Vacuuming stairs is a job that needs doing regularly — and as it’s one of the high-traffic areas of the home it’s one of the most challenging.
But you can make life easier for yourself. With the right approach and the best possible tools for the job, stair cleaning doesn’t have to be a cleaning chore you dread.
1. Pick up the big stuff
Before you start vacuuming, climb your stairs, and pick up the large bits of debris that tends to accumulate over time. Remember to dust banisters, skirting and other surfaces before you begin so you can pick up any excess that falls to the floor.
2. Set your vacuum up for success
Stairs can be awkward. It may be a good idea to invest in a vacuum cleaner with powered lift away technology, a cordless vacuum or a handheld vacuum cleaner, each with a full complement of accessories.
3. Start with the corners
Check the corners of each step, and you’ll probably see an accumulation of dust and general debris. These are the trickiest areas to vacuum, so you’ll probably need a slim attachment to access them.
Slowly and deliberately, work your way up the stairs. Run the attachment you’ve chosen along the edges of each step, and spend extra time sucking up the dust in the corners. Walk up your stairs first, and then do a double sweep on your way down.
4. Change to a wider attachment
A great way to clean stairs is to take care of the corners and edges on the way up, and take care of the main horizontal and vertical surfaces on the way down. Replace the thinner attachment you used for the corners with a wider one — preferably with a brush. If you have a motorised attachment, all the better. Run the attachment slowly over each step, making sure the brush digs deep into the pile to disturb hidden dust and dirt. Perform the same deliberate action for the vertical surface of each step.
A few additional tips for vacuuming carpeted stairs
- Try to vacuum your stair carpet daily. Keeping it fresh and clean at all times will actually make cleaning easier for you — and keep your carpet looking like new.
- Try a lightweight vacuum cleaner or a vacuum with a pet or even dedicated stair attachment.
- Try to clean stair carpets when there’s someone else in the house with you.
- Brush your carpet by hand before vacuuming to free any dirt and dust that is lodged within the fibres.
- Go cordless to remove any potential tripping hazards.