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Best Vacuum Cleaners For Stairs 2022 – Buyer’s Guide

by Thomas Hart, Last Updated - May 14, 2020

Hefting a heavy vacuum up the stairs can be difficult, but with the right device, you can get your carpeted stairs nice and clean. In this guide, we will take a look at five great products as well as some of the considerations that you should make before purchasing the best vacuum cleaner for stairs.

the winner
Shark Rocket Corded Ultra-Light Hand Vacuum
  • Washable Filters
  • TruePet Motorized Brush for deep cleaning
  • Ultra-lightweight
  • Provide reliable suction
Check this product on Amazon

Top 5 Vacuums for Carpeted Stairs in 2022

ImageModelPower RatingWeight (lbs)Cord Length (feet)Filtration 
Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vac (HV292)
(Editor’s Choice)
Watts: 400W
Amps: 3.4A
3.715Washable filters (Foam&Felt) Check Price
Dirt Devil Quick Flip PlusBattery Volts: 16 V2.2CordlessReplaceable, Rinseable Check Price
Holife Handheld VacuumBattery Volts: 14.8V
Max Power: 90W
Suction Power: 22AW
3.3CordlessWashable filter Check Price
BLACK+DECKER CHV1410L 16VSuction Power: 15.2AW,
Battery Volts: 16V
2.6CordlessWashable Filter Check Price
BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser, 33A1BAmps: 4A516Multi-Level Filtration Check Price

What is The Best Vacuums For Stairs on the Market?

1. Shark Rocket HandVac – Best Vacuum for Stairs

Shark Rocket Corded Hand VacThe Shark Rocket Hand Vac is a corded handheld vacuum that is designed to be a powerful tool that can clean any surface, including stairs, without an issue.

It is designed to keep maximum suction no matter how full of dust and dirt the vacuum is. It also has 400 watts of power and a cord that can extend to 15 feet. In addition, this device is easy to carry up the stairs as it only weighs about 3.7 pounds.
This vacuum comes with a number of attachments that will make cleaning your steps a breeze. There is a motorized brush accessory that is ideal or sucking up loose pet hair as well as deep cleaning the dirt from the fibers of the carpet on the stairs. There is also a hose extension that allows you to reach into tight corners easily. In addition, the filters can be washed and reused, which will save you money in the long run.

The unique attachments that come with the vacuum are a great concept; the only issue is that the amount of suction that you can get using the attachments decreases from the main suction of the vacuum. The pet brush does not pick up the pet hair the first time over, so you need to go over it twice to get a proper cleaning. In addition, there is not a soft bristle brush attachment that comes with this vacuum.

Our Verdict

The Shark Rocket HandVac a great handheld vacuum to purchase if you are looking for a lightweight model that is easy to maneuver on the stairs, but if you plan to use it on upholstery or furniture, the proper attachments are not included with the vacuum.


Pros
  • The filters can be easily washed and reused.
  • It’s a very lightweight vacuum that is easy to carry on stairs.
  • It comes with a large dust cup that is easy to empty.
  • The price point makes this a great deal.
Cons
  • The suction is good, but it is not the best.
  • The cord can be annoying when you are trying to clean the stairs.
  • The handle is at the end of the vacuum, which can be awkward.

2. Dirt Devil Quick Flip Plus Handheld – Cordless Vacuum for Carpeted Stairs

Dirt Devil Quick Flip Plus Handheld VacuumThe Dirt Devil Quick Flip Plus handheld vacuum is a cordless unit that is designed with a powerful motor. The stair tool is also powered with a good bit of suction so that it can deep clean all of the fibers in the carpet on the stairs that are often missed. There is also a QuickFlip tool that is designed to get into the crevices of the stairs to all of the dirt that has accumulated there as well.

Since this vacuum is a cordless model, it is designed to run on a 16-volt lithium battery that will last a reasonable amount of time. In addition, you will never need to wait a long time for the batteries to recharge because they are designed with a charging capability that is two times faster. When the battery begins to run low, there is a red indicator that will light up to inform you that it is time to charge the vacuum.

Charging the batteries can be a bit annoying because there is not a dedicated charging station. You will need to plug the vacuum into the charger that comes in the packaging. In addition, a full charge only gives you about 20 minutes of vacuuming time, which can be an issue for a bigger home that has a lot of carpeted staircases.

Our Thoughts

Overall, this is a great vacuum for cleaning up small jobs. Of course, the charge does not last a long time, but it is not a vacuum that is designed to clean a huge area. Dirt Devil Quick Flip Plus very powerful, so if you need it for cleaning up litter or mud on the stairs, this may be a great option for you.

Pros
  • It has a large dirt cup that is really easy to empty when it is full.
  • This vacuum is a powerful little machine.
  • It is small, compact, and cordless, which makes it the perfect vacuum for cleaning a lot of stairs.
  • The brush roll has its own motor for deep cleaning.
Cons
  • The charge does not last that long; in fact, it only averages 15 to 20 minutes per charge.
  • The charging time for this unit is a bit longer than it should be.

3. Holife Handheld Vacuum – Most Lightweight Vacuum for Stairs

Holife Handheld Vacuum CordlessHolife Handheld Vacuum features a lightweight design that is not only easy to carry on the stairs, but it has an ergonomic design that will keep your hands and wrists from becoming overly fatigued as you clean up your home.

It has a 90W motor that utilizes cyclone suction to get the dirt that is embedded deep in the carpet on your staircase with ease. It addition, it is a quiet system that will not disturb someone who is sleeping in another room.

The vacuum is a cordless model that is perfect for cleaning the stairs in your home because it has the ability to run for a period of 30 minutes straight without losing its suction. When the battery dies, all you need to do is recharge it for the next time that you need this handheld vacuum.

This Holife handheld vacuum is designed to clean all types of debris, including chip crumbs, dust, pet hair, and liquids that have been spilled. However, it is actually not that effective at cleaning up anything that is wet. If you are looking for a good vacuum for the stairs, this may not be something that you require.

Our Conclusion

If you are looking for a lightweight vacuum that is easy to maneuver, has a powerful suction, and keeps a pretty good charge, then this may be a great option for you. It is not great for vacuuming liquids, but if you are purchasing this to clean your stairs, then it works pretty well.


Pros
  • The handle has a great design that is shaped in a way that will keep your wrist and hands from getting fatigue.
  • The battery of this unit lasts quite a while, so you can clean everything that you need on one charge.
  • The suction on this handheld vacuum is exceptional.
  • The lightweight device weighs less than four pounds.
Cons
  • It takes quite a while to recharge the device.
  • It is a bit difficult to clean the dirt cup.
  • Purchasing additional filters for this vacuum can be difficult.

4. BLACK + DECKER CHV1410L Hand Vac – Best for Saving Energy

BLACK + DECKER CHV1410L 16V Cordless Lithium Hand VacThis Black and Decker handheld vacuum provides a lot of suction power for a small vacuum. In fact, it utilizes cyclonic action to get all of the dirt and grime that are embedded into the fibers of the carpet.

The lightweight shape makes it easy to take your time vacuuming without getting hand fatigue, and it utilizes 16V Lithium batteries that are designed to keep a charge while you work. When it does need to be recharged, it requires 50 percent less energy.
The Black + Decker Hand Vac has a crevice attachment that is built into the design as well as a brush that simply flips up when you need to use it. The tools can also extend when you need a little bit more reach. The vacuum has a clear design that helps you see when the dirt cup is full. The cup is easy to clean, and the filter is actually machine-washable as well.

The suction of this vacuum is quite good, but it does not have a very large nozzle, which means that it cannot pick up a lot at once. If you are cleaning a small area such as stairs with this unit, it will serve you well. In addition, the dirt cup is rather small, which means that you will need to empty it out at least once while you are cleaning a full-sized staircase.

Verdict

If you are looking for a powerful vacuum that is great for small jobs, then this is a great option. It has a small dirt cup, but the power and the battery life of this machine more than makes up for it. If you are looking to save energy, then maybe this is the vacuum that you’ve been looking for.

Pros
  • This vacuum is very easy to clean.
  • All of the accessories are conveniently built into the design so that you never need to worry about misplacing them.
  • The suction of this handheld vacuum is amazing.
  • The charging station makes it easy to recharge the vacuum as well as grab it quickly when it’s needed.
  • It has a rotating nozzle that makes it easy to get into the hard-to-reach corners.
Cons
  • It is a pretty loud vacuum.
  • The charging light is very bright.

5. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser (33A1B)– Best Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser (33A1B)Bissell 33A1B handheld unit is a model that you plug into the wall, which makes it a powerful option, especially if you have pets.

It comes with two nozzles that can be switched out as your cleaning needs change. The first is a soft, contoured nozzle that is made out of rubber that is designed to get down into the fibers of softer surfaces to remove dirt and pet hair with ease. It also has a harder nozzle that is more effective at getting the dirt off of hard surfaces.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser features a lightweight design that is actually near five pounds. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to vacuum your entire staircase at one time without getting fatigue in your hand. The on and off switch is actually easy to reach as well, so you can turn it on and use it with one hand. In addition, the cord on this vacuum is 16 feet long, which means that it can accommodate most staircases.

Even though this vacuum has a powerful suction, air comes out of the side vents as you are using it. This means that when you are vacuuming loose dust on a bare floor, it can blow the dust around instead of vacuuming it up.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a vacuum that can clean your pet hair with ease, then this is a powerful vacuum that is perfect for getting pet hair off of carpeted stairs. It is not the best on a bare surface, but that is only because the vents prevent the vacuum from sucking up the dust.

Pros
  • This vacuum utilizes a HEPA filter, which is great for reducing the allergens in your home.
  • The cord is very long.
  • This is a vacuum that is lightweight and easy to use.
  • It picks up pet hair with minimal effort.
Cons
  • This vacuum is quite loud.
  • Bursts of air come through the vents, which disrupts the dirt that you are cleaning.
  • There are no brush attachments.

Best Vacuum for Stairs Buyer’s Guide

Best Vacuum for Stairs 2018When you are looking for a new vacuum, there are a lot of considerations that you should make, especially when you are looking for a vacuum that can effectively clean the stairs in your home. The first consideration that you are going to want to think about before anything else is the type of vacuum cleaner that you want.

There are a number of different options when it comes to a vacuum cleaner for cleaning the stairs in your home, and each one works well. The type of vacuum that you select will be based on your needs first and foremost, but your preference will also come into play.

The most common types of vacuums to use to clean the stairs are:

Upright VacuumsCanister VacuumsHandheld Vacuum
  • These are the most common type of vacuum for cleaning a carpeted floor, but some may not like it for stairs. If you have a small staircase, you can leave the vacuum at either the top or the bottom of the stairs and use the hose and attachments to clean the stairs.
  • This is a great option for those of you who have a split level home. If you are unfamiliar with this term, it means that there are three levels of the home, each of which is separated by a small set of three to four stairs.
  • When you choose an upright vacuum, you need to think about your ability to lift the vacuum up the stairs if the hose does not reach, which is why a lightweight model may be best.
  • Canister Vacuums – These are a great option because you never need to lift the vacuum to clean the stairs properly. As long as the hose is long enough to reach all of the stairs, and you have the right attachments, you will be able to clean them easily with a canister vacuum.
  • Again, these are a great option for a split level home; you’d simply keep the vacuum on the middle level to make sure that both sets of stairs can be reached easily.
  • How to choose portable carpet cleaner.
  • Handheld Vacuum – These are small, more portable options that are great for larger staircases. They are easy to transport up and down the stairs, and they have enough power to clean the stairs without issue.
  • The main issue with a handheld vacuum is that it is not large enough to be used in the rest of your home. You will need to consider whether it is beneficial to have a vacuum that is designed for your stairs and other small areas.

What are other features that are important to consider?

Cord Vs. Cordless

When you are looking for a vacuum, you will need to decide whether a corded version is best for your needs or whether you prefer a cordless option. If you select a vacuum cleaner with a cord, you will need to worry about moving around with the cord and make sure that there is an outlet in reach to clean the stairs. You also will need to be careful that you do not trip over the cord because doing so could cause you to fall down the stairs that you are cleaning.

A cordless vacuum makes it so that you never have to deal with the cord, but you will need to make sure that the batteries in the unit are charged before you want to vacuum. Some cordless models offer less suction, so that is also something that you will need to look into before deciding on a purchase.

Amount of Suction Power and Type of Filtration System

Vacuum Cleaners FiltersWhen you are cleaning the stairs in your home, it is very likely that you will be sucking up the debris through the vacuum’s hose. Since the dirt will need to travel a larger distance, you will most likely want a vacuum with a good amount of power.

When it comes to the filtration system, you want something that is going to clean the dirt up without leaving the dust particles and allergens in the air that you are breathing. A HEPA filtration system is going to be the most effective at keeping the air clean, but there are also water filtration systems, cyclone separation filtration systems, and simple filtration systems with washable and disposable filters.

Length of the Vacuum Hose

When you are purchasing a vacuum, especially a corded model, you will need to take the length of the hose into account. If the hose is not long enough to reach all of the stairs as well as the power outlet, then you will not be able to clean them effectively.

Weight of the Vacuum

If you are a small individual, you do not want to get a vacuum that will be impossible for you to carry up and down the stairs. In most situations, you want a vacuum that is less than 10 pounds. In fact, the lighter the vacuum is, the easier it will be to vacuum, especially when you have an upright model.

Attachments

Stairs have a lot of hard-to-reach crevices. These tight corners cannot be reached with most vacuums, so having a stair tool will be the best way to suck up all of the dust and debris that ends up on the stairs. There are also brush attachments that can and extended wand attachments that you may want your vacuum to have as well.

What is the Easiest Approach for Cleaning Steps?

Cleaning StairsCleaning stairs takes time, and most of the methods do not offer a large cleaning path, so with a handheld vacuum, you will need to go over each part of each stair as you move up the staircase. It is best to start at the back of the stairs and work your way to the front. You also want to start at the top of the stairs and work your way down; leave the vacuum at the bottom if you are planning to use the hose so that it does not fall down the stairs onto you.

Final Thoughts

If you have stairs that are carpeted, all of the vacuums that we’ve covered are great options. There are a number of different types of vacuums to choose from, but they all require you to do a bit of lifting to get the job done. Who knows, maybe in the future there will be robot vacuums that can take care of the stairs in our homes as well as the main floor. Whether we reach this point or not, as long as you have enough suction power in your vacuum, it will be able to get your stairs clean without issue.

Table of Contents

  • Top 5 Vacuums for Carpeted Stairs in 2022
  • What is The Best Vacuums For Stairs on the Market?
    • 1. Shark Rocket HandVac – Best Vacuum for Stairs
      • Our Verdict
    • 2. Dirt Devil Quick Flip Plus Handheld – Cordless Vacuum for Carpeted Stairs
      • Our Thoughts
    • 3. Holife Handheld Vacuum – Most Lightweight Vacuum for Stairs
      • Our Conclusion
    • 4. BLACK + DECKER CHV1410L Hand Vac – Best for Saving Energy
      • Verdict
    • 5. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser (33A1B)– Best Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair
      • Conclusion
  • Best Vacuum for Stairs Buyer’s Guide
    • What are other features that are important to consider?
      • Cord Vs. Cordless
      • Amount of Suction Power and Type of Filtration System
      • Length of the Vacuum Hose
      • Weight of the Vacuum
      • Attachments
    • What is the Easiest Approach for Cleaning Steps?
    • Final Thoughts
Thomas Hart

About Thomas Hart

Co-founder of "Cleaners Expert" website (cleanersexpert.com).
After moving in to our new house, I realized there were few independent guides and resources to assist customers in finding household cleaning appliances. I wanted to provide a solution to assist homeowners, contractors, and other readers when searching for new household or commercial appliances. We review dozens of products for each article and provide our opinions on the best products currently available. We hope our information helps you in your decision making process!
Read more about me.

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