How to Clean Wood Stairs

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

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

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

1. Start at the top of the stairs. You will be working your way down from the top step.

2. Sweep off the steps with a broom.

3. Wash the stairs with an all-purpose cleaner or kitchen soap and water.

4. Scrub with a brush, broom, mop, roller or sponge.

5. Rinse the stairs with a damp rag or sponge.

6. Dry them with a clean, dry rag.

Interior Wood Stairs

1. Sweep, vacuum or dust the stairs.

2. Determine the type of sealant that is on the wood stairs.

3. Buy a cleaner that is applicable for your type of finished wood.

4. 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.