Having a wood floor on your stairs gives your home a classic, elegant look, but you’ll need to care for the wood over the years to keep it looking its best. Fortunately, cleaning and maintaining your wood stairs is not difficult once you know what to do. Here’s an overview of how to do it right.
Determine the Finish of Your Wood
The first step is to figure out what you are working with, as each type of wood finish has its unique care requirements. Surface-sealed wood is the easiest to clean; all it takes is a quick sweep and mop. This is also the most common type of wood floor sealant. Penetrating seals soak into the wood, hardening to create the finish. In addition to sweeping and mopping, you’ll also need to wax these types of stairs. Unfinished wood will need wax as well.
To figure out which type of finish your wooden stairs have, wipe your finger along the surface. If you see a smudge where you touched the wood, your floor has either a penetrating seal or is unfinished. If there is no smudge, your floors are surface-sealed. If you are still unsure, check with your home’s builder or the floor’s installer if possible.
- BEST OVERALL: Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner and Polish Restorer Combo – 2 Pack
- RUNNER-UP: Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray – 32 fl oz
- PRODUCT CHET’S TECHS USE (FREE SHIPPING): Neutral Flooring Cleaner
Choose Your Cleaning Products
The type of cleaning solution you should use when mopping your wood stairs depends on the finish, so look for a solution that is designed for your specific finish. You can also use dish soap diluted in water, as this is a relatively mild cleaner. Don’t use any harsh or abrasive cleaners, as this can damage the finish on your wood, making it look dull and lifeless. If your stairs are unfinished or have a protective seal, you’ll need a liquid or paste wax as well.
It is important to note that you should never use oil or polish on wood stairs or floors. This can make the surface surprisingly slick, making it more likely that you or someone you love will slip and fall. Regular cleaning and waxing are enough to keep your stairs looking great.
Address Any Dents or Scratches
If you see any dents in your stairs, apply an extra coat of wax over the affected area. This will fill in the dent, making the surface look smooth once again. For scratches, you’ll need to apply an additional finish to seal off the crack so that moisture can’t get into your wood. Check your stairs for dents and scratches regularly so that you can repair the damage right away, prolonging the life of your wood floor.
Let Us Do the Hard Work for You
Here at Chet’s Cleaning, we are experienced in cleaning and maintaining all flooring types, including wood. We can help you keep yours looking great over the years. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our house cleaning services and how we can help care for your wooden staircase.
FAQ’s
To clean hardwood floors, it’s best to use a soft-bristled broom or a microfiber mop to remove dirt and debris regularly. For deeper cleaning, use a pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner diluted in water, applied with a damp mop. Avoid using excessive water, as it can damage the wood. Additionally, be sure to wipe up spills promptly to prevent staining.
It’s generally not recommended to use steam cleaners or harsh chemicals on hardwood floors. Steam can cause the wood to swell and warp, while harsh chemicals may strip away the floor’s protective finish or cause discoloration. Stick to gentle cleaning solutions specifically designed for hardwood floors to avoid damaging them.
The frequency of professional cleaning and refinishing for hardwood floors depends on several factors, including the amount of foot traffic, the level of wear and tear, and the type of finish applied. As a general guideline, hardwood floors should be professionally cleaned and refinished every 3-5 years to maintain their appearance and protect them from damage.
To prevent scratches and damage to hardwood floors, consider placing felt pads on the bottom of furniture legs to prevent them from scratching the surface. Use area rugs or mats in high-traffic areas and near entryways to trap dirt and debris before it reaches the floor. Avoid wearing high heels or shoes with sharp edges indoors, and trim your pets’ nails regularly to prevent them from scratching the wood. Additionally, consider applying a protective finish or sealant to the floor to provide an extra layer of defense against scratches and wear.