Carpets help minimize noise and enhance the looks of your home.

However, they can easily hold dirt, pet dander, and stains in case of high traffic or during occasions.

If you have carpeted stairs, this can be an annoying issue since they’re often prone to foot traffic.

That said, to maintain their elegance and cleanliness, cleaning them using a high-quality vacuum is necessary.

If you don’t have one yet, then it’s about time you invest in a vacuum that’s proven effective for cleaning carpeted stairs. This guide is designed to help you with that.

Top 14 Best Vacuums for Carpeted stairs

1. Eureka NEN110A Whirlwind Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner

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If you are looking for an efficient bagless vacuum, then the Eureka NEN110A is a solid choice.

It is a 16-feet corded vacuum that weighs around 8 pounds.

It comes with a dust capacity of 1.2 liters which is large enough to lessen your time in emptying it during the cleaning.

One good thing about this vacuum cleaner is that you can easily control its airflow through its handle.

This makes it easier for you to switch your cleaning settings such as carpet cleaning, upholstery, or hard floor.

It also features a steering handle that can swivel while you clean and a telescope metal wand that helps you maneuver it with ease.

Pros:

• Versatile and lightweight
• Comes with a manageable cord
• Features great suction power
• Can easily switch between settings
• High-quality filtration system
• The dust cup is easy to empty
• Multi-purpose

Cons:

• The cord is a bit short

2. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum

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This handheld vacuum is easily one of the best choices for those who have pets in their household.

It is an electric-driven device that is known for its multi-layer filtration. Furthermore, it uses the cyclonic cleaning method to successfully separate dirt from the air.

Other than that, it also features a specialized rubber nozzle that is added to easily attract dirt and hair embedded in the carpet of your stairs.

Its suction nozzles can capture dry messes of pets and is perfect to clean pet hairs and dander.

Pros:

• Versatile
• Pet-friendly vacuum
• Lightweight
• Long battery life
• Great suction power
• Durable

Cons:

• The cord is short for stairs longer than 16 feet

3. Bissell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum

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If you’re searching for a bagged vacuum, then this Bissell Zing Vacuum is for you! It comes with a 2-liter bag capacity to help save your time in emptying it as you clean.

It has a telescoping wand that helps you easily direct the vacuum during the cleaning.

Its automatic cord rewind is also helpful for easy storage and easy cord management during the process of cleaning. Lastly, it features a powerful suction for deep cleaning.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Versatile
• Powerful suction
• Easy to store

Cons:

• A bit too loud when operating

4. Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum

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This Bissell bagless vacuum is a super lightweight option which makes it convenient as you clean.

It is designed with three main functions: as a handle vacuum, stair vacuum, or stick vacuum.

It comes with a crevice tool for cleaning furniture while floor nozzle for cleaning stairs. Additionally, it has a dirt cup capacity of 0.67 liters.

Pros:

• Powerful suction
• Very light
• Easy to use
• Multi-purpose
• Affordable
• Easy to assemble
• Versatile

Cons:

• The cord is short for stairs longer than 15 feet

5. Shark Pet-Perfect II Cordless Bagless Hand Vacuum

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Are you getting tired of using a corded vacuum? If so, then this cordless and bagless vacuum that features a rechargeable battery is perfect for you.

This is quite useful when it comes to cleaning long and wide stairs. It has 0.56 quarts of dust capacity which is good enough, though it can be quite small in some instances.

Additionally, its rechargeable battery can handle 18 Volts which could be used for hours of cleaning.

In terms of its motorized brush roll, it is extra-detachable so you can easily clean pet hair and ground-in dirt.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Versatile
• Features a powerful suction
• Multi-purposes
• Includes a rechargeable battery

Cons:

• A bit expensive

6. Dyson Cyclone Vacuum Cleaner

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Another cordless vacuum you want to consider is this Dyson Cyclone.

It has a great filter that could trap at least 99.97 percent of particles with a size of 0.3 microns and higher through its fully sealed filtration system.

It also features a motorhead to help you detect or see debris or dirt in a hidden area of your stairs.

Pros:

• Features great suction power
• Multi-purpose use
• Durable
• Versatile
• Cordless

Cons:

• Needs a minimum of 3.5 hours to be charged
• A bit pricey

7. BISSELL Turboclean Carpet Cleaner

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BISSELL Turboclean carpet cleaner is a great choice for those who have pets who live with them.

It comes with a 1.5-gallon tank capacity that can handle enough water for longer and uninterrupted cleaning.

It also features 2 tank systems for dirty water and for cleaning water.

Its 4-row rotating dirt lifter power brush can further enhance its cleaning ability. It has a collapsible handle that helps in its easy storage.

Lastly, it comes with a powerful Bissell oxy-based formula which is known effective in cleaning.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Features a powerful suction
• Easy to use, store, and assemble
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• A bit pricey than the rest

8. BISSELL Pet Hair Hand Vacuum

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Yet another BISSELL product, this one is a cordless vacuum with a 14V lithium-ion battery.

It has a motorized brush tool to allow for high-quality cleaning by removing micro-small dirt and pet hair.

It has an upholstery tool, motorized brush tool, and crevice tool for it to be used in cleaning upholstery, stairs, and furniture.

Meanwhile, its dirt cup could contain 0.7 liter of dirt which is fair enough to lessen your time in handling it during the cleaning.

Also, it has a triple-level filtration that increases its overall performance.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Displays great cleaning performance
• Multi-purpose
• Versatile
• Lightweight

Cons:

• It is a bit pricey

9. Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Hand Vacuum

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This Shark Rocket vacuum is very lightweight but fully capable of cleaning carpeted stairs with ease.

It’s suitable for those who have pets at their home, and just like other vacuum cleaners, it’s designed to be very lightweight to make it easier to use.

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight
• Features a powerful suction
• Durable
• Versatile
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Its cord is too short for stairs that are more than 15 feet long.

10. BISSELL ICONpet Hand Vacuum Cleaner

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The last on our list is the BISSELL ICONpet which is a cordless device with high-quality performance.

It comes with a tangle-free brush roll (with about 3200 RPM spin) that helps in deep cleaning.

Furthermore, it uses a digital motor that can reach a maximum speed of 420 miles per hour with its 22v Lithium-ion battery.

The vacuum is designed for multiple uses. Furthermore, it is convertible from a hand-held vacuum to a high-reach vacuum and vice versa.

You can control the dirt that you are cleaning through the help of its mess-free dirt tank with slide technology.

Also, its LED light helps you to see dirt located on the darker surface of your stairs.

Pros:

• Strong suction ability
• Maneuverable
• Multi-purpose
• Lightweight
• Cordless
• Good battery life

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with a stand

11. Dyson V7 Trigger Cord-Free Handheld Vacuum

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The Dyson V7 Trigger Cord-Free Handheld Vacuum is a good choice for those who don’t want to bend over to clean stairs with a hand vac.

This unit is perfect for small jobs and cleaning steps. This is a lightweight vacuum that only weighs less than 4 pounds. It can work for up to 30 minutes after a full charge.

Once the task is finished, you just need to hit the button and drop the collected debris. It can prevent you from getting your hands dirty.

The machine is equipped with a mini motorized tool for deep-cleaning, combination tool with bristles, as well as a crevice tool. The manufacturer offers you a 2-year warranty including parts and labor.

12. Makita XLC02R1B 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless Vacuum

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The Makita is also known for a famous power tool manufacturer when it comes to vacuum cleaners.

The XLC02R1B cordless vacuum is a great product from them. This vacuum cleaner is equipped with a 2.0Ah pack for 15 minutes of runtime. Also, the machine works on higher capacity batteries.

This unit is a super-lightweight vacuum. It only weighs 2.7 pounds. It comes with the battery onboard.

Though the vacuum doesn’t come with a motorized tool for carpet, it features strong suction for cleaning up messes. Therefore, you can use it on bare floors.

Also, this device is equipped with a crevice tool, so it’s simple to convert it to a hand vac.

13. Bissell Cleanview Deluxe Corded Handheld Vacuum

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This device weighs 4.65 pounds. It comes with an 18-foot power cord.

It comes with a rubber nozzle as well. This feature helps to pick up hair from carpet and upholstery.

To clean your carpeted stairs, you have to bend over.

This product is equipped with handy attachments, including a wide-mouth tool, a crevice tool, and a 2-foot-long hose. With the hose, you needn’t hold the vacuum while working on each step.

14. Shark DuoClean Rocket Corded Ultralight Upright Vacuum HV382

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The Shark DuoClean can work well on both carpet and bare floors thanks to its two different brush rollers.

One roller includes bristles to agitate the carpet, and another one comes with soft fabric to pick up dust.

It has a 30-foot power cord. If there is a lot of stairs in your house, this device can decrease hopping between electrical outlets.

It weighs no more than 10 pounds. It can be converted to a hand vacuum. Then, it just weighs 4.6 pounds

Also, this device comes with the floor attachments. Also, it is equipped with LED headlights for dealing with low lighted areas.

Things to Consider When Buying a Vacuum for Carpeted Stairs

Before you buy a vacuum for carpeted stairs, you have to consider some factors first so you can get a quality vacuum that could cater to your cleaning needs.

1. Excellent Suction Power

Make sure you buy a vacuum filter that has a suction ability that is strong enough to deeply clean your carpet.

When determining the suction power of a vacuum, you could base it on its motor.

A vacuum with a high-power motor has a higher suction ability than a vacuum with a low-power motor.

Low-power vacuums are designed to clean thin-layered carpets or carpets used in areas with less foot traffic.

Since carpets installed on stairs are expected to encounter a lot of dirt, you want to search for a vacuum that has a high-power motor.

However, you can also check the other qualities of the vacuum to ensure good performance such as its fan. The larger the fan, the better as it allows more airflow.

2. Vacuum Parts and Attachments

You should also consider the right attachments for your vacuum cleaners. Make sure to have an attachment that could help you deeply clean your stair carpets.

Also, it’s recommended to check if it has an attachment that could make the vacuum useful for multiple purposes.

Furthermore, check if the parts of the vacuum are suited in cleaning your house. For instance, if the vacuum is corded, make sure that it is long enough for your stairs.

3. Filters

Filters are a very important part of a vacuum. They are responsible for capturing small particles in the carpet.

The two vacuum filters that are usually used are the post-motor filter and the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

Between these two, vacuums with HEPA filter are better in terms of deep cleaning because they can capture most of the small particles such as microns and allergens.

4. Versatility

You want to choose a vacuum that you’ll not only use to clean carpeted stairs but to clean multiple home equipment as well.

There are vacuums that you could use in cleaning different kinds of carpet, rugs, upholstery, furniture, and others.

5. Weight

Lastly, it’s best to choose lightweight vacuums to give a lesser burden to you during the cleaning.

Some vacuums could that weigh around 4 to 10 pounds can be considered lightweight.

FAQs

Is vacuuming Important?

Some have an alternative way of cleaning their carpets. However, using vacuums have a lot of advantages not only in terms of saving time but also in prolonging the quality of your carpets.

A high-quality vacuum is worth investing in as it helps in maintaining a clean and safe home.

Aside from lengthening the lifespan of your carpet, it can also help remove most of the small particles (dust mites, dander, carpet fibers, pathogens such as bacteria, etc.) that could trigger non-communicable diseases such as asthma and allergies.

Furthermore, it helps improve the air quality in your home.

What type of vacuum should I use?

There are different types of vacuums available. You can choose from upright, canister, handheld or robotic, and stick vacuums.

Each of them has its unique characteristics that can cater to different vacuuming needs and preferences.

Regardless of the type of vacuum you opt for, we highly recommend checking their qualities so you can decide which among them is better.

If your main purpose of buying a vacuum is for cleaning carpets of stairs and floors, upright vacuums are mostly used.

However, there are also high-quality canister, handheld, and stick vacuums that could clean carpets.

In terms of cleaning hard floor surfaces, canister vacuums are mostly suggested. On the other hand, other types of vacuums are designed for multiple purposes.

Should I go bagless or bagged?

Compared to bagged vacuums, bagless vacuums can be considered as more environment-friendly since you don’t have to use bags that could accumulate over time.

Furthermore, bagless vacuums are less expensive and are mostly used by many homeowners.

However, when it comes to deep cleaning, bagged vacuums work best.

Bagged vacuums usually have a HEPA filter that can capture micro-small particles, including allergens. They’re the best choice for those who are allergic.

Furthermore, bagged vacuums have lesser maintenance compared to bagless vacuum.

The downside is that they’re a bit expensive because you have to buy bags for replacement.

In terms of cleaning carpeted stairs, bagged vacuums are the better option.

Conclusion

Arguably, the best vacuums for carpeted stairs presented above are ones that are mostly used by costumers.

Furthermore, they are those that received high-ratings from their users. Thus, if you want to buy a vacuum cleaner for cleaning your carpeted stairs, you can easily narrow down your choices to the ones above.