It can be difficult to clean stairs. Stairs and banisters have crevices which provide a haven for the collection of dirt, dust and allergens. What makes stairs dirty and grimy is their frequent use when entering and exiting a home.
Having an adaptable cleaning device is necessary to properly clean stairs. The best vacuum cleaner for stairs is specially designed for cleaning carpeted stairs. It is lightweight, ergonomic, and adaptable to awkwardly placed staircases.
A fully-fledged handheld vacuum cleaner for stairs delivers impeccable cleaning results. It loosens caked-on dirt and removes stubborn pet hair deep within the carpet fibers. It can also tackle dust, dirt and debris from narrow staircases as well as tight corners and crevices.
In this review, we examine top rated vacuum models with qualities suitable for cleaning stairs. We enlist handheld vacuums that are lightweight, compact and easy to maneuver. These are unique products with exceptional features for cleaning staircases. In the article Best Cordless Vacuum Cleaners for Stairs we explore a number of additional strictly cordless options.
Read the full review of each product below.
Best Vacuum Cleaner for Stairs – Unbiased Reviews
1. Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352
View on Amazon
Shark Navigator Upright Lift-Away Vacuum is a lightweight, 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner with a detachable canister that ensures extremely portable cleaning power. It entails a Lift-Away technology, which lets you lift away the canister and easily clean hard-to-reach areas with the press of a button. The vacuum is equipped with Swivel Steering for better maneuverability and control around furniture.
Shark Navigator has an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which includes a HEPA filter for trapping allergens and dusts. It can trap up to 99% of allergens and dust inside the vacuum. There’s also a Brush-roll Shutoff button, which allows you to conveniently switch between deep carpet and bare floor cleaning.
Not only is this cleaning device portable and versatile at only 12.5 pounds, but also powerful and lightweight. It comes standard with Wide Pet Upholstery tool but devoid of pet power brush. It boasts a ton of bonus tools including Accessory Bag, Home & Car Derail Kit, and Away Pro Nozzle with one Microfiber Pad among others.
PROS
- Easy to maneuver
- Extremely lightweight, hence easy to pull, push or lift
- Exceptionally powerful suction
- Washable filters
- Plenty of accessories included
CONS
- Relatively easy to tip off
Shark Navigator Upright Lift-Away Vacuum is a lightweight and powerful unit that literally vacuums unbelievable amounts of dust and debris. This vacuum cleaner offers an easy-to-use setup that makes vacuuming staircases a breeze. And with great suction power and plenty of extra accessories included, you will never regret buying this amazing unit.
2. Dyson V6 Trigger Cordless
View on Amazon
Dyson V6 is a light, ergonomically designed unit with up to 100AW suction power. It is powered by Dyson Digital V6 motor, which is 3 times faster than regular motors. This best handheld vacuum for stairs comes with plentiful features including 2-tier radial cyclones, hygienic bin emptying, fade-free battery and much more.
The product has a three-and-a-half hour charge time and up to 20 minutes run-time. It weighs about 3.4 pounds. Its light and ergonomic design means that the unit fits into the shape of your palm.
It’s easy to handle because the center of gravity is situated near the grip. The vacuum is standard with 15 cyclones available in two tiers, which work parallel to each other to enhance the flow of air for maximum capturing of fine dust.
The unit boasts a powerful, fade-free suction unlike other handhelds which happen to lose suction while cleaning. Dyson V6 Trigger loses no single suction power and provides robust handheld suction. It gives you no less than 20 minutes of powerful suction, with a run-time enhancing trigger grip that releases instantly to ensure that battery power is exclusively utilized for vacuuming.
And if you’re handling difficult cleaning tasks, the unit is standard with a push-button Max Power Mode that offers six extra minutes of higher suction. The re-designed fade-free battery can be customized to execute 1.5 times more power than DC34. A one-touch Hygienic Bin Emptying is available so that you can discharge dirt with the push of a button.
PROS
- 3-times more suction power than other handhelds
- 3-times faster digital motor than conventional motors
- Ergonomic design for easy handling
- Re-engineered and customized fade-free battery for more power
- Very hygienic bin emptying
CONS
- Smaller filth container
Dyson V6 is a remarkable vacuum that is super powerful, lightweight and pretty easy to use. It’s noticeably more powerful than all previous versions of Dyson V6. Whereas this device is expensive, it guarantees value for your hard-earned money.
3. Shark Rocket Ultra-Light True-Pet Upright Corded Vacuum
View on Amazon
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light True-Pet Upright Corded Vacuum is a truly ultra-lightweight vacuum for stairs, weighing less than 9 pounds. This product easily converts into a handheld vac for more versatile cleaning of floor to ceiling. It has Hard Floor Hero that provides superior bare floor cleaning by picking up stuck-on debris and surface litter.
As far as dimensions go, this unit measures 47.2 inches long, 13.4 inches high and 102 inches wide. The unit has an extra-large (XL) Capacity Dust Cup, which allows for comprehensive cleaning with no interruptions whatsoever. The nozzle and hand vac of the unit feature Powerful LED lights to help you spot any hidden debris and vacuum it away.
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light True-Pet Upright Corded Vacuum is available with Pet Multi-Tool as standard. It’s designed for ease of capturing pet hair embedded on all surfaces of your home. There’s also Advanced Swivel Steering with excellent control for ease of maneuverability around furniture.
PROS
- Easy to set up, use, clean and maintain
- Weighs less than 9lbs. for easy maneuverability
- Works best on both bamboo and hardwood stairs
- Great suction power
- Takes up less closet space
CONS
- Vents out hot air – you may not enjoy this heat during hot summer months
- Too long and cannot stand alone
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light True-Pet Upright Corded Vacuum is so light and makes everything pretty easy to clean. It’s hands down easy to use and boasts of superior maneuverability. It’s a worthy investment for anyone in the search for a lightweight vac at a reasonably affordable price.
4. BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum (2390A)
More photo & price on Amazon.com
The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum (2390A) is made for quick pet-hair cleanups on sofas, stairs, pet beds, and car seats. At 3 pounds and cord-free, it’s easy to grab whenever you spot fur, and it makes a handy companion to a full-size vacuum.
A built-in motorized brush helps lift embedded hair and dirt from carpet, stairs, upholstery, and car interiors. You also get a crevice tool for tight corners and between cushions, a removable nozzle to extend your reach, and an upholstery tool for everyday fabric messes. Debris goes into a 0.7-liter Easy Empty dirt bin, and BISSELL lists triple-level filtration with a washable filter.
Power comes from a 14.4-volt lithium-ion battery that BISSELL rates for up to 17 minutes of runtime, depending on use. That’s enough for spot cleaning stairs, a couch, or a car, but not for whole-room vacuuming, so think of it as a pet-hair specialist rather than your main vacuum.
What we liked
- Built-in motorized brush for embedded pet hair
- Light at 3 pounds and cord-free
- Roomy 0.7-liter Easy Empty dirt bin
- Crevice and upholstery tools included
- Washable filter
What we didn’t like
- Up to 17 minutes of runtime per charge
- Handheld only, not for whole-room cleaning
The Pet Hair Eraser is a strong pick for pet owners who need quick, cord-free fur cleanup on furniture, stairs, and car seats. Pair it with a full-size vacuum for floors.
5. Dirt Devil Scorpion Plus
More photo & price on Amazon.com
The Dirt Devil Scorpion Plus is a corded handheld vacuum, a type built for quick, focused cleanups rather than whole-room vacuuming. Corded hand vacs are handy for stairs, upholstery, car interiors and the spills that happen between full cleanings, and because they plug into the wall, you don’t have to wait on a battery to charge.
A corded handheld like this makes the most sense if you have an outlet near the areas you clean most, such as a staircase, mudroom or garage. Check the product listing for current details on attachments, dirt cup size and cord length before you buy, so you can be sure it fits the jobs you have in mind.
What we liked
- Corded power, no battery to recharge
- Compact handheld size for spot cleaning
- Suits stairs, upholstery and car interiors
- Ready to use whenever it’s plugged in
What we didn’t like
- Corded design limits reach to the nearest outlet
- Handheld size isn’t meant for whole-room cleaning
The Dirt Devil Scorpion Plus fits shoppers who want a plug-in handheld for stairs, furniture and car cleanups. Check the listing for current specs before you buy.
6. BLACK+DECKER MAX BDH2000PL Lithium Pivot 20-VOLT Vacuum
View on Amazon
The 20-V MAX Lithium Pivot Vacuum is an all-purpose cleaning device with serious power. It is standard with the convenient 20V MAX lithium ion battery, which provides strong suction for cleaning anywhere and anytime. Also, the vacuum has a compact, lightweight design for easy carrying and storage within easy reach.
This Lithium Pivot unit comprises a ton of onboard tools including On-board Brush, Washable filter, standard Charging Base and On-board Crevice Tool among others. It has distinctive pivoting features for easy cleaning of hard-to-reach areas, such as above tall shelves, under cupboards, and in between couch cushions. The unit also integrates the filter flicker for improved suction power.
There is a high-performance motor which delivers powerful suction for all messes—big or small. The cyclonic action is ideal for spinning away dust and debris from the filter, therefore keeping suction power strong. This Pivot vacuum has a convenient charging base to give you a compact storage solution.
The unit benefits from a handy Brush and Crevice Tool and offers a three-stage filtration system. The pleated filter design gives you superior filtration for clean air exhaust. The product highlights a wide-mouth design, so it can scoop up large debris. You can extend the crevice tool to access tight spaces, or flip up the brush to clean up upholstery.
Cleaning the equipment is a breeze thanks to the washable filter and dirt bowl. The translucent, bag-less dirt bowl offers a side-door function for ease of emptying dirt. It has 42% more capacity compared to other Pivot vacuums on the market.
PROS
- A 3-stage filtration system for thorough cleaning of stairs
- Compact and lightweight for easy transportation and storage
- A high-performance motor for superior suction capability
- Wide mouth design for scooping up large debris
- Cyclonic action for increased suction power
CONS
- Door hinge on the clean-out access is poorly designed
- The motor in the cylinder can dislodge
Except for a few structural flaws, the 20-V MAX Lithium Pivot Vacuum is a good purchase. The battery charge duration is great and the charge lasts a long time. The unit also boasts high power and suction and is significantly more convenient than dragging out the vacuum.
7. BISSELL Zing Canister Vacuum, 2154A
View on Amazon
The vacuum’s variable suction gives you control over the cleaning of your floors and above-ground surfaces. In addition to all this, there’s also an automatic cord rewind feature. This feature makes it easier to get the power cord out of the way after you’ve finished cleaning. Neatness is very important when cleaning messes with your vacuum cleaner – the Bissell Zing Lightweight, Bagged Canister Vacuum, purple 2154A is made with a detachable dust bag. This makes it easier to dispose vacuumed dirt without making a mess.
The combination of pre-motor and post-motor filters, with the removable dust bag, makes it possible to remove the tiniest dirt particles from various surfaces. You can save money on filters since these ones can be washed and used severally.
PROS
- It is a light-weight unit – at just 7.5lbs
- It comes with a detachable 2.5L dust bag.
- It has a lightweight and compact design with easy maneuverability.
- Equipped with variable powerful suction.
- Comes with an automatic power cord rewind.
CONS
- The power cord isn’t long enough.
All the features on this vacuum make it an effective unit for cleaning hard floors, rugs, hard-to-reach areas, and elevated surfaces. Its lightweight design makes it convenient to carry from one room to another. The easy maneuverability also allows you to transit from rug to hard surface floors without an itch.
8. Shark Rocket Pro DLX Corded Stick Vacuum (HV371)
More photo & price on Amazon.com
The Shark Rocket Pro DLX (HV371) is a corded stick vacuum for people who want the light, easy feel of a stick without keeping an eye on battery life. Because it plugs in, you get steady power for as long as you need it, and the 25-foot cord gives you a fair amount of room before you switch outlets. Shark says it weighs less than 10 pounds, and it converts into a hand vacuum for above-floor messes.
It’s built to clean hardwood floors and deep-clean carpets, with Advanced Swivel Steering for getting around furniture and LED headlights on both the nozzle and the hand vac to show dust and pet hair you might otherwise miss. The 8.5-inch cleaning path suits hallways and smaller rooms. The XL dust cup holds 0.7 quarts and is designed to empty easily, the filters are washable foam, and an easy-release foot pedal lets you pop the wand off the nozzle without bending down.
In the box you get a crevice tool, an upholstery tool and an Anti-Allergen Dust Brush, and Shark backs it with a 5-year limited warranty. It’s a strong pick for apartments and smaller homes, or as a quick-grab vacuum alongside a bigger upright.
What we liked
- Corded power, so no battery to run down
- Converts to a handheld for above-floor cleaning
- LED headlights on nozzle and hand vac
- Swivel steering for working around furniture
- Five-year limited warranty
What we didn’t like
- Corded design limits reach to 25 feet
- 0.7-quart dust cup needs emptying in bigger homes
- Washable foam filters only, no HEPA filter listed
If you want a light, plug-in stick vacuum that doubles as a hand vac, the Rocket Pro DLX is a sensible everyday choice. Just keep in mind that you’re always working within reach of a 25-foot cord.
9. Bissell 1782 Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand and Car Vacuum
View on Amazon
Bissell 1782 Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum is designed for pet owners to clean wherever their pet goes. It’s a cordless unit that makes pet hair cleaning a breeze. It’s cordless and lightweight, so that you can clean up dirt and pet hair that collects wherever your pets play such as stairs, carpet, car, and furniture. The device incorporates a detachable motorized brush to help you capture embedded dirt and pet hair for a deeper clean.
This unit features crevice and upholstery tools, which can either be used separately or in conjunction to achieve a more polished cleanup. The crevice tool proves useful in cleaning tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas. The upholstery tool, on the other hand, cleans furniture and soft surfaces by trapping more pet hair. Also available is an easy-to-empty dirt bin, which helps you get rid of pet hair without a hiccup.
Moreover, this vacuum is standard with a Dual-action filtration system that helps you prolong the life of the filter as well as provide easier cleaning of surfaces. Three handy attachments can be stacked together for extended range when cleaning hard-to-reach spaces. The unit is conveniently cordless, so it’s easy to pick up and use in the entire space of your house or car.
PROS
- Easy to assemble and use
- Provides a deeper clean
- Dual-action filtration offers hassle-free cleaning
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- All the attachments are pretty easy to use
CONS
- It’s battery life is limited
The Bissell 1782 Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand is one of the best cordless handheld vacuum for stairs. Many owners report great results with is strong suction when dealing with pet hair on carpeted stairs. It’s easy to maneuver and guarantees a polished cleanup.
10. HOOVER Max-Extract 60 Pressure Pro Deep Carpet Cleaner, FH50220
View on Amazon
Max-Extract 60 Pressure Pro is Hoover’s new deep cleaner designed for cleaning a variety of surfaces, such as carpeted stairs and couches. It does an excellent task of cleaning tiled floors and sealed wood floors. This versatile equipment is easy to use and evacuates grime, dirt, and water with pressurized cleaning. It comprises heated drying for quick dry time.
Max-Extract comes standard with a double chamber nozzle designed to power wash a variety of surfaces with even suction. It also features the automatic detergent system, which provides the appropriate water-detergent ratio to achieve incredible cleaning results. The patented Hoover Spin-Scrub brushes help to loosen dirt and clean carpet and upholstery fibers.
A wall of pressurized Edge-to-Edge cleaning proves handy in loosening and lifting stains with constant spray. There is a Smart Tanks System for clean and dirty water, so you can fill, empty and rinse each tank separately. Max-Extract DUALIV Nozzle Technology pulls up a substantial amount of dirty water so that your floors can dry fast. You are assured of deep-cleaned floors in good turnaround time.
PROS
- Versatile and easy to use
- Heated drying for a fast dry time
- Counter-rotating brushes remove dirt at every angle
- DUALIV Nozzle Technology pulls up a lot of water
CONS
- Rubber sealant can break and leak
- Rickety wheels
HOOVER’s Max-Extract 60 Pressure Pro thoroughly cleans stairs, carpets, and rugs with absolute ease. This machine is easy to use and is standard with pressurized cleaning that eliminates dirt, grime, and water. This product comes with a two-year warranty and is recommended for anyone looking for a best vacuum for stairs with heated cleaning.
Vacuum Cleaner for Stairs – Buying Guidelines
Carpet cleaners are a tad unwieldy, so it’s important to focus on specific features that allow you to maneuver around your carpeted stairs easily. The following are useful carpet-cleaner features that will give you absolute comfort and convenience while cleaning your stairs. Check them below
Moving Brushes
A moving brush provides a more aggressive scrub than a fixed one. Choosing a vacuum cleaner with rotating brushes guarantees good cleaning. Avoid carpet cleaners with no brushes and those with brushes that only move when the machine is pushed.
Attachments
Vacuum cleaners with plenty of accessories are the most recommended for cleaning stairs. Not only do they let you clean stairs and bare floors but also upholstery and tight spaces between furniture.
Powerful Suction
A stairs vacuum is meaningless without a strong suction. Choose a product with powerful suction, more so if you intend to clean stairs covered with carpets.
Lightweight Aspect
A good stairs vacuum cleaner needs to be lightweight. You may want to opt for handheld vacuums because they are lighter, easy to transport and easy to maneuver around every corner of your home. Many handheld vacuums are powerful enough to pull up set-in stains, debris and pet hair. Newer handheld units also include plenty of attachments to make cleaning easier.
Extended Power Cords
Choose a vacuum cleaner with easy portability and longer power cords for getting the dirt out of hard-to-reach areas or small spaces. It should include an assortment of brushes alongside crevice tools for deep cleaning of stairs. A vacuum that comes with a pivoting head helps you get the dirt out of those narrow spaces in your home.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
You may want to choose a rechargeable handheld vacuum with lithium-ion battery because it’s excellent at cleaning stairs. Choose a device that provides fade-free power so that you can reap the most out of your extended charge-time. Such a device will not experience periods of weak power due to the battery being depleted.
Flexible Hose
Vacuums for stairs need to have a flexible hose as well as a slotted nozzle. These two features prove useful when it comes to cleaning corners and hard-to-reach areas.
Exchangeable Tools
If possible, consider getting a vacuum with a stick and interchangeable tools. Some vertical units can convert into compact and portable vacuum cleaners. That means you get two products for the price of one. This is advantageous because such a device will let you clean almost the whole house.
Good Air Filtration System
An excellent vac cleaner for stairs should have a good air filtration system. If you’re allergic or have asthma, make sure to buy a vacuum cleaner model with a HEPA class filter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Top Rated Vacuum for Stairs
Below are common questions our readers often ask about vacuum for stairs. Go through these Frequently Asked Questions, and feel free to contact us should you come across anything else you would like to know. Also, feel free to leave a comment should you feel like doing so. We appreciate your feedback.
Which Accessories Should Be Included in a New Vacuum Cleaner?
A good vacuum cleaner for stairs should include plenty of accessories for easier cleaning. At the very least, a must-have feature is a crevice tool, which lets you clean tight spaces effortlessly. Other additional attachments may include a power lift tool for removing ingrained dirt as well as an upholstery tool for sofas.
How Often Should I Change a HEPA Filter?
Most HEPA filters last about three years before needing replacement. Replacement should be done after this period has elapsed to maintain maximum filtration. Check your filters at least once in a year to gauge whether or not there is potential soiling or filter damage. A musty odor when the machine is in operation indicates that the HEPA filter has an issue.
Which Vacuum Cleaner Is Suitable for Stairs?
Stairs typically call for a cordless handheld vacuum. However, most of the modern vacuums entail an extension hose stretching over a few meters for ease of cleaning stairs.
How Often Should Vacuum Filters Be Washed?
Washable filters need a thorough cleaning at least once every month with intense usage. However, the washing should be done once every four months with occasional usage.
What’s the Proper Way of Cleaning a Washable Vacuum Cleaner Filter?
You will need to use lukewarm running water to wash your filter. After cleaning, rinse the filter exhaustively until the water runs clear. Allow the filter to dry naturally for about 24-48 hours depending on the temperature of the surrounding. The filter should be completely dried before fixing it back into the vacuum cleaner to avoid damage or malfunction.
Final Verdict
In our current era, the market presents many vacuum cleaners rendering it almost impossible to make a clear-cut decision. We’re always confused and overwhelmed by the tremendous choices available. And we may end up buying products that aren’t good at cleaning staircases at maximum suction.
Cleaning carpeted stairs takes more time and effort than cleaning uncarpeted steps. Certain features in a vacuum cleaner make cleaning a cakewalk. So, understanding those features is the key to success.
Do a little research before buying any best vacuum for stairs model, and make sure to choose those that provide easy maneuverability around all corners of the staircases. The products we’ve listed above are ideal for cleaning stairs, pet hair, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas of the house. They can also become an indispensable assistant when it comes to cleaning your auto interior.
Here is a piece of advice before we bring down the curtains: an ideal vacuum for stairs is light, easy to assemble, has excellent air filtration and can clean edges and corners of the stairs. It should also come as standard with a rotating brush and an easy-to-clean mud bowl. Be attentive when shopping for the best vacuum cleaner for carpeted stairs.