WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING
WEIGHT AND PORTABILITY
The first point is pretty obvious but needs to be borne in mind.
If you are going to be moving up, down and around stairs, the last thing you want is an extremely heavy vacuum that will be a strain.
A lightweight and portable unit will make your life much easier.
HANDHELD
Vacuums come in many different varieties. One of the most suitable for cleaning stairs is a handheld.
Technology continues to advance and many of the better handhelds now boast superb power, suction and overall performance.
While a vacuum like this might not be ideal as something for the whole house, buying a handheld as a supplementary cleaning device makes good sense.
CORDLESS OR RECHARGEABLE?
Cords are evidently a potential trip hazard when you’re traipsing up and down the stairs.
A smart choice is to roll with a cordless vacuum so you can move around fuss-free without a trailing cable in the way. You’ll also find it easier to clean the entire area without needing to unplug and use a different power outlet.
LENGTH OF HOSE
In general, a longer hose will make cleaning stairs simpler.
While there is nothing you can do about the hose on a given model, you do have the ability to choose one that’s suitable for your needs.
Think carefully about the logistics and layout of the stairs you’ll be cleaning. Buy accordingly.
DOES THE VACUUM HAVE A STAIR TOOL?
Vacuums come with a wide variety of attachments. Normally, the more you pay, the more add-ons and accessories you’ll get thrown in.
CONVERTIBILITY
Many upright vacuums are now extremely versatile and offer 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 functionality.
It’s not uncommon now for an upright to have a detachable handheld or canister. This is great news because you can then enjoy all the benefits of a powerful, efficient upright without needing to drag it up and down the stairs.
EASE OF MANEUVERABILITY
You’ll want to look for a vacuum that’s a cinch to maneuver.
For the purpose of cleaning stairs, look for models that can pivot nicely around the steps. Go for something that’s light and nimble so navigation is a breeze.
TYPES OF SURFACES
Like other areas of your home, stairs can be finished with a wide range of surfaces.
Whether you have carpets, wooden flooring, tiles or even a rug through the center of the stairs, focus on getting the most appropriate vacuum for the surface in question.
It’s pointless getting the hardwood floors vacuum if you have carpeted stairs. This might seem obvious but too many people make the mistake of buying an otherwise great vacuum that’s simply not fit for purpose.
Take your time and get this part right or you might be making a very costly mistake.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Cleaning is a demanding and thankless task at the best of times. The last thing you want to do is make your life more difficult by choosing a vacuum that’s awkward to clean and calls for frequent maintenance.
If you are going for a bagless vacuum, make certain that the dust collector can be emptied quickly and easily.
With a bagged vacuum, check that you won’t be covered in dust as you try to remove and replace the bag.
POWER
When you are looking for a vacuum cleaner for stairs, power is one of the leading elements to consider.
The success of any vacuum rests to a large extent on the force of its suction. This is doubly important when you are cleaning stairs. With a lengthy hose, you need the power sustained reliably so opt for a model with adequate performance. Don’t sell yourself short here.
BUDGET AND WARRANTY
Price forms a part of any buying decision but it should not be the only part.
Think about overall value for money rather than purely focusing on the bottom line.
It’s also worth considering what sort of warranty you will get. Generally, when a manufacturer offers a long and generous guarantee period, it speaks volumes about the quality of the product. If they expected it to fall apart within that time period, they wouldn’t offer the warranty.
So, take price into account and do not overspend your budget. At the same time, try to ensure that you can get the very best vacuum that you can afford without compromising yourself.
TOP VACUUM FOR STAIRS ON THE MARKET
1. DYSON V6
First up in our vacuum for stairs reviews is a fantastic little handheld from the industry giant Dyson.
Dyson always place a premium on design and aesthetics. The Trigger is no exception. The bright colors and angular looks set the Trigger apart from the competition.
It’s not all about appearance, though. The V6 boasts extremely powerful suction. Rather than using a simple On/Off switch, you control the power with the handy trigger from which the V6 gets its name. This puts an end to it running unnecessarily and sapping the battery.
There’s a handy Max Power button which will give you a few minutes of increased suction to take care of any stubborn cleaning jobs with maximum efficiency.
With a Dyson Digital V6 motor and a superb lithium-ion battery, you’ll get up to 20 minutes of very impressive suction. It’s also fade-free so you can keep going until you need recharging without any frustrating loss of power.
Weighing only 3.4 pounds with a perfect distribution of weight, you can move the Dyson around with consummate ease.
Emptying the dirt bin couldn’t be much simpler. Just hit a button and the dust is ejected into your trashcan in a matter of seconds.
Dyson include radial cyclones which help to boost airflow while at the same time trapping much more fine dust that can play havoc with allergies.
There’s a brush and crevice tool included which is unusual for a handheld.
Whether you want to clean stairs, upholstery or even the inside of your car, the versatile Dyson hits the spot every time.
If you are looking for a multi-purpose handheld that packs the power of a much bigger unit, think seriously about the Dyson V6 Trigger. It will not disappoint.
2. BISSELL ZING BAGGED CANISTER VACUUM
Next up is an adaptable multi-surface cleaner from the highly reputable Bissell.
This company has carved out a reputation for offering top-notch products at incredibly keen prices. The Zing is no exception.
If you are on the hunt for a vacuum that will clean the whole house not just the stairs, this bagged canister could be just what you have been looking for.
Assembly is straightforward and tool-free. You’ll be up and running in minutes flat.
The canister with its long hose and lengthy cable is tailor-made from carrying up and down the stairs with plenty of freedom. It weighs in at just over 9 pounds so it’s more than light enough for most users to move around with ease. The cord automatically retracts so there’s no need to reel it in by hand.
When you want to move from carpets to hard flooring, just flick a switch and get the best performance for whatever surface you are cleaning.
As with any bagged vacuum, you’ll need to factor in the cost of replacement bags when you are thinking of ongoing running costs. There is an indicator to let you know when the bag needs emptying. You should do this when it’s somewhere near ¾ full.
You’ll get a telescopic wand thrown in to simplify accessing awkward spots. There’s nothing else by the way of attachments but then this is a budget vacuum so you can’t expect much more.
For a great all-rounder that functions brilliantly for cleaning your stairs, check out the Bissell Zing and see if it meets your needs. You’ll get a 1-year limited warranty so you can buy with total confidence.
3. SHARK ROTATOR NV341
The Shark Rotator comes in many different incarnations. We looked at the Red Slim-Lite which is the least expensive option but perhaps the best choice for cleaning your stairs.
This multi-tasking workhorse offers you all the power of a regular upright along with the versatility of a handheld. In Lift-Away mode, you can use a detachable pod to get up and down the stairs or to clean other tough areas. This comes with a shoulder strap for added safety.
Shark has pioneered an innovative Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology. This ensures that almost all the fine dust and allergens are kept safely inside.
You’ll enjoy a HEPA filter with the Rotator. This is the gold standard of filtration.
Although it’s a corded vacuum, the cable is more than ample for most needs at 25 feet.
If you need to clean any gloomy spaces, the headlights are a wonderful touch.
As with all Shark vacuums, you’ll get a healthy number of accessories chucked in. The crevice tool and dusting brush are outstanding. There’s an upholstery tool to keep your chairs and couches looking as fresh as your floors. The bare floor attachment has a micro-fiber pad and there’s even a bag included so you can keep all your add-ons safe and sound.
The Rotator is capable of cleaning any surface. There’s a motorized brush roll essential for deep cleaning your carpet. Hit the switch and deactivate this when you move onto hard floors.
Although there are cheaper options available, consider what you get when you invest in the Rotator Slim-Lite. This vacuum is cut out for pretty much all cleaning tasks. If you are looking for something that will clean everywhere, not just the stairs, think long and hard about the Rotator.
As an added bonus, you’ll get an exceptional 5-year limited warranty meaning you can buy without the headache of wondering what will happen if things goes wrong.
4. BLACK + DECKER BDH2000PL
BLACK + DECKER continue to produce top-tier appliances that don’t cost the earth. They are not cheap but they do represent excellent value for money.
This pivot vacuum is a strong contender to buy. The pivoting nozzle is perfect for the rigors of cleaning your stairway.
The 20V lithium-ion battery kicks off more than enough power. You will not be encumbered by a power cord. You will get around 15 minutes of running time with this vacuum.
Charging takes a couple of hours. Think about the design of your home and whether this gives you enough flexibility for your cleaning duties.
The dirt cup and filter are both removable. You can very easily clean the filter which is an improvement on many vacuums where this is fiddly and problematic. Washing the dirt bowl also keeps your vacuum as spotless as your house.
Although it won’t win any prizes for deep cleaning your carpets, that’s not what it was designed for. It will work perfectly well on carpets or bare floors, though.
Cyclonic action helps to keep all debris away from the filter leading to enhanced suction and superior cleaning.
With on-board tools, you’ll never lose your attachments again. There’s a crevice tool and brush to make light work of cleaning in restricted spaces.
The BDH2000PL is covered for 2 years by the manufacturer which is reassuring.
For anyone who wants an effective and flexible vacuum that’s ideal for your stairs and everywhere else in the home, pop the BLACK + DECKER on your shortlist. It’s well worth your time to investigate.
5. EUREKA 71B
You’ll get a 20-foot cord with this handheld so you should have more than enough room for maneuver. This cord wraps around the body of the unit for storage.
The Eureka has a trump card… There’s a Riser Visor nozzle that flips so you can clean your stairs horizontally and vertically. This feature serves double duty by letting you clean your upholstery in the same way.
You can flick the motorized brush roll on or off as required. This means you can benefit from maximum efficiency on carpets then move to bare floors without scratching or damaging them.
It’s a very user-friendly vacuum with fingertip controls for your convenience.
If you need to clean any tight spots, the crevice tool comes into its own.
When you need to empty the dust cup, simply pull back on the power switch, lift out the cup and ditch the contents. This is not only a real time-saver but also prevents the need to purchase expensive bags on an ongoing basis.
Whether you want to clean your stairs, your car or anywhere else in your house, the Eureka 71B will help you get the job done without spending a fortune.
CONCLUSION
We trust you’ve enjoyed these vacuum for stairs reviews. Hopefully, your buying decision should now be simplified and you’ll be able to keep your stairs spotless like the rest of your home.
Take your time, read plenty of honest user reviews, consult our guide and ask any friends or family for recommendations. If you are honest about your needs and don’t go rushing blindly in, getting vacuum is really pretty straightforward.
As always, please get in touch if you have any questions or feedback. We are here to provide you with as much useful information as possible. Please let us know if there is anything you are struggling with and we’ll do our best to help out.