Is your Shark vacuum losing its bite? Does it leave dirt behind or smell a bit funky when you turn it on? We’ve all been there. It is easy to ignore maintenance until the machine stops working, but a clogged vacuum is a useless vacuum.
You don’t need to rush out and buy a replacement or pay for expensive repairs. In most cases, a thorough deep clean is all it takes to restore that like-new suction.
Here is your step-by-step guide on how to clean a Shark vacuum, from the dirty dust cup to the filters and brush roll.
Key Takeaways
- Frequency: Clean your Shark vacuum filters every three months to maintain peak performance.
- Components: Wash the dust canister, foam filters, and felt filters; remove hair from the brush roll.
- Drying Time: Allow all washable parts to air-dry for at least 24 hours to prevent mold and motor damage.
- Safety: Always unplug the unit before disassembling or cleaning any wet components.
How Often Should You Clean a Shark Vacuum?
According to Shark’s official recommendations, you should clean the pre-motor filters (foam and felt) every three months.
The HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, usually found behind the motor, is more robust. It generally only needs cleaning once every year or two. However, if you have pets or a large home, you might notice efficiency dropping sooner (1).
Ideally, you should aim to deep clean the entire unit four times a year. If you use your vacuum daily, you might need to bump this up.
Your vacuum will usually tell you when it needs attention. Watch out for these common signs:
- Loss of suction: The vacuum pushes dirt around instead of picking it up.
- Bad smells: Unpleasant odors coming from the exhaust.
- Strange noises: Gasping, whistling, or louder-than-usual operating sounds.
- Visible dirt: The dust cup is full or debris is clogged in the viewing window.
Shark vacuums are famous for their “Never Loses Suction” technology, so if yours is fading, dirt blockage is almost certainly the culprit.
How to Clean a Shark Vacuum
Shark has a wide range of models, including the Navigator, Rotator, Apex, and Vertex. While buttons and latches might move around, the core components, canister, filters, and brush roll, are cleaned the same way.
Consult your manual if you can’t find a specific release latch, but this guide covers the universal steps.
- Time: 45 minutes (plus drying time)
- Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
What You’ll Need:
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Scissors or seam ripper
- Microfiber cloth
- Soft bristled brush (or old toothbrush)
- Basin or sink
- Rubber gloves (optional)
1. Unplug and Disassemble
Safety first. Unplug your vacuum cleaner before you press any buttons. We recommend doing the messy parts of this job outdoors or over a trash can to prevent dust clouds in your clean home.
If you are cleaning a “Lift-Away” model, detach the pod from the floor nozzle. Remove all attachments and the hose.
Don’t Forget
2. Empty and Wash the Dust Canister
The dust cup is usually the grimiest part. Press the release button to detach it from the main unit. Hold it deep inside a trash bag and press the bottom release latch to dump the debris.
Most Shark canisters also open at the top. Open both ends to clear out any trapped lint. You may see a metal or plastic mesh screen inside; wipe this down to remove stuck-on dust.
Once empty, submerge the canister in a sink filled with warm, soapy water. Use a microfiber cloth or soft brush to scrub the inside. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Take Note
3. Clean the Filters
Shark vacuums typically use a three-filter system. You will usually find a foam and a felt filter underneath the dust cup, and a HEPA filter behind the front grill.
Remove the foam and felt filters first. They will likely look grey or black. Rinse them under lukewarm water until the water runs clear. You can use a tiny drop of soap if they are greasy, but thorough rinsing is key.
Do not put these filters in the washing machine or dishwasher. Squeeze the excess water out of the foam gently, but be careful with the felt filter as it can tear.
If your model has a HEPA filter, remove the cover (usually on the front of the vacuum body) to access it. Rinse it with warm water. Note that HEPA filters are dense and take much longer to dry.
Lay all filters flat on a towel to air-dry for at least 24 hours. If they still feel damp, wait longer. If they look tattered or torn, replace them immediately.
Pro Tip
4. Clean the Brush Head
The motorized floor nozzle attracts hair, string, and carpet fibers.
Flip the floor nozzle over. On many models, you will see three plastic locks on the soleplate. Use a coin or a flathead screwdriver to turn these locks, then lift off the cover.
Use scissors or a seam ripper to cut through hair wrapped around the brush roll. Pull the debris free, being careful not to cut the bristles.
If you have a “DuoClean” model, you will also have a soft fluffy roller at the front. Eject this roller (usually a “Roll Release” slider) and wash it in the sink with water if it looks dirty. Let it dry for 24 hours before reinstalling.
Wipe down the housing and the airway behind the brush roll to clear any blockages.
5. Clean the Hose
The flexible hose is a prime spot for hidden clogs. Detach the hose from both the handle and the vacuum body.
Look through the hose toward a light source. If you cannot see light, you have a clog. Use a broom handle or a long, blunt object to gently push the blockage out.
To deep clean the hose, place it in a sink of warm, soapy water. Move it around to let the water rush through. Rinse it with clean water to remove soap residue.
Hang the hose over a shower curtain rod or door to drip dry. Gravity helps here; ensure it is vertical so water doesn’t pool in the ridges.
6. Clean the Motorized Floor Nozzle
While the brush roll is drying, check the “neck” of the floor nozzle. This is the short tube that connects the heavy floor head to the vacuum stick or pod.
This area often gets packed with dense dirt clumps. Use your finger or a hooked wire to clear it out. If this airway is blocked, your vacuum will not pick up dirt, regardless of how clean the filters are.
7. Reassemble the Vacuum
Once you are 100% certain every part is bone dry, it is time to put it back together.
Insert the felt filter first, followed by the foam filter. Snap the HEPA filter back into its housing. Reattach the hose, click the dust cup back into place, and secure the floor nozzle.
Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to remove surface dust.
8. Freshen the Scent (Optional)
If your vacuum still has a lingering “doggy” smell, the issue might be inside the plastic pores.
You can wipe the inside of the canister with a cloth dampened in white vinegar. The vinegar smell will dissipate quickly, taking odors with it. Alternatively, specialized vacuum beads like Fresh Wave Deodorizer Beads are safe to suck up and help neutralize smells inside the bagless system.
FAQs
How Do You Remove a Shark Vacuum Filter?
To remove a Shark vacuum filter, first remove the dust cup canister. You will see a tab for the foam and felt filters sitting in the tray underneath. Pull them out. For the HEPA filter, locate the grill on the front of the vacuum body, press the release latch, and pull the frame out.
How Do I Stop My Shark Vacuum From Smelling Like Dog?
To stop your Shark vacuum from smelling like a dog, wash the filters and dust bin with warm soapy water and let them dry completely. Moldy moisture is often the cause of the smell. You can also use a pet-safe deodorizer like these scent capsules.
Why Does My Shark Vacuum Keep Getting Clogged?
Your Shark vacuum keeps getting clogged because the filters are likely overdue for a cleaning. When filters are dirty, airflow is restricted, causing dust to back up into the hoses. Check the hose and the neck of the floor head for physical debris like socks or large paper scraps.
Why Is My Shark Vacuum Blowing Dirt Out?
Your Shark vacuum is blowing dirt out because of a blockage or a full canister. If the air cannot pass through the filter, it will force its way out of any available opening, carrying dust with it. Empty the bin and check the hose for obstructions.
Can I Wash the Shark HEPA Filter?
Yes, you can wash the Shark HEPA filter. Rinse it with lukewarm water with the dirty side facing down so the water pushes the dirt out. Do not scrub it with a brush, as this can damage the fibers. Let it air dry for 24 to 48 hours before reinstalling.
In Conclusion
Taking the time to clean your Shark vacuum does more than just make it look nice; it protects the motor and ensures your carpets actually get clean. By following these simple steps every few months, you can extend the life of your machine and keep your home allergen-free.Now that your vacuum is fresh and ready, those dust bunnies don’t stand a chance. Happy cleaning!
