Posted on February 2nd, 2022
One of the least enjoyable aspects of living in a two-story house is having to vacuum the stairs – especially if your home is carpeted. Pulling a heavy vacuum cleaner from step to step is awkward and can lead to back and shoulder aches, no matter how fit you are. Making matters worse, the many nooks and crannies in staircases are notoriously hard to clean, so this chore rarely results in a feeling of satisfaction.
The good news? With the right tools and techniques, it’s possible to make vacuuming the stairs less strenuous and frustrating. Or, you can skip this chore altogether by contacting our team of licensed, bonded maids in Edmond to do it for you.
6 Ways to Vacuum Stairs Quickly and Painlessly
Use the right vacuum cleaner for the job.
Heavy, bulky upright vacuum cleaners are a poor choice for vacuuming stairs. Not only are they difficult to carry, but their large, wide heads can’t effectively vacuum the edges and corners of each stair. If possible, use a canister vacuum instead of an upright. Canister vacuums have long hoses (so you won’t have to carry the unit with you while you work) and multiple attachments designed for use in small spaces. You’ll need to equip your canister vacuum with a brush attachment or a crevice attachment, depending on which part of the stairs you’re vacuuming.
Alternatively, if you don’t own a canister vacuum, BetterCleans recommends using a lightweight stick or handheld model. Just be prepared to give each stair a few extra passes, because these vacuums are typically less powerful than either upright or canister models.
Inspect the stairs before you get started.
Large objects, like paperclips, socks, and coins, can clog your vacuum cleaner and create a tripping hazard. Before you begin vacuuming, take a moment to check the stairs and remove any clutter you find.
If you notice any particularly dirty areas, use a stiff brush to loosen built-up grime or remove excess pet hair. This step will make it easier for your vacuum to suck up debris, saving you work later. For liquid spills and other stains, use a carpet-safe stain remover. Look for a stain remover that uses nontoxic, organic ingredients, such as oxygen bleach or enzymes, to lift stains – These cleaners are harmless to the environment, and they don’t pose a risk to kids or pets.
Consider adding a bit of baking soda for extra freshness.
Optionally, you can also apply a thin layer of baking soda to the stair treads and let it sit for one to three hours before you vacuum. Baking soda is a natural compound that effectively neutralizes odors from pets, smoking, and cooking, giving your carpets a pleasantly fresh scent. (Baking soda can be used to clean and deodorize many other areas of the home, too. Check out our guide to cleaning with baking soda for more information on this versatile substance.)
Vacuum the crevices first.
We recommend starting by vacuuming the outer edges of the stairs; otherwise, you may inadvertently knock debris back onto the stair treads while cleaning these areas. First, vacuum the upper “lip” of each stair (the groove just under the stair tread above); then, vacuum the crevices along the side and back of the stair. Use the vacuum’s crevice tool for this stage, working in smooth, slow passes until each area is clean.
Vacuum the treads and risers.
Equip the vacuum’s brush attachment and vacuum each stair tread, starting at the top of the stairs and working your way down each step to the bottom. Vacuuming in this order ensures that any dirt or dust you inadvertently knock down the stairs is quickly picked up by the vacuum. For maximum efficiency, alternate between vacuuming the stair treads and the risers (the vertical spaces between each stair tread).
Have carpeted stairs professionally cleaned twice a year.
The stairs are typically one of the most high-traffic areas of the home. If your stairs have carpeting, a certain amount of dirt, bacteria, and dust will inevitably get ground deep inside the carpet pile, where even the most powerful vacuum cleaner can’t reach it. For this reason, it’s crucial to have carpeted stairs professionally cleaned twice a year (along with any other carpeted areas in your home).
When you hire a cleaner for this job, he (or she) will use a special machine known as a hot water extraction cleaner to treat the stairs. Hot water extraction cleaners inject high-pressure hot water vapor and detergent into the carpet, loosening stubborn grime and killing bacteria and dust mites on contact. Then, their powerful suction quickly extracts debris and moisture, leaving a fresh, clean surface behind.
Sick of Vacuuming? The HappyCleans Team Can Help!
The last two years have been a challenging time for many of us. If you’re looking for simple and affordable ways to lighten your workload, why not try our professional cleaning services in Oklahoma City? Having a cleaner can free up two to three hours each week, giving you more time to rest, relax, and reconnect with friends and family. Hiring a maid is also the most efficient way to clean your home: Maids have extensive training and specialized equipment, so they can quickly complete difficult tasks – like vacuuming stairs and cleaning baseboards – without missing any details.
Contact HappyCleans online or by phone at (405) 353-2665 to schedule your first cleaning appointment with one of our licensed, bonded maids. We look forward to meeting you and making your home the best it can be so you can relax for the day in Westborough Park.