Do you clean stairs going up, or going down?

During my time in the cleaning industry the conundrum of whether you clean going up the stairs or clean while walking down has been put to me many times. 

For safety reasons it is easier to vacuum stairs by starting at the bottom.  The reason why is due to the vacuum cleaner being behind you.  It is safer to carry the cleaner up the stairs in one hand and vacuum with the other.  Even with a back pack it is less hassle.

If you have been vacuuming on the higher-level people think when they reach the stairs it is quite normal to continue vacuuming walking down the stairs.  Of course, if you are vacuuming the lower level first you automatically continue by vacuuming up the stairs.

There is another reasons why vacuuming upwards instead of downwards is better.  You can see more dirt as you walk up stairs: check it out next time you walk up your stairs.  You will be amazed at the number of bits of fluff and dirt you will see

Another reason is that the vacuum head is easier to manipulate on an upward thrust and whether you are vacuuming over carpet, tiles or timber stairs you can twist the vacuum head where you want.  Don’t believe me?  Try it; you’ll see I'm right.

So, the answer to whether you should vacuum stairs going up or down is, vacuum up. 

BUT !!!!

If you are mopping the stairs, it goes in reverse.  Why?  Because you should put the bucket at the bottom of the stairs, walk up and start mopping your way down.  Once again it is safer. I have seen many cleaners put their bucket at the top of the stairs and try and mop each step from the bottom going up facing backwards.  It doesn’t work and lots of the steps don’t get thoroughly wiped. 

Of course, the other reason for mopping from the top down with the bucket at the bottom?  You aren’t walking over the wet steps.   Simple really.

So, there’s your answer.  When it comes to cleaning the stairs: vacuum up and mop down. 

Julie Finch-Scally

The Guru of Cleaning®

Author of Stinking Cleaning