Are you facing performance issues while using your Shark vacuum cleaner? Has the suction gone down or are you noticing a foul smell? It might be just a matter of cleaning to resolve these problems.
Technical faults like loss of power or suction, or even bad odour from your shark vacuum don’t need repairs or replacements. Simple things like emptying the dust canister, cleaning the air filters, and checking for blockages in the floor head or hoses can do the job.
This step-by-step guide for cleaning different parts of popular models of Shark vacuums can help you make your appliance more effective and efficient if you notice a lag in its performance.
Signs That Your Shark Vacuum Cleaner Needs Cleaning
Every household appliance shows some alarming signs when its performance goes down or needs repair and maintenance. Let’s look at things that can go wrong with your Shark vacuum cleaner if it is unclean.
- Loss of suction: Sometimes, a ball of hair, or dirty air filters with accumulated dirt can clog a vacuum and hamper the suction. Loss of suction is the first sign that you need to give your vacuum cleaner a ‘good cleaning’.
- Obnoxious odour: A Shark vacuum is not expected to give off a stinking smell. If it does, this indicates that it needs a thorough cleaning.
- Unexplained sound: You might hear weird sounds if your Shark vacuum is gasping for air. This indicates pressure on the vacuum’s motor, affecting its performance.
- Dirt left behind: A Shark vacuum will never leave any visible dirt, like crumbs and debris at its optimum performance. If you notice this, you need to clean your appliance, as it could be due to a suction problem or bin overload.
We will now look at how you can clean the different parts of a Shark vacuum cleaner to make it live longer and perform its best. The entire process might take 1 to 1.5 hours, so it is advisable to do it thoroughly for better performance.
Shark Vacuum Cleaners can be of four types- Upright, Stick, Robotic, and Handheld. Upright and Stick models can be either Corded or Cordless. Robotic and Handheld models are mostly and always Cordless.
Parts of a Shark Vacuum That Need Periodic Cleaning
- Dust Canister: The dust canister is where the dust, debris, and dirt accumulate.
- Air Filter: A vacuum cleaner’s air filters trap dust and dirt particles while cleaning your house and deposit them in the dust canister. They also prevent fine dust and dirt particles from entering the motor and clogging it.
- Brush Head: The rotating brush does all the cleaning, and dirt and debris like hair strings, paper, crumbs etc., can get stuck to it
How To Clean A Shark Vacuum Dust Canister?
It is easy to empty the canister for both Shark cordless and upright vacuums.
Steps for Removal:
- Press the lid-release button that allows the hinged cover to fall away from the canister. This will help to deposit the contents in the trash.
- On cordless models, you have to detach the wand before this step.
- On the upright corded models, you must remove the dust canister from the vacuum by pressing the release button at the top of the main unit.
Steps for Cleaning and Drying:
- You can rinse the dust canister with lukewarm water. You can also soak it in mild soapy water and use a microfibre cloth to wipe it.
- Place it on its side with the lid open, which allows it to air-dry for at least 24 hours before putting it back.
- Fix it back properly when it is completely dry.
This is also an excellent time to check the vacuum’s wand/hose and floor head for any blockages.
Upright vacuum Ð Remove the handle and check if there is any suction once you turn it on. If not, there may be an obstruction in the handle or hose.
Stick vacuum Ð Remove the wand or hose and look deep down. You can also use a torch. Use a bamboo skewer to push it free if you see any debris.
Also, check the arm of the floorhead where you connect the wand for blockages.
How To Clean Shark Vacuum Air Filters?
Periodic cleaning of the filters is very crucial to keep the suction power effective.
Shark cordless vacuums have two types of filters:
- Pre-motor Filter- Located in front of the motor and has one foam and one felt filter.
- Post-motor filter- Located between the filters and the dust canister.
Steps for Removal:
- Remove the dust canister. Pull out the felt and foam filters from the top of the dust canister.
- Remove the post-motor filter (for a Shark cordless vacuum, it is in the vacuum’s main unit). Grasp and pull it downwards.
Steps for Cleaning and Drying:
- Soak the foam filters in soapy water and wash them thoroughly. Be extra careful not to damage the component.
- Dry for about 24 hours before you can fix them back.
Note: Shark doesn’t recommend washing felt filters as they are prone to damage. You can rather tap them gently to loosen the dirt and use a soft cloth to wipe them.
How To Clean A Shark Vacuum Brush Head?
There are mainly two types of brush heads in Shark vacuums:
Steps to clean Floorheads with one brush-roll:
- Detach the floorhead from your vacuum. In most models, there will be a button for the removable section. Check the user manual if you are not aware of it.
- Carefully remove any debris from the bristles. Use a pair of scissors to cut any string, hair, or debris wrapped around the brush roll. Be extra cautious not to damage the bristle in the process.
- Use a soft brush to wipe off the stubborn dirt.
- Soak the brush and scrub it very gently. Let it dry for 24 hours before you can fix it back.
Steps to clean DuoClean floorheads:
- DuoClean floorheads have two components Ð a bristle brush roll and a soft front roller.
- For the bristle brush roll, remove the cover (refer to the guide in your instruction booklet), and clean any dirt or blockages.
- For the soft front roller, tap off any loose debris. Use a dry towel to wipe the brush roll and remove debris stuck in the teeth behind the brush roll.
- You can also clean it using only water and let it air dry completely for at least 24 hours before reinserting it.
How Often Should You Clean The Parts Of A Shark Vacuum Cleaner?
According to the instructions from the brand, you should clean the filters every three months.
The component known as HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter can perform without any problem for around two years. But if you notice a drop in its efficiency, you should clean it and re-use your appliance. If the problem persists, you might have to replace it sooner. It is better to contact the brand executive if it is within warranty.
Overall, you must clean your Shark vacuum four times a year to do its job well. You can set a reminder to keep track of the cleaning schedule. However, if you notice any signs such as reduced suction, foul odour, and others, you might have to clean it outside the routine.
Shark vacuum cleaners are one of the best in the market and are known for their high performance and quality. The brand claims that it never loses suction until any parts are damaged or broken. So if you notice a deviation from this, you may want to check how dirty your appliance is and clean it up.
