Looking for a lightweight vacuum that works well on your stairs? In this round-up post for the best vacuums for stairs, we’ll discuss the following:
- How vacuum cleaners work
- How to find the best vacuum for your stairs
- Qualities to look for in best vacuums for stairs
- Our top 5 vacuums for stairs reviewed
Our Top 5 Vacuums for Stairs
- Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner (Top Pick)
- JASHEN V16 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Runner Up)
- Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Best High End)
- Tineco A11 Master+ Cordless Lightweight Stick & Hand Vacuum Cleaner (Long-Running)
- Vanergy Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Best Budget)
What Are Vacuums for Stairs?
Vacuums for stairs are typically lightweight cordless stick vacuums with attachments that help you get into the corners of your stairs. Vacuums that have handheld components are also excellent for use on stairs.
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What Are The Different Types of Vacuums for Stairs?
Cordless stick vacuums
Cordless stick vacuums are great for stairs because they are lightweight and there is no cord for you to trip over while cleaning. They’re also compact enough to stand on a step if you need to use an attachment.
We highly recommended cordless stick vacuums for stairs, but be sure to purchase one with attachments or a detachable handheld component. These will make your cleaning easier and more thorough.
Handheld vacuums
Handheld vacuums, or those that come with handheld components, are hands-down the best option for your stairs. They are lightweight, easy to use, and can fit easily into corners and the crevices between your handrails.
We recommend finding a cordless option, as the cord is a hazard when used on steps.
Corded stick vacuums
Corded stick vacuums are small and compact, but more dangerous for stairs than their cordless counterparts. If you have one for use around the rest of the house, you can use it, but we don’t recommend these for stair use specifically.
Larger vacuums
Larger vacuums are not recommended for stair use. They’re bulky, hard to pull up and down the stairs, and typically come with a cord that could trip you while vacuuming.
The exception for large vacuums is if they have detachable components so that you can have a more compact option for cleaning your stairs. These vacuums can be very versatile and useful all around your house, especially if you have pets, children, or large floor messes.
How Do Vacuums for Stairs Work?
Vacuums work by using suction power to move dirt and debris from your floor to a canister within the unit.
The suction moves air and debris through the canister, then a filtration system, then releases clean air through a vent that’s typically located at the front of the machine.
The best vacuums for stairs are lightweight and compact so that they clean easily without getting in your way.
They also tend to come with attachments that may include a fur brush attachment or an extended hose attachment. These attach to the end of the vacuum hose and perform various cleaning functions.
Typically, you will use either an attachment or a handheld component to clean your stairs.
To do so, you’ll need to first unattach the handheld system or release the hose and attach any needed attachments to it. Then, move the end of the hose or the attachment back and forth along your stairs to suck up any dirt, hair, or other mess.
I suggest starting at the top and carefully working your way down the stairs, as any debris that gets pushed around will be likely to fall downwards and this will save you any extra clean-up.
Once your stairs are clean, put the vacuum back together and empty the canister so that it’s ready for the next use.
Recommended >> Best Corded Stick Vacuum Under $100
What Do You Look For In The Best Vacuums for Stairs?
Weight
You’ll want your vacuum to be as lightweight as possible if you’re using it on the stairs. A handheld vacuum or canister that detaches to become handheld is highly recommended.
Battery Life
Nobody wants to be halfway through cleaning the stairs only to have the battery go out on their vacuum. It’s an annoying, time-consuming interruption. Be sure to check for good battery life before purchasing your vacuum.
Charging Stations
Check that the charging station for your vacuum meets your preferences, whether you’d like a wall-mounted unit for easy storage or another solution.
Detachable Components
As previously mentioned, it’s best if your vacuum detaches to become smaller and lighter for handheld use.
Attachments
Check to see if your vacuum comes with any attachments before purchasing. These are especially handy for pet owners or those with carpeted stairs.
Best Vacuums for Stairs Reviewed
Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner (Top Pick)
The Dyson V8 is our number one vacuum for stairs, and for good reason. It’s lightweight, with a 40-minute battery life that should give you plenty of time to vacuum your stairs. This vacuum is made specifically for homes with pets, so if you need a powerful vacuum to pick up after your furry friend, we recommend this one.
Pros
- Made for homes with pets
- Lightweight
Cons
- Known to have charging problems
JASHEN V16 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Runner Up)
If your stairs are not carpeted, the JASHEN V16 is a great choice. This vacuum has a 40-minute battery life and a wall-mount for easy charging and storage. It also comes with a one-year product guarantee, with full access to customer service during this time. We do not recommend this one for carpeted stairs or homes since the suction doesn’t work well on carpets and rugs.
Pros
- Wall mount for easy storage
- One-year product guarantee
Cons
- Works poorly on carpets
Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Best High End)
The Dyson V11 is the best high-end vacuum we’ve found. It can clean not just your stairs, but your entire house, and its advanced filtration system will keep in small particles and allergens to keep your home and the air you breathe cleaner. It comes with adjustable settings to vacuum any floor type, and an hour-long battery life to get the job done in one go.
Pros
- Up to 1-hour battery life
- Settings for various floor types
- Advanced filtration picks up allergens and small particles
Cons
- Slow customer service
- Roller brush wears down over time
Tineco A11 Master+ Cordless Lightweight Stick & Hand Vacuum Cleaner (Long-Running)
The Tineco A11 makes the list for its long run time of up to 50 minutes. It works on hard floors as well as carpets and is designed to clean pet hair from your entire home, stairs included. The many attachments are useful for getting into those nooks and crannies along your stairs for a deep clean.
Pros
- Up to 50-minute battery life
- Back-up battery included
- Lightweight
Cons
- Can’t reach under low furniture
Vanergy Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Best Budget)
Our best budget pick is the Vanergy cordless vacuum cleaner. This vacuum is made to be quiet, so it’s perfect for busy parents who like to clean during naps or bedtime. It’s lightweight and comes with several attachments to vacuum your stairs. However, it does clog easily and needs to be cleaned often to stay in good condition.
Pros
- Quiet vacuum
- Comes with several attachments, including docked charging station
- Battery comes with overcharge protection
Cons
- Clogs easily
Everything We Recommend
Final Thoughts On Vacuums for Stairs
It can be difficult to find the vacuum that’s best for your household, especially if you’re looking for machines with extra features like stair cleaning. We hope these hand-picked vacuums have helped steer you in the right direction.
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