Table of Contents
Best Vacuum for Stairs
Cleaning the stairs is literally a cumbersome process, especially when you don’t have the right tool. Vacuum cleaners can make the cleaning process fast, easy and reduce the hassle, but that doesn’t mean you can use any of its models for this task. Each model has a specific design to cope with different cleaning needs, and that’s why one that you use one the floor isn’t going to be effective on the stairs. So, instead of giving your pointless effort with the regular vacuum cleaner, you should find the best vacuum for stairs.
You may have got a bulky vacuum cleaner and planning to use it on the stairs. Well, I agree that they are powerful and won’t leave any dirt behind, but how you’re gonna move them on the staircases. Powerful vacuum cleaners have a bulky design, and you won’t be able to move them on the staircases. Even though you forcefully try to move them, you may end up with some joint pains or even some unwanted accidents.
The case can become worse if you have a full staircase with 12-13 steps. That’s why I can’t recommend them for using the stairs. Okay, let’s take out from this quicksand. I’ve crafted this article to help you find your desired product from the market. Not only that, but you’ll also get a proper guide to differentiate between the brands and acquire the best vacuum for stairs. So, without any delay, let’s dive in!
Product Image
Product Name
Details
Reviews of the Best Vacuum for Stairs in Detail
Let’s make this clear for you. If you’ve got carpeted stairs or wall-to-wall rugs, using an upright vacuum or a canister vacuum will be ideal for cleaning tasks. You can add an electric brush roll with that to get the best result.
On the other hand, if your stairs are made of hardwood laminate or tiles, cordless vacuums will provide you with more remarkable results. For smaller cleaning tasks on the staircases, I’ll also recommend the handheld vacuums. Based on all these, I have selected some greatest vacuum cleaners for stairs and put them on a list below.
BLACK+DECKER vacuum cleaners have always been at the top without its share of downsides. That’s why I’m going to start with their 16V dustbuster handheld vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaners from the dustbuster series are designed to deliver highly efficient and first-class performance. That’s what has made this product an extremely popular and highly rated handheld vacuum cleaner.
This vacuum cleaner is powered by a Lithium-ion battery to give you long-lasting battery life. It can clean the entire space with a single charge without any hassle. As a result, you’ll be able to enjoy the advantages of cordless design to the fullest.
Even though it’s smaller in size, you’ll get a massive amount of suction power through this Black and Decker handheld vacuum. In fact, it creates cyclonic action to take out all dirt and grime from the carpets and rugs.
It’s a rotating slim nozzle that can take out dirt from every corner of your stairs and make them adequately clean within a short time. This nozzle also makes it suitable for several other applications. Moreover, it has a removable, washable bowl of 20.6 ounces and high-quality filters for thorough cleaning.
You’ll get all these essential features with two years Black and Decker Warranty. So, there’s nothing to worry about, make the purchase with the utmost confidence.
Pros
- Comes at an affordable price
- Powered by 16V lithium-ion battery
- Long-lasting battery life
- Smart charge technology
- Cyclonic action on rugs and carpets
- Rotating slim nozzle
- 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- A bit loud
- Not suitable for cleaning large spaces
Shark vacuums are well-known for the ease of use and performance. They have been producing some excellent quality vacuum cleaners and which have satisfied thousands of users. But there’s something special about the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E that has made it stand out from others.
The navigator NV356E is a 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner that will allow you dual modes of usage. You can use it in upright mode on the stairs, or you can detach the canister and use it on the hard to reach places. Its lift-away technology will allow you to detach canister with just a single press of a button.
The device is lighter in weight, but the detachment of the canister will reduce the weight more. It’s equipped with a powerful motor that takes a large amount of dirt and makes space clean within a short time.
When you’ve allergenic issues, you need to pay proper attention to the filtration system of the vacuum cleaner. That’s what Shark has done. The NV356E has Anti-allergen Complete Seal Technology that combines with HEPA filters. As a result, every single piece of dust, grime, pollens will remain trapped inside until you open it for cleaning. Its HEPA filter can lock around 99.97 percent of dust particles, making the air clean for you.
Only a few vacuum cleaners have got the multi-surface cleaning capability, Shark navigator NV356E is one of them. It’s featured with a high-quality brush designed to offer deep cleaning on the carpets and rugs. Whenever you’re gonna use the vacuum on the hardwood floor, you simply switch the brush off with its brush roll shutoff feature. Thus, you’ll be able to clean the space gently without scratching the surface.
So, if you’re looking for the best upright vacuums in the market, you can consider Shark navigator NV356E as one of them.
Pros
- Powerful suction
- Compact design
- Lift-away technology
- Offers multi-surface cleaning
- Washable HEPA filters
- Anti-allergen
- Suitable for picking pet hairs
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
Cons
- No headlights
- Relatively heavy
Bissell is another famous name in the vacuum cleaner’s market. Bissel vacuums also have several popular models that have created a craze in the present market. But this particular model is perfect for using one stair.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum offers extraordinary power in its tiny design. The product is specially designed for taking care of the pet messes and does an excellent job of taking the pet hairs from all types of surfaces.
Carrying this device is more accessible due to its lightweight and compact design. So, you can take the vacuum to the messy places and ensure thorough cleaning on them.
This vacuum cleaner has a tube-like shape from the front that can reach the tight places and corners of your stairs, upholstery, and much more. The product contains some additional cleaning tools for meeting the requirements of your cleaning process.
It uses the cyclonic cleaning system for deep cleaning the carpets and rugs. Moreover, it has a specialized rubber nozzle that attracts the hairs and pulls out the dirt from your carpets and stairs. Thus, you’ll get extended usability through this device. It includes two additional nozzles too.
Though it’s a corded handheld vacuum cleaner, its 16 feet long power cord won’t let you feel that. You’ll get enough accessibility to take it anywhere around your house. By the way, the multi-layer filtration system of this device ensures nothing leaves behind when you swipe over the surfaces. Literally, it’s the best handheld vacuum for stairs and pet hair you can find in the present market.
Pros
- Handheld compact design
- Powerful suction
- 16 feet long power cord
- Specially designed for cleaning pet hairs
- Suitable for stairs, upholstery, and hard surfaces
- Comes with specialized rubber nozzles
- Includes essential Bissell's cleaning components
Cons
- Fans blow debris around
- No brush attachments
Dyson Stick Vacuums has a rich history for an impressive performance from the beginning of its arrival. Dyson has now become one of the trustworthy brands for millions of users around the globe. Maybe you’re also a fan of Dyson vacuum cleaners and looking for the best cordless vacuum from this brand. If that’s the case, then nothing will be as ideal as the Dyson V11.
It’s the most advanced cordless vacuum cleaner of the Dyson family, having loaded with all essential features. Powerful cleaner head, long-lasting battery, larger bin, you’ll get everything in its elegant design.
Its battery offers up to 60 minutes of run time, but its actual run time is determined on its different power modes. So, you can select your preferred setting based on the cleaning process. V11 is featured with a powerful motor that offers two times more suction power compared to any other cordless vacuums. Its high torque cleaner head adapts the suction power on its own and offers deep cleaning on different types of floors.
Dyson V11 comes with lots of accessories to give you the maximum amount of versatility. You can also monitor all essential information and select the modes through the LCD screen.
This device has an advanced whole machine filtration system that can trap up to 99.99% of dust, allergens, and every other smaller particle of small as .3 microns. Isn’t that amazing? V11 is scientifically proven to capture the bacteria and purify the air. So, you’ll be able to ensure a healthy home with this device.
Pros
- Unbeatable suction power
- Scientifically proven to captures allergens and bacteria
- Up to 60 minutes of run time
- High-torque cleaner head
- Automatically adapts suction power
- Advanced whole-machine filtration
- LCD screen
Cons
- Long recharging time
- Expensive
The perfect combination of power and efficiency has made Dyson vacuum cleaners this much popular that I couldn’t ignore another product from this brand. That’s nothing else than the Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean Upright Vacuum Cleaner.
This vacuum cleaner offers the strongest vacuum suction power compared to any other vacuums out there. That’s what makes it perfect for multi-surface cleaning. It does a great job on hardwood floors and carpets.
Ball Animal 2 is specifically designed for pet owners. It comes with all those features and tools that can take out dirt, hair, allergens, and give you a complete cleaning solution from the pet messes. The device has a self-adjusting cleaner head that seals the suction and offers deep cleaning on the surface.
Moreover, it has a tangle-free attachment, and a counter-rotating brush extracts the pet hairs from carpets and couches so that you can clean the area effortlessly. Besides, its flexible hose and additional cleaning equipment can reach deep under the furniture and take out the dirt from every corner of your house.
Its radial root cyclone technology also ensures a thorough cleaning on the carpeted stairs. In fact, it’s the best Dyson vacuum for carpeted stairs because of having all the necessary things.
Like the previous model, this one is also featured with a HEPA filtration system. As a result, you’ll be able to stay protected from 99.9% allergens and acquire a healthy home after cleaning. It also includes a washable filter for which you won’t have to spend additional money for future replacements.
Pros
- Strongest suction
- Captures 99.9% of allergens and bacteria
- Comes six essential tools
- Radial root cyclone and Ball technology
- Self-adjusting cleaner head
- Tangle-free attachment and counter-rotating brush
- Flexible hose
- Includes a washable filter and a HEPA filter
- Designed especially for pet messes
Cons
- Heavy
- Pricey
In quest of searching the best vacuum for stairs, I found that the Shark APEX DuoClean Upright Vacuum has some unique features that distinguish it from other vacuums. This particular vacuum from Shark offers three different cleaning options and can tackle almost any messes of your home. Whether you’re going to use it on the carpets or hardwood floors, you’ll always get the best result with this vacuum cleaner.
As always, this product also has the capability to vacuum and clean your floors at the same time. But unlike the previous models, this one will steam clean your hardwood floors to sanitizing them properly. As a result, you’ll be able to ensure a germ-free tidy floor all the time, especially in 2020.
Well, that’s the reason for which it has gained a large family of satisfied customers, and after reading this Shark Apex DuoClean review, you’ll indeed become one of them.
Apex DuoClean is featured with Zero-M technology, which removes the hairs from the brush roll automatically. As a result, you’ll get a tangle free cleaning and non-stop brush hair removal at the time of cleaning.
The DuoClean technology offers a dual brush roll system to clean the carpets deeply throughout the usage. It can also be used directly on the hardwood floors without being worried about any type of damages. Its 11-inch wide cleaning path will reduce your cleaning time and help you to accomplish the task with a breeze. By the way, its canister detaches to extend the reach and allow you to take out the dirt from every corner of your house.
Apex DuoClean is also an excellent item for the allergy sufferers. It has anti-allergen complete seal technology that combines with HEPA filters. As a result, you’ll get full protection from the dust and allergens. So, if you’re searching for the best shark vacuum for stairs, then you can keep this in your consideration.
Pros
- Can take up to 1.5 quarts of dust
- DuoClean technology
- Deep cleans the carpets and directly engages on the floors
- Detachable canister
- Zero M self-cleaning brushroll
- HEPA filters
- Advanced anti-allergen complete seal technology
Cons
- Bulky
You’ll definitely prefer the highest amount of flexibility when you’re vacuuming the stairs, right? Black and Decker won’t lag behind to provide you with that. That’s why they’ve designed the 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum.
Black+Decker are always passionate about the performance, and they didn’t compromise the performance this time too. Even though this vacuum comes in a handheld and cordless design, it has a high-performance motor that creates incomparable suction power. With the benefit of its flex hose, you can use this suction power at any place and take out the dust from there.
It creates enough suction power to suck a large amount of dust from your carpet, hard floors, or any places around your house. You’ll get unlimited fade-free power throughout the usage. Its 24V battery offers 16 minutes of continuous runtime, which will be enough for cleaning your stairs. Don’t worry; it doesn’t take much time to get fully recharged. So, you can make it ready for the second cycle within a short time.
This cordless vacuum cleaner comes with all essential tools along with a pet hairbrush. With that, you’ll be able to remove the stubborn pet hairs easily from the surfaces.
The device has easy to empty, a washable bowl that can take a large amount of dust in it. You won’t have to worry about changing it like ordinary machines. Moreover, it has a 3 stage filtration system that will prevent the dirt and debris from escaping out.
Pros
- Powerful suction
- Flexible hose
- Lightweight
- Cordless design
- Comes with all required accessories
- Washable dust bowl
- 3 stage filtration system
Cons
- Short battery life
Cordless vacuums are love. They can set you free from the limitations of the wire. Maybe you’re also looking for one of the best cordless vacuums for stairs and hardwood floors but can’t find a perfect one due to their limited battery life. If that’s the case, then you can undoubtedly choose the Shark ION F80.
This cordless stick vacuum features a 2x Ion power pack system, which can include 2 removable lithium-ion batteries. These 2 batteries can deliver up to 80 minutes of run time. This dual battery support is literally unseen in the vacuum market. By the way, both of these batteries are rechargeable so, you can recharge them for the next 80 minutes within a short time.
F80 has a powerful motor that can supply unbeatable suction power to clean dirt, debris, and pet hairs with a blink of the eyes. Besides, it has Duoclean Technology to take care of the fine dust and large debris. As a result, you’ll get the required amount of support for cleaning stairs, carpets, and hardwood floors.
In addition to that, it has Multiflex technology to provide you with thorough cleaning under the furniture and beds. So, cleaning will be easier without any hassle. All these features have made it the best cordless stick vacuum for stairs.
Pros
- Up to 80 minutes of runtime
- 2x Ion power pack system
- Includes two removable and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
- Multiflex technology
- Cordless stick design
- Duoclean technology
- Suitable for carpets, hardwood floors, and stairs
Cons
- A bit difficult to move on the carpets
- Don't have HEPA filtration
This compact little handheld vacuum from Dirt Devil comes with a perfect combination of efficiency and strength. In fact, it’s the best portable vacuum cleaners out there that can be found at an affordable price. Honestly, that’s the reason for selecting this cordless unit for this list.
This handheld vacuum cleaner is powered by a 16-volt lithium-ion battery, which can deliver the required amount of run time. You can easily clean up your entire staircase with a single charge. Its battery charges up 2x faster than the ordinary ones. This means you won’t have to wait for a long time to make it fully recharge. That’s the best part of this vacuum cleaner for which it has gained a sturdy place amongst the best portable vacuum cleaners out there.
This portable vacuum cleaner has a powered turbo tool attachment. With the advantage of this tool, you’ll be able to clean the stairs and upholstery quickly. It also includes a QuickFlip tool, which can clean the crevices of the stairs properly and provide you with a complete cleaning solution.
Its easy-to-empty dirt cup will allow you to clean the device in a convenient way. Overall, you won’t feel any complications while using the device.
Pros
- Powered by a 16-volt lithium battery
- 2x faster charging time
- Power indicator
- Includes QuickFlip crevice tool and a Powered turbo tool
- Easy-to-empty dirt cup
- Portable and cordless design
Cons
- Short battery life
- Not suitable for large cleaning tasks
Looks like we have come to an end of our list. But as always, “Last but not the least.” I have got something special this time. How about something smart that can detect the hidden dirt and debris. Yes, you have heard that right, it’s now possible with a vacuum cleaner. When you have the modern vacuum cleaners like Tineco Pure ONE S12, you can clean your space in an innovative way. That’s why I’m going to end this review with the Tineco Pure ONE S12 Smart Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner.
This particular vacuum cleaner features iLoop(TM) smart sensor technology, which has enabled it with the capability of detecting dirt and debris. With this, it can adjust the suction power automatically and ensure proper cleaning every time.
This feature also saves the battery life and extends the runtime to the fullest. Based on its settings and modes, this vacuum cleaner can provide you with up to 100 minutes of runtime. That’s really outstanding.
S12 has an ultra-high performance 500W motor that can deliver around 6x more powerful suction power. This is literally huge, and with this massive amount of power, you can clean almost anything regardless of carpet or hard floor.
S12 can be easily converted from a stick vacuum to a cordless one. This means you’ll get enough versatility to clean every corner of your house, including stairs and crevices. Moreover, it includes an LED Multi-tasker power brush, Two Pre-filters, Mini Power Brush, a 2-in-1 dusting brush, a soft dusting brush, and much more. What else you’re gonna need from a vacuum cleaner?
Pros
- iLoop™ Smart Sensor Technology
- Automatically adjusts the suction power
- 6x more powerful suction
- Lightweight and cordless design
- Can be easily converted to a handheld vacuum
- Includes all necessary accessories
- Up to 100 minutes
Cons
- Small bin
- Sometimes leaves the dirt behind
Different types of vacuum cleaners?
There are several types of vacuum cleaners like upright, stick, canister, and handheld. So, when you’re out there looking for the best vacuum for stairs, you’ll get several options to choose from. Okay, let’s have a look at them and see how they actually work.
Upright Vacuums
Upright vacuum cleaners can give you the maximum amount of comfiness. It’s because they are designed with a specific amount of height, which won’t require you to bend during the cleaning process. Due to that, vacuuming the stairs will also become easier. It’ll also allow you to vacuum for long hours without any complications. But the problem is, they’re relatively bulky, and carrying them on the stairs can be a challenging task.
If it falls off the stairs, it can also be responsible for some uncertain accidents. So, weight should be your first consideration when you’re buying this sort of vacuum. However, the weight can vary based on the brands, so I’ll recommend you to choose the lightweight versions of the upright vacuums.
Stick Vacuums
The height of these vacuums is quite similar to the upright vacuums. But compared to them, stick vacuums are lighter in weight. In fact, many modern versions of stick vacuums are battery powered to get you rid of the wires. Even if you bring the corded versions, they’ll have enough length so that you can get enough accessibility. The good thing is, they offer amazing suction power, which can provide you with deep cleaning throughout the usage.
If you’re buying a stick vacuum, make sure to choose a sturdy one so that it may not break down after a short time.
Canisters
Cannister vacuums can undoubtedly give you the most effective cleaning on various surfaces. They’re renowned for their powerful motor and strong airflow. It makes them perfect for the high traffic on the staircases. But like the upright vacuums, they’re also heavy in size. So, when you’re going to use them on the stairs, you have to carry a large amount of weight. They’re also corded and will always require an electric outlet to work.
If you’re looking for the best vacuums for stairs in the canister models, then you should look for those that include a long and flexible hose with them.
Handheld Vacuums
As I have mentioned above, handheld vacuums are perfect for use on stairs. They don’t have hose or cords. As a result, you’ll get the required amount of mobility and use them directly on the stairs. They’re the lightest vacuum cleaners, and that’s why you’ll be able to carry them easily.
But handheld vacuums may not be as powerful as the other models. Don’t worry; if you pay attention to the above list, you’ll find some outstanding models of handheld vacuums that can give you efficient airflow with its powerful batteries. Besides, they include some essential accessories which can increase their efficiency to the fullest. So, if you’re willing to buy the best handheld vacuum for stairs, it’ll be better if you get one from the above list.
Buying Guide of the Best Vacuum for Stairs
So, what has made the above products best? What is the difference? Well, that’s a good question. Look, the above products were selected based on their key features, and that’s what has made them unique. Okay, let’s make this clear. In this section, I will highlight some key features that need to be considered while choosing a stair vacuum.
Effectiveness
The device that you’re going to buy should have the capability to clean your chosen surface effectively. As I have said, there are numerous vacuum cleaners in the market. Each of them is explicitly built for accomplishing a job correctly. This means you can’t use any vacuum for your carpeted floor or on the hard floors.
A carpeted floor needs special care. Dirt, hairs, and grimes are always found to be stuck on its fiber. Using an ordinary vacuum cleaner won’t be able to take out the dirt from the fibers. In this case, you’re gonna need a powerful vacuum that can offer deep clean on the carpets. Vacuum cleaners with brush rolls are also effective for this purpose.
On the other hand, if you have a hardwood floor, using the brush vacuums can ruin up the surface. Hardwood floors require special care and gentle treatment. So, you can’t use the powerful vacuums on them. In this case, you can use the steam vacuums or mop to make your hard floors clean properly. Some robotic vacuum can also give you the support of a vacuum mop combo.
A robot vacuum can also reach the hard to reach places and automate your cleaning process, but honestly, they’re not suitable for cleaning the stairs. Depending on your requirements, only the canisters, handheld, upright, and stick vacuums are best for stairs. Most of them are available with lots of accessories and flexible hose with which you can ensure proper cleaning of the tight places. So, if you want the best vacuum for the stairs, you should choose one from them.
Usability
Vacuum cleaners are literally a costly item. So, you can’t bring a device that will clean your stairs only. That’s obviously not a good way to acquire the correct value of your investment. That’s the reason I have selected the vacuums that are capable of giving you multi-purpose usability. If you look close to the above list, you’ll notice that all of them are suitable for multi-purpose use. You can not only use on your carpeted floors but also on the hard floors. Not only for removing the small number of dust but also for large traffic of dirt and debris. So, if you buy one from there, you’ll surely get the right value for your investment.
Filtration
Well, this is a crucial factor when you’re concerned about the allergens. An ordinary vacuum cleaner won’t promise that the dust won’t leak out. So, if the dust somehow leaks from the vacuum, it can trigger your allergens and make you suffer a lot. That’s why you have to pay proper attention to the filters of a vacuum. In the above section, you’ll notice that most of the vacuum cleaners contain a high-quality filter. These filter not only offers leak-free performance but also seals the allergens and bacteria inside. Some of them contain HEPA filters, which are specially designed to prevent the allergens. So, if you buy one of them, you won’t have to worry about the allergens and its sufferings. In fact, you can also ensure a healthy house with them.
FAQ
What is the best vacuum for stairs?
It’s literally hard to tell any particular model best. But based on the reviews of the users and specifications, I would like to highlight BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Handheld Vacuum as the best vacuum for stairs.
Do vacuums scratch hardwood floors?
Yes, they can if they’re not built for the hardwood floors. Look, the hardwood floor requires gentle cleaning. But if you use any random vacuums, their rough vacuuming method and sharp brushes can put scratches on your beautiful floor. So, I’ll suggest you use something that is specially designed for the hardwood floors and can clean it gently.
By the way, if you are looking for a perfect device for your hardwood floor, you can check out our article to get the best hardwood floor vacuum and mop from the variety.
Can the robot vacuum clean stairs?
No, they’re not designed to do that. In fact, a robot vac detects the stairs and changes its path to prevent the fall.
Why are floors still dirty after mopping?
Only mopping won’t make your floors clean properly. Your floor will obviously have some dust particles. They’re unseen with bare eyes, but when they get mixed with water, it creates a mud-like texture on the floor’s surface. That’s why you’ve to first vacuum the floor and then mop the floor properly.
Wrapping Up
Stairs are often overlooked because of their complicated cleaning process. But that doesn’t mean you should leave them dirty for infinity years. Get the best vacuum for stairs and enjoy the real fun of cleaning. If you can acquire a perfect one, trust me, cleaning your house will become something you love most. Hopefully, the above guide is going to help you to get your desired product. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me through the comment section below.
