Initial Cleanup and Debris Removal

What happens in this clip

After the old flooring, such as carpeting and its padding, has been initially pulled up and removed from the stairs, perform an initial cleanup. Use a broom or shop vacuum to sweep or vacuum any loose dust, dirt, or small pieces of debris that are left on the stair treads and risers. Working from the top stair downwards is recommended to ensure all debris is collected effectively.

Goal: Begin by sweeping or vacuuming any loose dust and debris from the stairs after the main flooring material has been removed. This clears the surface for easier inspection and subsequent removal of smaller elements.

What's used

Tools

• Broom
• Shop Vacuum

About the full video

This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to efficiently remove old flooring (specifically carpeting and its underlying padding, staples, and adhesive) from stairs using a scraper tool, pliers, and a hammer. The process focuses on preparing the wooden stair surface for new flooring installation or painting by ensuring it is clean, free of debris, fasteners, and old adhesives.

Step 7 of 9: Clean Stair Treads and Risers

Using a stiff brush or broom, sweep away all loose debris, dust, and carpet fibers from the treads and risers. For any remaining adhesive residue or stubborn spots, use a scraper or a damp cloth to clean the surface. Vacuum thoroughly once sweeping is complete.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Remove Old Carpet from Stairs

1. Step 1: Secure the Area

   • 0:55–1:00 Prepare and Protect Adjacent Areas
   • 0:55–1:00 Seal Off Entryways
   • 0:26–0:34 Mask and Protect Surrounding Areas

2. Step 2: Loosen Carpet Edges

   • 0:58–1:33 Loosen Carpet from Tack Strips
   • 0:44–2:00 Remove Old Carpet

3. Step 3: Pull Carpet Up and Away

   • 0:21–0:50 Remove the Carpet
   • 0:58–3:40 Cut and Remove Main Carpet Sections
   • 0:44–2:00 Remove Old Carpet

4. Step 4: Remove Carpet Backing

   • 3:40–4:20 Remove Carpet Underpad
   • 0:02–0:09 Remove Carpet and Padding
   • 0:40–1:09 Remove Carpet Pad and Tack Strips

5. Step 5: Remove Padding

   • 2:46–3:43 Remove Carpet Padding
   • 1:00–1:25 Remove Carpet Pad
   • 1:33–1:40 Remove Carpet Padding

6. Step 6: Remove Tack Strips

   • 4:56–5:35 Remove Tack Strips
   • 0:31–0:55 Remove Tack Strips and Staples
   • 1:02–1:12 Remove Tack Strips

7. Step 7: Clean Stair Treads and Risers

   • 0:14–0:23 Initial Cleanup and Debris Removal (this video)
   • 0:23–0:26 Clean and Prepare Stairs for Finishing
   • 1:49–2:08 Clean Up Debris

8. Step 8: Inspect and Repair Stairs

   • 0:55–1:21 Apply Wood Filler to Blemishes
   • 7:20–7:30 Final Touches and Cleanup
   • 0:07–0:25 Inspect and Fill Imperfections

9. Step 9: Dispose of Materials

   • 1:07–1:12 Bag Carpet Sections
   • 7:37–8:39 Roll Padding with Tack Strips for Disposal
   • 3:46–3:50 Dispose of Carpet Debris