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10 Best Vacuum For Carpeted Stairs 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner and Car/Auto Detailer, 3353, Gray/Blue

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,250
Attachments and Accessories
Corded vs. Cordless
Maneuverability

Most important from
95022 reviews

Attachments and Accessories
Cleaning parts are easy to remove, though it would be better if the hose could be completely detached for cleaning.
Corded vs. Cordless
The long electrical cord makes it easy to use in rooms with few outlets.
Maneuverability
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for spot cleaning or tackling stairs and car interiors.

The Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner is a strong contender for cleaning carpets and stairs, especially if you have pets. Weighing in at 9.7 pounds, it’s light enough to carry around, making it suitable for maneuvering on stairs and tight spaces. Its powerful suction effectively tackles tough stains and pet messes, ensuring that your carpets and upholstery look fresh again.

One of its notable features is the large 48 oz. tank, which means you can clean more without frequent refills, saving you time during your cleaning sessions. The included tools, such as the 3" Tough Stain Tool and Stain Trapper Tool, are designed to target specific stains and enhance your cleaning experience.

Being corded means you'll need to work near an outlet, which could limit your movement a bit compared to cordless options. While it’s versatile for various surfaces, the focus is primarily on deep cleaning spots rather than general vacuuming, so it may not suit those looking for an everyday vacuum. The filtration system is effective in maintaining air quality, but regular maintenance is necessary to keep it performing at its best. Additionally, if you have large areas to clean, the capacity might feel limiting as it requires emptying more often than larger models.

For pet owners or anyone dealing with stubborn stains, this cleaner provides excellent performance. If you're seeking a more traditional vacuuming experience or a cordless option, you might want to explore other products. The Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe excels in spot cleaning and is perfect for anyone looking to manage pet-related messes on carpets and furniture.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,250
Attachments and Accessories
Corded vs. Cordless
Maneuverability

Most important from
95022 reviews

Attachments and Accessories
Cleaning parts are easy to remove, though it would be better if the hose could be completely detached for cleaning.
Corded vs. Cordless
The long electrical cord makes it easy to use in rooms with few outlets.
Maneuverability
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for spot cleaning or tackling stairs and car interiors.
#2

Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter, Anti-Allergen Technology, Swivel Steering, Ideal for Carpet, Stairs, & Bare Floors, with Wide Upholstery & Crevice Tools, Lavender

Rating
9.6
Weight
Suction Power
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
111877 reviews

Weight
The Shark NV360 is powerful, lightweight, and offers great value for money.
Suction Power
This vacuum is a step up from my older Bissell, with amazing suction and reliability.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments, especially the upholstery tool, work exceptionally well on stairs and furniture.
Filtration System
The dual latch system on the dustbin offers a better seal, preventing dust leakage and making it great for allergy sufferers.
Maneuverability
It glides effortlessly on both carpet and laminated floors, making cleaning a breeze.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is designed to tackle a variety of cleaning tasks, making it a solid choice for those needing a vacuum for carpeted stairs and more. One of its standout features is the Lift-Away functionality, allowing you to detach the pod and easily clean high or hard-to-reach areas like stairs and furniture. This makes it particularly useful for stairs, where maneuverability can be challenging with traditional vacuums.

In terms of suction power, the NV352 offers strong performance, effectively deep-cleaning carpets while being lightweight enough (weighing just 12.5 pounds) for easy handling. The anti-allergen technology combined with the HEPA filter helps trap dust and allergens, making it a good option for allergy sufferers or homes with pets, as it's also equipped with specialized pet hair pickup attachments, enhancing its versatility.

The vacuum features swivel steering, which adds to its maneuverability, allowing you to navigate around furniture and tight corners with ease. However, it is corded, which may be a drawback for those who prefer the convenience of cordless vacuums, especially in larger homes where reaching distant outlets can be cumbersome. The included crevice and upholstery tools are useful for detailed cleaning, though the cleaning path width of 11 inches can make larger jobs a bit time-consuming. The NV352 comes with a decent warranty (5-year limited), providing peace of mind. It does have a noise level of 80 dB, which might be bothersome for some users during operation. This vacuum is a strong contender for anyone seeking an efficient solution for carpeted stairs and general home cleaning, especially pet owners.

Rating
9.6
Weight
Suction Power
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
111877 reviews

Weight
The Shark NV360 is powerful, lightweight, and offers great value for money.
Suction Power
This vacuum is a step up from my older Bissell, with amazing suction and reliability.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments, especially the upholstery tool, work exceptionally well on stairs and furniture.
Filtration System
The dual latch system on the dustbin offers a better seal, preventing dust leakage and making it great for allergy sufferers.
Maneuverability
It glides effortlessly on both carpet and laminated floors, making cleaning a breeze.
#3

Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum with PowerFins HairPro & Odor Neutralizer Technology, Charcoal, 2.9 L Dust Cup

Rating
9.4
Weight
Suction Power
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
17275 reviews

Weight
While it is heavier than stick vacuums, the features and performance more than make up for it.
Suction Power
The suction power is so strong that it practically moves across the floor on its own, making cleaning effortless.
Attachments and Accessories
The extendable hose and detachable handheld wand, complete with an LED light, make it incredibly easy to clean stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas.
Corded vs. Cordless
The cord length is great, allowing for cleaning multiple rooms without needing to unplug frequently.

The Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum is a solid choice for tackling carpeted stairs, especially if you have pets. One of its main highlights is the PowerFins HairPro feature, which effectively captures various types of hair from carpets and floors. The self-cleaning brush roll is another strong point, ensuring you don't have to deal with tangled hair. The vacuum's HEPA filtration system is excellent for trapping dust and allergens, making it great for those with allergies. The odor neutralizer technology is a nice bonus, keeping your home smelling fresh during and after use.

With a large 2.9-liter dust cup, you can clean for longer periods without needing to empty it frequently, which is a big plus for extensive cleaning sessions. The extendable hose with up to 12 feet of reach makes it convenient for cleaning stairs, furniture, and other hard-to-reach areas. Swivel steering enhances maneuverability, allowing you to navigate tight spaces easily. On the downside, the vacuum is corded, which might limit mobility and convenience compared to cordless models. Some users might find the weight less ideal for carrying up and down stairs frequently.

Nevertheless, the included attachments like the crevice tool and pet multi-tool add to its versatility. With a 5-year limited warranty, you also get peace of mind regarding durability and support. This vacuum is particularly beneficial for pet owners and those looking for a high-performance, allergen-trapping vacuum for carpeted stairs.

Rating
9.4
Weight
Suction Power
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
17275 reviews

Weight
While it is heavier than stick vacuums, the features and performance more than make up for it.
Suction Power
The suction power is so strong that it practically moves across the floor on its own, making cleaning effortless.
Attachments and Accessories
The extendable hose and detachable handheld wand, complete with an LED light, make it incredibly easy to clean stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas.
Corded vs. Cordless
The cord length is great, allowing for cleaning multiple rooms without needing to unplug frequently.

Buying Guide for the Best Vacuum For Carpeted Stairs

Choosing the right vacuum for carpeted stairs can make a significant difference in maintaining cleanliness and prolonging the life of your carpets. Carpeted stairs can be tricky to clean due to their shape and the high traffic they endure. Therefore, it's important to select a vacuum that is not only effective at picking up dirt and debris but also easy to maneuver and use on stairs. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a vacuum for carpeted stairs, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
WeightWeight refers to how heavy the vacuum is. This is important because a lighter vacuum is easier to carry up and down stairs. Vacuums can range from very lightweight (under 5 pounds) to heavier models (over 15 pounds). For carpeted stairs, a vacuum that is lightweight (under 10 pounds) is generally more manageable and less tiring to use. If you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or have multiple flights of stairs, opting for a lighter model will make the cleaning process much easier.
Suction PowerSuction power determines how effectively the vacuum can pick up dirt and debris from your carpet. This is crucial for carpeted stairs, which can accumulate a lot of dust and dirt. Suction power is often measured in watts or air watts. Higher suction power (above 200 air watts) is ideal for deep cleaning carpets, while lower suction power (below 100 air watts) may be sufficient for light cleaning. If your stairs see a lot of foot traffic or if you have pets, a vacuum with higher suction power will be more effective in keeping your carpets clean.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your vacuum. For carpeted stairs, look for vacuums that come with specialized tools such as a crevice tool, upholstery brush, or a motorized brush roll. These attachments can help you clean tight corners, edges, and the vertical parts of the stairs more effectively. If you have pets, a pet hair attachment can be particularly useful. Consider your specific cleaning needs and choose a vacuum that includes the attachments that will make your job easier.
Corded vs. CordlessCorded vacuums need to be plugged into an electrical outlet, while cordless vacuums run on batteries. Cordless vacuums offer greater mobility and ease of use, especially on stairs, as you don't have to worry about the cord getting in the way. However, they have limited battery life (usually between 20 to 60 minutes) and may require frequent recharging. Corded vacuums provide continuous power and are generally more powerful, but the cord can be cumbersome when cleaning stairs. If you prefer convenience and have a smaller area to clean, a cordless vacuum might be the best choice. For larger areas or more intensive cleaning, a corded vacuum could be more suitable.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system in a vacuum helps trap dust, allergens, and other particles, preventing them from being released back into the air. This is especially important if you have allergies or asthma. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the gold standard, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Other types of filters include standard filters and washable filters. If air quality is a concern for you, look for a vacuum with a HEPA filter. For general use, a standard filter may suffice, but ensure it is easy to clean or replace.
ManeuverabilityManeuverability refers to how easily you can move the vacuum around, especially in tight spaces like stairs. Features that enhance maneuverability include a swivel head, a compact design, and a long hose. A vacuum with a swivel head can easily navigate around corners and edges, while a compact design makes it easier to handle on stairs. A long hose allows you to clean multiple steps without having to move the vacuum frequently. If your stairs are narrow or have landings, prioritize a vacuum with good maneuverability to make cleaning less of a hassle.

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