In the big scheme of things, your staircase is relatively low-maintenance. Like any asset, though, the more you do to protect it, the longer it will last and the better it’ll look. Luckily, the steps involved in preserving your wooden staircase are not nearly as intensive as those associated with, say, maintaining your home’s exterior or backyard. They can also work wonders in terms of enhancing the overall appearance and functionality of your stairs.
What should you do to keep your wooden staircase looking and feeling like new?
1. Clean Them Regularly
Depending on how much traffic they see or whether you have any shedding pets in your home, your stairs may need sweeping once a week, every other day or even more. Use a broom or dustpan and brush to clean off dirt, hair and debris and then use the end of a vacuum to suck up anything that remains. Once in a while, you may want to polish the steps using a wood cleaner. Before doing so, though, make sure the cleaner is appropriate for your stairs’ specific type of wood.
2. Eliminate Scratches and Dings
Because stairs see a lot of traffic, it’s all but unavoidable that they will accrue dings, dents and scratches over the years. The amount of time and effort it takes to eliminate them depends on their severity. You may be able to fill in small dents and scratches using a protective wax. Larger defects, however, might need you to attack them with steel wool. Adding a fresh finish may also help eliminate any unsightly spots on your stairs. Before you do so, though, be sure to sand away what remains of the existing finish.
3. Take Preventative Measures
The actions you take every day go a long way at keeping your staircase a proud focal point of your home. When liquid spills on them, clean it immediately to prevent possible warping. Encourage your family members to avoid wearing high heels or other potentially damaging footwear when traveling up and down your stairs. Placing doormats at all entrances in your home may also reduce the amount of dirt, hair or debris that makes its way to your steps.
Wooden stairs last far longer when properly maintained. Taking these easy steps allows you to maximize the lifespan of your wooden staircase while enhancing its aesthetic appeal at the same time.