Using spare time to make the most of your staircase

Keep it clean

It sounds obvious, but the cleaner your staircase is the easier it will be to maintain over the years. Try and dust your handrails, newel posts and spindles each week using something soft like a cloth. You can dampen it a little depending on your surface to make sure you get everything but remember to not leave any pools of water behind.

Vacuum the stairs only using a soft-ended nozzle – this way you’ll get into any cracks without scraping anything. If not carpeted, you could even use a soft broom to clear any debris from your staircase, moving from the top down to the bottom.

Give it the right treatment

If you’ve gone with a bare wood staircase, then oils, waxes, varnishes and paint can be your friend to keep your staircase looking in tip-top condition. Make sure you give right treatment for the right wood.

Look after your walls

Your staircase is like a marriage between the actual structure and the walls that surround it. By keeping the walls clear from scuff marks and in keeping with the stairs, you’ll be able to maximise its combined look. It’s a good idea to paint your walls every five to ten years or so – but remember to protect your staircase when you do.

Read more in our blog post about creating a stunning hallway to complement your staircase.

Take a whole home approach

Plenty of things in your home have an impact on how your stairs look. Not least the windows and the lighting that cast rays on your staircase to make it look its best. Clean your windows and de-clutter around them to ensure as much light gets to your staircase as you’d like. Equally, keep your hallway, landing or room leading onto your stairs clear so you can see your staircase in all its glory.

Keep it tidy

A good old spring clean never hurts. The way your staircase is designed most probably creates some space underneath, which most people fill with all sorts of household items. While you’ve got some time on your hands, why not look in there and sort it all out. If you have a cupboard under the stairs, it’s a good idea to keep any cleaning and touch-up products relating to your staircase in there so you have easy access if you ever needed them.

For more under-the-stairs tips, read our blog post on tips to create more space.