Best Way to Clean Carpet on Stairs

The best way to clean carpeted stairs depends on what resources are available for cleaning them. Though for many the easiest and best way to clean carpet on stairs involves calling out a professional carpet cleaning company, this may not always be feasible. However, using what’s available, along with a bit of hard work, can still result in brightening and removing stains from a carpeted stairway. Searching for the same powerful stain spotter our techs rely on daily? Check out this daily spotter today for a spotless carpet transformation!

Best Products to Use on Carpet and Stairs!

1. BEST OVERALL: Chemical Guys Lightning Fast Carpet & Upholstery Stain Extractor
2. BEST CLEANING MACHINE: BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus
3. RUNNER UP CLEANING MACHINE: BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
4. RUNNER-UP: Spotting Solutions General Spotter (FREE SHIPPING)
5. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Resolve Carpet and Rug Cleaner Spray
6. BEST FOR PERFORMANCE FABRICS: ForceField Fabric Cleaner – Professional Strength
7. BEST ALL-PURPOSE: Woolite Advanced Stain & Stench Remover + Sanitize
8. BEST FOR PET STAINS AND ODORS: Bissell PET PRO OXY Stain Destroyer for Carpet & Upholstery
9. BEST FOR DELICATE FABRICS: Furniture Clinic Carpet & Upholstery Care Kit Cleaner & Protector

Regular Dusting with a Stiff Brush or Broom

Why It’s Important: Regular brushing reduces the need for deep cleaning.

Steps:

1. Preparation: Gather a stiff brush or broom, and a dustpan.
2. Sweeping: Start from the top of the stairs. Sweep downwards to gather dust and debris at the bottom. This prevents you from stepping on the dirt you’ve just removed.
3. Collection: Use the dustpan to collect the swept debris, ensuring you pick up as much as possible to prevent it from getting embedded back into the carpet.

Deep Cleaning with Carpet Shampoo

Why It’s Effective: This method tackles stains and deep-seated dirt.

Steps:

1. Gather Supplies: You’ll need carpet shampoo, a bucket, a soft brush (avoid stiff brushes for wool carpets), and clean, absorbent cloths or towels.
2. Mix Solution: Follow the shampoo’s instructions, typically mixing 1 part shampoo with 4 parts water in a bucket.
3. Spot Treatment: Apply the solution to stains with the brush, gently scrubbing in circular motions. For wool carpets, blot rather than scrub to avoid damaging the fibers.
4. Blotting: Use cloths or towels to absorb the shampoo mixture, pressing down gently to soak up moisture. Avoid rubbing.
5. Drying: Allow the area to air dry completely to prevent mold growth. You might use fans to speed up the drying process.

Tip: If unsure about the right shampoo, consult with professional carpet cleaners for recommendations tailored to your carpet type.

Using Dawn Dish Soap for Stain Removal

Why It’s Beneficial: Dawn dish soap is effective yet gentle, making it ideal for various carpet types.

Steps:

1. Prepare Solution: Mix 4 ounces of Dawn dish soap with 1 gallon of warm water in a bucket.
2. Application: Dip a soft brush into the solution, ensuring you don’t use too much soap to avoid residue.
3. Cleaning: Starting at the top, scrub each step in circular motions focusing on stains. For wool, spray and blot, avoiding agitation.
4. Rinse: Use a mixture of 1/4 cup white vinegar in a gallon of water to remove soap residue. Gently brush or spray this onto the stairs, then blot with a towel.
5. Dry: Ensure thorough drying to prevent mold, using fans if necessary.

Machine Cleaning Techniques

Why It’s Useful: Quick and efficient for regular maintenance.

Steps:

1. Choose Your Vacuum: A cordless, handheld vacuum is ideal for stairs due to its maneuverability. Alternatively, use a vacuum with a long cord, ensuring safety.
2. Attachments: Use the brush attachment to agitate the carpet fibers, followed by the hose to vacuum up the debris.
3. Vacuuming Pattern: Work from top to bottom to avoid re-tracking dirt.

Steam Cleaning for Deep Clean

Why It’s Superior: Steam cleaning can rejuvenate carpets, removing deep stains and odors.

Steps:

1. Rent or Buy: You can rent steam cleaners from hardware stores or invest in a home-use model.
2. Preparation: Remove any loose items from the stairs.
3. Steam Clean: Follow the machine’s instructions, moving from top to bottom, ensuring even coverage.
4. Drying: Allow ample drying time, using fans if needed to speed up the process.

Combining Techniques for Best Results

For those looking for the ultimate clean:

1. Brush Out Debris: Use a scrub brush to dislodge dirt, especially in corners.
2. Vacuum: Remove the loosened dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
3. Shampoo: Apply carpet shampoo, focusing on stained areas.
4. Scrub: Gently work the shampoo into the carpet.
5. Extract Moisture: Use a wet/dry vacuum or towels to remove excess water.
6. Dry: Ensure complete drying to avoid mold issues.
7. Final Vacuum: Once dry, vacuum again to fluff up the carpet fibers.

If you live in the metro Detroit area and need advice on the best way to clean carpet on stairs contact the experts at Chet’s Cleaning today!