Clean and Prepare Staircase Substrate

What happens in this clip

After the demolition is complete, thoroughly clean the entire staircase. Begin by sweeping all the dust, debris, and small pieces of material that remain on the stairs and surrounding areas. Follow this with a thorough vacuuming to pick up any fine particles. Finally, use an all-purpose cleaner and a rag or cloth to wipe down each stair tread and riser, ensuring a clean and smooth surface for the adhesive to bond properly.

Goal: Ensure the staircase is completely clean and ready for new flooring installation.

What's used

Tools

• Broom and Dustpan
• Rag or Cloth
• Vacuum Cleaner

Materials

• All-purpose cleaner Ever Spring
• Mild soap and water

About the full video

This project details the renovation of a carpeted staircase into a modern, plank-style staircase. It involves removing the old carpet and underlayment, meticulously cleaning the existing wooden structure, custom-cutting vinyl plank flooring for each tread and riser, and then adhering these pieces to create a durable and aesthetically pleasing new look.

Step 1 of 6: Prepare the Stair Landing Area

Remove all items from the stair landing, including decorations, furniture, and any other objects. Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to cover walls, banisters, and the floor at the base of the stairs to protect them from dust and debris. Ensure good ventilation by opening windows or using fans.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Remove Carpet from a Stair Landing

1. Step 1: Prepare the Stair Landing Area

   • 0:00–0:58 Assess Existing Carpet and Secure Workspace
   • 0:14–0:23 Initial Cleanup and Debris Removal
   • 0:16–0:24 Clean and Prepare Staircase Substrate (this video)

2. Step 2: Score the Carpet Edges

   • 0:33–0:43 Cut Carpet into Strips
   • 2:37–4:28 Cut and Roll Carpet Strips
   • 0:21–0:50 Remove the Carpet

3. Step 3: Remove Carpet and Padding

   • 0:00–0:09 Remove Carpet and Padding
   • 0:00–0:09 Remove Carpet and Pad
   • 0:01–0:40 Remove Carpet and Padding

4. Step 4: Remove Staples and Tack Strips

   • 0:55–1:00 Remove Tack Strips
   • 1:15–2:15 Remove Staples and Tack Strips
   • 3:04–4:13 Remove Tack Strips and Staples

5. Step 5: Clean the Subfloor

   • 0:12–0:14 Clean the Subfloor
   • 0:13–0:14 Clean the Subfloor
   • 0:18–0:23 Clean the Subfloor

6. Step 6: Dispose of Old Carpet and Padding

   • 0:31–0:38 Remove Carpet Padding
   • 3:40–4:43 Dispose of Old Carpet and Padding
   • 0:54–1:02 Remove Carpet Pad