Host Mary Ellen Pinkham makes a house call to share tips with a homeowner on how to clean staircases.
- Keep handy a basket that is designed to sit on stairs. Toss items into it while cleaning. This at least keeps toys and other clutter partially out of the way (see photo).
- Use a small whiskbroom or dust rag to reach dirt in the corners of the stairs.
- Keep a rug at the bottom of the stairs to catch dirt so that it doesn't have a chance to getting tracked upstairs.
- Moisten thin terrycloth towels with a mixture of water and a little mild cleanser. Keep the towels in a plastic zipper bag, and they're ready to use anytime the banister needs a quick cleaning. Use the towels for other cleaning needs, and they eliminate the need to drag a messy bucket of soapy water around the house.
- If using a large vacuum cleaner on stairs, it's safer to start at the bottom and work up the stairs. This way the vacuum is not being pulled down the stairs.
- Because stairs are a high traffic area, they should be vacuumed at least once or twice a week to keep dirt from getting ground into the carpet fibers. Vacuum over each stair about six or seven times to pick up the dirt and grit that has accumulated.
- Use the concentrated cleaning soap made for carpet-cleaning machines to spot clean trouble areas. Apply a small amount of the cleaner to a soft-bristled brush and scrub the stain. Blot with a clean, dry towel.
