If you’re looking for a quick, cost-effective way to show your old oak staircase a little TLC, incorporating glass into its design is the perfect way to go about it.
The combination of materials offers a truly unique aesthetic, as well as a range of benefits for your home – from enhanced safety to elevated style.
So, it’s easy to see why teaming the two together is a popular choice, but how do you keep oak glass staircases looking their best?
In this post, our staircase specialists at Abbott-Wade share our expert cleaning and maintenance tips to help you keep your staircase in the best condition.
How long will my oak glass staircase last?
Both oak and glass staircase components are incredibly durable – they will stand the test of time in your home and last for decades.
Of course, most materials can only withstand so much wear and tear, so to maximise their lifespan, you need to ensure that you’re taking proper care of both the oak and glass components of your staircase.
Caring for oak staircase components
Whether you’ve had your oak staircase for decades, or it’s been newly installed with glass panels, there are a few different things you should be doing to take care of it.
Cleaning
First, and most importantly, you should clean the oak regularly.
This means sweeping, dusting, or vacuuming a few times a week to keep dirt and dust build-ups at bay, and spot-cleaning any spills immediately to avoid them staining and damaging the wood.
When cleaning, make sure to avoid abrasive cleaning tools and agents, as these can damage the wood. Instead, use warm water and washing up liquid, and add a touch of white vinegar to lift tougher stains.
You should also consider resealing the wood every couple of years to retain its good looks and ensure it’s as strong as ever.
Avoiding damage
Having a no-shoes policy on the stairs, as well as keeping pets downstairs, is a great way to avoid unnecessary damage.
Footwear such as high heels and platform boots, as well as your pet’s claws, can scratch and scuff the stairs – causing permanent and unsightly damage.
So, avoid wearing shoes whilst climbing or descending the stairs, and keep your pets away from the stairs (or keep their claws trimmed if you like to give them free reign of the house).
You can also consider adding a runner to your stairs to reduce wear and tear from foot traffic, whilst allowing you to keep the beautiful warm oak on display.
Caring for glass staircase components
Glass staircase parts are much easier to maintain than oak, and they only need to be cleaned once a week along with your other glass furnishings – like mirrors, tables, and countertops.
Cleaning
For the best results and a streak-free finish, you should wipe your glass staircase parts down with a soft microfibre cloth that’s been dampened with warm soapy water, and use a clean dry cloth to buff the surface dry.
As with oak, abrasive scrubbing tools and harsh cleaning agents can damage the glass, so it’s best to stay away from these.
If you have a tough stain you want to get rid of, you can add a dash of lemon juice to your cleaning solution and this should do the trick.
Avoiding damage
Yes, the glass used to make staircase parts is incredibly strong, but this doesn’t mean that you should be careless.
Always be on the lookout for any damage, and repair any scratches, chips, or cracks as soon as possible after you notice them to prevent further serious damage.
To prevent this type of damage in the first place, you can add a protective finish to your glass balustrade panels.
This extra coating isn’t visible, but it will prevent chips, scratches, and stains from forming on the glass and permanently damaging it.
Need more expert maintenance tips?
Here at Abbott-Wade, we have years of experience with glass oak staircases, and we are always here to offer expert help and advice should you need it.
Whether you need help designing the perfect glass oak staircase for your home, or require more cleaning and maintenance tips, our specialists are always on hand and more than happy to assist you.
Get in touch with us today by calling 01744 634 442, or email info@abbottwade.co.uk and we’ll be in touch to answer all of your questions!
