If you have stylish metal spindles and want to ensure they continue to look stunning for many years to come, you can’t afford to sleep on their maintenance.
This blog by the specialists at Stair Crazy explores the importance of keeping your metal spindles clean and how you can best care for them.
Why is it important to maintain your metal spindles?
Taking the time to care for your metal spindles will benefit your home in the long run for the following reasons.
Firstly, neglecting your metal spindles can lead to corrosion and ultimately structural damage, which is highly dangerous for stair users. Worn parts can loosen, preventing your balustrade from blocking falls down the edge of your staircase.
Secondly, without proper maintenance, your beautiful metal stair spindles won’t continue to look their best, affecting the appearance of your home. Dust, dirt and grime can build up on the surface of your spindles and baserail, which isn’t appealing to look at!
So, what can you do to make sure they stand the test of time?
Properly caring for your metal spindles
Metal stair parts require specialised care to keep them in excellent condition – but not to worry, staying on top of your stair spindle maintenance is much easier when you follow these simple steps:
1. Regular dusting
From the moment they’re installed, follow a regular dusting routine to prevent dust build-ups.
Dust is made up of tiny particles which are surprisingly abrasive and can scratch the surface of your metal spindles. With this in mind, we recommend dusting with a microfibre cloth to trap more dust and remove it from your spindles.
2. Routine cleaning
Cleaning your metal stair parts every two weeks will help to preserve their shine and spotless finish whilst removing fingerprints or marks.
Be sure to clean them with a suitable product that won’t harm the quality of your spindles. We recommend wiping them down with a soft sponge, warm water and a mild detergent. Then gently rinsing with clean warm water and drying with a fresh cloth.
You should also avoid using polish on your metal stair spindles as it can damage them, leading to costly replacements.
3. Check for rust
Although this is unlikely to occur, especially during the first few years after installation, inspect your metal spindles for signs of rust or corrosion.
If you happen to find rust, use a wire brush to gently remove it before cleaning and drying the area (following the instructions in the previous section).
Then apply a rust-resistant protective coating to protect the area from rusting in the future.
4. Paint your spindles (if needed)
Are your metal staircase spindles looking a little worse for wear? Maybe the existing coating is flaking? If this is the case, a splash of paint is your best option.
Before painting, remove any peeling paint to ensure a smooth and neat finish. After this, apply a layer of rust-prevention primer to future-proof your spindles and wait for it to dry.
Finally, use a paintbrush to cover each metal spindle with fresh paint specifically made for application on metal surfaces.
This should breathe new life into your staircase and ensure it looks as good as new!
