Keeping stairs clean can be viewed as the most challenging aspect of home maintenance. Stairs tend to collect dust and grime more often due to their regular use. Given the limited space of stairs, they are difficult to clean, which implies that using a traditional upright cleaning tool might not be practical.
However, if you have a handheld vacuum or a convertible upright cleaner specially designed to take care of staircases and tight corners, then the job can be more manageable.
With the same thought in mind, we have collected ten best vacuum cleaners for stairs that are available to purchase. We have compared the price, examined the features, and talked to the buyers; in fact, we covered almost everything to create this list.
So, read on and avail yourself of the benefits by purchasing one of these.
10 Best Vacuums for Stairs in 2023 – Laurel & Wolf Reviews
1. Shark Rocket Corded Ultra-Light Hand Vacuum
Overall, Rocket is an excellent vacuum cleaner that can clean all stair or floor types without much effort. If you have the budget, then it should be your choice.
If you are looking for an all in one cleaner and do not mind investing some extra bucks, then Shark Rocket will surely grab your attention. It has everything you will ever need to clean the house, including a crevice tool, motorized roller brush, broad mouth brush, and hose to extend the coverage. All these parts are functional once attached to a bagless central unit of the Rocket.
Looking at the attachments, it is easy to accept that this vacuum cleaner will help you clean not only soft and hard floors, but also upholstery, grout, crevices, and of course stairs. Whether it is a carpeted stair or hard ones, you will face no difficulty while collecting the dust and debris.
Due to a weight of fewer than four pounds, you can easily tackle it along the stairs or around the house. Cleaning of the dust canister is easy as well; you have to press a button over the dustbin and the cleaner throws everything out. Also, its filter is washable, so you will not have to spend on replacements.
Pros
Lightweight.
Variety of attachments make it versatile.
Comes with a motorized brush for fast and effective cleaning.
The dust canister is easy to empty.
Suction power remains the same over time.
Cons
Comparatively an expensive handheld vacuum cleaner.
2. BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum
This device is not only great for pet lovers if you have a kid in your house or you want an easy to use a vacuum cleaner for stairs and quick cleanups, but this cordless device is also a great purchase. Also, three filtration levels and some useful accessories are the other perks that you cannot get easily at this price.
Bissell manufactures some of the best vacuum cleaners, and the pet hair eraser is no exception. With a powerful motor and smooth operation, it makes cleaning pet hair from the stairs easy. It has some useful attachments that none other manufacturers can offer at this price. The best part of the vacuum is it works at constant suction power, even when the battery is low.
One of the essential features is the accessories that come included with the vacuum. It has a crevice tool, upholstery tool, and a motor-powered brush. With the crevice tool, you can clean the deep gaps of your car, furniture, or any other material or area while the other two can be used to clean the mess from furniture, stairs, and other small spaces.
This vacuum cleaner comes with a 14.4-volt rechargeable Li-ion battery that works for up to 20 minutes after a full charge. You can easily clean the stairs or sofa within this duration.
It does not have a cradle to take any space on the tabletop. It has a plug and charging cable that fully charges the battery in 8 hours.
Pros
Three-level filtration.
Includes all the necessary tools.
Its canister is easy to empty.
Cons
The replacement filter is not available as a replacement; you have to purchase the whole assembly.
3. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360
Shark gives you another choice in the face of Lift-Away Deluxe. This is an upright cleaner which cannot be helpful while cleaning the stairs; if that’s what you are thinking, then you should think again.
The dust canister of this vacuum cleaner detaches from the central unit to give you a handheld which can be easily carried over the stairs or around the house. It has a long hose that gives you extra cleaning coverage. The upright also comes with useful attachments like a crevice tool and broadhead brush that can be used according to the object or area. Another considerable feature of this vacuum cleaner is its Swivel Steering which gives excellent control while cleaning areas under the furniture.
Although it is comparatively more substantial then handhelds, NV360 is an upright vacuum cleaner, so you are getting better power and efficiency as well. This vacuum cleaner has excellent suction strength, and its dust canister is also easy to empty. With the HEPA filter, the manufacturers factored in your hygiene, so there won’t be any complaint about allergens or allergies.
Pros
Versatile; you can use it as an upright as well as a handheld.
HEPA filtration.
Long power cord.
Cons
More expensive than handhelds.
4. Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
This device performs well at picking pet fur, but it takes some extra passes to collect other dust and debris. It has a restricted movement in tight areas but also has some significant additions, including a hose, crevice tool, and other attachments.
An upright cleaner perfect for floor and stair cleaning, but it can be heavy to move around the corners and tight areas. However, looking at the price and useful features, we can overlook some of its negative aspects.
Cleaning hard floors and stairs is one thing, catching pet hair is another, and this the area where most vacuum cleaners fail, but the upright from Bissell is very effective at removing pet hair from any surface. This vacuum cleaner has a cleaning path of 12 inches, which is better than most of the cleaners available at high price tags. However, you have to move the vacuum cleaner for more than a few passes to get a clean area.
You can also control the suction power, so increase the suction over a low profile carpet or decrease it on a thick one. It has a 6 feet hose, which extends your reach. Overall, the features and functions of the Cleanview make it an excellent vacuum cleaner for cleaning the stairs and other parts of your house.
The only negative point of this device is its motion, it only moves back and forth, which makes it hard to use around corners or tight areas.
Pros
Powerful suction.
Multilevel filtration.
Lightweight.
Cons
Lack of maneuverability.
5. Bissell CleanView Deluxe Corded Hand Vacuum
If you want a robust stair cleaner that can also collect pet hair, even the stubborn ones, choose CleanView. It also comes in handy for cleaning upholstery, furniture, and many other small areas and materials.
Lightweight and easy to use, CleanView is one of the most effective stair cleaners, especially if you have pets in your house. You cannot find a more affordable, portable, yet useful vacuum cleaner at this price range.
Comes with a comparatively long power cable that allows you to clean the stairs without changing power outlet. Its multi-stage filtration system catches the smallest of debris, and due to the transparent dustbin, you can also see it filling. The canister is easy to dump, however, there are chances that you may come in contact with the dust while emptying the sand.
Due to multiple attachments like broad mouth brush and crevice tool, it is not only ideal for cleaning the stairs but also comes handy while you have to clean your car. As it has comparatively less weight and a footprint of less than one square foot, you can easily carry it to the garage or store in anywhere in a drawer.
This vacuum cleaner, not a good fit for cleaning large areas, primarily because of the smooth handle that slips and is uncomfortable to hold for a long time.
Pros
Lightweight.
Affordable.
Easy to store.
HEPA filtration.
Cons
Exhausts spread the dust.
Uneasy to grip.
6. Tineco A10 Hero Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
A10 has powerful suction that is pretty effective on all kinds of surfaces and materials. Also, the LED lights on the floor head give you a clear view when its dark.
This is a versatile cleaner that does the regular floor cleaning jobs like an expert and is also useful while cleaning small areas like stairs and over the head surfaces or objects.
This vacuum cleaner handles a wide range of cleaning tasks because of its ability to work as a lightweight upright as well as a handheld. Generally, a transformable upright comes with a high price tag, but affordable A10 gives you the best of both the worlds. Another essential feature of A10 is its four-layered HEPA filtration capable of collecting extremely tiny debris, even cigarette smoke, and pollen. So, you are not only getting nice-looking stairs, but also clean air to breath.
Suction settings are adjustable so you can use it according to the surface and material. Whatever settings you choose, it has the strength to catch all the dust, debris, and allergens. The runtime is dependent upon the suction power though. At maximum settings, you will get up to 25 minutes of battery backup.
This lightweight and portable vacuum cleaner are cordless as well, so you can easily clean the accumulated dust on the stairs without worrying about the power cable. It has a detachable battery, so if you need to you can purchase an additional battery for prolonged backup.
Pros
Versatile.
Lightweight and compact.
Detachable battery pack.
Cons
Less dust capacity.
Low battery backup.
7. EUREKA EasyClean Lightweight Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
EasyClean is not that heavy, its small rollers make it an ideal cleaner for stairs. It’s versatile, but its cleaning performance is not up to the mark on carpets. Looking at its price and available features, this vacuum cleaner is a good deal.
If you intend to purchase a vacuum cleaner that can clean the stairs and other areas or objects, then you should consider EasyClean. With a motorized brush, this vacuum cleaner gives you easy cleaning on any surface. Also, there is a hose wrapped around the central unit which comes handy when you have to reach tight corners or areas. The crevice tool attached with the tube rests in a plastic pocket along the transparent wiser.
With all these features and tools, this vacuum cleaner cleans hard floors, carpets, vehicles, upholstery furniture and always gives quick results. All thanks to its decent suction strength, EasyClean effectively picks up debris and dust and gives you a nice and clean area.
It uses two motors; one for suction and another for the brush to make sure you get clean stairs without investing too much money, time, and effort. Its long power cable gives you enough coverage to clean a huge portion of your house without changing power outlets.
Pros
Portable and versatile.
Dual motor.
Strong suction.
Cons
Filters are not washable or reusable.
8. Shark Pet-Perfect II Cordless Hand Vacuum Cleaner
This vacuum cleaner perfectly cleans pet hair from all surfaces, its crevice tool is also successful in cleaning narrow areas. Smooth mobility is an added advantage you will get with this machine. If any of these features fit your bill, then there is no harm trying it.
An affordable handheld that fits small household cleaning requirements like stairs, furniture, curtains, and other medium-sized objects. It’s lightweight and comes with essential attachments.
Use the Pet Perfect II either on carpeted or hard floors to quickly and effectively pick up dust, debris, and pet hair. With its included docking station and a battery indicating light, you will never face problems while charging this vacuum cleaner.
The filters are washable, and its bagless cabin is easy to empty. It has less dust storing capacity, but that is enough while cleaning stairs and other small areas.
Great features and the budget-friendly price could have taken this vacuum cleaner a few notches high on this list, however, we have received some complaints about the dropping battery backup over time. It’s the reason why we are presenting you the Pet Perfect lower in the ranks. If you like this model, then there is one thing you can do to enhance its battery life; stop charging once it is fully charged.
Pros
Lightweight and compact.
Affordable.
Filters are washable and reusable.
Cons
Not a high-quality vacuum.
Battery life is not up to the mark.
9. Dirt Devil Hand Vacuum Cleaner
If you need a device to clean your stairs and some other small areas, this could be one of the affordable options to choose from. This handheld is not versatile if compared to the other vacuum cleaners on this list, but it is good at what it does, and looking at the price, you cannot ignore it at all.
All you need is a glance at this vacuum cleaner and you will be attracted to its stylish color combination. Most of the buyers do not think about the looks of a vacuum cleaner, but if you do, Dirt Devil hand vacuum needs its name on your shopping list.
This cleaner comes from a well-known and reputable brand. However, due to its low price, it doesn’t have any special attachments or additional functions, but its superb cleaning capacity makes up for everything. This vacuum cleaner appears to be an excellent option for stair cleaning. Whether you have hardwood or carpeted stairs, it can suck up everything from its surface quickly and effectively.
Apart from the stairs, this handheld is suitable for your car, upholstery, and all other objects or small areas. Emptying the canister is also easy, you only need to press a button and it throws out the dust instantly.
Pros
Lightweight.
Strong suction.
High quality build.
Long power cable makes sure that you can clean a big area without relocating the power outlet.
Cons
Limited functions; not versatile.
10. Atrix VACBP1 HEPA Backpack Vacuum
If you want to try something new and professional, then VACBP1 is for you, it makes stair cleaning fun. There is an extendable wand if you have to clean the backside of your fridge or the last corners of the sofa.
Innovative and super portable, VACBP1 gives you clean stairs with its strong suction. Primarily made for commercial use, this vacuum cleaner comes with a variety of attachments that help you clean a wide range of areas and objects.
This vacuum cleaner has a low weight canister and adjustable straps, which makes it versatile enough to be used all around the house. A bagged HEPA filtration system catches even the smallest debris and never allows them to make a comeback into the atmosphere.
Due to its ergonomic design, everyone can use this vacuum cleaner, even those with back pain or lifting limitations. It has a long hose which gives you extensive cleaning coverage.
VACBP1 comes with a holster belt where you can store all the attachments (crevice tool, turbo brush, and floor brush). One of the essential tools is its extendable wand that gives you access to corners and tough to reach areas. Due to its powerful suction, all the tools perform well and give you quick as well as effective results. It has a high dust storing ability, so you do not have to empty the canister repeatedly.
Pros
Versatile.
High dust storage capacity.
Low noise level.
Cons
Expensive.
Not durable enough.
Buying Guide for Vaccum Cleaner
Apart from knowing the best vacuum cleaners for stairs, it is also essential to understand the features you need to consider. In this section, we will help you know some different parts of a vacuum cleaner you should focus on when browsing Amazon.
Type
We have discussed three types of vacuum cleaners on this list. Vacuum cleaners with one central unit with all onboard functions are sold as handhelds, canister based vacuum cleaners have a bin and a hose, and upright cleaners can be transformed into a handheld.
A vacuum cleaner from any of these three categories will be effective on the stairs. However, you should look for flexibility, you should favor cleaners that have functions and attachments that will facilitate cleaning the stairs, irrespective of the type.
Handhelds are suitable only for small areas like stairs. Canister-based, upright, or two-in-ones are ideal for the whole house, including your garage. However, they carry a high price tag, so think about your preferences and then make the purchase.
Power Source
Corded and cordless, these are the two categories we discussed above. Both types have their pros and cons.
A cordless vacuum gives you the freedom to roam around the house without any attached strings. However, you can enjoy the situation only for a limited period of time. If you intend to clean only the staircase, then it should be good enough. To wipe more than that, it will need some more juice.
There is a constraint with cordless vacuums; you have to follow the power outlets. If you do not have any nearby the stairs, then you have to use an extension cord. You have to care about the power cable as well. With all these difficulties, all you are getting is unlimited runtime. We don’t mean anything negative here, but this is all you are getting with a corded cleaner.
Included Accessories
Attachments are the primary tools you need to clean the stairs or house. If you want to clean a wide range of area or objects, look for a vacuum cleaner with maximum attachments or cleaning controls. However, if you need a vacuum cleaner for a particular purpose, then it is a different scenario.
Think about the type of stairs you have and your cleaning preferences and make the right investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I maximize or extend the runtime of a cordless vacuum?
With all battery-powered devices, including a vacuum cleaner, conditioning the power source for a prolonged backup is an essential step to follow. Most manufacturers include this process in manuals. However, it is simple to perform.
Charge the battery to its full capacity before the first use. Recharge the device only and once the battery is drained. Repeating the same process for the initial few times will set the battery to a path of long life and backup.
To extend the backup, you can also purchase a spare battery. Several vacuum cleaners allow you to detach the battery while charging so that you can use the fully charged new cell in the meantime. So, take benefit of this feature if you need prolonged backup.
What kind of maintenance does a vacuum cleaner need?
Bagged and bagless are the two primary categories of vacuum cleaners available in the market. Maintenance depends upon which model you are using.
A bagged vacuum cleaner needs replacement dirtbags for its lifetime, but this is the only maintenance it requires apart from regular filter and attachment cleaning.
Bagless vacuums want their filters to be washed or replaced regularly. Once the dust canister is full, you have to empty it, otherwise, the suction power will degrade. Similar to bagged vacuums, the accessories will also need regular cleaning. Also, roller brushes need to be cleaned properly, especially if there is pet fur involved.
What are the features that can enhance my stair cleaning process?
There are some features like weight and reliable suction power that are essential for a smooth stair cleaning session. If you are selecting a vacuum with a hose, then look for one with a long hose.
Corded vacuum cleaners should have a long power cable that can cover a large area. However, it should not be extra-long to add unwanted weight, especially if it is a handheld.
Conclusion
it is done, we have shared all our research on the best vacuum cleaners for stairs. Take a close look at the reviews and the buying guide to make a decision. We have collected vacuum cleaners from different categories to give you a wide variety of options to choose from, which also at different price levels. So, whether you select the Rocket from Shark or pet hair eraser from Bissell, you will make the right investment. Happy cleaning.
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