Staircases are naturally affected by a lot of foot traffic every day, with residents often climbing and descending the stairs. Stair treads protect staircases from the buildup of dirt and debris. That way, you can have a clean and safe home.

However, you should clean your stair tread every once in a while. If you’re not sure how to perform stair tread maintenance, this guide will help. In the following, you’ll learn the basics of cleaning every type of stair tread material.

What is a stair tread?

A stair tread is a rug or mat that sits on top of your stairs. They’re designed for you to walk on them instead of the actual stair planks. 

Stair treads are easy to install and remove, making cleaning a cinch if you know how to do it. Here are the benefits of using stair treads in your home:

  • Stair treads keep dirt and debris from staining your stair planks.
  • They can match the style of any home: traditional or modern.
  • Stair treads provide a much-needed gap between the floor and your stairs. This can save people from tripping. 

Now that you understand what stair treads are, let’s explain why it’s essential to keep them cleaned.

The Importance of Keeping Stair Treads Clean

Stair treads are just like any other surface mat. They eventually collect a large buildup of dirt and debris and must be cleaned. Ignoring this task can cause this buildup to land on your stairs. 

This can become a safety hazard if caked-up dirt prevents indoor residents and guests from traveling up and down the stairs safely. This buildup can also become a breeding ground for germs. 

As you can see, keeping your stair treads clean is paramount. Next, we will discuss some quick tips to help you do just that.

Basic Stair Tread Cleaning Tips

Fortunately, keeping your stair treads clean isn’t difficult. Follow these easy steps to get the job done right:

  • Take your stair treads outside and dust them off at least once per year.
  • Vacuum your stair treads at least once per week. If you allow dirt buildup to form, it will harm the stair tread’s carpet fibres and make it more susceptible to debris.
  • Make sure you know the material of your stair treads and are using the right deep and spot-cleaners. 
  • Ensure that your stair treads are wet-safe. Otherwise, you’ll need to call a professional cleaning company for proper cleaning. 
  • You can throw your stair treads in the washer. Be sure to use the cold setting and always air-dry them.
  • Use a soft-bristle broom to sweep your stair treads every day to slow down dirt accumulation. 
  • Before cleaning your stair treads, make sure that everyone in your house is aware so they can avoid slipping.

Cleaning stair treads doesn’t have to be a hassle. Still, it’s important to remember that you should follow more precise cleaning methods depending on the material of your stair treads. We’ll cover that in more detail below.

How to Clean the Most Common Types of Stair Treads

Stair treads are versatile, coming in a wide range of styles and materials. This means that every material will have its own cleaning demands. Below, we’ll describe the cleaning process of each common type of stair tread:

Wool Stair Treads

If you are using wool stair treads, the good news is that they’re easy to dust and clean. All you need is a vacuum with a brush head accessory, and you should be good to go. Wool naturally has soft fibres that can be easily cleaned with a vacuum. 

When it comes to spot cleaning, however, that may be more of a challenge. If you spill something on them, immediately blot out the stain. Never scrub or rub the stains out of a wool stair tread.

When you’re finished, you can add a wool-specific spot cleaner to get rid of the stain. If you want to get rid of deep stains, you can hire a professional cleaning company. 

Polypropylene Stair Treads

Polypropylene is one of the toughest materials in the world, on top of being resistant to most chemicals. This doesn’t mean that polypropylene stair treads don’t need to be regularly cleaned.

For routine cleaning, all you need is a vacuum, dish soap, and a cotton rag. For deep stains, you can try using a polypropylene-specific floor cleaner.

Nylon Stair Treads

Unlike most materials, nylon is heavily resistant to dirt, grime, stains, and debris. This makes it the perfect stair tread if you’re trying to manage future wear and tear. To keep your nylon stair treads clean, you can use a vacuum for any other material.

For spot cleaning, be sure to use a foam carpet cleaner. The good news about nylon is that it can withstand extreme wetness and chemicals. This means you can have your nylon stair treads professionally cleaned without a hassle.

Acrylic Stair Treads

Cleaning acrylic stair treads is really simple. Acrylic material is resistant to moisture and easy to dry. You can spot-clean your stair treads without worrying about damage. 

However, because acrylic is a highly-durable material, it may be difficult to vacuum. As a result, you should vacuum your stair treads at least twice a week.

Washable Stair Treads

This is perhaps the easiest material to deal with. You can either hand wash these treads or put them in the washer in a cold setting. Washable stair treads are easily identifiable with a branded sticker on their back. 

When should I replace my stair treads?

Cleaning your stair treads is your best option for preventing wear and tear and keeping them durable throughout their shelf life. However, there are times when it may be best to replace your stair treads.

That’s especially true if you’re changing your home’s interior design. Luckily, Cosmaroma provides a wide selection of stair treads to choose from in various styles and materials.

For more information on our best stair tread products, visit the Cosmaroma website to learn more and find a nearby store. You can also call us at (855) 457-1039 or contact us here.