For those who want to put a modern twist on their traditional oak staircase, incorporating glass panels is the way to go.
It truly is a match made in heaven, with the warmth of oak complementing the airiness of the glass helping you create a stunning traditional-contemporary blend in your hallway.
However, regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for keeping oak glass staircases looking their absolute best for as long as possible.
Read on for top tips on how to clean and maintain your oak glass staircase.
Why is cleaning and maintenance so important?
Like any other feature in your home, oak glass staircases require frequent cleaning for three important reasons:
- To prevent the build-up of dirt and grime so your staircase can maintain its beauty
- To ensure the stairs remain safe to use, and reduce the risk of any slips, trips and falls
- To boost the longevity of your stairs, and ensure you can make the most out of your investment
So, how can I keep my oak glass staircase clean?
The most important thing to note before we jump into cleaning methods is that oak and glass, of course, have different cleaning and maintenance requirements.
Both oak and glass are pretty easy to maintain, but let’s dive into the different cleaning steps below:
Cleaning oak staircase components
Yes, oak is incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear, but this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to keep on top of regular cleaning.
To keep your oak staircase components in the best condition you should:
- Sweep/dust regularly – Dusting at least 2-3 times a week is vital if you want to keep your staircase looking gorgeous. Use a soft, dry cloth or the brush attachment on your hoover to remove dust, dirt and other debris.
- Clean spills – If you spill any liquids on the oak, don’t leave it to settle. Mop them up as soon as possible using a damp cloth and buff the area dry with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water damage or staining.
- Polish – Polishing oak stair parts every couple of years (if not more often) will help them maintain their lustre. And, not only does it enhance looks, but it also adds an extra layer of protection against moisture and wear.
Cleaning glass staircase components
If you live with small children or curious pets, glass staircase parts – particularly glass staircase panels – can accumulate unsightly fingerprints (or nose prints!), smudges and dust rather quickly.
Cleaning is pretty simple though, and should be done at least once a week with all the other glass furnishings in your home.
After you’ve dusted the surfaces, use a clean microfibre cloth dampened with a gentle cleaning solution (warm water and washing-up liquid will do), to wipe the surfaces down and remove any smudges. To remove particularly stubborn stains, add a touch of white vinegar or lemon juice.
Buff dry with a clean, dry microfibre cloth to ensure a sleek, streak-free finish.
General maintenance tips
On top of regular cleaning, there are a few other things you should be doing to ensure your oak glass staircase is holding up well.
First, and most importantly, you should frequently check for any signs of damage and repair them accordingly to prevent the need for extensive (and costly!) repairs. This can be anything from small scratches and cracks in the glass to loose-fitting parts and scuffs on the oak.
You can also take preventative measures, like using mats and enforcing a ‘no shoes’ policy on the stairs to ensure ultimate protection for your apples and pears.
Need more advice?
Whether you’re in need of more oak glass staircase maintenance tips, or are in the process of planning a staircase renovation and looking for some oak glass inspo, it pays to talk to a staircase specialist who can give you all the information you need.
The team at Abbott Wade, for example, have been designing, manufacturing and installing high-quality oak glass staircases for decades, and would be more than happy to help you create the staircase of your dreams.
Contact their team today by calling 01744 634 442 or emailing info@abbottwade.co.uk and their team will be in touch with you shortly!
Source: businesshint.co.uk