Stair runners can make climbing up and down stairs a lot easier; runners add traction and prevent falls. Additionally, stair runners also add to the design of the space. Keeping stair runners clean can be challenging, even more so if you don’t know where to start. It’s essential to use the proper cleaning techniques. Otherwise, you might end up with moldy or musty-smelling runners. To ensure you can keep your stair runners clean and dirt free, we’ve rounded up some helpful care and cleaning tips. 

Know When Your Runners Need Replacing

Carpeting doesn’t last forever, so it’s essential to know when to replace your stair runners. If you’re hanging onto old tatted runners, cleaning will become impossible. 

If the carpet texture has become flat and hard, it’s time for new modern carpet runners for stairs. Choose quality runners, so you don’t need to replace them again any time soon. 

Use Doormats

The most practical and effective way to keep your flooring clean is to prevent dirt from entering your home. Use doormats by the doors and by the top and bottom of the staircase. 

This simple addition to your home will make a massive difference in how often you need to vacuum and clean the flooring. 

Implement a “No Shoes Inside” Rule

Asking your family and guests to remove their shoes upon entering your home might feel a bit awkward at first, although this simple rule is another excellent way to prevent dirt from entering your home. 

It’s wise to keep extra socks or slippers for guests to use when they remove their shoes. 

Sweep Runners

It’s tricky and quite dangerous to try vacuuming stairs. Carting a large vacuum up and down increases your chances of injuring yourself with an abrupt tumble and fall. 

Instead of risking it, sweep the runners clean rather. Otherwise, consider investing in a handheld vacuum. 

Use Laundry Detergent To Clean Runners

Vacuuming or sweeping is not enough to keep any kind of carpeting clean; you will need to remove stains and spills from the rugs as well. 

Laundry detergent is the best solution for this as it tends to work better than carpet cleaning solutions. 

Vinegar and Bicarb for Stubborn Stains and Smells

If you have a particularly stubborn spot of dirt, sprits vinegar onto the area and then sprinkle baking soda on top. Gently scrub the stain and then allow it to dry for at least half an hour before sweeping or vacuuming the residue. 

On the other hand, if your carpets start to smell musty or unpleasant, spritz the area with vinegar and then allow it to absorb the smell. If the smell persists, sprinkle baking soda over the whole carpet and leave it to sit for half an hour to absorb the smell for an hour or two before sweeping or vacuuming. 

Keeping stair runners clean and smelling fresh can be tricky. However, the tips listed above are among the most effective carpet cleaning tips, and they are also budget-friendly carpet cleaning methods as well.