Emptying your Shark vacuum dirt container properly is an essential part of using and maintaining your device. Leaving the accumulated dirt in the system for a long time affects the overall performance of the vacuum.
Both bagged and bagless Shark vacuums must be appropriately emptied after usage. From clearing off the dirt and debris to cleaning the filter, each is a very important action for all Shark vacuum models. Learn the DIY steps to empty Shark vacuum in the right way.
Though it might look like an easy process, it can impact your vacuum cleaner’s performance if you are not doing it correctly and completely. The detailed step-by-step guide will help you check if you are missing out on anything.
Signs That Your Shark Vacuum Needs To Be Emptied
If you are wondering when to empty your Shark vacuum dust canister, there are certain simple signs you can look out for.
Most hoovers might have an indication feature like min and max fill. So, if you see the dust cup has reached halfway, it’s time to clear it up without waiting till the end.
Let’s look at some of the other factors that can act as an indication for emptying your vacuum’s dust cup.
Suction has gone down: This clearly indicates that your machine might be overloaded. You might notice dirt and debris being left behind despite running the Shark vacuum a few times. This happens when the HEPA filter inside the Shark vacuum gets clogged with dirt.
Delayed disposal: If you have been using your device for over a month without emptying its dust cup, you need to do it without delay. Waiting for the dustbin to reach its peak capacity will lower its performance and longevity.
Foul Odour: Even if the bag is not full and you notice a bad and musty smell, it’s time to change it. Often, leftover food particles and pet excrement go into the bag, creating an unpleasant smell.
Post heavy cleaning: Vacuuming a lot of small dust and other tiny particles will lead to your vacuum cleaner not performing as well as it should. After cleaning dust, glitter, and other fine materials, change the vacuum bag or clean the dust cup.
What Can Happen If You Are Not Emptying Your Vacuum Properly
Besides losing suction power, your Shark vacuum might leave dirt and debris behind on the floor even after repeated cleaning. This makes your house messy, defeating the real purpose of using a vacuum.
Over time, uncleaned debris can clog the hose and the Shark vacuum filter. A HEPA filter gets damaged if not cleaned periodically, reducing its performance. So, not emptying your Shark vacuum in time makes it less effective and damages other parts.
Step-By-Step Instructions To Empty Your Shark Vacuum Cleaner
Most Shark vacuums are easy to clean and maintain if done properly and regularly. These stepwise simple guides will help you empty your Shark vacuum like a pro every time you do it.
How To Empty A Shark Lift-Away Vacuum Cleaner
Follow these simple and easy steps to empty a Shark Lift-Away Vacuum.
Step 1 Ð Disconnect the Shark vacuum
Disconnect the device from the AC outlet. Place it in a spacious place to start the cleaning process. For a Shark Cordless Duo Clean vacuum, remove the battery.
Step 2 Ð Open the Shark Vacuum
To open the bin, grasp the handle adjacent to the dust container. The opening feature of the Shark Duo vacuum might be different for different devices, so refer to the instruction manual.
Step 3 Ð Separate the dirt canister
Press the button near the bin, then use the handle to pull out the bin from the device. This separates the dust cup from the device, and then you can remove dirt and debris.
Step 4 Ð Clean the dust and debris
Release the contents of the bin into the trash can. You can use slightly hot water and baking soda to clean all debris, which also sanitizes the bin. Rinse thoroughly. Refer to the manual if there are any instructions on not using certain chemicals.
Step 5 Ð Remove the pre-motor filter
In some Shark Duo Clean vacuum models, you may also need to clean the filter. So, look at the manual for the removal and cleaning process. It is also essential to clean the motorized floor nozzle.
Step 6 Ð Reposition the dust container
After cleaning, ensure that the dust cup is completely dry. Then, carefully place it back into the device. Power it up and check if the device is working well.
Make sure it is totally dry before repositioning it. A wet dust cup can hamper the vacuum’s working mechanism.
How To Empty A Shark Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Emptying a Shark Cordless Vacuum might be slightly different than Shark corded vacuums, but the process is quick and easy.
Steps to be followed:
- Remove the handheld cordless part from the stick and floorhead.
- The vacuum trap door should be pointing into a trash can.
- Press the slider to open the trap door and let it fall into the can. Gently shake and tap the vacuum to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Also, check the metal shroud for any debris or hair. You can use a soft brush to clean it if required.
- Close the trap door and attach it back to the stick.
For a Shark Duo Clean cordless vacuum cleaner, make sure to remove the battery before starting. Refer to the instruction manual to remove the dust cup.
How To Empty Shark HEPA Filters
HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorbing) is one of the most popular filters that is a part of the best Shark vacuum cleaners. It aids suction and needs to be kept clean and clear.
It is better not to use any cleaner for HEPA filters. Instead, you can wash it with water, drain the excess water, and let it dry. It might take hours to dry before you can put it back in the device.
Shark vacuum cleaners are easy to empty and clean. After cleaning, you will notice a considerable improvement in the performance of your appliance. Ensure that you empty a Shark vacuum much before it indicates that the dust canister is overloaded.
