9 Best Vacuums For Stairs (2024) – With A Buying Guide
Pratyasha has a master's degree in English from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is an avid lover of art and literature. She has over two years of experience in writing articles across beauty and lifestyle, and she curates and reviews products and appliances that make the readers’ household chores easy and keep their homes running smoothly.
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Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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In This Article
A vacuum (or a vacuum cleaner) is a device used for cleaning debris, dust, and dirt from various surfaces. This electric device uses suction power to collect dust and other particles. Most vacuum cleaners, be it a corded model or the newer cordless ones, work well on flat surfaces. However, for cleaning stairs, you need something more specific. You have to evaluate various factors, such as suction power, weight, portability, and usability. To make your job easier, we have listed the top 9 vacuum cleaners available online. We also have included a buying guide that can help you choose a vacuum with the best features. [table “1899” not found /]
9 Top-Rated Vacuums For Stairs
1. Best Lithium-Ion Battery:Black+Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
Black+Decker is known for delivering some of the best handheld vacuums for stairs. This cordless handheld vacuum is no exception. It has a 15.2 AM suction power and a dustbowl capacity of 20.6 ounces. Its lithium-ion battery offers lasting use as the vacuum holds its charge for up to 18 months. This lightweight vacuum features smart charge technology that uses 50% less energy than conventional vacuum cleaners. This feature makes the vacuum highly energy-efficient.
Features
- Translucent dirtbag for easy disposal
- Multi-purpose and slim rotating nozzle
- 4-hour quick charging base
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable design
- Easy maneuverability
- Cyclonic action keeps the filter clean.
- Uninterrupted suction power
- 18-month battery life
- Uses 50% less energy
- Reasonable price
Cons
- The battery is not replaceable.
2. Best Lightweight:Bissell Featherweight Vacuum
The Bissell Featherweight Vacuum is designed for effectively cleaning the stairs and car interiors. The 3-in-1 machine works as a stick vacuum, a stair vacuum, and a handheld vacuum for performing different cleaning chores. It also comes with a crevice tool for cleaning furniture items and a heavy-duty floor nozzle for cleaning the stairs. The vacuum weighs just 2.6 pounds – making it lightweight and effortless to use.
Features
- 15 feet long power cord for hassle-free cleaning
- Weighs 2.6 pounds
- 5-inch wide cleaning path
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Powerful suction
- Budget-friendly
- Portable
- Cordless
- Comes with helpful attachments
Cons
- Suction may weaken on rugs and carpets.
"This vacuum clear has stood the test of time, and I am so glad I invested in it. The suction keeps my house dust-free, even in challenging places like the stairs. I have also used it on carpet and tile, and it did a fine job. It is very satisfying to see it clean. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a durable vacuum cleaner."
3. Best Anti-Allergen:Shark Rotator Corded Vacuum
The Shark Rotator Corded Vacuum provides effective and hassle-free cleaning of stairs, rugs, carpets, upholstery, and car interiors etc. You can use this upholstery-cleaning tool in the upright position to clean the hard floor. Lifting it a little will allow you to clean the stairs and other hard-to-reach areas. This comes with an anti-allergen complete seal technology that captures 99.9% of the dust and allergens.
Features
- LED lights on the nozzle
- High-capacity dust cup
- Dynamic swivel steering for proper maneuvering
- Weighs less than 4 pounds
Pros
- Continuous suction
- Lightweight pod
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- Anti-allergen technology
Cons
- The cord is not long enough.
"It's only been a few weeks of using this vacuum cleaner and I have to admit, I am impressed. The suction is amazing, it is very easy to maintain and cleaning feels less of a chore with it. The HEPA filter is a huge bonus. I like the attachments, it makes cleaning with it a lot easier!"
4. Best High-Speed Rotating Airflow:Moosoo Cordless Vacuum
The Moosoo 4-in-1 Cordless Vacuum offers 120-watt power suction to collect dust, debris, and crumbs efficiently. The vacuum is ideal for cleaning hardwood surfaces like stairs, carpets, sofas, beds, etc. It features a high-speed rotating airflow. This also has a high-density HEPA filter to remove microscopic dust particles from the air for effective cleaning. The vacuum’s wireless design eliminates the hassle of cleaning with short cords. Its wall mount dock is another one of its special features, making storage more convenient.
Features
- Cordless model
- 2 adjustable battery modes for better life
- Weighs 3.3 lbs
- 2200 mAh battery that fully charges in 5 hours
- Flexible head angle for cleaning corners
- Features LED lights
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cordless
- Quiet operation
- Budget-friendly
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- Rotating brush is prone to wear.
5. Best Telescoping Technology:Kenmore BC3005 Vacuum Cleaner
The Kenmore BC3005 Vacuum can manage your weekly floor cleaning chores with ease. It has a powerful 2-motor system that offers efficient brush rotation and strong suction for thorough cleaning and a triple HEPA filtration system that traps dirt inside the vacuum. It is designed with automatic cord rewind, three versatile functional attachments, an extendable lightweight wand, and four height adjustment levels that provide optimal airflow and effective cleaning for any surface.
Features
- 2-Motor System
- HEPA Filtration System
- 3 Versatile Functional attachments
- 4 height adjustment levels
Pros
- Lightweight
- Automatic cord rewind
- Strong suction
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- The wand may get too bulky with the attachments
"I have used a couple of vacuum cleaners before, but this is the one I really liked. The low sound of the vacuum cleaner doesn’t wake my kids up or scare the pets away. The cord length also helps me go from one corner to the other without hunting for plug points. It is comfortable to use and is very durable."
6. Best Ultra-Light:Eureka Blaze 3-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner
The Eureka Blaze 3-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner is designed to offer maximum suction irrespective of the surface you want to clean. This ultra-light vacuum cleaner weighs only 4 pounds. A swivel steering allows you to maneuver the vacuum cleaner easily. It also helps you thoroughly clean the hard-to-reach surfaces and corners. The vacuum’s large and powerful nozzle quickly picks up larger debris. It is also ideal for low pile carpets, large areas, and hard floors.
Features
- A washable filtration system
- Weighs 4 pounds
Pros
- 3-in-1 usage
- Extra crevice tool
- Light and upright design
- Good suction power
- Cleans from all directions
Cons
- Offers only 1 year warranty.
7. Best Portable:Vaclife Handheld Cordless Vacuum
The Vaclife Handheld Cordless Vacuum facilitates easy cleaning of the stairs, car interiors, and other hard and soft surfaces. The vacuum is lightweight and portable. This handheld vacuum cleaner comes with 3 different attachments to meet your various cleaning requirements.
Features
- Stainless steel washable HEPA filter
- LED lights
- Brush tool and crevice nozzle to absorb dust
- Long, soft extension hose
Pros
- Powerful suction
- Fast-charging
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight design
Cons
- The battery may not last long
"I have to say, this vacuum cleaner has been a great purchase. It is ideal for those last-minute quick cleanups. It is lightweight and has a powerful suction. The light feature comes in very handy!"
8. Best Advanced Filtration:Dyson Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
The Dyson Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is engineered for deep cleaning. It effectively captures even small particles like dust and allergens. It offers 2x more suction than conventional vacuum cleaners. The vacuum intelligently optimizes the run time and suction as per different floor styles and surfaces. It provides up to 60 minutes of run time. Hence, with its powerful vacuum head, it works excellently for large homes.
Features
- A high torque cleaning head
- LCD screen shows current performance and reports
- Maintenance alerts
- Powerful 7-cell lithium-ion battery
- Ergonomic docking station
Pros
- Pumps out clean air
- Quiet operation
- Cordless design
- Motor speed changes automatically
- Traps 99.9% of the particles
Cons
- Doesn’t offer uninterrupted suction
"This vacuum cleaner is very effective in pulling out dust away from corners. What I like best is that it is cordless. It is easy to move around while using this. Overall, a very useful vacuum cleaner."
9. Best Day-To-Day Messes:Dirt Devil Scorpion Max Power Hand Vacuum Cleaner
The Dirt Devil Scorpion Max Power Hand Vacuum Cleaner is a lightweight, portable corded vacuum cleaner with handheld convenience and powerful suction capacity. In its efficient cleaning mode, it offers lasting performance, enabling you to clean difficult spots with the quick-flip crevice tool. Also, this handheld model comes with a 2.5 ft. detachable hose, a removable filter and a 0.45L dirt cup for quick maintenance. The 16 feet power cord helps you clean your car interiors, stairs, and other narrow spaces and hard-to-reach areas of your home without worrying about recharging the device in the middle of your cleaning session.
Features
- Weighs 3 lbs
- 0.45 L dirt cup capacity
- Built-in quick flip crevice tool
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Handheld
- Versatile
- Durable
- Portable
Cons
- None
"This vacuum cleaner is really great for quick cleaning. It has a good suction power. It works well even in difficult corners of the room. I use it for cleaning stairs and car interiors too!"
These are the 9 best vacuum cleaners for stairs. These could be available in various types. Understanding them can help you decide which type best suits your needs.
What Are The Different Types Of Vacuum Cleaners?
- Handheld
Handheld vacuums are the most convenient and easy to use. These vacuums are especially suitable for cleaning stairs. They are cordless, lightweight, and sturdy. Their suction is also powerful. Their nozzles can trap dust, debris, and dirt from the tightest corners. If you are looking for a lightweight and highly portable vacuum, a handheld cleaner can be a great option.
- Canister
Canister vacuums have a strong airflow. They are usually heavy and relatively stronger. They have retractable cords that can help clean wider stairs. They also are less noisy and more efficient than other low-power vacuums. If you have a large space and want to clean different surfaces, a canister vacuum could be an ideal pick.
- Upright
Upright vacuum cleaners are easy to use. You can operate them as you stand comfortably. These are high-powered vacuum cleaners with high suction that can function non-stop for hours. However, upright vacuum cleaners are generally heavy, and carrying bulky vacuums could be troublesome while cleaning the stairs.
These vacuum cleaners are not suitable for elders or those with health issues (as they are heavy). But if weight is not a concern, you may go for an upright vacuum. It is ideal for cleaning hard, rough floors.
- Stick
Stick vacuums are lightweight and portable. They are usually cordless and can reach tight corners. Cordless stick vacuum cleaners are sturdy, easy to move, and can clean spills easily.
- Autonomous/Robot
Robotic vacuum cleaners move around the house without any human effort. These vacuum cleaners are highly effective and time savvy but are pricey compared to standard vacuum cleaners. If you are looking for a high-tech, fully automated vacuum cleaner, these could be worth considering.
The following buying guide can help you make a better purchase decision.
What To Consider Before Buying A Vacuum Cleaner For Stairs
Choosing the right vacuum cleaner for stairs can be a challenge. But with the right product, you can keep your stairs and home clean. Here is what you need to look for to make the right buying decision.
- Purpose
The purpose of a vacuum cleaner is to trap the smallest of dirt particles and debris. However, when there are plenty of options available, you will have to identify the specific purpose you need a vacuum cleaner. Do you need one only for the stairs? Should the vacuum also be equipped to clean rough surfaces? Identifying the purpose can help you pick the right product.
- Wet Or Dry
A wet and dry vacuum cleaner is highly versatile and cleans spills along with dust and debris. But if you are looking to cleaning only dry particles, a dry vacuum cleaner would do.
- Price
Price is a significant factor to consider while buying a vacuum cleaner. If you are willing to spend a hefty sum on a vacuum cleaner, you can look for multi-purpose vacuum cleaners with automatic functions and premium features. However, if you are looking for a bargain deal, look for handheld or stick vacuum cleaners that are sturdy and are within your budget.
- Bag Or Bagless
If you choose a bagless design for your vacuum cleaner, you will save on the bag’s cost. But you may end up spending more on the filters and regular cleaning. A vacuum with a bag may be more convenient but can come with a higher price tag.
- Cordless Or Corded
If you select a corded vacuum, you may not be able to move around comfortably while using it. However, if you have a small space, a corded vacuum is a great pick. Cordless vacuum cleaners are ideal for stairs as you can move around freely. A cordless vacuum can also reduce the risk of accidents (you are less likely to trip and fall off).
Conclusion
You can choose the right vacuum cleaner only after considering the features and efficiency of the different products available on the market. As mentioned earlier, compare the price, types, models, and other features to make the right decision. Whether you have carpeted stairs or other hard floors to clean, the right vacuum cleaner can serve you well if it is properly maintained.
Expert’s Answers for Readers Questions
Can I put a dryer sheet in my bagless vacuum?
Dryer sheets can freshen the air and make your entire house smell great. You can add a dryer sheet in your vacuum or use it while emptying the vacuum. The air from the machine will release the scent as it also cleans the surfaces.
How long do stair vacuums last?
With proper care and maintenance, a stair vacuum cleaner (or any vacuum) can last up to four to six years. A high-quality vacuum cleaner can last even up to eight years.
What kind of maintenance does a vacuum need?
For maintaining a vacuum cleaner, you will have to replace the bag regularly. Whenever the bag is 2/3rd full, replace it and remove the dirt and debris. Also, make sure that you attach the bag properly and clean the brushes and filters. Keep it away from wet surfaces – the same goes for a bagless vacuum cleaner.
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