Discover the Best Vacuum Cleaner for Stairs

1. Shark NV681UKT Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Our Editors Pick

Key Features

• Run Time: N/A
• Charge Time: N/A
• Weight: 6.1kg
• Dust Capacity: 2L
• Noise: 80db 

What we loved about this vacuum cleaner is the Powered Lift-Away. Many

Shark vacuum cleaners use the Lift-Away technology, allowing you to remove the main body of the vacuum to create a more portable machine. 

The Good

This one incorporates Powered Lift-Away, which means you still get full function of the main floorhead while in portable mode. It’s incredible. 

The main floorhead of this full-size vacuum cleaner is designed in such a way that suction comes from all sides, making it rather effective at edge cleaning throughout the home. The main floorhead can be used on the stairs thanks to the Powered Lift-Away technology.

The edge cleaning on stairs when using the floorhead is good, but you can really get into the nooks and crannies when using the provided crevice tool. Additionally, it sports an 8m cord, and when combined with the Lift-Away, provides a large cleaning radius.

This means you don’t need to stretch between sockets too much, and also helps when you are carrying it up the stairs. It’s fantastic at collecting large and small debris, including fine dust, from both hard floors and carpets.

This versatile cleaning means that you can sleep easy knowing that your carpets have had a deep clean, and hard floors are free from grime. 

The Not So Good

It can be a little heavy compared to some cordless models.

Our View

This model also comes with a pet tool for fuzzy spots.

We’ve chosen this model as our Editor’s Pick because of its fantastic cleaning power, its ease of use with stair cleaning, and its ability to get right up to the edge of each space.

It might be the only full-size vacuum here, but it’s also arguably the best of the bunch. Read the full single review here. 

Key Features – 

– Powered Lift-Away for portable cleaning

– Wide cleaning radius

– Great for homes with pets

– Fantastic on hard floors and carpet

– Vacuum for stairs

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2. VYTRONIX NIBC22 22.2v Cordless

Best Budget Pick

Key Features

• Run Time: 45mins
• Charge Time: 3-4 hours
• Weight: 2.3kg
• Dust Capacity: 0.5L
• Noise: 85dB 

This budget vacuum cleaner is ideal for those who don’t have a lot to spend but want a vacuum cleaner that’s still capable of keeping the house clean. 

The Good

We like the fact that it transforms into a handheld vacuum cleaner for the stairs, making your life easier. 

You can even use the crevice tool for edge cleaning, ensuring that you have perfect results every time. 

However, as with many cordless models, it can struggle to thoroughly clean carpets.

The running time is fantastic for a budget model at 45 minutes, and the battery can be swapped out freely so that you can keep going for longer. 

The Not So Good

It can be a little heavy compared to some cordless models.

Our View

It’s lightweight and compact, offering plenty of versatility when using it.

Hard floors are a breeze for this model, collecting fine dust with little effort. 

Key Features – 

– Lightweight and compact design 

– Perfect for hard floors 

– Smart storage solutions 

– Handheld mode

– Great vacuum for stairs

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4. Dyson V7 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Our Pick for Best Cordless Vacum For The Stairs

Key Features

• Run Time: 23 mins
• Charge Time: 3.5 hours
• Weight: 2.47kg
• Dust Capacity: 0/4L
• Noise: 74dB 

The thing we really love about the V7 is the fact that it’s so lightweight and easy to handle. 

The Good

Above floor cleaning is a breeze, and you just have to remove the wand to turn it into a handheld vacuum cleaner that can blitz the stairs in no time. 

Edge cleaning? No problem, you have a crevice tool that is highly effective at removing dirt and debris from every corner. 

However, it does have a great run time of up to 23 minutes, which is perfect for most homes, and the battery can be swapped out if needed, which gives you even more time to clean. 

The Not So Good
No bad reviews so far.

Our View

It works wonders on hard floors for both fine dust and large debris, and while it does a good surface job on carpets it can’t provide the deep clean it tends to need.

Read more on the review of Dyson V7 Absolute.  

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How to Choose the Best Vacuum Cleaner for Stairs

So, you’re ready to buy the perfect vacuum cleaner for your stairs? That’s excellent, but have you considered the design aspects of various models when finding the best model for your home? 

Here are the key features you should be thinking about before you buy.

Hose Length. A hose that is too short will not reach the top of the stairs and will require you to balance the vacuum cleaner, putting both you and your appliance at risk. 

Additionally, a longer hose that can reach the top of the stairs will save you loads of time. 

Stair Tool. This little tool is underrated. It makes cleaning the stairs easier with a little power boost, and it is the perfect size to thoroughly clean each step.

Most vacuum cleaners come with one, and it should be considered essential. 

Handheld Option. This is most commonly seen in cordless models, but there are corded ones that use the same concept. 

Being able to transform a full vacuum into a handheld one makes life easier for you, and also means you have a more versatile machine that can tackle a whole new range of areas in your home (armchairs, sofas, everything). 

Key Things to Look for

Now that you have an idea of what a vacuum cleaner for stairs should contain, here are some of the other features you should keep an eye out for.

They make life a little easier, and some of them might appeal to your situation. 

Weight. The last thing you want when cleaning the stairs is a vacuum cleaner that weighs the same as a baby elephant.

You want a model that is relatively light and easy to carry, allowing you to get up and down without worrying about the fact you didn’t finish writing your will. 

Edge Cleaning. Reaching the edges of the stairs and getting right into the corners is pretty important when cleaning the stairs. 

It’s so easy for dirt to get shoved in there, and over time it only builds up. If your chosen vacuum isn’t great with edge cleaning, make sure it has a crevice tool. 

Corded or Cordless? Both are great options, but cordless models aren’t always as effective at deep cleaning carpets.

However, cordless vacuum cleaners are usually the best for handheld transformations and the lack of a cord offers more freedom. 

Extra suction power over convenience is often the choice you need to make.

Filtration. A good vacuum cleaner has a good filter, regardless of whether or not you have asthma or allergies.

 A HEPA filter is perfect if you suffer from either of these conditions (and we have a great guide for HEPA vacuums) but if you don’t then any good filter will do. 

It keeps the air clean for you, and we all deserve more breathable air. 

Power. The power of your vacuum cleaner is vital, especially when you are selecting one to use on the stairs. 

It needs to be able to maintain suction through what can end up being a lengthy process, and regardless of your intentions, a powerful vacuum is always recommended.

Warranty. Most vacuum cleaners come with a standard warranty that lasts a year.

However, what many people forget is that you can register them online and most companies will extend it to five years.

Get a good warranty that covers parts and labour to give you peace of mind. 

FAQs

What is the Easiest Way to Vacuum Stairs?

The easiest way to vacuum stairs is to move from side to side with the hose across each step.It’s best to use the stair tool for this as it will provide the best results. 

You can also attach the crevice tool and use it to reach corners as well as clear the skirting area alongside each step.

You should also vacuum 2-3 times per step for the best results. 

How Often Should You Vacuum Stairs?

You should vacuum the stairs at least once a week, or several times if they have a lot of traffic going over them or you have pets. 

This keeps them clean, and also stops dirt from getting embedded in the carpet for those who have carpeted stairs. 

Do I Need to Vacuum Wood Stairs?

Yes, wooden stairs still need to be vacuumed, just like carpeted ones. If you do not vacuum them, you will find that they become dusty as well as collect hair and dirt. 

You may even discover sticky spots, which are quite unpleasant. 

Can I Use a Handheld Vacuum for Stairs?

Yes, you can use a handheld vacuum for stairs. This is often a good solution for edge cleaning, although we recommend a vacuum cleaner model that can transform into a handheld machine as it will offer better suction and increased power levels – especially for carpeted stairs. 

Final Thoughts

Tackling the stairs with your vacuum cleaner can feel like flipping a coin between life and death. Comical when you look back on it, terrifying at the time. 

With this guide, we hope you no longer have these fears and are instead happily ordering your new (and improved) vacuum cleaner. 

Every single model in this guide is one that we love, but there are a couple that took the cake for us. 

The first of these is the Shark NV681UKT, delivering superb power and suction while also incorporating its famous Lift Away technology to provide you with a portable option for cleaning the stairs.

It’s such a versatile model and really lives up to the brand’s high expectations. 

VYTRONIX also stole grabbed our attention, for a budget model that actually has a lot to offer. 

Did you enjoy our guide to the best vacuum cleaner for stairs? Were you able to find a model that didn’t make you fear falling down the stairs, or are you still searching? 

We love hearing from you, so leave us a message in the comments below.