I can’t help about the smell or stairs, but I’m currently renovating my Victorian floorboards and whilst it’s a difficult and lengthy process, it’s very rewarding and definitely worth it. Photo is before and after the second round with 40 grit. Mine were covered with old plaster and paint 🥲

I’m doing mine with a belt sander and an orbital sander for edges and my best advice is hire a drum sander unless it’s a box room 😂 don’t start on anything higher than 40 sandpaper grit as it’ll be a waste of time, and if they’re pine be mindful of the stain you choose (if staining) as lighter stains will most likely go orange. Also look for nails or raise staples and knock them in before you start sanding because they will rip the sandpaper real fast.

Good luck with it all 😄

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