Stairwell cleaning in autumn: 5 tips against leaves, wet floors and dirt

In autumn, the entrance of an apartment building takes a beating. Wet shoes carry leaves, grit and mud inside, umbrellas drip on the floor and the first steps become slippery. For property managers, condominium owners and caretakers, this is the season when stairwell cleaning matters most – both for the appearance of the building and for the safety of everyone who uses it.

These five tips help keep entrances and staircases clean and safe from October until spring, whether you look after the building yourself or work with a cleaning company.

Why autumn is a challenge for stairwells

In summer, most dirt that enters a building is dry dust. In autumn, it becomes a wet mixture of soil, leaves and grit that sticks to shoes and spreads up the stairs. Natural stone, tiles and plastic floors in entrances quickly become slippery when wet, and damp dirt leaves streaks that are hard to remove.

A well-kept entrance is also the first impression for residents, visitors and prospective tenants.

1. Create a dirt barrier at the entrance

The most effective stairwell cleaning happens before the dirt gets inside.

• Outdoor mat: A robust scraper mat in front of the door removes coarse dirt and leaves.
• Indoor mat: A textile mat directly inside the door absorbs moisture and fine dirt. The longer the walking distance on mats, the more dirt stays there.
• Umbrella stand: A stand or tray near the entrance keeps dripping water off the floor.
• Maintenance: Shake out or vacuum mats regularly and clean underneath them – a full mat stops working.

2. Keep leaves under control

Leaves on paths, steps and in front of doors are slippery and are quickly carried inside.

• Sweep entrances, outdoor steps and paths regularly in October and November.
• Clear leaves from drains, light wells and gratings near the entrance to prevent water from collecting.
• Collect leaves in the green waste according to the commune's rules.
• Check outdoor lighting: short days mean people arrive home in the dark.

3. Prevent slips on wet floors

Slips and falls on stairs are a real risk, especially when floors are wet.

• Clean wet floors at times with little foot traffic, and mark them with a warning sign.
• Use a well-wrung mop – as little water as possible on stairs.
• Dry the first few metres behind the entrance door after heavy rain.
• Choose a cleaning product suitable for the floor material; residues from wrong products can make floors more slippery.
• Report loose stair nosings, damaged handrails or poor lighting to the owner or property management.

The Swiss Council for Accident Prevention recommends slip-resistant, closed shoes and careful planning for cleaning work – advice that applies to anyone mopping a staircase.

4. Adjust the cleaning rhythm to the season

A cleaning interval that works in summer is often too infrequent in autumn and winter.

These are guidelines – the right interval depends on the number of residents, the floor material and the location of the building.

Typical stairwell cleaning tasks:

• Sweep or vacuum the floors and stairs, then mop.
• Wipe handrails, banisters, light switches and door handles.
• Clean glass entrance doors and letterbox fronts.
• Dust window sills and radiators in the stairwell.
• Remove cobwebs from corners and lighting.

5. Clarify responsibilities

Who cleans the stairwell is a frequent source of discussion in Swiss apartment buildings.

• In rented buildings: The tenants' association explains that tenants only have to clean the stairwell if the lease says so; otherwise the landlord keeps it reasonably clean. It also notes that house rules only bind tenants if they have been made part of the lease.
• In condominiums: The owners' community decides how common areas are cleaned and how costs are shared.
• With a caretaker or cleaning company: A written list of tasks and intervals avoids misunderstandings.

If tenants clean on a rota, a clear, simple plan posted in the entrance helps. For a comparison of the options, see our guide on who is responsible for stairwell cleaning.

Common mistakes in stairwell cleaning

• Too much water on the stairs: Slippery and slow to dry.
• Mats that are never cleaned: They become dirt spreaders.
• Cleaning at peak times: Residents walk over wet floors.
• Unclear rotas: Nobody feels responsible and the entrance deteriorates quickly.
• Tolerating clutter: Shoes and prams in the stairwell grow over time and become a safety issue.

Priority Clean editorial teamOur cleaning team from Alberswil, Canton of Lucerne, shares hands-on experience from move-out, house, office and window cleaning across Central and Northwestern Switzerland.