Cleaning stairs can be one of the trickier tasks around the house. With all the foot traffic, they quickly gather dust and dirt, and since the space is so tight, using a regular upright vacuum can be a hassle.
Luckily, if you've got a handheld vacuum or a convertible upright cleaner made for stairs and those tricky corners, the job becomes a lot easier. These tools are perfect for getting into those hard-to-reach spots and making stair cleaning a breeze.
Top 5 Vacuum Cleaners for Cleaning the Stairs
- #1 BRAND IN HAND VACS** OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE - 16V MAX* lithium-ion battery...
- CORDLESS CONVENIENCE - Portable, rechargeable, + lightweight for use around...
- MULTI-SURFACE USE – Removes hair, dirt, debris, and pet hair from...
The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean is a great option for quick cleanups, especially when it comes to stairs.
We’ve found that this cordless handheld vacuum makes cleaning a lot easier since we don’t have to fuss with outlets or cords. The suction is pretty powerful too, picking up dirt and pet hair without any trouble. The rotating slim nozzle is perfect for getting into those tight corners, and the pull-out crevice tool is awesome for reaching spots like under the banister or between couch cushions. Plus, it's light enough to carry around with ease, whether we’re moving from the car to the house or cleaning up in different rooms.
The battery life is decent, but it can run out faster when doing larger cleanups. That said, it’s super easy to maintain since both the dirt bowl and filter are washable. All in all, we’re happy with how well this little vacuum handles small messes around the house.
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2. BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum
- Buy Bissell, save pets; Bissell will donate 5 dollars for each pet hair...
- Remove more embedded dirt and pet hair with a motorized brush tool and...
- 14V lithium ion battery for lithium powered cleaning; Dirt cup capacity:...
Bissell is known for making top-notch vacuum cleaners, and the Pet Hair Eraser is no exception. With a powerful motor and smooth operation, it makes cleaning pet hair from stairs a breeze. It also comes with some handy attachments that you won’t find at this price from other brands. What’s really impressive is that it maintains consistent suction power, even when the battery starts running low.
The included accessories are definitely a highlight. It comes with a crevice tool, upholstery tool, and a motor-powered brush. The crevice tool is great for cleaning deep gaps in your car, furniture, or tight spaces, while the upholstery tool and motorized brush are perfect for tackling messes on stairs, furniture, and other small areas.
The vacuum is powered by a 14.4-volt rechargeable Li-ion battery, which gives you up to 20 minutes of cleaning time on a full charge—plenty of time to clean your stairs or sofa. It doesn’t come with a charging cradle but instead uses a plug and cable to charge, which takes about 8 hours to fully charge the battery.
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3. BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Furbuster
- #1 BRAND IN HAND VACS**
- OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE - 20V MAX* lithium-ion battery provides high suction...
- CORDLESS CONVENIENCE - Portable, rechargeable, + lightweight for use as a...
We’ve found the BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Furbuster to be a fantastic handheld vacuum, especially for pet owners.
It really shines when it comes to picking up pet hair on stairs and furniture. The POWERBOOST feature is perfect for tackling those stubborn spots, giving you an extra burst of power when you need it. Plus, the anti-tangle motorized pet brush works wonders at lifting fur without getting clogged, which is a huge win for us.
Using the vacuum is super easy. The cordless design lets us move around freely without worrying about finding an outlet, and its lightweight build makes cleaning the stairs feel effortless. We also love the XL extended crevice tool—it makes reaching those tight spaces a breeze.
While the vacuum works great overall, the battery doesn’t last as long as we’d like for bigger cleaning jobs, so you may need to recharge if you’re doing a lot of cleaning. The dust bowl is easy to empty, but it does fill up pretty quickly, especially with multiple pets. All in all, the BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Furbuster is a solid choice for keeping our home clean and pet-friendly.
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- POWERFUL SUCTION: Pick up stubborn debris quickly and efficiently with...
- CORDLESS WITH EXTENDED RUNTIME: Clean large areas or handle multiple...
- MOTORIZED PET BRUSH ROLL TOOL: Whether it's pet hair, crumbs, or dirt,...
The Dirt Devil 16V Deep Clean Handheld Vacuum is a solid choice for quick cleanups and managing pet hair, especially on stairs.
We've been using it for a while, and it's made cleaning the stairs so much easier. The cordless design is super convenient, allowing us to move around railings and tight corners with ease. Plus, the suction power is strong enough to grab all the dirt and pet hair, even in those hard-to-reach spots.
That said, there are a couple of things we’ve noticed. The battery can drain pretty fast, especially when we’re tackling bigger messes, and it does tend to clog now and then. Clearing it out is pretty simple, but it can throw off our cleaning rhythm if we’re in a hurry.
Overall, the Dirt Devil 16V is a great little vacuum. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and makes cleaning so much more efficient, especially with pets and kids around. For the price, it’s definitely worth having in our cleaning toolkit.
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- Strong 18kPa Suction & Motorized Brush Head: With a 150W motor and 18000 Pa...
- Detachable 2200mAh Battery & 3 Suction Modes: Powered by a lithium-ion...
- Multi-purpose: Owning one gives you a cordless stick vacuum and a cordless...
We were really impressed with the iwoly C150, especially when it comes to cleaning stairs. This vacuum offers solid suction power and flexibility, making it a top choice for quick and efficient cleanups.
We gave it a go, and it didn't disappoint. The motorized brush head easily picked up crumbs and dirt from both hard floors and carpeted stairs, leaving everything looking fresh. Plus, it's super lightweight, so moving it around the house is no hassle at all.
We also liked how easy it was to switch between the three suction modes. The eco mode was perfect for light daily cleanups, and the higher settings made deeper cleaning a breeze. The detachable battery is a nice touch, too—it can be charged separately or in the vacuum, which is really convenient.
One thing to keep in mind is that the battery does drain faster on the higher suction settings, so we made sure to keep an eye on the power level. But overall, if you’re looking for an easy-to-use, reliable vacuum, the iwoly C150 is definitely a solid option.
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Buying Guide for Vaccum Cleaner
When you're shopping for a vacuum, especially one that’s great for stairs, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind to make sure you’re getting the best fit for your needs.
Type
There are three main types of vacuums to consider: handhelds, canister-based, and upright models that can convert into handhelds. Handheld vacuums are perfect for quick stair cleanups because they're lightweight and easy to maneuver. On the other hand, canister and upright vacuums are ideal if you need something for the whole house, but they tend to be pricier. So, think about what works best for you—if it's just the stairs, handhelds might be your best bet, but if you need more versatility, the others could be worth the investment.
Power Source
You’ve got two options here: corded or cordless. Cordless vacuums are super convenient because you don’t have to deal with cords, but the battery life can be a bit limiting. For cleaning just the stairs, cordless should do the job, but if you plan on tackling larger areas, you might need a recharge. Corded vacuums don’t have that issue, but you’ll need to keep an outlet nearby—no running free across the house with one of these.
Included Accessories
Accessories can really make a vacuum stand out, especially for tricky tasks like cleaning stairs. Some vacuums come with a bunch of attachments, like crevice tools or motorized brushes, which can be super helpful for getting into tight spaces or lifting pet hair. If you only need something for stairs, you might not need a ton of accessories, but if you're looking to clean more areas, the more attachments, the better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I maximize or extend the runtime of a cordless vacuum?
To get the most out of your cordless vacuum and extend its runtime, there are a few simple steps you can take.
First, always charge the battery fully before its first use. After that, only recharge it once the battery is completely drained. Doing this a few times will help the battery last longer. If you need extra runtime, consider buying a spare battery. Many vacuums let you remove the battery while it’s charging, so you can swap in a fully charged one and keep cleaning without missing a beat.
What kind of maintenance does a vacuum cleaner need?
When it comes to maintaining your vacuum, it depends on whether it's bagged or bagless. If you're using a bagged vacuum, the only real maintenance is replacing the dirtbag when it’s full and keeping the filters and attachments clean. Bagless vacuums, however, require a bit more attention. Be sure to clean or replace the filters regularly, and empty the dust canister as soon as it gets full—otherwise, suction can drop. Also, if your vacuum has roller brushes, make sure to clean them often, especially if you have pets. Pet hair can get tangled and mess up the brushes.
What are the features that can enhance my stair cleaning process?
For easier stair cleaning, look for a vacuum that's lightweight with strong suction. If your vacuum has a hose, choose one with extra length to reach tight spots without having to move the whole vacuum around. For corded models, pick one with a long power cord—but not so long that it adds unnecessary weight, especially if it’s handheld.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap! We’ve covered the best vacuums for stairs, with options across different price points and categories. Whether you choose the Shark Rocket or the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, you’ll be making a solid investment. Happy cleaning!
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