Have you tried cleaning stairs with your full-size vac? It’s often pretty impossible to remove all debris hiding in the corners because regular vacuums are too big for the job.
The best solution is a handheld vacuum due to the lighter design and smaller accessories. We reviewed a few and included a guide to help you pick one that fits your needs and preferences.
Product Name | Weight | Cord Length | Features |
---|---|---|---|
Eureka EasyClean Lightweight Handheld Vacuum Cleaner | 4.85 lbs | 20 ft | Multi-floor cleaning |
Eureka EasyClean Corded Hand-Held Vacuum | 6 lbs | 20 ft | Perfect for Cars |
Dirt Devil Handheld Vacuum for Stairs | 2.8 lbs | 20 ft | Motor-driven high-speed brushroll |
Bissell Cleanview Deluxe for Stairs | 4.65 lbs | 18 ft | Wide mouth tool |
Black+Decker CHV1410L16V for Stairs | 2.6 lbs | N/A | Smart Charge Technology |
Top 5 Handheld Vacuum for Stairs
Eureka EasyClean Lightweight Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Weighing less than 5 pounds, this Eureka lightweight handheld vacuum cleaner is ideal for stairways, garages, above-floor areas, or cars. Its ergonomic design makes it easier to handle than most handheld vacuums.
It features a motorized brush roll that also has an on/off switch for deep-cleaning. The filter is integrated with the dust canister that’s easy to empty.
Note that this handheld vacuum cleaner has a 20-foot long cord that allows you to vacuum hard-to-reach places making it a perfect car vacuum.
The EasyClean has two motors which are something you’ll rarely see in other best handheld vacuums. The first powerful motor is for the suction power while the other is for the dusting brush, delivering great performance to get the job done quickly.

Specifications
- Weight: 4.85 lbs
- Multi-surface cleaning
- 20-foot cord
- Perfect for Cars
Pros
- Lightweight handheld vacuum
- Motorized brush roll you can turn off
- Powerful motor
Cons
- Loud exhaust fan
Eureka EasyClean Corded Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Eureka is known for its quality and performance which is why we had to include this handheld vacuum cleaner on our list. It’s one of the most popular vacuum cleaners of this kind.
Its strong suction power and stretch hose allow you to reach your stairs, upholstery, and different areas above the floor. It’s also a good car vacuum.
The long crevice tool does a fantastic job of getting all the debris and dust out of those small crevices. Plus, the Riser Visor makes it easy to get everything out of carpeted stairs with the help of powerful suction.
This vacuum cleaner also features a 20-foot power cord for extensive cleaning of all remote areas. It wraps around this powerful vacuum cleaner for smooth and tangle-free storage.

Specifications
- 20 foot long cord
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Strong suction
- Riser Visor for carpeted stairs
Pros
- Long crevice tool included
- Ideal for carpets
- Two motors
Cons
- A little loud
Dirt Devil Handheld Vacuum for Stairs
This corded handheld vacuum cleaner is one of the most impressive handheld vacuums. The high-speed motorized brush roll can tackle any mess you find on your staircase. More so, it’s quite useful for countertops, car and garage cleaning, etc.
The dirt cup empties at the bottom with just a press of a button. Overall, this lightweight handheld vacuum cleaner weighs only 2.8 pounds. You can carry it around for a while and with ease since it’s compact and light.
Its power cord is at 20-foot length with auto rewind. There’s integrated storage for the cable, making it easier to store this corded handheld vacuum cleaner away.
The eco-friendly and reusable filter is easy to use and clean in a few steps. If you have pets that shed a lot, empty the filter and then just rinse it under water.

Specifications
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
- Reusable Quick-rinse Filter
- Cord Length: 20 ft
- Battery Type: Corded Handheld
Pros
- Super lightweight
- The bin is easy to empty
- Integrated storage for the cord
- Efficient dusting brush
Cons
- The belt comes off easily
- Not for hardwood floors
Bissell Cleanview Deluxe Handheld Vacuum for Stairs
This powerful little handheld vacuum cleaner is handy for all kinds of small messes and tight areas. It cleans all types of surfaces using powerful suction, so you can use it in other small places of your home.
This Bissell hand vac is lightweight, and you won’t have any problems carrying it up and down the staircase. Plus, the 18-foot cord allows you to clean without interruption.
The 4 amp motor provides powerful suction, making this hand vac a good choice if you’re looking for a powerful vacuum for pet hair.
This handheld vacuum cleaner comes with a rubber contour and hose-adapter nozzles, a 2-foot hose, a long crevice tool, and a wide-mouth tool. Its powerful suction combined with attachments help you clean all the crevices of stairs regardless of the surface.
The CleanView vacuum cleaner has Multi-Level filtration that traps most allergens. There’s also the dust cup that’s simple to empty and clean out.

Specifications
- 18-foot power cord
- Easy-empty dust cup
- Weight: 4.65 lbs
- Wide Mouth Tool
Pros
- Easy to use
- Crevice tool included
- Ideal for allergy-prone people
Cons
- Only suitable for the tightest areas
Black+Decker DustBuster Handheld Vacuum for Stairs CHV1410L16V
If you’re looking for a battery-powered cordless vacuum, this Black+Decker might be the handheld vacuum cleaner for your needs. It has all a handheld vacuum for stairs that should have from maneuverability to sufficient suction power.
This is a cordless vacuum with a lithium-ion battery that offers impressive performance as it holds a charge for up to 18 months. It’s always ready for use which is why you’ll love cleaning stairs and other tight spaces with it. The hand vac uses SmartCharge technology, using 50% less energy.
Cyclonic action maintains the filter clean and suction constant. Its dirt bowl is see-through, so you can always see when it’s time to empty it. The bowl, as well as filters, are removable and easy to clean.
The slim nozzle rotates to allow a wide range of applications using its suction power. With that, Black+Decker DustBuster handheld vacuum cleaner makes it easy to clean stairs, above-floor areas, furniture, etc.

Specifications
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- 4 Hour Battery Fast Charge
- Washable Dirt Bowl
- Cordless Vacuum
- Suction Power: 15.2 AW
- Dustbowl Capacity: 20.6 oz.
Pros
- Lithium-ion battery holds very well
- Eco-friendly
- Washable filter
Cons
- Non-replaceable lithium-ion battery
How to Choose the Right Handheld Vacuum for Stairs
You might think about your stairs in particular and what would be best for them. Is your stairway carpeted? Are there only a few steps or the staircase is long? Weight also plays a huge factor since only lightweight vacuum cleaners are easy to carry around.
You’ll also have to choose between a corded and cordless hand vacuum cleaner. The power cord can sometimes tangle and be in your way. However, a cordless vacuum has a battery, and with that, a limited run time. Most models have a lithium-ion battery.
Think about the overall suction power of your corded and cordless hand vacuum, especially if you often deal with dirt and pet hair, and other persistent debris. Best handheld vacuum cleaners should pick up everything on its way.
Check the type of filtration your best vacuum comes with as this can help you remove pet hair, allergens, mold, dust, and other similar stuff from your staircase. HEPA filtration is by far the most popular for various vacuum cleaners, but other options exist as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
Can it Pick Up Pet Hair?
A: Some hand vacuums can pick up pet hair, but this depends on its suction power as well as the filters. The best handheld vacuum cleaner with significant suction power capability will pick up pet hair from your stairs with ease. Make sure it also features a filter that can keep the hairs inside your best vacuum.
Q:
Do They Work on Carpeted Stairs?
A: Most hand vacuums work well on carpeted surfaces. However, make sure to check that for the particular vacuum cleaner you chose. Having an efficient carpet cleaner makes quite a difference on stairs.
Conclusion
A vacuum for stairs is a great addition to your full-sized machine. You can deal with all kinds of small messes that happen now and then.
Each of these best handheld vacuums is impressive in its own way. Read the reviews carefully and think about all the important factors before you opt for one in particular. We’re sure one of these handheld vacuums is the best hand vacuum cleaner for you.
Sources
- Handheld Vacuum Market Emerging Trends and Growth Opportunities 2019 to 2025 – journalbitcoin.com
- Find Small Items With Your Vacuum and a Pair of Tights – lifehacker.com