10 Best Vacuum For Carpeted Stairs 2026 in the United States

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is a solid choice for carpeted stairs thanks to its lift-away feature, which lets you detach the main pod and easily clean stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas without lugging the whole vacuum. Weighing 13.7 pounds, it strikes a balance between being sturdy and manageable, though it may be a bit heavy for some users to carry up and down stairs frequently. Its corded design ensures consistent suction power, which is strong enough to tackle pet hair and deep dirt on carpets. The swivel steering makes it easier to maneuver around tight corners and narrow staircases, adding to its user-friendliness.

The vacuum comes with useful attachments like a crevice tool and dusting brush, which help reach corners and delicate surfaces on stairs. Its HEPA filtration system paired with an anti-allergen seal captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a great pick for allergy sufferers. However, since it’s corded, the cord length might limit movement on larger staircases without frequent unplugging. Also, while the dust cup is generously sized at 0.87 liters for longer cleaning sessions, emptying it might require some care to avoid scattering dust.

This vacuum is well-equipped for cleaning carpeted stairs, especially if you need strong suction, good maneuverability, and effective allergen control, though its weight and cord might be considerations for some users.

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.

The BISSELL PowerClean FurGuard cordless vacuum is a strong candidate for cleaning carpeted stairs, especially for homes with pets. Its 280W motor delivers powerful suction that effectively removes embedded pet hair, dust, and debris, which is one of its main strengths. The cordless design combined with a 50-minute runtime makes it easy to move around stairs without worrying about cords or finding outlets. At 7.3 pounds, it’s reasonably light, helping with maneuverability on stairs, though some users might find it a bit heavier for frequent stair use compared to ultra-light models.

The self-cleaning brush roll with FurGuard technology reduces hair wrap, which means less maintenance and better performance over time. Having bright FurFinder headlights is a useful feature to spot hidden dirt on stairs and upholstery. The vacuum also includes handy attachments like a crevice tool and upholstery brush, allowing you to clean corners and tricky spots on stairs well. The HEPA sealed allergen system is a plus if allergies are a concern, as it traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum. The vacuum stands on its own for charging or short breaks, adding convenience.

On the downside, with a 0.3-liter dust capacity, you may need to empty the bin frequently during larger cleaning sessions. Also, while cordless freedom is great, the battery is removable but you’d need to buy a spare separately if you want extended runtime. This vacuum balances strong suction, useful features, and decent weight, making it a good choice for carpeted stairs, especially for pet owners looking to reduce hair and allergens.