The ascending and descending steps cause wear and tear that can leave your wooden staircase looking worn-out. However, homeowners can still bring their stairs to life with just a few simple steps. It doesn’t take long before signs of wear and tear starts to manifest on a wooden staircase.
Although handrails aren’t prone to as much abuse as risers or timber stair treads, it takes only a few days for smudged handprints and caked-on dirt to mar the railing. Luckily, homeowners can repair all of these signs within one day. The following are incredible ways for homeowners to keep their wooden staircases sparkling clean:
Sand the Risers
Risers are found between the horizontal treads and are rarely stepped on, but they wear out quickly. The simplest way to clean them is to scrub them with steel wool dipped in paint. After that, dry the surface and then sand the risers to smoothen them. Instead of an orbit sander, fit an orbital finishing sander with grit sandpaper because it is easier to control and more compact than a random-orbit sander.
Revitalise the Treads
Of course, it is necessary to examine the treads of each staircase because their degree of wear might vary. The finish of a staircase might be worn off, but be intact on the handrails and treads. If the treads of a staircase are intact, homeowners can restore them with a thorough cleaning. Just put on a pair of gloves and pour a thin coat onto the treads to restore them to their original condition. However, you might need to dip a steel wool pad into the paint and scrub the wooden stairs to remove scuff and stain marks. After that, use a white cotton cloth to dry the tread thoroughly.
Renew the Handrail
A sanding sponge coated with abrasive grit is the best tool for refinishing a wooden staircase. It usually conforms to the shape of the handrail, which can either be square, rectangular, or rounded. You should start sanding at the top and always sand parallel with the wooden staircase and not across it. Although sponge-sanding can take a lot of effort and time, it is superb in removing blemishes, rough spots, and smudges. However, for a stubborn stain, consider dampening steel wool with paint thinner before sponge-sanding the staircase again.
Varnish Application
After sanding and cleaning all stains, smudge, and dirt, apply a coat of varnish to the wooden staircase. Vacuum-clean the entire staircase to get rid of all sanding dust and then wipe it down with a white cotton rag. Next, use a foam brush to apply a coat of varnish to the handrail, risers, and treads. A foam brush works better than paintbrush because it has no bristles and it produces a smooth finish. After that, allow the coat to dry for two to eight hours depending on the humidity and temperature levels.
Of course, every homeowner would want to know how to clean their wooden staircases before installing them. Cleaning a wooden staircase isn’t the same as other surfaces in a home. When taken care of, wooden stairs can complement the unique style of a house.
