Best Vacuum for Stairs

Cleaning our homes is a very tedious, time consuming every day chore that one has to endure. Fortunately, with the advancement of technology, there are tools that have been invented to make our lives easier and comfortable. Cleaning the house is not an exemption. Thanks to the innovation of a vacuum.

Though there are a lot of vacuum devices found in the market, there are numerous things you will need to consider and one of which is the challenge of cleaning your stairs with the use of a vacuum.

Is There a Better and Easier Way to Vacuum the Stairs?

When you clean your home, we understand that the most difficult and challenging part is the staircase but before you pull out your vacuum, know that there is an easier way to tackle this chore.

The first step to do is clear the steps. This mean, you will need to pick up those shoes, toys and other items that loiter your staircase. This way you can be assured that your vacuum will not be clogged with any stray item.

Once you have cleared your stairs, it is now time to bring in the guns. Get your vacuum out and get ready to suck all the dirt of your staircase. We recommend that you start where dust accumulate the most- corners, edges and balusters. For effective results, it is suggested that you use attachments such as the crevice tool. Then, work your way up from the bottom steps. Remember to focus on the corners where risers and tread meet.

After using the detailing tool, you could now focus your attention toward the risers and tread as you walk up the stairs for the second time.

What is the Perfect Vacuum for Cleaning the Stairs?

This question is a little bit subjective as one might feel that a handheld vacuum is the perfect helping tool as it is comfortable, convenient and effective but another individual on the other hand might feel otherwise the opposite and would say a canister vacuum is better. Another factor that one also has to consider is the type of one’s staircase.

Are your stairs made of laminate wood? Or is it furnished with carpet? Or is it a hardwood with a runner? Are they curved and spiraled or are they only straight? Are they winder or half-landing staircases? These are just a few you will need to consider.

Here are some of the general characteristics that you will need to check and consider for a vacuum cleaner to be a well-suited one for staircase cleaning.

1. Size

A vacuum is a great helping tool in cleaning your home however, for it to give you the feeling of making your task easier and provide you comfortability, you will need to consider the weight of your vacuum. As no matter how convenient your vacuum is if it does not fit your staircase and you will need to carry a gigantic heavy equipment, you will definitely feel more burdened than cleaning your home with your own hands and feet.

The safe bet for the weight of a vacuum cleaner is below 10 pounds. This way you will be able to carry it with ease. Remember, stairs are one of the most difficult parts to clean and you will not just clean it once but you will have to go through it at least twice. Having said that, you will need to get one that is light and compact.

2. Mobility

Yes, your vacuum is light as a feather but the next question is will it fit wherever you go? Will you have a difficult time to keep your grip as you clean the corners and edges of your staircase? These questions are important and we recommend that you check the handle and its textured surface.

Some vacuum cleaners have shoulder straps which will provide you support and will ensure that you don’t experience any post vacuum back and joint aches.

3. Time-Saver

There are some features of vacuums that you will find it easier to use and will offer you to save more time through telescopic wand which would allow you to clean steps without having to move. Another feature you would like to check is if your vacuum comes with a flexible hose which provides a better and a farther reach. Furthermore, it has to have the ability to bend and suction the debris around the balusters without you having to make awkward movements and positions.

Another thing that you will need to check is the cup where the dirt is contained. Remember, the bigger the cup the fewer and lesser time you will need to empty it while vacuuming. Another feature you will need to look at as well is the power cord. If your power cord is short, you will need to keep unplugging and plugging it from one place to another and this is one activity that would waste your time rather than save.

4. Usability

Vacuum cleaners will require at least one attachment tool to get the job done. However, if you have a vacuum that comes with multiple tool attachments, the better. However, the most important thing you will need to check is how the attachment connects and detaches from the vacuum cleaner. Is it as easy as pushing it and pulling it off? Or does it come with a button which you will have to press to release it? Is there a storage compartment on the vacuum? Or would you rather have the attachments to be on hand at all times?

5. Suction

This is the most important factor that you will need to take into consideration. If you have pets who shreds hair or children who usually go and drop crumbs all over your home, you will need a vacuum cleaner that comes with strong suction. The power of the suction is what determines how many times you will need to go back and pass a certain area for it to be effectively cleaned.

Preferably, you would want a vacuum that will suck up all the pieces of dirt and hair in just one pass. This means, you will want to enhance a vacuum’s pick up ability and manufacturers have had this covered by adding brush rolls to the vacuum set.

Best Vacuum for Cleaning Stairs

1. Dyson V8 Animal Cord Free Vacuum

Dyson V8 Animal Cord Free Vacuum is a portable that comes with a stick-handheld. This makes this vacuum easy to use for vacuuming off-floor, stairs, vehicles and ceilings. The device weighs about5.6 pounds and the hand vac measures about 9.9 inches by 8.8 inches. It stands around 49 inches tall which means, you will not have to hunch over just to clean your floor.

This vacuum comes with a V8 motor that will take care of your pet’s loose fur and large debris with ease. It includes a direct drive floor head which comes with a nylon brush bar and when you push its button, it will release the hand vac. With or without the extension tube, you will still be able to switch to and with four click-connect attachments depending on your need.

With its mini motorized tool, this vacuum could clean through risers and treads which means, if your floor is carpeted, you will have not to worry a bit. It has a triangular soft brush which will take care of the corners of your home. A combo or a crevice tool is included to remove any dirt that lingers from any edge.

Dryson V8 also comes with an advanced dust elimination system which means it has a 15 radial cyclones that are configured in two layers which will keep any dust away, filter the dirt at the same time boost the airflow of the vacuum. Furthermore, it’s HEPA filter could trap about 99 percent of dust particles.

The battery of this vacuum is a lithium-ion and it has about 40 minutes of operating time on a full charge. It has a switch where you will need to turn on whenever you need to use and off when you are done. The charging time is about 3.5 hours.

2. Deik Vacuum Cleaner

Deik Vacuum Cleaner comes with high power 22.2V 2200mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery. It also includes a bagless stick and handheld vacuum with upright charging base. The vacuum weighs

around 5.11 pounds and it boasts its suction strength of 7 kilopascals. In layman’s term, this means, this vacuum cleaner is lightweight at the same time a very powerful machine.

As this vacuum is both upright and handheld, you will be able to clean your floors and stairs with ease. It is easy to use and set-up. If you wish to remove the handheld portion of this vacuum, all you have to do is press its single button, and it will automatically release it.

With HEPA filter and a .5-liter dust bin, you could be assured that this vacuum will not release any dust particles and allergens that it has sucked. This vacuum comes with a one-year warranty.

The upright function allows you to be able to maneuver the vacuum easily. Its removable floor head could move up to 90 degrees and its separate motor provides you an option of operating the vacuum with or without the beater bar.

As for its handheld mode, you will have the same headlight-equipped floor head that is used in the upright function. In addition to that, this model comes with all the essentials that you will need for cleaning above floor cleaning.

3. Black+Decker BDH2020FLFH Max Lithium Flex Vacuum

Black+Decker BDH2020FLFH is known and is considered as one of the most innovative, efficient and effective handheld vacuum cleaners. It weighs about 3.2 pounds and it stands about 6.5 which makes this model as one of the most compact.

With its 24 air watts cyclonic suction, you could be assured that your house will be sparkly cleaned. In addition to that, this vacuum comes with a unique design of swivel-head stick attachment that would give you the option to use this vacuum as handheld or floor vacuum.

This vacuum includes a brush roll foot pedal and a 4-foot flexible hose which could be used for both floor vacuuming and handheld version mode. It also has a top curved handle which is flexible and could be used for any stair edge cleaning. A rubber pet hair brush is also included in this vacuum. This tool could be used to remove pet hair from treads and risers.

4. Dryson V8 Absolute Cord-Free Vacuum

If you are looking for an excellent stair vacuum, Dryson V8 Absolute Cord-Free Vacuum is the perfect choice. It comes with an advanced HEPA filtration system which would suck and take care of your pets’ hair.

The vacuum weighs about 5.8 pound handheld vac and comes with a V8 motor and two-tier radial 15 cyclone configuration. It has about 115 air watts suction setting which makes this vacuum one of the strongest and powerful vacuums.

There are two interchangeable floor heads that you could use with this machine and it is easy to setup as well. All you have to do is press the trigger style button and the floor head will be released. Once released, you could interchange it depending on your need.

The machine is operated by a lithium-ion battery and it provides about 40 minutes running time. To recharge the battery to maximum, you will need about 4-hour period.

5. Black+Decker CHV1410L 16V Cordless Lithium Hand Vacuum

This model is a 15.5 watt handheld vac and weighs about 2.6 pounds. It is very light weight which makes it very easy to carry and to use for cleaning staircases. It is also slender and it has a length of 17.2 inches and a width of 5.5 inches.

This machine comes with useful features such as a looped handle and a cyclonic suction which lifts dust and heavy dirt. Its nozzle is slim and its base could make its nozzle spin. It also comes with two attachments. Its battery is 16 volts and could run for about 15 minutes.

6. Shark IONFlex 2x DuoClean Cordless Vacuum IF251

Shark IONFlex offers a packed full of amazing features. You could transform and change its form from a convertible vacuum cleaner sturdy upright to compact handheld vacuum that could collect up to a .3-quart cup of dirt and debris.

Its upright mode comes with a carrying handle and a rubber that provides its users convenience and helps them to maintain their grip on it. As for the measurements, this handheld vacuum is 13.4 inches long and 10.2 inches wide. This means, it is created with the intent of making it compact, easy to bring anywhere, easy to use and easy to maneuver on the stairs as well.

The wand of Shark IONFlex’s wand makes cleaning so easy as a breeze. You could bend it in the middle while using it and it also allows its users to fold it in half for storage. It is also detachable for non-floor vacuuming tasks. Three attachments are included with this vacuum and these attachments will assist you in getting your cleaning task done with superb effectivity.

7. HoLife Hand Vacuum

HoLife Hand Vacuum has the ability to suction dry any type of particles that you will find on any bare, carpeted floors and wet mess on hard surfaces. This means, moms will not have to have a hard time cleaning up the children’s messy milk, water and juice spills. Just turn on the vacuum and clean away.

This vacuum weighs about 3.3 pounds which makes carrying it around effortless. Furthermore, it has a D-shaped handle that offers ergonomic grip. This model comes with a 12- month warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee.

8. Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vac (HV292)

Though this model has a large capacity, it is light as a feather. It weighs about 3.7 pounds which makes this machine perfect for everyone include those who suffers from mobility problems. This vacuum is portable with its looped handle that comes with a textured grip- that will prevent your hand from slipping.

The handheld vac has a powerful 400-watt motor that will provide you an easy, effortless chore of cleaning your home. Aside from that, this model comes with a 15 feet long power cord which saves you the energy and time of having to unplug and plug it. Moreover, it gives you sufficient length that would allow you to bring it up the stairs or down the stairs. In addition to that, a crevice tool is included with this vacuum this means, you will not have to bend over or hunch over just to clean those stair edges and corners.

As for the capacity of HV292, you have a huge collection cup of .42-quart. This eliminates the constant need of changing messy dust bags. In addition to that, what is more amazing is you do not have to remove the cup to get rid of the collected particles and debris, but instead, all you have to do is to press a button that will open the lid and then you could drop all the dirt straight to your garbage can.

9. Bissell Multi Reach Cordless Stick Vacuum 2151A

The 2151A allows it users to transform this model into a handheld vacuum for easier cleaning of areas such as the stairs, vehicle interiors, upholstery and areas off the floor. The vacuum itself weighs about 5.7 pounds and measures about 13.5 inches wide which makes it very effortless to carry and use anywhere.

2151A comes with a comfortable grip and its stick vac allows the head of the vacuum pivot and its wand to lay flat on the floor. This will give you an easy way to clean any furniture without even exerting too much effort. In addition to that, this model comes with three attachments which are ideal for upholstery, dusting furniture and many more.

Bissell Multi Reach Cordless Stick runs on 22-volt lithium-ion battery which could be used for 20 minutes running time.

10. Shark DuoClean Rocket Corded Ultralight Upright Vacuum

This brand and model is one of the most versatile vacuums. It could tackle any kind of cleaning chores with ease. It could be transformed and converted into a handheld vacuum if you need something that is easy to carry. By just pressing a button, you will be able to clean floors, stairs, furniture and blinds in no time.

The machine itself measures about 8.5-inch-wide and weighs about 9.9 pounds. Its handheld mode on the other hand, weighs about 4.6 pounds. This model offers a lifetime warranty which means you will not have to worry about its maintenance.

Converting this vacuum from upright to handheld is just a breeze. All you have to do is push the button located on the wand and remove the handheld portion. You could also press the pedal found on the floor nozzle with your foot.

The motor of this vacuum includes a motorized brush that will help you pick up those nasty pet hairs on your carpet and hard surfaces.

11. Homasy Handheld Vacuum

This vacuum is a cordless type of handheld vacuum which offers you an advantage of being able to clean even those that are off the ground and hard to reach surfaces. You will not also have a hard time carrying it nor will you strain your arms and back as this machine only weighs about 3.27 pounds. Its handheld vac is only 4.3 inches and is about 16.1 inches tall.

It’s on and off switch is located at a fingertip’s reach on the handle. Its power runs on a 2,200 mAh lithium-ion battery. Thus, allowing you to move anywhere and bring it wherever there is a need of cleaning. The battery could work up to a maximum of 30 minutes running time and charging time of 3 to 5 hours. Its motor is powered with a 90-watt motor and a 6 kiloascals of suction. This means, any pet hair or debris does not have a chance with this powerful handheld vacuum.

This vacuum includes a 12-month warranty and a 45-day money back guarantee.

12. Eureka EasyClean Corded Handheld Vacuum, 71B

It is said that the easiest type of vacuum to carry is a handheld vacuum. Unfortunately, they are not the best in terms of cleaning the corners of your home. However, with Eureka 71B EasyClean Corded Handheld vacuum, this is not the case. In fact, through this model, you will be able to reach corners without difficulty.

71B weighs about 4.8 pounds which makes this vacuum very extremely lightweight and it is only about a foot tall and half foot wide and deep. So if you are looking for a compact, lightweight vacuum, Eureka 71B is the perfect machine for you.

A power cord of 20 feet long is included in this vacuum which means you will not have any problems cleaning the entire staircase even without any electrical outlets. Furthermore, this vacuum comes with a crevice tool which is a necessity tool for stair cleaning.

Another amazing feature of this vacuum is its riser visor which is a plastic cover that could be flipped for vertical cleaning tasks such as for risers and backs of chairs.

What Style of Vacuum is Best for Cleaning the Stairs?

Every home has an upright vacuum cleaner. However, unless your upright vacuum cleaner is extremely lightweight. You will have a difficult time using this type of vacuum for cleaning your stairs as it will be difficult to carry it up and down. Moreover, if you will choose this type of vacuum, you will have to ensure that its floor head is small enough for it to be able to sit on the treads. If not, your vacuum is at risk of falling down the stairs.

A stick vacuum is an alternative for upright since it is a slimmer version or profile. Both types of vacuum will need attachments for the job to be done correctly.

A canister vacuum on the other hand has the ability to roll over the floors in your house and at the same time if provides you the feature of lightweight and portability that will allow you to lift and carry and use it on your staircase.

The last type of vacuum is the hand vac. This type of vacuum is not recommended to be used on the floors of your house, it is easy to be used for your stairs.

Battery Operated vs. Corded

Battery-operated vacuums do not limit your cleaning radius unlike corded vacuums wherein you will need to be within a reach close to an electrical outlet. However, this should not let you discount the corded type of vacuum as there are some models that provide a long power cord that allows you to clean a wide radius of area.

Cordless vacuums run off battery and you will need to charge the battery once in a while. When choosing this type of vacuum, we recommend that you check the battery running operation time.

We also recommend that you choose a lithium-ion battery instead of a nickel metal hydride battery as lithium-ion provides a longer lasting power than the latter.

What Attachments Are Necessary for Stair Vacuuming?

There are two basic attachments – dusting brush and a crevice tool. For stair vacuuming, you will need both to take care of the corners and edges of your stairs. There are also some brushes that come with triangular shaped that could work for full corner cleaning while the wide brushes could be used for vacuuming treads and risers.

Is a Trigger Switch More Convenient than a Power Button?

There are two types of switches – a traditional power button wherein all you have to do is push it, slide or rock it. Then it will start vacuuming. However, using this type of button can be

aggravating if it is not located on the right and convenient place. If you need a vacuum to clean your stairs, you will need a switch that is within your reach.

A trigger switch on the other hand, eliminates the issue of the location of switch as a trigger switch is always located on the handle. All you have to do is to squeeze it and the vacuum will start running.

Does a Brush Roll Clean Better than a Straight Suction?

Depending on the strength of the suction and the type of floor you will need to clean. If your vacuum comes with a cyclonic suction and has no brush roll, then this type of vacuum will provide your stairs a very thorough cleaning.

If you would like to use a cordless vacuum, we recommend that you get a high-powered battery that will provide you a powerful suction for carpeted floors. If you do not have this type of vacuum, it would be then, more ideal to have a brush roll.

For hardwood and laminated wood stairs, a straight-suction vacuum would do.