How to Clean Carpeted Stairs Like a Pro: Simple Tips
Do you have stairs in your home? If so, you know that this high-traffic area can get pretty dirty, pretty quickly. Especially if you have small kids or pets. And while vacuuming them once or twice a week may help keep the dirt at bay, it’s not going to get rid of all the hidden dirt, stains and pet hair. So what can you do? Keep reading for some simple tips on how to clean carpeted stairs like a pro!
As a busy mum I know first hand that there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done.
And sure, some jobs (like feeding the kids and tackling the laundry) are just more important in our daily schedule.
But this can leave other areas of the home looking a little unloved. Hello dingy carpeted stairs – I see you!
It can be a little overwhelming to tackle these big jobs. And that just makes the problem snowball, creating a bigger feeling of anxiety!
Don’t worry lovely mummy. I’ve got you covered.
This in-depth guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to clean carpeted stairs.

Whether you’ve just moved in and want rid of someones else’s grime, or family life has finally caught up with this high-traffic area, this guide will help you boss cleaning your carpeted stairs!
And with regular cleaning, your carpet will keep on looking and smelling fresh for years to come!
How to Clean Carpet on Stairs
If your carpeted stairs are looking a little worse for wear, don’t worry! With just a little time and effort, you can have them looking like new again. Here’s what you need to do:
Step One: for the first step you want to give your stairs a thorough cleaning with a powerful vacuum cleaner to remove as much dust and dirt particles as possible. Start at the top step and work your way down to the bottom of the stairs. Be sure to check the filter regularly and empty the bag or canister as needed.
Step Two: pick up any large objects that may be lying on the stairs. These could include toys, shoes or even tufts of pet hair.
Step Three: Once you’ve moved any clutter out of the way, it’s time to scrub the carpet with a stiff brush. A scrubbing brush works well. This will loosen any embedded dirt and debris from deeper carpet fibres.
Step Four: vacuum the steps using the extension hose or a handheld vacuum. Be sure to go over the same spots several times to remove all the dirt and dust.
Step Five: if you have any stubborn stains, use a carpet cleaner or stain remover to treat them.
Step Six: for best results let the stairs dry completely before walking on them (use a dry towel to blot up any excess water) and then give them a final vacuum.
Bonus Step: For extra cleaning power, you can rent a steam cleaner or use a handheld steamer. Just be sure to test a small area of the carpet first to make sure it won’t damage the fibers. Once you’ve steamed the stairs, vacuum again to remove any residual dirt and dust.
And there you have it: clean, fresh-smelling stairs that will make your whole house look tidier. By following these step-by-step cleaning methods, you’ll be able to conquer those stairs like a boss!
Related: Discover 75 house cleaning tasks you can do in less time than it takes to boil the kettle!
Homemade Carpet Shampoo
If you have a carpet anywhere in your home, chances are you’ve spilled something on it at some point.
Whether it’s a glass of red wine or a dropped scoop of chocolate ice cream, accidents happen. And when they do, you want to be sure you’re using the best possible carpet cleaner to remove these tough stains.
Carpet cleaners that you buy from the shop can be expensive, and they often contain harsh chemicals.
Instead, you can make your own carpet cleaning solution using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
For example, white vinegar is an excellent natural disinfectant, and baking soda is perfect for absorbing spills. When combined, these two ingredients can form a powerful carpet cleaner that’s gentle on your carpets and safe for your family.
Vinegar Solution
Not only is white vinegar affordable, but it’s also a great cleaning agent.
When mixed with water, white vinegar can effectively clean carpets and upholstery.
To make a carpet shampoo, simply mix equal parts water and vinegar in a bowl.
For tougher stains, you may need to increase the proportion of vinegar.
Once you’ve mixed the solution, soak a sponge, clean cloth or brush in it and scrub the affected area.
Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly after cleaning to remove any lingering vinegar smell.
With regular use, this homemade carpet shampoo will keep your carpets looking and smelling fresh.
Baking soda solution
This is a fantastic solution for getting your carpets looking clean and smelling fresh.
Simply mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of warm water and stir until the baking soda has dissolved.
Then, pour the solution into a spray bottle and sprayed onto the carpet.
Let the solution sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming it up.
You’ll be amazed at how well this simple homemade carpet shampoo works!
Laundry detergent solution
Not every carpet is made the same, which means not every carpet needs to be shampooed with the same solution.
If you want to save money and avoid harsh chemicals, you can easily make your own carpet shampoo at home using a laundry detergent solution.
Simply mix one part laundry detergent with four parts water, and apply it to the carpet using a sponge or scrub brush.
Work in small sections and be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with clean water when you’re finished.
You may need to repeat the process if the stain is particularly stubborn.
With a little elbow grease, you’ll have your carpets looking good as new in no time – and without breaking the bank.
Related: Check out my realistic cleaning schedule for working mamas
How to Make Homemade Carpet Cleaner
There’s nothing like the feeling of clean carpets under your feet.
But, over time, even the most well-maintained carpets can start to show their age. Even with regular cleaning stains seem to appear out of nowhere.
And no matter how much you vacuum, the high traffic areas never seem to get any cleaner.
If your carpets are in need of a deep clean, don’t reach for the nearest bottle of chemical-laden carpet cleaner. There’s a much better way to get your carpets looking and smelling fresh. And it doesn’t involve any harsh chemicals!
All you need is a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
To make your own carpet cleaner start by mixing one part baking soda with two parts cornstarch.
Then, add just enough water to make a thick paste.
Apply the paste to the affected areas and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
Finally, use a brush or a broom to scrub the area clean.
If your carpets are really dirty, you can also add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture. Lavender oil is a great choice, as it has natural antibacterial properties. Plus, it smells great!
Once you’ve finished cleaning your carpets, be sure to rinse them with cold water to remove all of the paste. Allow them to dry completely before walking on them.
With this simple carpet-cleaning method, you can keep your carpets looking fresh and new – without any harsh chemicals.
How Often Should You Vacuum Carpeted Stairs?
Any momma with a kid or two knows that daily vacuuming is a must.
But when it comes to keeping your carpeted stairs clean, you might be wondering how often you should vacuum. The answer, of course, depends on a few factors.
If you have light traffic on your stairs, you can probably get away with vacuuming once or twice a week.
However, if you have heavy traffic, small kids or shedding pets, you might need to vacuum every day or even multiple times a day.
The best way to decide is to vacuum regularly and then check the stairs for dirt and debris. If they seem clean, then you’re on the right track. But if they seem dirty, then you’ll need to up your vacuuming game.
How Do You Clean Carpeted Stairs Without a Vacuum?
A lot of people think that cleaning carpeted stairs without a vacuum is impossible, but that’s simply not true!
There are actually quite a few ways to clean your stairs without breaking out the big clunky vacuum.
One way is to use a broom. Just sweep the dirt and debris off of the stairs and into a dustpan.
Another way is to use a damp cloth or mop. This will pick up any dirt and grime that the broom might have missed.
And last but not least, you can always use a handheld vacuum. These are small and easily manoeuvrable, so you can get into all those nooks and crannies that your regular vacuum might miss.
So there you have it! Now you know how to clean carpeted stairs without a vacuum.
Related: how to get motivated to clean when you’re overwhelmed by mess!
How Often Should You Deep Clean Carpeted Stairs?
If you have carpeted stairs, you know how important it is to keep them clean.
However, with all the foot traffic they see, carpets can quickly become stained and matted.
Not only do they collect dust and dirt, but they also show every stray hair and crumb.
That’s why it’s important to give them a good deep cleaning on a regular basis. But how often should you clean your stairs, and what’s the best way to go about it?
In general, it’s a good idea to deep clean your carpeted stairs at least once a season. If you have pets or small children, you may need to do it more often.
The best way to clean your stairs depends on the type of carpet you have.
If your stairs are made from berber or looped pile carpet, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a rotating brush attachment to clean them. Be sure to go over the same area more than once, as the dirt and hair can be deeply embedded in the fibers.
If your stairs are made from a low-pile carpet, you can use a lightweight vacuum cleaner with a beater bar or an upholstery attachment. Again, be sure to go over the same area more than once to get all the dirt and hair out.
If your stairs are made from a high-pile carpet, you’ll need to use a carpet cleaner. Be sure to read the carpet cleaning machine instructions carefully so you don’t damage your carpet.
No matter what type of carpet you have, it’s a good idea to use a damp cloth to wipe down the stairs after you’ve vacuumed them. This will remove any final bits of dirt and dust, and it will also help to keep your stairs looking clean and fresh.
Follow these simple tips, and your carpeted stairs will stay looking great for years to come!
How to Deep Clean Carpeted Stairs
Carpets are often one of the first places that dirt and dust accumulate. Over time, this can lead to stained and matted carpets, as well as an overall dingy appearance.
Deep cleaning your carpets on a regular basis is essential for maintaining their longevity and keeping your home looking its best.
When it comes to deep cleaning carpeted stairs, there are a few extra steps you’ll need to take in order to get them looking like new again.
- vacuum the stairs thoroughly, paying special attention to the edges and corners where dirt tends to collect.
- use a carpet shampooer or rented steamer to deep clean the carpets, working in small sections so that the stairs don’t become too wet.
- allow the stairs to dry completely before walking on them.
By following these simple steps, you can deep clean your carpeted stairs in no time and achieve amazing results!
What is a Carpet Rake and Do I Need One?
A carpet rake is a tool used to remove dirt, dust and other debris from carpets.
It consists of a long handle with a series of stiff bristles or tines at the end.
Carpet rakes are available in a variety of sizes, and they can be used on both low-pile and high-pile carpets, although I wouldn’t recommend using one if you have a loop-pile carpet!
To use a carpet rake, simply push it back and forth across the surface of the carpet. The bristles will loosen dirt and debris, which can then be vacuumed up.
Carpet rakes are an effective way to clean carpets, and they can also help to fluff up the fibers, making the carpet look new again.
While you may not need a carpet rake if your carpets are already in good condition, it can be a helpful tool to have on hand if you start to notice that your carpets are looking a bit flat.
If you have pets, a carpet rake can also be helpful for removing pet hair from the carpet. Overall, a carpet rake is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to keep your carpets looking their best.
Final Thoughts
Well, now you know how to clean your stairs like a pro!
By using some simple tips and tricks, as well as the right tools and products, you can have your stairs looking (and smelling) good as new in no time. The important thing is to find a cleaning process that works for you and your home.
Do you have any top tips to add? Drop them in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you. Thanks for reading!
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Great tips! The stairs are front and center in our home but one of the last things to get a deep clean.