Apply Wood Cleaner to Stairs

What happens in this clip

Starting from the top of the stairs, use the pump sprayer to apply a generous and even coat of the wood cleaner to each stair tread. Work your way down, ensuring all exposed wooden surfaces are thoroughly saturated (as seen from 0:35-0:44). Allow the cleaner to sit on the wood for approximately 15 minutes, as instructed by the product, to break down embedded dirt, mildew, and the weathered gray layer (the undesired patina). This dwell time is crucial for the cleaner to effectively penetrate and loosen contaminants.

Goal: Spray the wood cleaner evenly onto all surfaces of the faded wooden stair treads, ensuring complete coverage, and allow it to dwell for the recommended time.

What's used

Tools

• Pump Sprayer

Materials

• Wood Cleaner

About the full video

This project details the initial phase of restoring weathered and faded outdoor wooden stairs to their original vibrant color and preparing them for a new protective finish to achieve a desirable patinated appearance. The process involves thorough cleaning and scrubbing to remove accumulated grime and graying, setting the stage for future brightening and re-oiling.

Step 1 of 5: Clean the Oak Stair Treads

Begin by vacuuming the stairs to remove loose debris. Then, use a degreaser or a strong wood cleaner, along with a scrub brush, to meticulously clean each tread. Pay special attention to any embedded dirt or stubborn residue. Rinse the treads with clean water and allow them to dry completely. For stubborn wax or old finishes, a wax and polish remover or a mild stripper might be necessary.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Make Oak Stairs Less Slippery

1. Step 1: Clean the Oak Stair Treads

   • 0:03–0:07 Prepare and Clean Stairs
   • 0:45–0:50 Scrub and Agitate the Wood Surface
   • 0:35–0:44 Apply Wood Cleaner to Stairs (this video)

2. Step 2: Sand the Stair Treads

   • 2:06–2:52 Sand Stair Treads and Risers
   • 1:01–1:17 Sand Stair Treads
   • 1:05–1:18 Vacuum Dust and Perform Fine Sanding

3. Step 3: Apply Anti-Slip Coating

   • 0:46–0:59 Spray Clear Anti-Slip Coating
   • 0:11–0:25 Apply First Coat of Non-Slip Spray
   • 2:27–3:10 Apply Paint to Stairs

4. Step 4: Apply Anti-Slip Tape or Strips

   • 1:12–1:19 Prepare Steps and Apply Non-Skid Strips
   • 0:02–0:06 Apply Anti-Slip Strip
   • 1:14–1:23 Apply Non-Skid Strips to Steps

5. Step 5: Install Anti-Slip Treads or Risers

   • 0:18–0:37 Install Lower Stair Treads and Risers