Vacuuming the stairs will make them look good and extend the lifespan of runners and carpeting. However, the need to move down and up with the tight spacing can make it difficult to clean the stairs. The best vacuum for stairs can make it easier for you to clean plenty of debris and dust caught up on the stairs.
While doing your search for a vacuum cleaner, you might find that some vacuums are better than others when it comes to cleaning your stairs effectively. Since the stairs are high traffic areas, they may easily get dirty, especially for pet owners. For this reason, it is important to invest in a good vacuum cleaner that will work well on your stairs.
However, with the range of options available in the market, it can be challenging to find one that works best for you. To help you find a model that will not only help you clean but also reduce your chances of falling and backaches, we have a review of the five best vacuums for stairs. Keep reading also to know the features to consider when buying the best vacuum for stairs.
5 Best Vacuums for Stairs
1. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright Vacuum
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: lift away the detachable pod and easily...
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL: Works with a HEPA filter to trap...
- BRUSHROLL SHUTOFF: Instantly switch from more maneuverability on...
- PERFECT FOR PET OWNERS: Picks up pet hair and loose debris....
- SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum in and out of tight...
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Vacuum, the best vacuum for stairs, boasts a super-strong suction that is great for cleaning carpeted surfaces. At 1200 wats, it comes with a spinning brush which one can easily turn off if you're looking for gentler cleaning on hardwood floors. It features an advanced swivel steering that makes manoeuvrability easy when the vacuum is used as an upright.
It comes with a 7.5-pound canister that can be detached and carried by one hand as you move up and down the stairs. This vacuum device also has a crevice tool attachment that helps to reach tight corners. It features an integrated HEPA filter that will trap allergens and dust in the vacuum to ensure cleaner indoor air quality.
With a weight of about 12.5 pounds, it comes with an extra-large dust cup that will ensure plenty of cleaning time before the need to empty arises. You get a strong and durable vacuum with a great filtration system and a big dirt bin to ensure you reach every possible spot for a reasonable price.
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2. BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium-Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum
- Buy Bissell, save pets; Bissell will donate 5 dollars for each...
- Remove more embedded dirt and pet hair with a motorized brush...
- 14V lithium ion battery for lithium powered cleaning; Dirt cup...
- Large, easy to empty dirt bin to help get rid of pet hair easily....
- Set of specialized pet tools includes: Motorized brush tool,...
If you live with pets, you understand the struggle to keep up with fur all over the house. Fortunately, the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium-Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum. This pet hair eraser hand vacuum features a motorized brush tool that helps deep clean the surface of the stairs and an upholstery tool that is gentle enough.
It also features a crevice tool that helps clean up the small spaces in between the stairs. Although it only has a 17 minutes run time, several users have reviewed that they never had a problem with the battery dying when vacuuming stairs. It comes with a large and easy-to-clean dust bin that won't need emptying when vacuuming.
The cordless vacuum is super lightweight and comes with multiple attachments to help clean the cracks and corners. It is a small handheld device that runs on batteries which means there is no power cord to limit your manoeuvrability on the stairs.
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3. Eureka RapidClean Pro Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
- Efficient Cordless Cleaning: Powered by the latest motor...
- 40 Minutes Long Lasting Runtime: Up to 40 min of fade-free...
- Easy Rest Feature: Need to take a break. The specially designed...
- Under Furniture Reach: We moved the dust cup to the front so you...
- LED Headlights: Bright beams light the way so you can see dust...
The Eureka RapidClean Pro Lightweight Cordless is another great vacuum that is great for use on stairs. Measuring at only 5.6 pounds, this cordless stick vacuum is ready to manoeuvre up and down the stairs, both in smooth and carpeted stairs. It uses a lithium-ion battery that will offer you up to 40 minutes of cleaning option.
The max power option on the vacuum will allow you to increase the suction for a stronger cleaning. Like some cordless stick vacuums, this one will also convert to a handheld vacuum that people can use with the crevice tool attachment to access the corners. You also get an Easy Rest nook which allows you to prop the vacuum up on furniture and furniture.
This bagless device has a dust cup located on the front which means that the vacuum can easily lay down flat to clean under furniture and on the stair treads without the container blocking it. It features a swivel head to ensure easy maneuvering even in tight spaces. The LED lights ensure the debris and dust are visible for thorough cleaning.
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4. BISSELL, 3079 Featherweight Cordless XRT 14.4V Stick Vacuum
The BISSELL 3079 Featherweight Cordless XRT Stick Vacuum is perfect for those who want a versatile cleaning and yet not a bulky, heavy cleaning tool. This vacuum has a 14.4V battery and is designed for those quick cleanings around the house without having to worry about being plugged in the whole time. Easily maneuverable, this lightweight vacuum weighs at just under four pounds allowing for quick transitions from the kitchen floor that has been littered with crumbs to your fab furniture with pet hair. Moreover, its slim structure enables you to access tight corners without much effort.
What sets the Featherweight apart is its multi-functional capability. It can easily convert into a hand vacuum, which is ideal for cleaning small messes or tight spaces like your car interior. The easy-to-empty dust cup ensures that you can dispose of dirt and debris without any mess. Plus, the compact design makes it simple to store, so you can keep it handy for those unexpected spills. Overall, the BISSELL Featherweight Cordless XRT is a reliable and efficient tool that makes cleaning feel effortless.
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5. WORX WX030L 20V Power Share Cordless Cube Vac Compact Vacuum
The WORX WX030L 20V Power Share Cordless Cube Vac is reliable as it offers the convenience of cleaning without the need for a power outlet or the constraints of a cord. It is easily navigated in narrow spaces, be it in the kitchen when handling a small spill or in the car. With a 20V battery, you can easily move around your house or your garage and make a deep cleaning without having cords in the way. Also, in terms of structure, it is important to note that it could be easier to store as it does not occupy significant space.
All in all, what I find so amazing with Cube Vac is its flexibility in use. It has accessories like the crevice tool and dust brush that make it suitable for uses such as cleaning pet hair as well as cleaning those small hidden corners. This dustbin has an easy-to-empty chute, which is advantageous in ensuring that there is little mess when cleaning. When it comes to clearing crumbs and debris, the WORX Cube Vac is an optimal tool that helps you do the job swiftly and effectively no matter if it is a day-to-day task or spring cleaning.
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Factors to Consider Before Getting the Best Vacuum for Stairs
1. Types of Vacuums
During your search, you might come across the different types of vacuum cleaners, including;
a). Stick Vacuum
The stick vacuums are compact and lightweight, which makes them a great choice for the stairs. Most of them are battery powered so you won't have to worry about tangling cables or the cable length. Some of these stick vacuums can also be converted to a handheld vacuum for smaller cleaning tasks.
b). Handheld Vacuum
A handheld vacuum is the easiest to manoeuvre because of its compact size and is cordless when it comes to manoeuvrability. They are also very light and can be used by anyone in the family. Although not all models are powerful, most modern ones are equipped with an efficient airflow system, a motorized brush roll, and high-capacity batteries to pick up all the debris.
c). Upright Vacuums
Unlike the handheld vacuums, you won't have to bend while using the vacuum, which means you can vacuum for long hours. However, these models can be quite heavy and may topple over when moving down the stairs. Although they are lightweight with great cord length, they may not be the best option for older people and people with health problems.
d). Canister Vacuum
The canister vacuums boast a strong airflow and effectiveness on different types of surfaces, including a high traffic staircase. However, they are bulky, require a power outlet to operate and require much effort to manoeuvre around the stairs. For a canister vacuum, you need to consider getting a model that comes with a hose that has great length, especially if the outlet is quite far.
2. Bagged or Bagless
When it comes to getting the debris from the vacuum, you will get two options: bagged or bagless. Bagged models will require you to buy replacement bags and exchange them once they are full. These bags accommodate the debris with little to no chance of the dirt, allergens, and dust escaping to the air. One of the main advantages of the bagged vacuums is the higher capacity which comes in handy for high traffic areas, especially houses with children and pets.
However, if you want to avoid the cost incurred when replacing the bags, you may opt for the bagless models. The dirt will collect in the bin or cup but may release the allergens into the air. Moreover, the cups on the bagless models are smaller, which means the bin may require frequent emptying.
3. Corded or Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuums with cords can be a challenge when it comes to cleaning the staircase. On the other hand, cordless vacuums are easy to use because they won't require a power outlet and can easily be carried up and down the stairs. Most battery cordless models will last from 15 minutes to 45 minutes. To ensure the battery doesn't run out while vacuuming stairs, it is important to ensure it has a battery life of at least 25 minutes.
On the other hand, a corded vacuum has better suction power and higher capacity, which is a great choice for carpeted areas. It is crucial to consider corded vacuums with longer and retractable cord. A 15-foot cord should be long enough to get to the top of the stairs in most homes.
4. Suction Power
If you have smooth surfaces like hardwood or tile and area rugs, you will most likely not need a lot of suction, unlike homes with high pile rugs and large areas of carpeting. The suction power is what gives your vacuum to remove the deep-set debris. With a corded vacuum, the higher the Air Watts(AW), the more powerful it is.
5. Ease of Use and Effectiveness
You don't want to get a vacuum that will make you feel tired even before you finish half the stairs. One can't compare cleaning stairs to vacuuming flat surfaces. The vacuum you choose should match the surface you want to clean, whether carpeted stairs, hardwood, or tiled floors. Either way, the best vacuum for stairs needs to be powerful to remove debris from deep into the fibres.
6. Filtration
When it comes to filtration, you can choose between the HEPA filter or the standard ones. With HEPA filtration, people with allergic reactions can use the vacuum without worrying about inhaling allergens. However, vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters tend to be more expensive. Some of them have washable and reusable filters, which makes the maintenance of a stair vacuum easy.
7. Attachments and Accessories
Although many vacuum cleaners have a completely different style, your new vacuum may include extra attachments for cleaning stairs. These attachments include crevice tools for hard-to-reach corners, a brush attachment for carpeted stairs, and a pet hair brush if you want a dog or cat. For uncarpeted stairs and hardwood surfaces, attachments like the flat wide tool with short bristles will come in handy. A dusting brush is also great for blinds, furniture, and lampshades because it won't scratch the surfaces.
