How to Clean Stairways With Coarse Carpeting

Coarse carpeting is used on stairways to give added traction and prevent falls. Keeping it clean will extend the life of the carpet and make it look good. If you don't want to hire a carpet cleaning company, you can do the job yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Vacuum the stairway regularly to prevent a buildup of dirt and debris. A coarse carpet can hold more dirt than a finely textured carpet, but this can break down the fibers quickly. Use a crevice tool to reach into the area where the tread and riser meet.

2. Remove any clumps of mud or dirt by hand, especially if the dirt is wet. If the dirt is dry, use a whisk broom to brush it off the top of the carpet. Take care not to push the dirt down into the fibers. Use the hand method only if you can't use the vacuum because the dirt is wet.

3. Spot treat any stains with a special stain remover, if recommended by the carpet manufacturer. If you're unsure, spot clean the carpet on the stairs with plain water. Allow the water to sink in, then blot the stain with paper towels to remove the stain.

4. Use a steam cleaner to deep clean the carpet. Many steamers have a shoulder strap or a backpack so you can easily clean the stairs. If you have a large steam-cleaning machine, make sure the hose is long enough to reach all the stairs, or you'll have to drag the machine up or down the stairs.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using the stairs until the carpet is dry to prevent falls.