How to Protect Hardwood Stairs
- 1). Clean all dirt, grit and debris from the hardwood stairs regularly. Even small particles can scratch and damage the wood. Use a broom and dust pan to sweep up the dirt, sand and debris.
- 2). Clean up water spills immediately. According to the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), large amounts of water can cause the wood to swell and may cause your floor to crack or splinter. Wipe up all water spills on your hardwood stairs with a lightly dampened cloth.
- 3). Install stair treads on your hardwood stairs. Stair step treads help protect hardwood stairs from dirt, water and other debris. Follow all instructions in the stair tread kit. You can purchase stair treads at hardware stores.
- 4). Place safety pads on furniture before moving furniture up and down stairs. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, putting soft plastic or fabric-faced glides under the legs of furniture will prevent scuffing and scratching. Lift each piece of furniture completely off the floor, as even with pads, scratches can still occur.
- 5). Recoat the hardwood stairs on a regular basis, about every three to five years. Remove all dust, water and debris from the stairs and apply a thin layer of oil-based polyurethane.
