The stairs, especially in busy households, are among the areas that see heavy footfalls. Throw kids and pets into the mix, the traffic increases, and so does the damage to your carpeted stairs from wear and tear, spills, stains, and dents.
So how do you extend the longevity of carpets on stairs?
The best way to keep your carpeted stairs clean and looking like new is to address spills immediately and get your carpets cleaned regularly.
Learn how to keep the carpet on your stairs looking like new with some easy and practical tips and hacks.
When painting your stairs, avoid using drop cloths over the carpeting. While a drop cloth is easy to use, it also prevents air from circulating around the fibers of the carpet. This can cause mildew growth on your carpet, leaving it smelling musty.
Instead, use plastic sheeting or painter's tape to cover your carpeting during painting sessions. If you choose to use plastic sheeting to cover your carpeted staircases, lay down a layer of newspaper or cardboard first.
Place sheets of overlapping plastic over each step one at a time—until all stairs are covered with free-flowing sheets supported only by other sheets underneath them.
If necessary, secure these free-floating sheets with painter's tape along their edges, so they don't slide off during painting sessions.
If your stairs see heavy traffic, you can protect the carpet on it with the following:
Stair carpet protectors are thin plastic or vinyl sheets that you lay over the stair treads. They are very useful in keeping dirt from getting on your carpet. They can also protect the carpet from stains and spills if anyone has an accident while going up or down the stairs with food or drinks.
Stair carpet protectors do a great job of preventing dirt and grime from building up due to constant foot traffic. They come in several sizes and shapes, so you'll want to find one that matches the dimensions of your stairs perfectly.
Stair treads, also known as stair nosings, are the parts of a stair you walk on. They can be made from hardwood, rubber, or plastic. Most often, they're made from wood products like cedar and pine because these materials are durable and easy to clean.
If you want to keep your carpet clean and stain-free, consider installing quality stair treads on carpeted stairs. The treads can be fastened with carpet tacks. Non-slip stair treads also increase safety as they improve the stability and grip of each step and provide additional traction.
Stains and spills can make your carpet appear unsightly and older than it actually is.
A stain means you have dropped or spilled something which has left a discolored spot on the carpet.
Carpets are a big investment, and you, therefore, want them to go the distance. Here’s how to protect stair carpet from staining.
The longer you leave a stain or spill, the harder it is to remove since most spills on carpets tend to settle deep in the carpet fibers. To remove a stain or spill:
● Vacuum to pick up any solid remnants from the carpet
● Don’t rub or scrub the stains — that will only make the stains dig in deeper. Use the dabbing trick to get off as much of the stain as you can
● Soak a clean white paper towel or cloth in a solution of 1/4th teaspoon of liquid dish soap and a cup of warm water. Use it to blot the stain off, working your way from the outside towards the center
● Leave the towel or cloth to soak up the stain for at least five minutes and then blot again with a new and clean white towel or cloth and keep repeating the process until the stain is gone
Most carpets these days come with a carpet protectant that effectively repels liquids, resists soil, and even blocks stains. A professional carpet cleaning company can efficiently apply a protectant for you. And while it may be an expense, it is a one-time investment that will keep your carpet looking spotless for years to come.
Shoes track in all sorts of mud, dirt, and other unmentionables, including germs. An effective way of protecting your carpet from stains is to have a no-shoes rule.
Carpet replacements can be expensive. Routinely vacuum your carpeted stairs to prevent dust and dirt from settling down and giving the carpet a dull and drab appearance. You might also wonder how to cover dirty carpet on stairs and whether using a runner is a good idea. But that could be a potential tripping hazard.
Instead, regular cleaning is all it takes to maintain the quality of your carpeted stairs, prevent stains and odors and get rid of pollen, mold, and other pollutants.
Here are some practical tips to keep your carpeted stairs clean.
● Loosen dirt, hair, and debris from the carpet using a small, stiff-bristled brush
● Vacuum your carpeted stairs with a purpose-built vacuum or one that has attachments like a smaller head and a brush roller
● You can also bathe stair carpets made from natural fibers such as cotton or wool with a carpet shampoo. Mix the shampoo according to instructions and use a clean scrub brush to brush each stair with the shampoo solution. Brush till it foams but avoid brushing for too long to prevent discoloring
A good rule of thumb is once per month for homes with pets; twice per month if you have kids who play outside often.
● Carpets made from synthetic fibers can be washed with a mild detergent in warm water. You may want to use vinegar instead of detergent if the rug is stained with food or drink.
● Use old towels to absorb the solution and dry out the carpet by letting the towels soak up the moisture. Remember to use clean and white towels to prevent the color of the towels from leaching onto the carpet.
● Once your carpeted stairs have dried (usually between 10 to 12 hours), vacuum them again.
● Get rid of smells and odors using powders made for the purpose. These are easily available in the cleaning aisle of your local supermarket. Sprinkle the powder on your carpeted stair before you vacuum. A DIY solution to odors is to sprinkle a mix of bicarbonate of soda with a few drops of essential oils on the carpeted stairs before vacuuming.
Moving can be a stressful experience, and as such, it’s easy to forget about the carpet on the stairs. You might not think about how much damage moving can cause to your carpeted stairs until it’s too late—and there are holes or tears in your carpet or stains from paint or glue.
Fortunately, preventing mishaps and protecting carpeted stairs when moving is easy. The stairs are already safe since they are well-padded by the carpet. You only need to protect the carpet and this can be done by covering your carpeted stairs with waterproof, tear-resistant covers.
You don’t need to head out to the store for this. Even old blankets, rugs, towels, non-slip plastic or canvas drop cloths, and even cardboard can do the work of keeping your carpeted stairs clean during a move and reducing the risk of tears.
And if you’re moving while it’s raining or snowing, you can cover the covers with a plastic sheet to prevent staining.
Just ensure that you secure the covers to the stairs using painter’s tape to keep them in place. This will prevent them from getting bunched up and creating a tripping hazard.
Carpet masking is another way to protect your carpet during a move. This is done using a waterproof, durable, non-slip, wear- and tear-resistant carpet protection film made of polyethylene.
The film adds a protective layer over the carpeted stairs, keeping the carpet clear of mud, dirt, and water and minimizing the risk of tears while hauling heavy pieces of furniture.
It has a strong, adhesive backing that can securely attach to all types of carpets. The plastic film can also be easily removed without leaving any marks or residue on the carpet.
Use furniture pads to keep your furniture from scratching the carpeted stairs or leaving dents or tears in the carpet. They can be purchased at any home improvement store and come in various sizes.
Regular cleaning will keep your carpeted stairs looking like new. In addition, you can also schedule professional carpet cleaning services at least annually.
We hope this article has given you some good advice for preserving your carpeted stairs. Keeping the tips shared here should allow you to easily secure your old carpet's longevity and protect it from damage.
