Keep handy a basket that is designed to sit on stairs. Toss items into it while cleaning. This at least keeps toys and other clutter partially out of the way (see photo).

• Use a small whiskbroom or dust rag to reach dirt in the corners of the stairs.

• Keep a rug at the bottom of the stairs to catch dirt so that it doesn't have a chance to getting tracked upstairs.

• Moisten thin terrycloth towels with a mixture of water and a little mild cleanser. Keep the towels in a plastic zipper bag, and they're ready to use anytime the banister needs a quick cleaning. Use the towels for other cleaning needs, and they eliminate the need to drag a messy bucket of soapy water around the house.

• If using a large vacuum cleaner on stairs, it's safer to start at the bottom and work up the stairs. This way the vacuum is not being pulled down the stairs.

• Because stairs are a high traffic area, they should be vacuumed at least once or twice a week to keep dirt from getting ground into the carpet fibers. Vacuum over each stair about six or seven times to pick up the dirt and grit that has accumulated.