Aside from the lift-away design, the Shark also has a powered pet brush attachment for removing hair. This is particularly useful for getting rid of pet hair on stairs. The handle has also been ergonomically design to be comfortable when cleaning. Like the Vax, however, it’s a relatively heavy stair vacuum at 6.1kg. Note: when Shark HZ3002 Stratos arrives, be sure to read the manual thoroughly - the unit is easy and rather intuitive to use and maintain, but just in case, read the manual. Minutes of run time is great, it has two power settings so that’s on the lower setting, on the more powerful setting it’ll be closer to 25 or 20 minutes. Then charge time is about 5 hours which is quite good.

This sleek, lightweight vacuum from Dyson will thoroughly clean up any area of the home, but it’s particularly effective on hardwood stairs. For one thing, it’s incredibly easy to maneuver, thanks in part to its small size and also to the swivel on its floor brush. Both features mean that this vac is great at reaching into tight, awkward spaces. It’s easier to do all the corners and edges first, rather than swapping attachments over with each step. It saves time, which is crucial if you’re working with a cordless vacuum with limited battery life.But you can make life easier for yourself. With the right approach and the best possible tools for the job, stair cleaning doesn’t have to be a cleaning chore you dread. Another vacuum cleaner with this feature is the excellent Shark NV681UKT. It’s an expensive vacuum, but has strong filtration, powerful suction and an easy-to-steer design. The brush bar is also powered even when the canister has been detached, so it’s effective at cleaning both carpeted and hardwood stairs. Dirt and debris were no match for the strong suction power of this vacuum. There are different suction settings for bare floors and carpets, so you can move from surface to surface with ease. It was effective in cleaning both floors, and we were impressed to see that it also cleaned up an upholstered chair in just two passes. Vacuums vary widely when it comes to weight, but vacuums intended for cleaning stairs tend to be on the lighter side. Many vacuums for this specific use will weigh as little as one or two pounds and go up to 10 or 15 pounds, depending on the model. Just note, typically, the bigger the vacuum, the greater the suction power (and dustbin size). If you're looking for a vacuum that's really lightweight, we recommend the Eufy HomeVac H30 Infinity, which weighs less than two pounds. If you just use it for the stairs no big deal but if you’re using it for your whole house and the stairs then you’re going to need a bigger canister.

For carpeted stairs, use a tool with a brush bar, such as a mini turbo tool. The rotating brush can agitate carpet fibres and remove more dirt. Upholstery Tool: While not specifically designed for stairs, the upholstery tool can be incredibly useful when it comes to cleaning fabric-covered steps. It has a wide brush head with soft bristles that gently agitate the surface while suctioning up dirt and allergens. At its core, the PV1820LGB is a cordless handheld with a 10-minute run-time. We found it provides surprisingly strong suction for a handheld vacuum – especially considering the price.For all-round performance, the Dyson V7 Animal is our top recommendation for a stair vacuum.​ It’s an expensive cordless vacuum, but the combination of handheld mode, powerful suction, motorised pet tool and excellent floor heads mean it’s difficult to beat. HairPro Pet Power Brush features no hair wrap technology and a small brushroll that spins and pulls out pet hair and similar dirt from upholstery, pet beds, sofas, stairs, and similar surfaces. The cleaning action is very gentle, however, when vacuuming rather sensitive surfaces, it is recommended to use the Upholstery Tool, just in case. It’s also got a strong suction but that comes at the price of it being a little heavier and the run time is only 15 minutes. Long enough for your stairs but it’s on the shorter side. The attachments included with your Shark vacuum cleaner will vary depending on which model you have chosen. Here’s a run-down of the best way to use the tools you are likely to already have… Weight & Portability. One of the most important factors when choosing a stair vacuum is weight. The lighter a vacuum is, the easier it’ll be to carry up and down the stairs. A lightweight design also makes cleaning the rest of your house less tiring. Don’t overlook the size of a vacuum either – compact machines are much easier to use in tight spaces, corners and edges.