairs

These types of steps are also another great option for high traffic homes. These typically come with a non-slip coating on them which is why they tend to be used in the garage or as outdoor stairs since this provides you with additional safety precautions when walking up and down these surfaces. All that is needed to clean metal stairs is some warm water and dish soap or laundry detergent plus some cleaner.

How To Clean Metal Stairs

Step 1: Use a damp cloth or sponge and dish soap or laundry detergent in order to wipe away any grime, dirt or dust that might be on your metal steps. If you are having trouble getting into certain cracks then it might be in your best interest to use a scrub brush or even an old toothbrush. This will help you get into the grooves and crevices that are harder to reach with other cleaning products.

Step 2: Allow metal steps to thoroughly dry before using again. Repeat cleaning process as needed.

Step 3: If your home is located in a humid environment, consider coating the surface with something like Vaseline to help protect it from any moisture.

Step 4: If your steps have been finished using an oil-based sealant then take extra care when trying to clean them since this type of product is extremely difficult to remove. It might be in your best interest to try and find out exactly what type of finish has been used in order to find the best ways on how to clean them.

Step 5: If your steps have not been finished using a sealant, then it might be in your best interest to try and get rid of any loose pieces that are stuck onto the surface by either scraping them off with something like a screwdriver or by using a hard bristle brush. This will help to ensure that all dirt, dust and other particles have been removed from the surface which is what you’ll want if your goal is to make them look as shiny and new as possible.

Step 6: Allow metal steps to thoroughly dry before using again. Repeat cleaning process as needed.

RELATED: How to Clean Wood Pallets

Factors To Consider Before Cleaning Wood Stairs

1. Material

Before you even attempt to clean your wood stairs, it is important that you know what material they are made out of. This will help determine the type of cleaning product and method that would be used in order to get them looking their best again. Wood stairs can come in a variety of types including redwood or cedar which means that there are different types of cleaning products that should be used in order to get them clean. If your wood stairs are made out of a certain type of stone then you also need to know what kind it is, especially when using cleaners.

2. Condition

It is also important to consider the condition of your wood stairs before you attempt to clean them. If they have a lot of dirt or grime built up, then it might be in your best interest to try and get rid of this first by either scraping any loose pieces off with a screwdriver or using a vacuum cleaner in order to suck up any loose pieces.

3. Finishing

Some wood stairs are finished while others are not. Finishes can either be shiny or matte depending on what you have chosen for your home so it is important to know the exact type of finish that has been used in order to determine which cleaning products will work best when trying to clean them.

4. Exterior Location

If your home is located in a place where there are high amounts of humidity or rainfall, then it might be best to clean these types of stairs more often. This will help protect the wood from expanding when exposed to too much moisture which can cause warping and other damage that could ruin your steps forever.

5. Use

Another thing to consider when cleaning wood stairs is the amount of use they get. If you have pets and people walking up and down them on a daily basis then it might be in your best interest to clean these types of steps more often. This will help prevent any mold or mildew from forming that could ruin their appearance over time.

6. Surface

The final thing to consider before you begin cleaning your wood stairs is the surface. For example, if they are smooth then it might be in your best interest to use a slightly different method than what would be used for surfaces that have more texture. The smoother the steps are, the easier it will be to clean them since there won’t be any grooves or cracks that can be hard to reach.

General Method of Cleaning Interior of Stairs

Step 1: Vacuum

The first thing that you need to do when getting ready for your steam cleaning is using a vacuum cleaner in order to suck up any loose pieces of dirt or debris. This will help keep the floor clean and make it easier to clean off all the excess particles afterwards.

Step 2: Fill Your Cleaner

After you have finished vacuuming, you will need to fill up your steam cleaner with water. Add the recommended amount of cleaning product. If you are unsure what type of solution is going to work best for this method then make sure that you read through the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Step 3: Steam It Up

Now that you have everything filled up and ready to go, simply place the nozzle of your steam cleaner on top of each step in order to begin steaming them. Make sure that you keep it at least six inches away from the wood since this will help prevent any damage.

Step 4: Clean It Up

After you are done with steaming, you can use a cloth or sponge in order to wipe down the stairs and remove any dirt that is left over. If there are certain areas of your steps that were not cleaned using this method then feel free to go back with traditional cleaner as well if needed.

Step 5: Rinse It Off

Now that you have finished cleaning your stairs, make sure to rinse them off before letting them dry. This will help prevent any water marks from forming on the wood which could cause damage over time if left untreated.

Step 6: Mop It Up

Finally, you can use a microfiber mop to dry up the excess moisture that is left behind by your cleaning product. If there are any areas of your floor that still feel damp then it might be best to let them finish drying on their own before attempting to walk over them again. This will help prevent anyone from slipping and causing more damage in the process.

Step 7: Polish

Now that your stairs are clean, you will want to consider applying a polish or wax in order to protect them from future damage. This is especially important if they were not thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis since this could help prevent the wood from getting damaged due to excess water exposure over time.

Step 8: Let It Dry

Now that your floor is clean and polished, you can let it dry before walking on them again. This will help prevent any accidents from occurring around the house since moisture could be left behind after it begins to set in and cause someone to slip and fall.

General Method of Cleaning Exterior of Stairs

Step 1: Remove Loose Pieces

Remove any loose pieces of debris from the stairs. This will make it easier to clean off all the excess particles afterwards as well as prevent them from getting further into cracks and crevices which can be difficult to remove otherwise.

Step 2: Vacuum

After you have finished removing the debris, it is time to vacuum your stairs in order to suck up any loose pieces of dirt or other particles. This will help keep the floor clean and make it easier for you when trying to clean off all excess dust afterwards.

Step 3: Fill Up Your Cleaner

After you have finished vacuuming, it is time to fill up your steam cleaner with water and the recommended amount of cleaning product. If you are unsure what type of solution is going to work best for this method then make sure that you read through the manufacturer’s guidelines in order to find out exactly how much should be used.

Step 4: Steam It Up

Step 5: Clean It Up

Step 6: Rinse It Off

Step 7: Mop It Up

Finally, you can use a microfiber mop to dry up the excess moisture that is left behind by your cleaning product. If there are any areas of your floor that still feel damp, then it might be best to let them finish drying on their own before attempting to walk over them again. This will help prevent anyone from slipping and causing more damage in the process.

How To Maintain Clean Stairs

Now that your stairs are clean, you will want to consider applying a polish or wax. This will protect them from future damage. This is especially important if they were not thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis since this could help prevent the wood from getting damaged due to excess water exposure over time.

After you have finished cleaning your stairs, make sure to rinse them off before letting them dry. This will help prevent any water marks from forming on the wood which could cause damage over time if left untreated.

If you are noticing any deep scratches on the wood then it might be best to use a fine grit sandpaper in order to get rid of them. This will prevent your polish or wax from getting into these areas which could cause unevenness when trying to re-wax later down the line.

FAQs On How to Clean Wood Stairs

What Is the Best Way to Clean Wood Stairs?

There are a few different methods that you can use to deep clean your wood steps. They include dry foam, steam, and wet sanding. Each of these options has its own benefits. For example, using steam cleaners will help kill off any bacteria that may be on the wood while wet sanding can get rid of deep scratches.

What Is the Best Way to Clean White Painted Wood Stairs?

When trying to clean up your stained or varnished white-painted wooden steps, it might seem like you are stuck with some extra cleaning work. However, it is important to realize that you can make this process easier including: using an all-purpose cleaner first before moving on to the other methods mentioned earlier. This will remove any dirt or grime on top of your stairs.

How Often Should You Clean Your Wood Stairs?

Cleaning stairs is important since they are constantly exposed to a lot of dirt and grime. However, if the weather where you live tends to be very dry, then it might not hurt as much if this work gets put off for another day or two. On the other hand, it might be better to do this work on a weekly basis if you live in an area where there is more moisture and humidity. These conditions could lead to dirt buildup over time which will make your steps look worse than they actually are.

How Often to Clean Wood Stove Chimney?

You should clean your wood stove chimney at least once a year. However, if you use your stove frequently, you may need to clean it more often. Inspect the chimney regularly and clean it if you see any soot or creosote build-up.

How to Clean Wood Stairs: Conclusion

Overall, taking the time to clean your wood stairs is important. You can use a variety of different methods in order to get them looking their best including dry foam, steam, and wet sanding. Make sure to rinse off your stairs after you have finished cleaning. This helps prevent any water marks from forming. Lastly, consider applying a polish or wax in order to protect the wood from future damage.

Bonus: YouTube Video