Learning the proper method for vacuuming stairs, which is simpler than cleaning a carpet by hand, will save a lot of time and make the process safer. Although vacuuming stairs may appear straightforward, it can be extremely dangerous. No matter who you are or how long you have been vacuuming, keep reading for the best advice on the subject. The proper method, the best vacuums, and other topics will be covered.
What Will You Need For Stair Cleaning?
A reliable vacuum cleaner is the first thing you’ll need. You most likely have one with a variety of attachments so you can access the tight spaces that frequently collect a lot of dust.
If you possess a sturdy hand-held vacuum with a rotating brush head, you receive bonus points. Stair cleaning is a breeze with these battery-operated vacuums!
A regular broom will be helpful if you’re cleaning wood stairs, especially if you have mobility problems. Over the years, I’ve frequently developed a sore back from bending over to clean the stairs.
Additionally, you need a brush with medium-sized bristles. This is to remove the more tenacious dirt from the path. For the same reason, you should also have a dustpan.
After vacuuming wooden stairs, an electrostatic duster, if you have one, is useful. This will gather the smallest layer of dust that the vacuum may have missed.
Once you’ve put together the necessary tools (and saved our helpful cleaning and care guides), your stairs will be spotless in no time.
How Often To Shampoo Carpeted Stairs
The next step in the process for cleaning stairs is to use carpet shampoo. However, you should always be careful not to do it too frequently as this can harm your lovely and costly carpet. It will also depend on the type of carpet you have. A safe bet is once every year or so, and if you have pets, a little more frequently. Before using any cleaning agents, be sure to check with the carpet’s manufacturer. When in doubt, run a spot test.
Vacuuming Carpeted Stairs The Right Way
Finding the right vacuum is the first step in learning how to properly vacuum carpeted stairs. When determining your best option, you should consider your needs, needs, and budget. Additionally, you’ll need to be aware of how frequently carpet shampoo should be used and when this cleaning task should be carried out. For now, just be aware that there are proper and improper ways to clean stairs when a carpet is present.
Finding The Right Vacuum For Stairs
You must be certain that you have the appropriate tools for the job. One of the biggest problems people encounter is that they don’t select a vacuum with stair cleaning in mind. To ensure you complete the task safely and correctly, you should probably just buy something small and new if you already own a large vacuum cleaner.
What To Look For In Vacuums
When you go vacuum cleaner shopping, there are a few features you should never overlook. Here are a few of the most important things to think about:
- Look for a lightweight vacuum cleaner
- Make sure it has plenty of strong suction power
- Prioritize having a cordless model rather than a corded vacuum
- Keep maneuverability in mind when shopping
- Purchase a crevice tool if it doesn’t already have one
The Correct Technique For Vacuuming
The type of floor will determine the proper vacuuming technique. Vacuuming carpets and hardwood floors are two different things, for instance. However, not everyone in your house, especially pets, will enjoy the noise no matter what you’re vacuuming. There are appropriate and inappropriate ways to vacuum your stairs. Although cleaning your stairs may seem like a silly idea, it can actually be quite risky. Consider buying a cordless vacuum, for instance, to avoid tripping over the cord. Although falling down the stairs is a common movie trope, it isn’t nearly as amusing in real life.
Vacuuming Carpet The Right Way
The first half of the battle has already been won if you have the right vacuum for the job. The way you ought to use that brand-new, lightweight vacuum cleaner is the next thing to keep in mind. To prevent loose dirt from disrupting the cleaning process, always begin at the top of the stairs. Additionally, you should slide slowly but firmly against the grain of your carpet while rotating the vacuum sideways. A crevice nozzle is necessary to reach the empty strips on either side of carpet runners if your stairs have them. Additionally, in order to achieve the best results when vacuuming a car, you should use the appropriate vacuum features.
How To Use Different Types Of Vacuum On Staircases
Any vacuum can effectively clean stairs, though some models work better than others. Any item that is portable and simple to handle is a good choice, and additional attachments are always advantageous.
Cordless
The best vacuum for cleaning stairs is a cordless one. They are portable and light, don’t have a power cord to trip over, and many of them can be used as handheld cleaners.
Battery life is something you do need to be aware of. Can the battery complete the task of cleaning the stairs in one go given that it takes some time?
See our review of the top cordless vacuums for more information.
Handheld
Handheld vacuums require less effort overall than their larger counterparts because they are lightweight and simple to use in confined spaces. You might not get a clean that is as thorough using them because they are not always as powerful as a full-sized vacuum.
Modern handhelds typically have stronger batteries with impressive suction power for better cleaning performance. Choose a model with a turbo nozzle for a deeper clean.
A handheld vacuum cleaner with strong suction is the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser. More ideas can be found by looking at our list of the best handheld vacuum cleaners.
Cylinder
Given their long hoses and variety of attachments, some cylinder vacuums perform well on stairs. Additionally, they are more potent than the typical cordless and because their weight is concentrated in the vacuum body, the floorhead and hose are quite light.
Be sure to keep the cylinder below you when vacuuming stairs. You don’t want to take the chance of the cylinder vacuum pulling on top of you since it is on wheels!
Do Upright Vacuum Cleaners Qualify?
Cleaning stairs can be more difficult with upright vacuums because they are frequently heavy and bulky. You must balance the hoses on the stairs because they aren’t always long enough to cover an entire flight of stairs.
If the hose is long enough to reach all the way, it will be much simpler, but the compromise will frequently result in less suction power.
Tips For Vacuuming Stairs With An Upright
Vacuuming stairs with an upright isn’t the easiest, but there are a few things you can do to make it as painless as possible:
- Ensure that the vacuum is firmly mounted on the stairwell. To prevent it from tipping over, hold onto it with one hand and keep it firmly beneath you at all times.
- If you don’t want to hurt your back, lift the vacuum with your legs while maintaining a straight back.
- You can reduce the amount of vacuum movement by extending your reach with extension wands and hoses. A full flight of stairs can be covered by the hose on the Hoover Breeze Evo.
- Make the task as simple as you can by using the hose’s attachments.
- The Shark AZ910UKT is a good example of an upright vacuum with a removable canister. It has a long power cord, so you don’t have to lug around as much weight.
How Frequently Should You Clean Your Stairs?
At the very least once per week, you should clean the main stairs in your home. The amount of grime and dirt that can accumulate on these frequently used stairs in a single week is considerable. To avoid the stairs’ coloration becoming permanent, it is a good idea to keep this dirt under control.
Secondary stairs to your basement or attic, which are frequently used less than the main stairs between floors, can probably be cleaned once a month or whenever you feel they need it.
Summary
One of the most difficult areas to clean are stairs, but using the right vacuum makes the job much simpler. The best option is something that is compact, lightweight and has strong suction power.