10 Best Vacuums for Stairs
Your staircase is probably among the most challenging areas to clean regardless of whether it’s carpeted or not. Although cleaning the stairs can be daunting, a vacuum with enough power and a good set of accessories can make all the difference.
Continue reading if you need some help finding the best vacuum for stairs as we included the most impressive models and a useful buyer’s guide.
If you’re in a hurry, take a look at our list of favorites:
- Best Handheld Vacuum for Stairs: BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion
- Best Shark for Stairs: Shark Rocket Ultra-Light HV292
- Best Option for Pet Owners: Shark Cordless Pet Perfect Lithium-Ion (LV801)
- Top Upright Choice: Tineco A10 Hero Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- Best Carpet Cleaner Machine: Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine
| Product Name | Dimensions | Weight | Run Time/Cord Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion | 4.5 x 16 x 5 in | 4.25 lbs | 17 min |
| Shark Rocket Ultra-Light HV292 | 9.7 x 4.9 x 13.6 in | 3.7 lbs | 15 ft |
| Shark Cordless Pet Perfect Lithium-Ion (LV801) | 6.3 x 4.8 x 15.5 in | 2.48 lbs | 15 ft |
| Tineco A10 Hero Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | 12.5 x 8.3 x 43.3 in | 5.03 lbs | 25 ft |
| Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine | 21.2 x 14.2 x 22.9 in | 18.5 lbs | 20 ft |
| Tineco Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Pure ONE S12 | 30 x 15 x 6 in | 6.61 lbs | 100 min |
| VonHaus 2 in 1 Stick & Handheld Vacuum Cleaner | 12 x 6 x 6 in | 5.6 lbs | 19.5 ft |
| BLACK+DECKER BDH2000PL | 18 x 6.9 x 6.8 in | 3.75 lbs | 12 min |
| Dyson V8 Absolute | 9.9 x 8.9 x 49 in | 5.75 lbs | 40 min |
| EUREKA EasyClean 71B | 7 x 15 x 8 in | 4.85 lbs | 20 ft |
Top Rated Stair Vacuum
BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion
(Best Handheld Vacuum for Stairs)
Pet Hair Eraser is a well-known battery-powered handheld vacuum from Bissell. You should know that Bissell donates money to its pet foundation upon every purchase and activation.
This handheld vacuum is a great option if you have pets that use your stairs regularly. It comes with a motorized brush roll, going deep into the carpet fibers to lift away even the most embedded dirt. You’ll also receive an upholstery tool and a crevice tool for some added precision.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is cordless, featuring a 14V lithium-ion battery. It offers some 17 minutes of battery life, which should be enough for most stairs.
Much like all handheld vacuums, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser hand vac is bagless. It has an easy-to-empty dirt cup with a capacity of approximately 0.7 liters. Also, its triple filtration system ensures that none of the vacuumed dust goes back onto your floors.
Pros
- Ideal for pet hair and kitty litter
- Pet specialized tools included
- Easy to empty
Cons
- It takes 7 hours to recharge
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light HV292
(Best Shark for Stairs)
This Shark Rocket is one of the best vacuum cleaners if you’re looking for something easy to use and store away. It weighs a bit over 3 lbs and has a compact design that makes it easy to store.
It comes with several different accessories such as a 12” crevice tool, dusting brush, and an extended-reach stretch hose. This one also features TruePet motorized brush roll, allowing you to pick up even the most persistent pet hair.
Although it’s a handheld vacuum, the HV292 is a corded hand vacuum cleaner, offering unlimited runtime. However, make sure that the 15 ft. long power cord can reach the top of your stairs.
Also, this bagless handheld vacuum has a dust cup that you won’t have to empty as often. It’s equipped with washable filters that don’t require any replacement.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Stretch hose included
- Unlimited runtime
Cons
- Short power cord
Shark Cordless Pet Perfect Lithium-Ion (LV801)
(Best Option for Pet Owners)
Shark Pet Perfect cordless vacuum is among the most compact cleaners. It’s a lightweight and portable handheld vacuum that’s ideal for large staircases as it’s easy to carry.
It’s equipped with a lithium-ion battery, enabling unlimited reach and effortless maneuverability. The battery lasts enough for you to clean a whole set of steps or the interior of your car.
This hand vac features Twister suction technology, providing the same amount of power until the battery is dead. It’s bagless, featuring an easy-to-empty 0.43 dry quarts dust bin.
Also, the Shark LV801 comes with a detachable motorized pet brush that’s ideal for picking up all sorts of hair. It’s efficient on upholstery, car mats, seats, low-pile carpet surfaces, and other similar surfaces. The package also includes a crevice tool, suitable for stairs, corners, and edges.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.3 x 4.8 x 15.5 in
- Weight: 2.48 lbs
- Dust Bin: 0.43 dry qt
Pros
- Direct Suction option
- Pet motorized brush roll included
- Lightweight (less than 3 lbs)
Cons
- Expensive replacement batteries
Tineco A10 Hero
(Top Upright Choice)
The Tineco A10 Hero is a great option if you’re looking for a 2-in-1 to use on stairs and throughout your house. This is a stick vacuum that converts into a handheld vacuum, making it easier to clean stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach surfaces.
It’s a cordless stick vacuum equipped with a 2000mAh detachable lithium battery that lasts about 25 minutes. Its 350W powerful motor provides powerful suction, picking up embedded dirt, dust, and allergens.
It comes with a Tineco High Torque multi-task brush that’s ideal for carpeted steps. However, it’s equally as efficient on hard floors, delivering scatter-free performance.
Its 4-stage filtration system traps even the smallest particles, pollen, and allergens. Also, this cordless stick comes with several accessories such as the Multi-Task power brush with LED lights, mini motorized tool, charging adapter, a storehouse, a 2-in-1 dusting brush, and crevice tool.
Pros
- Two suction modes
- Mini tools included for precise spot-cleaning
- LED lights
Cons
- Only 6 minutes in MAX mode
If you’d like to compare this model to Tineco A11, here’s the full review.
Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine
(Best Carpet Cleaner Machine)
Hoover Power Scrub cleaner might be your best option if you’re looking for a way to deep-clean your steps. It’s a vacuum and shampooer in one, deep-cleaning the toughest dirt from your carpeted stairs.
It has powerful 360° brushes, going deep into your carpets to clean the embedded dirt. The Dual-V nozzle cleans all surfaces with efficiency and suction power.
Additionally, this product has a heat force that helps your carpets dry. It speeds up the drying process while removing persistent stains and debris.
One thing you should keep in mind is its overall weight. This one weighs nearly 19 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for some people to hold, especially when it comes to cleaning stairs.
The package includes a crevice tool, upholstery tool, stair tool, and an 8′ hose.
Pros
- Shampoo sample bottle included
- Ideal for carpet deep-cleaning
- Faster drying time
Cons
- It’s heavy
Tineco Cordless – Pure ONE S12
This cordless stick might seem similar to the Tineco A10 Hero we reviewed earlier in the article. However, it’s its younger brother that’s also smarter and more innovative.
The Pure ONE S12 is a smart stick vacuum, featuring iLoop sensors, powerful suction, and Clever Noise Optimization. Its noise level is at 71dB, so it’s not going to scare your pets or the rest of your household.
It’s also cordless, featuring dual-charging 2500mAh li-ion batteries and some 100 minutes of battery life. Also, the vacuum connects to Tineco App, allowing the most advanced performance.
Through the app, you can receive reminders and automatic troubleshooting. The LED display on the vacuum shows battery life, working status, and maintenance indicators. On top of that, this cordless stick comes with a crevice tool, dusting brush, flexible hose, and mini motorized tool.
Pros
- Easily converts into a handheld
- Dual-charge batteries included
- Self-cleaning filtration
Cons
- It tends to overheat
Would you like to learn more about Tineco Pure One S12? See the full guide.
VonHaus 2 in 1 Stick & Handheld Vacuum
VonHaus 2-in-1 vacuum is one of those easy-to-use stick vacuum cleaners you can use throughout your house. It’s compact and straightforward, which makes it a great option for stairs as well as other areas.
It’s also bagless with a 1.3L tank that’s easy to empty.
It features HEPA filtration, so it’s suitable for allergy-prone people and pet owners. The filters trap even the tiniest allergens, ensuring that none of that goes back into your breathing space.
It’s important to note that this 2-in-1 stick vacuum is corded, unlike many stick/handheld combination vacuums. It features a 19.5 ft. quick-release cord and an extendable handle for some more reach. The package also includes crevice tools, a small brush for handheld, shoulder strap, and a hose adapter.
Pros
- HEPA filtration
- Comes with a shoulder strap
- Extendable handle
Cons
- Not for carpets
BLACK+DECKER BDH2000PL
This Black Decker vacuum is probably one of the smallest handheld vacuums in the market. It weighs less than 4 pounds, but it’s equipped with plenty of useful features and standout specs.
You’ll maybe have to empty its 15-ounce dust bowl a few times throughout use, depending on how dirty your floors are. However, it’s relatively easy to empty, and the process shouldn’t take more than a minute.
What makes it ideal for stairs is its pivoting nozzle. The nozzle is adjustable and versatile, allowing you to get to all the nooks and crannies of your stairs, car interior upholstery, and other similar surfaces.
It features cyclonic action and a 3-stage filtration system that works together to protect its powerful motor, prolonging its lifespan. The package also includes a crevice tool and a brush for more precise stair cleaning.
Pros
- Easy to use on stairs
- Compact and convenient charging base
- 3-stage filtration
Cons
- Only about 12 minutes of battery life
Dyson V8 Absolute
The Dyson V8 Absolute cordless stick is one of the popular choices when it comes to handhelds for stairs. The Dyson V8 offers up to 40 minutes in Standard mode and with a non-motorized tool.
The vacuum has two suction modes, and one downside is that it only gets about 8 minutes of battery life in Max mode. You get nearly as much if you’re using a motorized tool. Keep in mind that it takes four hours to fully recharge.
However, the Dyson V8 is pretty lightweight and easy to use. It converts into a hand vacuum, allowing you to clean your stairs efficiently.
It’s engineered to lift away even the tiniest dust particles from carpets and hard floors. Plus, it has HEPA filtration, so it’s suitable for allergy-prone people. The filter is washable and is supposed to last as long as the vacuum itself.
Pros
- It converts into a hand vacuum
- 40 minutes of runtime in Standard mode
- Easy to move on carpets and hard floors
Cons
- Only 8 minutes in Max mode
For more info on the Dyson V8, check out our detailed analysis.
EUREKA EasyClean 71B
The Eureka EasyClean 71B is portable and lightweight making it enough for most spot-cleaning tasks. It’s ideal for stairs, regardless of whether it’s carpet or hardfloor.
The hand vacuum weighs less than 5 lbs and has an ergonomically-designed handle for smoother operation. It comes with a motorized brush that you can shut off when cleaning hardwood and other similar surfaces.
Its dust canister is easy to empty, although it’s not as big, and you’ll probably have to empty it after each use. The Eureka EasyClean 71B is corded, featuring 20 ft. of power cable. This should be enough for an average set of stairs.
Interestingly, this compact hand vacuum features two motors for a thorough clean. One motor is for the brush, while the other is for suction so that it’s always at its peak.
Pros
- Extension hose and crevice tool included
- On/Off motorized tool
- Lightweight (5 lbs)
Cons
- Loud operation
Buying Considerations
Stairs can be a bit tricky to clean unless you have the right vacuum.
While there are plenty of great vacuum models on the market, choosing the best one requires a bit of thinking. Stay tuned as we discuss all the important factors before you decide on a particular stair vacuum.
Vacuum Type
As you’ve probably noticed, the market is packed with uprights, stick vacuums, handheld vacuums, and many other types of cleaners. While it’s great to have as many to choose from, it can also be a bit overwhelming.
You should opt for the one that helps you clean the stairs efficiently and quickly. However, it’s crucial to think about each particular type and whether it would fit your needs and preferences.
Upright
An upright vacuum is usually a bit too bulky for stairs. However, nearly every upright vacuum comes with an extension hose and a few other accessories that prove some added reach. This makes upright vacuums a bit more suitable for the job, but it’s usually only enough for smaller sets of stairs.
Related Post: Top Rated Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Stick
A stick vacuum is a good choice for stairs because these modes are usually lightweight and easy to move around. In most cases, a stick vacuum can also be used as a handheld for some added convenience when it comes to stairs.
Plus, most stick vacuum cleaners are cordless, which provides you with unlimited reach, suitable for larger sets of stairs.
Read more: Top Picks of Stick Vacuums without a Cord
Handheld
Handheld is one of the best and most popular types. These are small, compact, and lightweight, providing ease of use and convenience, unlike any other type.
Although they’re less powerful than full-sized vacuums, handheld vacuum cleaners make stairs cleaning fast and effortless. Most models are cordless, but corded vacuums are available as well.
Canister
Canister vacuums might be a good choice to purchase if your stairs have carpet. These types of vacuums are efficient to use on carpeted areas but keep in mind that they’re often bulky and heavy.
Plus, most canister vacuums are corded, which might be a bit inconvenient if you have long stairs.
Central Vacuum
A central vacuum would be ideal for stairs since you’re only using the hose and the attachment of your choice. Central vacuum cleaners are installed in your basement, attic, or storage room, using a system of tubes installed in your walls.
These are convenient to use throughout your home, although the installation can sometimes be expensive. Still, the entire system is ideal for people who don’t have enough storage space to keep a bulky vacuum.
Most of its controls are located on the hose so that you can control it without going to the machine. It’s an ideal option for stairs as you can install a hose near your staircase.
Efficiency
The vacuum of your choice should match the flooring. So, you need a stair carpet cleaner if your stairs are carpeted and a scatter-free vacuum if you have hardwood or tile.
Make sure that it has sufficient suction power and all the right accessories you might need to clean the area efficiently.
Versatility
You want a versatile vacuum cleaner that can deal with all floor types you have in your house. This is especially important if you have a combination of bare surfaces and carpets on your stairs.
The versatility of a vacuum usually depends on its suction power and accessories. However, you should first think about the surface you’re cleaning. If you have combined floors, you should go for a vacuum with a few suction settings.
Also, ensure that the vacuum itself isn’t too heavy to carry up the stairs. Check if it comes with a crevice tool that’s often the most useful for stairs.
Suction
Suction is something that should always be your top priority. It’s what makes the vacuum efficient as it’s what gets the job done.
Make sure the vacuum of your choice has enough suction power to tackle dirt, pet hair, dust, and other debris you might come across.
Cord or Cordless
Many people choose cordless vacuums for their stairs because of the unlimited reach they provide. However, many cordless vacuums last for 10 to 20 minutes on average, so make sure to consider whether this is enough for you.
On the other hand, corded vacuums are ideal for your entire home, including stairs. Still, think about if you have enough available sockets at convenient points.
Bagged or Bagless
For stairs, you can get away with a no bag vacuum regardless of how big its dust cup is. Still, bagged models have more capacity, but aren’t as eco-friendly or cost-efficient as their bagless counterparts.
In most cases, handheld, stick vacuum cleaners, and some upright vacuums are bagless while canister vacuum cleaners are usually bagged.
Filtration
Your stair vacuum might come with a replaceable filter or a washable one. Washable filtration is more eco-friendly, yet equally as efficient as replaceable filters.
Consider opting for a HEPA filter if you’re prone to allergies. Some vacuums have sealed filtration, or 3- and 4-stage filtration systems.
Warranty
As always, the warranty is something you should think about beforehand. Most models we reviewed come with at least a year-long warranty, although many manufacturers offer longer deals as well.
Nonetheless, make sure to check what exactly the warranty covers.
Accessories
Crevice tools, motorized brushes, dusting tools, and extension hoses are probably the most important when it comes to stair cleaning. You might also want to consider an on/off brush roll as well, depending on the type of surface.
Note that not all vacuums come with the same set of accessories, so make sure to think about which ones you’d need the most.
Run Time
Most cordless vacuums run for ten to twenty minutes on average. However, some models can go for as long as forty minutes, depending on the suction mode and tools you’re using.
While you should consider the overall runtime, you should also check how long does it take for the battery to recharge.
Stairs
You should always think about the size and design of your staircase before making a purchase decision. Keep in mind that dragging a vacuum up and down the stairs can be quite tricky, so make sure that it’s lightweight enough. Its design and size should be easy to work with on a small and inconvenient space like the stairs.
Think about if you’d be better with a corded or cordless vacuum. Do you have a power socket near the stairs? If not, you might want to consider a battery-powered vac.
Also, think about how wide each step is so that you can find a cleaning head and accessories that fit.
Pets
Cleaning after your pets can be challenging regardless of how big your stairs are. Your staircase has plenty of nooks and crannies for pet hair and dander to accumulate.
For this reason, you want a vacuum cleaner with plenty of suction power to extract those particles. Apart from suction power, you should also look for a vacuum that has pet tools to help you get the hair out of the carpeted area.
In most cases, a motorized brush works the best for carpeted stairs as it can lift away even the most embedded hair and dander.
How to Maintain Your Staircase
Most people struggle with maintaining their stars due to as many corners, nooks, and crannies. Vacuums are often bulky and heavy, which tends to make the process even more challenging.
Take a look below to discover the best and easiest way of maintaining your staircase using the right vacuum to get the job done.
How to keep a busy staircase clean?
As you’ve probably noticed, the market is packed with uprights, stick vacuums, handheld vacuums, and many other types of cleaners. While it’s great to have as many to choose from, it can also be a bit overwhelming.
You should opt for the one that helps you clean the stairs efficiently and quickly. However, it’s crucial to think about each particular type and whether it would fit your needs and preferences.
How to maintain wooden stairs?
Much like with other stairs, wooden staircases need regular maintenance. Wooden stairs are often the most striking area of your home. Without regular cleaning, the area will look less than beautiful and will also become trickier to clean further down the road.
Wood requires extra attention, so make sure to dust all the crannies and tight corners. Loose debris can scratch and damage the surface, especially if it’s a busy flight of stairs.
If you spill something, you should clean it up immediately. Liquids can easily damage the wood once your stairs absorb it all.
Use gentle tools, materials, and chemicals to prevent any scratches and damage. Microfiber is often the best choice for mops.
Ensure your vacuum has tools that are safe to use on wood. Check if the chemicals you’re using are safe as well.
Soap and water often work well enough, but make sure to dry the surface with a towel so that it’s not slippery.
Use a vacuum that’s suitable to use on wood. It should have an extended reach so that you can get to the top of the stairs easily.
Remember to try different tools and chemicals on an inconspicuous area so that any possible damage isn’t noticeable.
How to maintain painted stairs?
Painted stairs are particularly sensitive as the paint can easily show scratches and marks if not maintained properly.
Dust the area at least twice a week, and use a vacuum at least once. Use a gentle mop to dust the surface to prevent scratches. It can be dry, damp, or treated with a dusting spray.
Start at the top, cleaning each step as you go down.
Mix a bucket of warm water with a bit of vegetable-oil soap for cleaning wood surfaces. Use a gentle sponge or a microfiber mop to clean the corners, nooks, and crannies.
You might also want a micro-scrubbing pad to clean scuff marks if you notice any. You should have a can of the same paint at hand to cover any marks that can’t be cleaned.
Remember to remove any spills and liquids from the surface as quickly as you can to prevent damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
How to clean carpeted stairs?
A: You need an appropriate brush roll tool if you have carpeted stairs. Motorized tools are ideal for carpeted areas, especially if you have pet hair to clean.
Your vacuum should have strong suction and the right brush attachment that would pick up the embedded dirt. A steam cleaner or shampooer is also a good choice if your staircase tends to get quite dirty.
Another thing that could help is a stiff broom. It’s an ideal solution for quick cleanups, although a vacuum is recommended for more thorough cleaning.
Q:
What is the best vacuum for stairs and pet hair?
A: There are plenty of things you should think about if you have pets, and strong suction is probably the most important. Also, opt for a cleaner that comes with pet tools and motorized brushes that can help you get the job done in less time.
It should have a reliable and efficient filtration system as well, ensuring that all the removed hairs stay inside the machine.
Q:
Do robot vacuums work on stairs?
A: Sadly, robot vacuums don’t work on stairs for several reasons. While they can clean close to your staircase, they can’t clean the actual steps. One of the biggest issues is their rounded shape that can’t get to all the edges and corners of stairs.
Q:
Which attachment is the best for stairs?
A: Most vacuums come with a few useful accessories to use for cleaning stairs. In many cases, the best tools are the smallest ones that can get to all the tight crevices.
You should first ensure that your vacuum of choice has an efficient cleaning head/brush. It should be big enough to fit the steps without a struggle.
Another useful attachment is the crevice tool. It’s probably the best tool for cleaning stairs because it can get to all the corners, extracting whatever dust and debris hiding there.
Other attachments like a pet corner tool and a dusting brush are also useful.
Q:
Which Shark vacuum is the best for stairs?
A: Shark Rocket Ultra-Light HV292 is among the best vacuums for stairs from the brand. It’s a small but powerful handheld vacuum packed with useful tools.
This one weighs less than four pounds and has a comfortable handle. It features a 15 feet long power cord and a stretch hose for some added reach.
It’s a bagless vacuum with an easy-to-empty dust cup. Plus, it allows hygienic emptying since it empties with just a touch of a button.
This one comes with a crevice tool, True Pet motorized brush, and a dusting brush. It has washable filters and is suitable for all surfaces.
Q:
Which vacuum is the best for stairs and car?
A: If you want a vacuum to use for cleaning stairs and car interiors, you should consider the Shark Cordless Pet Perfect Lithium-Ion (LV801).
It’s a cordless handheld vacuum, featuring Twister Suction Technology and motorized tools. It comes with a detachable motorized pet brush suitable for extracting embedded pet hair and dander.
This lightweight Shark weighs less than 3 lbs, featuring a cleaning path that’s 4.5-inch wide. It’s a bagless vacuum with a 0.43-dry-quarts dust cup.
The package also includes a crevice tool, dust cup filter, and a charging adapter. It’s perfect for your stairs, car, RV, and other similar areas where you need a portable vacuum cleaner.
Conclusion
Using your full-size vacuum in a tight area such as your staircase is probably a nightmare. For this reason, you should look for a cleaner that’s more convenient and easier to use when it comes to steps.
As we explained, keeping your staircase clean is critical since you don’t want the carry any dirt between floors. Still, the task isn’t always as simple if you don’t have the right cleaner.
If you haven’t made up your mind yet, take a second glance at our list, but this time considering the important factors we discussed in our buyer’s guide. It’s the most effective way of choosing the best vacuum for stairs that would suit your needs and preferences.
Sources and Resources
- Microbial Contents of Vacuum Cleaner Bag Dust and Emitted Bioaerosols and Their Implications for Human Exposure Indoors
– https://aem.asm.org/content/79/20/6331
- A comparison of the effect of conventional and filter vacuum cleaners on airborne house dust mite allergen.
– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7597267
