Inside: Top tips for keeping your stairs clean. Collaborative post.
Many homeowners hold their hands up and confess to not cleaning their staircases in Glasgow anywhere near as much as they should.
But showing them a little bit of TLC – at least once a week – will prevent dirt, dust, debris and pet hair from accumulating. And making sure that spills and messes are mopped up quickly will reduce the risk of trips, falls and stains, extending the lifespan of your staircase.
Not sure where to start?
Don your rubber gloves and check out these top tips…
Work from top to bottom
Starting at the top of your staircase, and working your way down to the bottom step, will allow you to remove any falling debris – leaving your stairs spotless.
If you start at the bottom, the chances are that the dirt from your feet will make a mess of your recently cleaned steps, meaning you’ll have to go over them again.
Use a brush and hoover
Vacuum cleaners are large, heavy and difficult to manoeuvre – the last thing you want to do is lug yours up and down the stairs!
Instead, consider plugging it in at the bottom and leaving it there until you’ve cleaned the rest of your staircase with a brush and pan. Any dust and debris that has been swept down to the foot of your staircase can then be hoovered up.
Wipe down all stair parts
Whether it be your kids’ grubby finger-marks on the handrail or dirty paw prints on your treads, they can easily be removed using a damp cloth or sponge.
Once you’ve wiped down every step, around the railings and in the crevices, you’ll need a towel to dry them. This is especially important if you have a wooden staircase, as water could seep into the wood and cause mould or rot – but it can also make glass or metal staircases incredibly slippery.
Look out for signs of damage
From tiny cracks in your risers to the softest squeak in your treads and the slightest wobble in your spindles, any potential issues or damages must be checked out immediately.
If left to worsen, they could pose a serious safety risk for your household and any guests. Or, you might end up needing to replace your entire staircase – costing you more than it would have to carry out a few minor repairs in the first place.
Seek expert advice
By far, one of the easiest ways to keep staircases in Glasgow (or anywhere else) as clean as possible, for as long as possible, is to remind everyone to leave their shoes at the door. Not only will this prevent dirt, debris and bacteria from being trodden in your hallway and up your stairs, but it’ll also reduce the risk of damage to your beautiful staircase.
If you have any questions about cleaning and maintaining your stairs, or you’ve got plans to renovate – giving them a new lease of life for a fraction of the cost of a replacement – be sure to contact your local staircase specialists.