How to Clean Vinyl Stair Riser Stickers (and Remove Shoe Scuffs)
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Wipe vinyl stair riser stickers with a soft cloth and warm water with a drop of dish soap, then dry them. For shoe scuffs, rub gently with the soapy cloth, or with a little rubbing alcohol on stubborn marks. Avoid abrasive pads, harsh solvents and soaking the riser.
Risers take a beating from toes and shoes, and patterned stickers hide everyday marks better than plain paint. When they do need a clean, here's how to do it without damaging the print or the edges of your stair riser stickers.
Everyday cleaning
- Dust or vacuum the riser with a brush attachment.
- Dampen (don't soak) a soft cloth in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap.
- Wipe across the riser, moving along the edges rather than into them, so you don't push water under the sticker.
- Dry with a clean towel.
Scuffs and stubborn marks
- Black shoe scuffs: rub gently with the soapy cloth. Most come off because they sit on top of the vinyl.
- Sticky or greasy marks: a little rubbing alcohol on a cloth, then a damp wipe and dry.
- Melamine sponges ("magic erasers"): they're mildly abrasive. Use one only lightly, on a small area, as a last resort. Hard scrubbing can dull the print or the matte finish.
What to avoid
- Scouring pads, steel wool and powdered cleansers
- Acetone, paint thinner and strong solvent cleaners
- Steam cleaners and soaking wet mops on the risers
- Polishes and waxes, which leave a film and can loosen edges
Edges
If an edge has started to lift, clean underneath it with rubbing alcohol, let it dry, warm it with a hair dryer and press it down firmly. More fixes are in our installation guide.
Common questions
Will cleaning fade the print?
Not with gentle cleaning. Our stickers are printed with durable latex inks. You'd damage the vinyl itself before the print wears off.
Matte or gloss: which is easier to clean?
Gloss wipes clean slightly more easily. Matte hides fingerprints and glare better. Both clean fine with a soft, damp cloth.