
Do you have a wooden staircase?
It’s likely to be the first thing you see when you step through the front door, and wood is a material that brings warmth and complements your interior décor, whether it’s traditional or modern.
Over time, your wooden stairs will start to show signs of wear and tear. But with proper care and maintenance, you can maximise their lifespan and enjoy their stunning looks for many years to come.
Below, the team at Abbott-Wade share some tips to help keep your stairs looking great.

· Clean them regularly
Dust, dirt and other debris can easily accumulate on the steps, handrails and spindles (or vertical uprights) on your wooden staircase.
Make sure you clean the stair parts often, using either a soft brush or hoover. Once you’ve done that, you can then use baby wipes to clean away any remaining dirt – helping to keep the wood looking like new.
· Wipe down the handrails
Even if you don’t share your home with little ones, you may notice sticky marks on your bannister. Though annoying, this is a common occurrence with wooden stairs, and is often a result of humidity, along with built-up dust, dirt and oils from your hands.
Luckily, you can easily resolve this issue by wiping it down with a damp sponge or cloth, starting from the top and working your way down. For a more effective clean, and to tackle stubborn marks, use a top-quality oil soap.
· Mop up spillages immediately
If you’re carrying a mug of Horlicks or a glass of water up to bed and spill even the smallest drop, it needs to be wiped up as quickly as possible.
When left unattended, liquids can seep into the wood and discolour it. Sometimes, it will leave marks and stains that are difficult to remove, too.
· Carpet your stairs
Worried about marks and other imperfections? Consider adding a carpet or stair runner to your wooden stairs.
Using a carpet or runner will not only protect the treads and risers but will also give your staircase a more stylish look – especially since they come in a variety of colours, patterns and textures.
· Leave your shoes at the door
If your shoes are wet or muddy and you go up or down the stairs, water spots will likely form. This can lead to discolouration which, left too long, will be incredibly hard to fix.
Removing your shoes as soon as you get home will prevent dirt, grime and bacteria from being trodden into the house on your shoes – helping to prolong the lifespan of your beautiful wooden staircase.
And there you have it – our top tips for maintaining wooden stairs!
If you’ve been toying with the idea of wooden stairs but are yet to take the plunge, contact the staircase specialists at Abbott-Wade. We can help you design your ideal staircase and advise you on how to keep it in great shape for years to come.
Either give us a call on 01744 634 442 or email info@abbottwade.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.