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10 Best Vacuum For Carpeted Stairs 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum, Cleans Hard Floors and Carpets, Detangles, Converts to Handheld, 115AW, 2 Power Modes, Up to 40 Minutes¹

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,471
Weight
Suction Power
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
3968 reviews

Weight
The lightweight design makes cleaning much less of a chore and easy to maneuver.
Suction Power
The suction power is impressive, picking up dirt and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors with ease.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments are really helpful, with the dusting brush perfect for tricky spots and the crevice tool making it easy to clean between furniture.
Filtration System
The HEPA filtration system has made a noticeable difference in air quality, trapping allergens and dust effectively.

The Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum is a strong contender for cleaning carpeted stairs effectively due to several standout features. Its lightweight design at 5.6 pounds makes it easy to carry up and down stairs without much strain. The cordless feature allows for hassle-free movement without worrying about the length of a cord, which is ideal for navigating stairs. With up to 40 minutes of fade-free power, it provides ample time for thorough cleaning sessions, though the runtime might vary depending on the power mode used.

The two power modes offer flexibility between everyday cleaning and more intensive spot cleaning for stubborn dirt or pet hair. The Motorbar cleaner head and the Hair screw tool are particularly useful for deep cleaning carpeted surfaces and dealing with pet hair, ensuring carpets on stairs are well-maintained. The vacuum also converts to a handheld unit, adding to its versatility for cleaning areas like stairs, cars, and upholstery. The HEPA filtration system is a significant advantage, as it traps 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it a good option for homes with allergy sufferers.

Additional attachments like the mini soft dusting brush and crevice tool enhance its ability to clean various surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. However, the small dustbin capacity (0.14 gallons) might require frequent emptying during larger cleaning tasks. The noise level at 70 dB is somewhat moderate and might be a consideration for those sensitive to noise. The vacuum comes with a 2-year warranty and lifetime Dyson support, which adds to its reliability. The Dyson V8 Plus is a capable and versatile vacuum for anyone looking to keep carpeted stairs clean, especially in homes with pets.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,471
Weight
Suction Power
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
3968 reviews

Weight
The lightweight design makes cleaning much less of a chore and easy to maneuver.
Suction Power
The suction power is impressive, picking up dirt and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors with ease.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments are really helpful, with the dusting brush perfect for tricky spots and the crevice tool making it easy to clean between furniture.
Filtration System
The HEPA filtration system has made a noticeable difference in air quality, trapping allergens and dust effectively.
#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
9.7
Weight
Suction Power
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
138944 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
9.7
Weight
Suction Power
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
138944 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

Tineco Smart Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Floor Cleaner Mop 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum for Multi-Surface, Lightweight and Handheld, Floor ONE S5 Combo

Rating
9.1
Weight
Suction Power
Corded vs. Cordless

Most important from
8847 reviews

Weight
Its cordless convenience and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver around furniture and clean large spaces efficiently.
Suction Power
The vacuum excels at removing stubborn pet messes, dirt, and sticky residues, leaving floors visibly cleaner than traditional mops or vacuums.
Corded vs. Cordless
Its cordless convenience and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver around furniture and clean large spaces efficiently.
Filtration System
The self-cleaning cycle is helpful but requires thorough manual cleaning afterward to prevent mold and buildup in compact parts.
Maneuverability
Its cordless convenience and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver around furniture and clean large spaces efficiently.

The Tineco Floor ONE S5 Combo is a lightweight (just over 8 lbs) cordless vacuum that doubles as a wet and dry floor cleaner, making it quite versatile, especially for hard floors. Its design includes a smart sensor that helps gauge floor cleanliness, and it converts easily into a handheld vacuum with several attachments like a crevice tool and dusting brush—handy for stairs and tight spots such as carpeted stairs and car interiors. The vacuum’s self-propelled wheels and swivel steering enhance maneuverability, which is helpful when working on stairs. The HEPA filtration system captures fine dust well, which benefits allergy sufferers. Battery life is around 20 minutes per charge, which might require recharging during larger cleaning sessions.

While it has only one suction power setting and operates at a noise level of 78 dB (moderate noise), its brush design improves edge and corner cleaning for more thorough results. The vacuum’s wet/dry capability and hands-free self-cleaning cycle reduce maintenance effort but note that the 0.5-liter dustbin means frequent emptying on bigger jobs. This model suits those looking for a cordless, multi-surface cleaner that handles wet messes alongside vacuuming, particularly in homes with mostly hard floors and some carpeted stairs. For those prioritizing deep carpet cleaning with stronger suction, there may be better specialized options available.

Rating
9.1
Weight
Suction Power
Corded vs. Cordless

Most important from
8847 reviews

Weight
Its cordless convenience and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver around furniture and clean large spaces efficiently.
Suction Power
The vacuum excels at removing stubborn pet messes, dirt, and sticky residues, leaving floors visibly cleaner than traditional mops or vacuums.
Corded vs. Cordless
Its cordless convenience and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver around furniture and clean large spaces efficiently.
Filtration System
The self-cleaning cycle is helpful but requires thorough manual cleaning afterward to prevent mold and buildup in compact parts.
Maneuverability
Its cordless convenience and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver around furniture and clean large spaces efficiently.

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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