A change in seasons calls for home cleaning sessions, which usually include heavy sessions of vacuuming, disinfection of kitchen appliances and bathroom tiles, thorough floor cleaning, dusting, and so much more. You’ll also want to clean and prepare your windows for the changing temperatures, as well as your doors for better insulation. Other additional tasks include the wiping down of cabinets and consoles, but many homeowners miss one crucial area—handrails. 

It is often overlooked, unmentioned, and downright forgotten by many homeowners, even with careful planning and a long list of cleaning tasks. Your Aussie timber stairs add to the quiet charm of your home, but it’s also a high-traffic area that may perhaps be already by a hotspot for germs, dust, and grime. 

Wooden handrails, in particular, begin to develop sticky texture overtime. This is due to constant contact with dirty hands, random products, and even the shuddering thought of body oils. It’s there to accompany you every time you move up and down, making it a hub of shared fingerprints, grime, dust, and other contaminants. Failure to clean them only causes it to build up over time, which can likely play host to the spreading of germs.

That said, make sure to keep your handrails a constant part of your cleaning routines. Cleaning a sticky wooden handrail can be rather difficult, but we’ve curated a guide for you. Here’s what you need to know:

Your Important Monthly Maintenance Schedule 

Doing a monthly maintenance routine is key to keep your wooden handrails looking their best. If you find yourself wondering where to start, all you have to do is follow these simple steps in maintaining your wooden handrails.

Step 1: The first layer of cleaning 

Ideally, you’ll want to get rid of any stains, dust, and dirt on all of the surfaces of your wooden handrails. You may opt to wipe the dirt off with a microfibre cloth, but even baby wipes will be effective in removing loose dirt. It’s ideal to wipe along the wood grain with long and even strokes until you remove any loose residues.

Step 2: Getting into the tough residues 

After you’ve wiped all the loose residues off of your handrails’ surfaces, there might be some stubborn residues that are tough to remove. To remove them, grab a spray bottle and mix equal parts of water and vinegar in it, then shake it gently afterwards. This solution usually takes care of tough and sticky residues, and it’s safe for both finished and unfinished wooden surfaces.

Step 3: Repetition is key 

A sticky wooden handrail can be difficult to deal with, so you’ll need to gather as much patience and determination as possible. You’ll find that the first coat of cleaning solution will not suffice, so continue spraying the cleaning solution directly onto the handrail. Wipe and clean with a rag, repeating the process until all the sticky residue disappears. 

Looking to have your current ones replaced?

Unfortunately, wooden handrails can sometimes be deemed as beyond saving, no matter how many times you’ve cleaned them. This could likely be due to the natural wearing process, leaving it unsalvageable and susceptible to more damage. 

If you’re looking to have them replaced, it’s best to choose stainless steel. These handrails can easily be maintained and cared for—all you need to do is wipe them from time to time, with solutions that don’t need much of a fuss! 

Keeping Your Living Spaces Loved and Maintained 

A handrail may not seem like much compared to the other areas of your home, but its function and aesthetic is what keeps your home connected. You have access to the upper floors thanks to your balustrades, and it offers you the chance to add more character to your home. It’s only right that you keep them properly maintained, but if you find them beyond saving, it’s best to have them replaced as soon as possible.

For custom staircase manufacturers in Western Australia, Aussie Balustrading has you covered. We offer you modern and innovative solutions, ensuring that your home remains safe, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing. Reach out to us today to learn more!