Vacuuming the stairs isn’t an easy job. Do you find it a struggle to get into all the nooks and crannies? On top of the tight spots, carrying a heavy machine doesn’t make the job any easier.
If you’ve ever tried to use an upright vacuum on the stairs, you know how much of a hassle it can be. Reaching the entire floor surface is hard enough without dealing with the dust on the railings.
But don’t give up just yet. We’re on a mission to make cleaning your stairs a breeze by helping you find the absolute best vacuum for stairs.
- Excellent for pet families
- Easy-to-clean dust bin
- Washable filter
- Excellent attachments
- Large dust bin
- Triple filtration system
- Lift-away function
- LED lights for dark colors
- Swivel steering
- Three attachments for deep cleaning
- Powerful battery
- Ergonomic design
- Smart charge technology
- Washable dust bin
- Strong suction
- Specialized harness
- Multiple attachments
- Effective filter & dust bin
- Signature swivel steering
- Picks up large debris
- Easy to assemble
Which Vacuum Is Best for Stairs?
Figuring out the best type is a personal choice. You might be loving your new handheld cordless device while your neighbor swears by her corded canister.
The type of flooring you have also plays a huge role. Many households have carpeted stairs, which require a much deeper clean than uncovered floors. Then we have hardwood, which is incredibly sensitive to scratches. Hardwood certainly can’t take the same beaters and brushes as carpets.
How your staircase is built is another consideration. Curved stairs can be even more complicated since they have several tight areas. On the other hand, large steps require a bigger vacuum head so that you can do more in one go.
Features of the Best Stair Vacuums
You can use all vacuums on stairs. However, some will make the job more difficult than it needs to be. We’ve made a list of a few characteristics that make a vacuum suitable for this type of cleaning.
Size
Vacuuming stairs often means you have to carry your vac up or down the steps. This can take a toll on your back.
Therefore, a lightweight model is best. But what you might think of as lightweight could be considered heavy by another.
So, we suggest choosing a vacuum that weighs under 10 pounds. This is a comfortable weight for most people. A compact vac is easier to carry around, and it will also fit better on the steps.
Mobility and Ease-Of-Use
Even if your new vacuum is light, it can still be awkward if you have to contort your body to reach the corners. Look for a vacuum with a comfortable and rubberized grip.
Shoulder straps are another smart feature. A telescopic wand can make it a breeze to reach multiple steps from one position.
It’s also useful to consider how to empty and clean the vacuum. This is probably one of the most dreaded chores. Bagless vacuums have a dust bin that must be emptied every so often, depending on the size. On some models, this can be a messy job.
It’s easy to find vacuums that allow you to remove the dust bin, which is helpful if it’s closed. An open tray can spread dirt and debris back into the air.
Some newer model vacuums have a point-and-shoot feature. It ejects the contents deep into the garbage can, so you won’t have to deal with a dust cloud.
Bagged vacuums obviously use bags, and you need to change them regularly. But these are cleaner since you remove them and throw them away. It’s also more suitable for families dealing with allergies (1). Unfortunately, this can become expensive in the long run since you have to buy new bags.
Most vacuums come with a filter which requires cleaning as well. Plus, some are disposable, which can be a problem since it’s not always to find a replacement.
Ideally, you should look for one with a washable filter. These are simple to remove and only require a quick wash or even just a tap to clean.
Useful Features to Save Time
In addition to a telescopic wand and shoulder straps, other useful features can save you time. A bendable hose can help you to reach further into the tight corners. Also, a swivel feature makes it easier to move around furniture.
If your vacuum is bagless, look for a large cup capacity. The more your bin can hold, the longer you can vacuum without stopping.
Cord length is also an important consideration. A shorter one will mean you’d have to stop more often to switch outlets. This can be a great inconvenience since there aren’t many around staircases.
Included Attachments
To effectively clean the stairs, you’ll need the right equipment. Vacuums usually come with various attachments suited for different tasks.
For instance, it can be challenging to get a broad brush into the deep corners. Therefore, a crevice attachment is a valuable tool. These are generally pointed at the end, making them a perfect fit.
If you have carpet, you’ll need a brush to get a deep clean. A regular one can do the job, but we highly recommend a motorized brush if you have a thick rug. This can get deep into the fibers and remove fine dust and debris.
You can also find vacuums with specialized attachments. Bissell’s smart rubber nozzle works great at conquering pet hair. Other products might have a broad head which is helpful for the stairs and floors.
Suction Power
Suction is a crucial factor — you naturally want to go with the highest power. Many manufacturers give their vacuums a rating, usually in amps or volts. However, you shouldn’t base your decision solely on that number.
Many things can affect the power output, such as the material used to build the vacuum. So, it’s essential to read reviews and learn how other consumers feel about the model.
Some devices will lose suction power over time. This might be due to the dust bin or bag being full. However, other vacuums may simply become significantly less efficient as they get older.
The Best Vacuums for Stairs Reviews of 2022
We’re here to bring you our top seven choices for spotless stairs.
1. Shark Rocket HV292 Ultra-Light Hand Vacuum
Vacuum for Stairs with Best Attachments
This is an excellent choice if you need a vacuum to tackle your carpeted stairs. The Shark Rocket comes with various attachments to accommodate the task ahead.
It’s lightweight and has a comfortable handle for an easy grip. The cord is only 15 feet long, enough for smaller staircases.
The dust bin is also large, meaning you won’t have to empty it halfway through the job. It’s easy to maintain the Shark vacuum since you can clean the container and the filter is reusable.
The Pros
Includes a Number of Attachments
Despite its small size, this Shark Rocket can do a lot. The 12-inch crevice tool is excellent for getting rid of dust and debris hiding in deep corners.
The dusting brush is gentle on hard surfaces. There’s also an extended-reach stretch hose for difficult places. A major plus is you can connect any tool to the hose, making it extremely versatile.
Excellent for Pet Families
If you’re a family with pets, you know the struggle of getting rid of fine hair from sofas and carpets. The Shark Rocket is a dream come true for pet parents. It comes with a TruePet motorized brush — the perfect tool to tackle stubborn fur.
A common concern with brushes is that hair can get stuck. However, you can easily use scissors to cut it free when this happens.
Easy-To-Clean Dust Bin
The dust bin holds 0.4 liters. While not the biggest, it’s excellent for such a compact vacuum. The maximum-fill line is conveniently marked, so you don’t have to guess when it needs to be emptied.
Simply dump the contents and then rinse it with warm water. Then, let it dry before placing it back into the vacuum.
Washable Filter
The Shark Rocket comes with several filters. It has two pre-motor filters on top of the vacuum. You can wash the foam and felt screens using tap water – just remember to allow them to air-dry completely.
Shark recommends that you wash the pre-filters once a month. You can also tap them clean in between washes if needed.
The post-motor filter is at the back of the vacuum. This only needs to be washed once a year.
The Cons
Cord Doesn’t Retract
Unfortunately, the cord doesn’t retract on its own — this means you’ll have to wind it up manually. Several customers find this inconvenient when they want to finish up quickly.
The cord is also relatively short, measuring only 15 feet. If you have a long staircase, it might not reach without an extension cord.
Additional Specs
| Item weight | 3.7 pounds |
| Manufacturer | SharkNinja |
| Batteries | N/A |
| Cord length | 15 feet |
2. Bissell Cordless Vacuum Pet Hair Eraser
Best for Pets
Families with pets often have to deal with shedding hair. This can cover the couch and make the carpets look slightly fluffy. Getting rid of this furry problem requires the right equipment.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser was specially designed for the task. It’s a small handheld device that runs on batteries. There’s no cord to limit you, and you can use it on the stairs as well as in the car.
The Pet Hair Eraser comes with a large dust bin to hold all the fur. It also comes with several useful attachments.
The Pros
Excellent Attachments
The Pet Eraser comes with an upholstery tool — perfect for soft surfaces such as the couch or mattress. The long crevice tool is great at getting deep into the corners of the stairs.
You also get a motorized brush specifically designed to get rid of fine pet hair. It moves smoothly over carpeted floors and stairs. Plus, the size lets you cover a more extensive area in one go.
Another excellent addition is the crevice tool. Stairs have many tight places that need cleaning, which helps get the job done.
Cordless With 30 Minute Run Time
You can take the Pet Hair Eraser anywhere you need. It runs on batteries and therefore isn’t limited by a cord.
The 14V lithium-ion battery is ideal for cordless vacs because it’s lightweight and has a long life. It gives this vacuum cleaner up to 17 minutes of runtime.
Many users note that they actually get more than 17 minutes. Some report a full 30 minutes of low suction cleaning.
Large Dust Bin
The dust bin can hold around 0.7 liters. It’s easy to remove and empty – just lift the lid and dump the contents in the garbage. You can wash it whenever needed.
Triple Filtration System Capture Dust
Families with pets often have to deal with allergies or irritation from shedding hair. So, it’s crucial to remove it from your carpets, especially if you have a crawling baby.
The Pet Hair Eraser comes with a triple-level filtration that eliminates the smallest dust particles. This is excellent at eliminating minor allergens before they cause trouble.
The Cons
Long Charge and Short Life
Because this is a cordless vacuum, you rely on the battery’s runtime. It will often give you about 17 minutes to get the cleaning done. Unfortunately, this isn’t enough for bigger homes with more to cover.
Several customers have said that the charging time was too long compared to the runtime. However, they still thought the vacuum was worth it since it performed very well.
Additional Specs
| Item weight | 4.54 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Bissell Homecare Inc. |
| Batteries | 4 lithium-ion batteries are included |
| Cord length | N/A |
3. Shark Rotator NV501 with Lift-Away Hand Vacuum
Best Vacuum for Stairs and Floors
If you’re not into the idea of having multiple vacuums, you could benefit from a two-in-one. The Shark Rotator is an upright bagless vacuum with the option of converting it to a handheld.
You can use it anywhere in the house to clean floors, sofas, and stairs. It has an active filter that seals allergens inside.
The Shark Rotator was designed to make cleaning easier with added features such as LED lights. It’s a heavy device, but it’s strong and durable.
You also get a few attachments to make vacuuming the stairs easier. One is specialized in digging deep into carpets.
The Pros
Lift-Away Function
With the click of a button, you can remove the canister and use the vacuum as a handheld. This makes it simple to take up and down the stairs as you won’t have to drag a heavy machine.
Simply attach the long crevice tool or the power brush to remove fine dust hiding between the balusters. The cord is a whopping 25 feet long. This will give you even more freedom as you clean your way up or down the stairs.
Great for Families with Pets
Dealing with loose hair everywhere can be annoying. This is especially important if you have family members sensitive to allergens.
The Shark Rotator comes with a Pet Power Brush designed to dig deep into carpets and get out even the finest hair. As a welcome bonus, it works well on flat surfaces as well.
It picks up pet hair even better than some more expensive vacuums.
Anti-Allergen Filter
Families dealing with allergies know the massive difference a good vacuum can make. Fine dust and pet hair are often triggers, but you don’t have to live with them.
The Shark Rotator comes with a HEPA filter that captures 99.9 percent of dust and debris. It traps everything inside the XL dust bin. It’s then easy to empty, which is always a plus.
Swivel Steering
Vacuums can often feel stiff, and you can quickly find yourself with sore wrists. But the swivel steering on this one makes it a breeze to move around furniture and tight corners. You won’t have to lift tables and chairs to get a good clean.
The Cons
Dust Bin Creates Dust
The filter and dust bin are excellent at capturing debris and pet hair. However, some users have had problems when emptying it. It reportedly spreads dust back into the air if you’re not careful. So, take extra care when dumping the contents to prevent this.
Additional Specs
| Item weight | 15.5 pounds |
| Manufacturer | SharkNinja |
| Batteries | N/A |
| Cord length | 25 feet |
4. ZesGood 7000PA Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Best Vacuum for Wet and Dry Messes in Stairs
Living with young children, you get used to seeing spilled milk or juice — it’s all part of parenting. However, you sometimes can’t help but cringe when you think of how difficult these can be to clean.
This small ergonomic handheld vacuum from ZesGood might be just the solution. It can clean up dry and wet messes. This saves you from having to mop them up with a bunch of paper towels.
Literally, no more crying over spilled milk!
There’s a small but powerful 7000 pascal that gives excellent suction power. However, this vacuum isn’t ideal for big vacuuming jobs, it’s perfect for the stairs and smaller areas.
The Pros
Three Attachments for Deep Cleaning
The vacuum comes with three attachments to suit the surface you’re cleaning. One of our favorites is the long brush that effectively cleans surfaces like carpets and mattresses.
The second attachment is the soft brush that helps clean sofas and cars. Finally, the third is a crevice tool. This long tube provides a strong suction that attracts every particle it encounters.
Smart Battery With 25 Minute Runtime
After two to three hours of charging time, you get about 25 minutes of full cleaning power. This is an impressive result considering that it’s a small handheld vacuum cleaner.
The vacuum has a lithium-ion battery with a 2200mAh capacity. A great thing about this battery is that it has short circuit protection. That means it guards the vacuum’s battery with power surges. Batteries from other vacuums do not have this feature and are prone to damage and shorten their lifespan.
Quiet Volume at 75 Decibels
Vacuuming isn’t a job to do when everyone’s asleep, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for a loud device. This vacuum has a low operation mode, with a sound level of 75 decibels. It’s ideal for families with young kids who take naps or those with pets who are sensitive to noise.
Ergonomic Design
A common problem with handheld vacuums is the working angle. Many are awkward to hold, resulting in a sore wrist. This vacuum is lightweight at 1.5 pounds and won’t cause any trouble while cleaning the stairs.
The Cons
Small Dust Cup
The dust cup needs to be emptied regularly – you should do this instantly. However, it’s sometimes tedious and annoying, especially when cleaning a large area.
Additional Specs
| Item weight | 1.5 pounds |
| Manufacturer | ZesGood |
| Batteries | Lithium-ion |
| Cord length | N/A |
5. Black+Decker CHV1410L Dustbuster Cordless Vacuum
Best Lightweight Vacuum for Stairs
Quicker cleanup sessions don’t require a heavy, bulky machine to get the job done. This Black and Decker model is extremely lightweight but very powerful.
It has a smart design and a convenient handle that allows for a solid, comfortable grip. We also love that it’s cordless and runs on a lithium-ion battery.
The vacuum comes with a translucent dust bag that is easy to empty and clean. If you have pets, you probably know that crunchy feeling when you step on food or cat litter. The Dustbuster is perfect for this job, and the strong suction will remove any leftovers in a snap.
The Pros
Smart Charge Technology
The lithium-ion battery has a long life. It will also hold its charge for up to 18 months when not in use. This makes the vacuum ready to use at any moment.
The charger is designed with a Smart Charge Technology that uses 50 percent less energy. The vacuum comes with a convenient charging station.
Never leave the vacuum on the charger for an extended time. Overcharging the battery can kill the battery or reduce its runtime.
Washable Dust Bin
The Dustbuster comes with a transparent dirt bowl that can hold up to 20.6 ounces of dirt. Push a button to disconnect it quickly, and you can wash it whenever needed.
The dust bin is also not difficult to remove for cleaning, which is always a plus. Some vacuums seem to make this overly complicated – but not this one. You can also take out the filters to wash them with tap water.
Extra Tools Built In
With most vacuums, when you need to change between tools, you first have to stop and attach them to the unit. But, with this model, they are all built-in. This means you can quickly and easily switch between the regular nozzle, crevice tool, and a small brush.
The crevice tool is extendable and snaps into place when pulled out. The small brush is quickly flipped up or down to use as you need it.
Strong Suction for a Small Device
You get a lot of power when operating this vacuum. It may not equal larger canister vacuums, but it’s pretty impressive for such a light device.
It’s more than enough for cleaning your stairs and taking care of minor messes around the house.
The Cons
Awkward Charging Base
The charging base looks like a small plate. But when you place the vacuum on top of it, there’s nothing to click into place. Some customers find this a bit awkward and are concerned about how easily it might tip over.
There is, however, a blue light that goes on to indicate the vacuum is charging.
Additional Specs
| Item weight | 2.6 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Black+Decker |
| Batteries | Lithium-ion |
| Cord length | N/A |
6. Hoover C2401 Lightweight Backpack Vacuum
Best Professional Vacuum for Stairs
Having a large house with many areas to vacuum can quickly feel like mission impossible — especially with more than one staircase. But Hoover might just have the answer to your prayers.
This backpack vacuum is a robust device that – as the name explains – you can place on your back.
It comes with a comfortable harness so you can carry it for long periods without getting sore. It’s intended for professional use, but who says we aren’t pros at home?
This Hoover comes with several attachments and has an incredibly long cord. It’s also reasonably light compared to how powerful it is.
The Pros
Specialized Harness for Easy Carrying
Backpacks are convenient to carry. However, they can sometimes do more harm than good if the weight isn’t distributed correctly. Chiropractors designed the harness on this machine to reduce strain on your back and shoulders.
It gives you more freedom since you don’t have to drag a bulky canister around. The vacuum also has a 48-foot power cord — an incredibly impressive length.
Multiple Attachments for Every Cleaning Task
You get a variety of attachments to suit the job. The crevice tool is six inches long, making it excellent to reach the deep corners of the stairs. There’s also a 2-inch dusting brush for hard-to-reach places between the balusters.
To effectively clean the steps or floor, you get an 11-inch turbo floor tool. It quickly sucks up dust and debris. The 4-inch upholstery tool cleans dirt and hair from sofas and mattresses without damage.
Quiet Operation, Handy for Kids and Pets
To vacuum without disturbing the whole neighborhood shouldn’t be too much to ask for. Thankfully, this model has a very quiet operation. This makes it a good fit for families with small children or pets.
Effective HEPA Filter
The Hoover comes with a hypercone filter that consists of a HEPA media. It gives the vacuum a consistent airflow without clogging up, even after continuous use.
The HEPA filter removes up to 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns. It’s an effective way to get rid of common allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet hair. So, this is a great vacuum cleaner for your home if your family suffers from allergies.
The Cons
Not For Quick Jobs
This is not the vacuum to turn to for those in-between, quick jobs. For instance, if you notice crumbs on the floor, you can’t just whip it out. It takes a while to get it on and get started.
However, when you need to clean bigger areas at once, this is without a doubt an excellent choice. Therefore, it might be helpful to keep a small handheld vac on hand for those smaller messes.
Additional Specs
| Item weight | 9.2 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Hoover |
| Batteries | N/A |
| Cord length | 48 feet |
7. Eureka NES210 3-in-1 Swivel Lightweight Vacuum
Best Budget Pick Vacuum for Stairs
Having a single vacuum that you can use for the whole house can save you money. You can customize this model from Eureka to fit your needs. You can use it as a stick vacuum for larger rooms, then convert it into a handheld to clean the stairs.
The Eureka has a few innovative features that improve its efficiency. These include swivel steering and a wide nozzle.
It also comes with an 18-inch power cord. This isn’t the longest we’ve seen, but it’s enough to give you some freedom of movement.
The Pros
Signature Swivel Steering
The swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver around furniture without stopping to move chairs and tables. It moves smoothly and easily with minimum effort on your part.
The Eureka is a lightweight machine, coming in at just under four pounds. It’s easy to carry around, making it especially handy for use on stairs.
Picks up Large Debris
Many vacuums struggle to pick up larger pieces of debris and often end up just pushing them around. The Eureka has a unique wide nozzle with plenty of room to suck everything up. Pet owners find this very useful as it can pick up food debris without getting stuck.
Multiple Uses for Deep Cleaning
You can use the stick vacuum to clean larger floor areas of the house. It has a comfortable height to fit most people.
Then, when you need to move on to the stairs, you can remove the stick and use it as a handheld. It’s compact and light to carry.
Simply attach the wide nozzle for extra suction on the broad steps. Or you can connect the crevice tool to get into the corners of the stairs. It’s also great for cleaning the furniture.
Easy to Assemble
The vacuum is easy to assemble straight out of the box. All you have to do is attach the stick to the canister, and it’s ready to be used. This ease of assembly is certainly a plus when other vacuums can be pretty tricky.
The Cons
Not Good For Carpets
While the vacuum works exceptionally well on hard floors, it’s not quite as effective on carpets. For lower pile rugs, this shouldn’t be a problem. But if you have a house full of deep carpets, this might not be the ideal choice.
Additional Specs
| Item weight | 3.97 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Midea |
| Batteries | N/A |
| Cord length | 18 feet |
| Dimensions | 6 x 10 x 44 inches |
| Product | Award | Weight | Manufacturer | Batteries | Cord length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Rocket | Attachments | 3.7 lbs | SharkNinja | N/A | 15 ft |
| Bissell Eraser | Pets | 4.54 lbs | Bissell Homecare Inc. | Lithium-ion | N/A |
| Shark Rotator | Floors & Stairs | 15.5 lbs | SharkNinja | N/A | 25 ft |
| ZesGood Handheld | Wet & Dry Messes | 1.5 lbs | ZesGood | Lithium-ion | N/A |
| Black+Decker | Lightweight | 2.6 lbs | Black+Decker | Lithium-ion | N/A |
| Hoover Backpack | Professional Vacuum | 9.2 lbs | Hoover | N/A | 48 ft |
| Eureka Swivel | Budget Pick | 3.97 lbs | Midea | N/A | 18 ft |
Tips to Make Vacuuming Stairs Easier
Vacuuming stairs isn’t an easy task, but there are ways to make the job a little less tedious.
Clear the Stairs
Before getting started, it’s important to clear everything out of the way. Having to pick up toys and fallen laundry while trying to vacuum can be frustrating. You might suck up a piece of Lego, or a misplaced sock could get stuck in the vacuum.
Start in the Corner
It doesn’t matter if you take on the stairs from the top or the bottom. In either case, we recommend beginning where the dust accumulates the most — in the corners and around the balusters. Doing these areas usually requires an attachment, such as the crevice tool.
Work Smart
One Step at a Time
Cleaning the stairs isn’t an easy task, but having the right equipment can make a big difference. Ideally, you want something that’s both lightweight and relatively small. Having to drag a heavy canister up and down can take its toll.
As the best vacuum for stairs, our pick is the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Hand Vacuum. It’s a light handheld vacuum with various attachments to suit almost any cleaning need.
Overall, all of our choices can keep your stairs dirt-free, one step at a time.
