ralph123
Well-known member
Just curious how other people vacuum stairs - upholstery tool, powered mini tool, canister with full size power nozzle, cordless vacuum, etc. What is the best method and best vacuum/tool for the job?
Best way to vacuum carpeted stairs
- Thread starter ralph123
- Start date
Don't know why....
but, on my hardwood floor steps, I prefer to use my canisters, OR Kirby (because of the longer hose) WITH the DUSING BRUSH. I guess it's a feeling that I have more control. And, I can clean the side molding along the side baseboard at the same time!
but, on my hardwood floor steps, I prefer to use my canisters, OR Kirby (because of the longer hose) WITH the DUSING BRUSH. I guess it's a feeling that I have more control. And, I can clean the side molding along the side baseboard at the same time!
fan-of-fans
Well-known member
When I used to clean a friend's two story house with wooden stairs, I used the floor brush and wands and worked my way bottom to top.
On carpeted stairs though, I think something like a lightweight upright might work well. Think how the Hoover Elites had that stair cleaning handle. I have not found most turbo or even electric powered hand tools to work well on carpeting or upholstery. That's not to say they all are bad - I've heard good things about the Miele turbo tools for example.
An upholstery tool might work well too - I don't think stairs are a likely place that really needs a lot of deep down cleaning, unless you have a lot of people or pets with dirty feet going up and down them.
On carpeted stairs though, I think something like a lightweight upright might work well. Think how the Hoover Elites had that stair cleaning handle. I have not found most turbo or even electric powered hand tools to work well on carpeting or upholstery. That's not to say they all are bad - I've heard good things about the Miele turbo tools for example.
An upholstery tool might work well too - I don't think stairs are a likely place that really needs a lot of deep down cleaning, unless you have a lot of people or pets with dirty feet going up and down them.
suckolux
Well-known member
Ironically, from the seventies onward Mom had a condo with open carpeted stairs. She also had an early Hoover elite 200 and that's what I used!
madman
Well-known member
lol I use my straight suction Eureka model 10. The handle can be locked in the all the way down position, so it becomes rigid and easy to manage.
Now, that's probably not the *best* way...
Now, that's probably not the *best* way...
huskyvacs
Well-known member
Tried and true method for 30 years. Never used anything else.
vacuumman
Well-known member
I've been using a Dyson V6 with the direct drive cleaner head, mostly because it matches the width of my stairs.
blackheart
Well-known member
For carpeted stairs
I prefer an electric mini nozzle. Unlike a turbine they don't rob power away from the surface. I think my favorites are either the Electrolux sidekick or the Stairpro
I prefer an electric mini nozzle. Unlike a turbine they don't rob power away from the surface. I think my favorites are either the Electrolux sidekick or the Stairpro
For my stairs wooden i work my way from bottom to top with the shopvac lonnnng 2 0feet hose or the compact eelectra on the step side ways with the Dusting brush and my leg press o nthe body to keep it in place.
Here
Is a fact not many people know. The height of a staircase can't be over 12 feet. You can't have more than 20 steps. You have to have a landing of atleast 5'x 6'usually you find good examples in stadiums or colleges etc.
Just random info.
Is a fact not many people know. The height of a staircase can't be over 12 feet. You can't have more than 20 steps. You have to have a landing of atleast 5'x 6'usually you find good examples in stadiums or colleges etc.
Just random info.
I use the electric mini nozzle that came with the Patriot. It is Patriot's version of the Wessel Werk HEB160. I also have the electric mini nozzle for the Guardian Platinum but I find the Wessel Werk is better and also quieter.
Gary
Gary
panasonicvac
Well-known member
This is how I normally would want to vacuum stairs.
human
Well-known member
When I had a place with stairs, I used my Electrolux 1205 with its PN1 because, well, it's all I had back then. If I had the tools I've got today, I'd probably still use one of my Lux canisters with a Sidekick. The brilliant thing about Electrolux canisters is they're exactly the right width to sit on a stair tread and not tip over. If I had to go back to having just one vacuum cleaner, an Electroux canister would be the one.
briannc
Active member
I use my central vacuum with the small motorized powernozzle and/or the full size powernozzle. Some of my Kenmore canisters have the powermate jr. and I've used that in the past.
I have hardwood stairs with carpet in the center...so I also use a dusting brush for the wood portions.
I always work my way from bottom to top when cleaning the stairs for safety reasons. For me going backwards top to bottom would most likely result in me falling...haha
My stairs are 8 up then a landing then 7 more up...so I get a break with the landing...I usually do a heavy detailed cleaning once a week but in between just use the main carpet attachment to keep the stairs clean daily or every 2 days.
I have hardwood stairs with carpet in the center...so I also use a dusting brush for the wood portions.
I always work my way from bottom to top when cleaning the stairs for safety reasons. For me going backwards top to bottom would most likely result in me falling...haha
My stairs are 8 up then a landing then 7 more up...so I get a break with the landing...I usually do a heavy detailed cleaning once a week but in between just use the main carpet attachment to keep the stairs clean daily or every 2 days.
For thorough cleaning, I use the brush and
crevice tools on a Connie. A nice Hoover "Brushvac" does a nice grooming job, too.
crevice tools on a Connie. A nice Hoover "Brushvac" does a nice grooming job, too.
yes, busted!!!!
I take it, you've seen "that staircase" in previous photos, lol.
It's kinda like having 'central vac' in the house. Actually, it takes a while to thoroughly vacuum those stairs and the upstairs hall. One time, during the major restoration part of the house, I head a helper ask the carpenter, "What's with all the sweepers"?
But, a Constellation OR a nice Celebrity with the upholstery brush will really get all the creases in those steps.
I take it, you've seen "that staircase" in previous photos, lol.
It's kinda like having 'central vac' in the house. Actually, it takes a while to thoroughly vacuum those stairs and the upstairs hall. One time, during the major restoration part of the house, I head a helper ask the carpenter, "What's with all the sweepers"?
But, a Constellation OR a nice Celebrity with the upholstery brush will really get all the creases in those steps.
When there was thinner carpeting on them, I
used the attachments on a Handivac. Great for the car, too.
used the attachments on a Handivac. Great for the car, too.
vaclab
Well-known member
What's Your Definition of Best?
Do you mean the easiest? What about the actual dirt pickup? Does that matter?
When I vacuum carpeted stairs, I primarily have one one goal: dirt removal. So the machine of choice must have reasonably high agitation and as much airflow as possible. Think 150 nozzle CFM. That would automatically knock out canisters, central vacs as well as hand held vacs.
If you haven't guessed it already, I use a newer Kirby in portable mode. If/When I develop some physical restriction, I may use something else.
Bill
Do you mean the easiest? What about the actual dirt pickup? Does that matter?
When I vacuum carpeted stairs, I primarily have one one goal: dirt removal. So the machine of choice must have reasonably high agitation and as much airflow as possible. Think 150 nozzle CFM. That would automatically knock out canisters, central vacs as well as hand held vacs.
If you haven't guessed it already, I use a newer Kirby in portable mode. If/When I develop some physical restriction, I may use something else.
Bill
ralph123
Well-known member
Have you tested the airflow in the portable configuration with the bag folded? I wonder if that restricts the air flow.
suckolux
Well-known member
Great post, by both of you last two. I have done it with a Kirby and I have wondered about airflow in handheld mode also Good question
vaclab
Well-known member
Here's My Portable Mode Airflow Loss Answer
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
