Whether it’s the cosy atmosphere of a care home, the bustling activity of office spaces, the shared requirements of domestic apartments, or the high-traffic nature of public areas, understanding the specific cleaning needs of each setting is key. Here’s our guide to stair maintenance and cleaning for different environments

Residential and care homes

In residential and care settings, stairs are part of the home environment, but they also serve as passageways for workers. Where nursing care is included, there may be stair spillages which require Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs). Infection control is also vital, so sanitisation of handrails and even stairs themselves should be implemented. Slips pose a particular risk, given many residents may have reduced mobility or additional needs. And as a workplace, stringent health and safety guidelines must be followed in terms of cleanliness. 

If the care setting involves babies or toddlers, stair gates may be installed. Residential homes could have carpeted stairs in some areas, requiring deep cleansing and shampoo treatments. Non-slip solutions for non-carpeted stairs are worth considering. 

Office, hospitality and commercial spaces

Most businesses (be they an office, hotel, restaurant or shop) have a stairwell of some kind. These can range from a grand entrance and a sweeping period staircase, or a rarely used fire escape. Either way, as a thoroughfare for members of the public, they must be well maintained (and you should always have public liability insurance to cover for any accidents that may happen on them). This will not go as far as the in-depth sanitisation of a care home, where vulnerable people are living. But it will mean removing debris and dirt and ensuring all areas look presentable. The regularity of your cleaning schedule will be based on the volume and type of foot traffic. 

You may wish to place well-secured mats or runners in high-traffic areas to protect against wear. And it’s always advisable to invest in professional cleaning services for a polished appearance that’ll impress your customers. Regularly inspect for loose handrails or damaged steps and treat wooden/painted stairs to maintain slip resistance.

Domestic flats

Communal stairwells are a fixture of life in Scottish cities; from tenement flats to purpose-built apartment blocks. And who cleans the stairs can often result in arguments between tenants/owners. Stairs may be carpeted in modern builds, or stone in traditional ones. The former will need to be vacuumed regularly and shampooed at least annually. The latter will require a sweep and mop (how often will depend on the time of year and how messy the inhabitants are!). 

Effective stair maintenance is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour. This is why you should tailor strategies to your building’s specific needs — we can offer guidance and solutions for your specific stair cleaning. Regular attention, proactive measures, and professional assistance where needed will pave the way for stairs that stand the test of time in any setting.