Quick answer: Stairwells are emergency exits first, so cleaning them is a safety task as much as a cosmetic one. Most mid- and high-rise buildings should have stairwells swept or vacuumed and spot cleaned weekly, handrails and door hardware wiped regularly, landings mopped on a set schedule, and a periodic deep clean of treads, walls and corners. Keeping stairwells clear of stored items, litter and spills also supports fire safety requirements.
Stairwells are easy to forget. Most residents and tenants use the elevator, so the stairs don’t get the same attention as lobbies and hallways. But they’re used more than you’d think: as shortcuts between floors, by delivery workers, by people avoiding the elevator, and, critically, in emergencies.
Why Stairwells Matter
Emergency egress
Stairwells are part of the building’s exit system. Fire codes require exits to be kept clear of obstructions. Stored items, garbage bags or bikes left on landings can create real hazards in an evacuation.
Slip and trip risk
Dust, grit, spills and loose debris on stair treads raise the risk of falls, especially when people are moving quickly.
Odours and pests
Enclosed stairwells with little ventilation hold odours. Food spills, smoking and occasional misuse can make a stairwell unpleasant fast.
Security
Dirty, neglected stairwells can signal that nobody’s watching, which can invite misuse. Regular cleaning means regular eyes on the space.
What Stairwell Cleaning Should Include
Weekly (or more in busy buildings)
- Sweep or vacuum treads and landings
- Pick up litter and debris
- Spot clean spills and marks
- Wipe handrails, door handles and push bars
- Check for stored items or hazards and report them
Monthly
- Damp mop treads and landings
- Wipe stair nosings and edges
- Dust ledges, signage and light fixtures within reach
- Clean door glass and vision panels
Quarterly to twice a year
- Deep scrub treads and landings, especially in high-traffic stairs
- Wash walls in high-touch areas
- Clean corners and under-stair areas where debris collects
Frequency by Building Type
| Building | Basic cleaning | Deep cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-rise strata | Weekly | Twice a year |
| High-rise strata | Weekly, more on lower floors | Quarterly to twice a year |
| Office tower | Weekly to several times a week | Quarterly |
| Buildings with parkade stairwells | Weekly | Quarterly; these collect the most grit |
Lower floors and parkade-level stairwells usually get the most traffic and dirt, so many buildings clean them more often than upper floors.
Tackling Stairwell Odours
- Identify the source: spills, smoking, garbage, or drainage issues
- Deep clean affected areas with an enzyme cleaner rather than masking with fragrance
- Check that ventilation and pressurization systems are working
- Increase walkthroughs if misuse is happening
Safety Notes for Crews
- Never prop open fire doors during cleaning
- Use wet-floor signs and clean one section at a time
- Avoid leaving equipment on landings
- Report damaged handrails, lights or exit signs promptly
Frequently Asked Questions
Can residents store items in stairwells?
Generally no. Stairwells are exits and should be kept clear. Check your bylaws and local fire requirements.
Who is responsible for stairwell cleaning?
Stairwells are typically common property, so the strata corporation or building owner is responsible.
Should stairwells be disinfected?
Handrails and door hardware are high-touch surfaces and benefit from regular wiping, especially in cold and flu season.
Clean, Clear, Safe Stairwells
EcoPlanet Property Services cleans stairwells, hallways and common areas for strata and commercial buildings across Greater Vancouver with detailed checklists and supervisor inspections. Request a free quote or call 604-565-5238.
