Can someone help me with a protector, to lay over my carpeted stairs?

I would asking where are the spots coming from? the bottom of dirty shoes, then I would put a mat at the door inside or outside for people to wipe their shoes. If people are carrying drinks up the stairs, then I would get some covered mugs/glasses with straws for folks to use if they are carrying them around the house.

For spots I use Dollar Tree Homestore Foam Carpet Cleaner and a soft brush. I use this for all my clients homes.

Do you want to keep the carpeted stairs? I would be concerned with tripping. We ended up removing our carpet and staining our stairs as they were made of fir, I loved it and easy to keep clean. (since moved)

My friend painted her stairs going darker on treads and handrail with white risers and spindles, it looked very smart, sorry I don't have picutres.

I'm wondering the same thing, and agree with the 2 comments above.

Homes with carpeting are better off as "no shoe" zones. Slippers or indoor shoes help GREATLY.

Secondly, often DIY carpet cleaning solutions attract dirt...speaking from experience: laundry detergent, soap and shaving cream are the worst! I have a very light beige carpet in a high traffic area/entrance. I would use shaving cream to remove the spots and DIY solutions, and the carpet would be dirty right away. If you want DIY stick to steaming and a vinegar solution, no soap. The best I have found for spot treatments is Folex. It is cheaper and wonderful!!! Resolve for carpets is my 2nd choice.

I had a runner, and it was a pain to clean, and wore out the carpet underneath.

There are these ones, but they aren't made to be used long term, and I would be afraid that they would let go from daily use, and cause an accident.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stay-Put-4-ft-x-12-ft-Surface-Grip-and-Spill-Block-04328/300579448

Keep away from the vinyl ones They will destroy your carpet, and are dangerous,

T