How to Clean Wood Stairs

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Cleaning your wooden stairs will prolong their life and maintain their beautiful appearance. Just follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • All-purpose cleaner or dish soap and water
  • Broom
  • Brush, mop, roller or sponge
  • Large dry rag
  • Broom, vacuum or duster
  • Cleaning solution that is suggested for your wood's finish.
  • Micro-fiber covered mop or terry cloth

Exterior Wood Stairs

Step1
Start at the top of the stairs. You will be working your way down from the top step.
Step2
Sweep off the steps with a broom.
Step3
Wash the stairs with an all-purpose cleaner or kitchen soap and water.
Step4
Scrub with a brush, broom, mop, roller or sponge.
Step5
Rinse the stairs with a damp rag or sponge.
Step6
Dry them with a clean, dry rag.

Interior Wood Stairs

Step1
Sweep, vacuum or dust the stairs.
Step2
Determine the type of sealant that is on the wood stairs.
Step3
Buy a cleaner that is applicable for your type of finished wood.
Step4
Wipe this solution on the wood with a terry cloth or a micro-fiber covered mop.

Tips & Warnings

  • Thoroughly clean exterior wood stairs every 1-3 years.
  • A sealant will help protect the stairs from the elements and sun exposure.
  • If you do not know what type of finish is on your wood steps know that a surface finish is shiny and is sealed with polyurethane while a penetrating finish has a matte look and is sealed with an oil or wax finish.
  • A frayed tipped broom will work best when sweeping. It will help pick up the smallest dirt particles.
  • Sweeping, vacuuming or dusting the stairs daily will help prevent scratching the wood.
  • Never use ammonia on wood.
  • Do not wax steps. Wax will make them slippery and dangerous.

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eHow Article:  How to Clean Wood Stairs

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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