One of the most important tools in your cleaning kit is your vacuum cleaner and if you want to ensure that it’s running it’s best then you’ll need to know how to properly clean and maintain it.
If you notice your vacuum isn’t picking up dirt and debris the way it should it’s important to clean it as soon as possible because poor suction can cause damage to the motor since it has to work harder to clean.
This guide will show you how to clean Shark Vacuum filters, as well as the brush rolls and the dust cup so it will run at the top of it’s game for years to come.
How to Clean Shark Filter
Prior to cleaning any part of your vacuum make sure to unplug it. Never remove any parts or attempt to clean or maintain your vacuum while it is plugged in.
There are a couple of different filters inside your Shark vacuum dust cup: the foam cylinder filter, felt disc filter, and a HEPA filter.
First empty the dirt and debris from the dust cup and then remove the foam and felt disc filters. Make sure to use the tab on the felt disc when you remove it to avoid damage.
Both of these filters can be washed in warm soapy water. Make sure to rinse until the water runs clear, that way you know all the dirt and debris have been cleaned away.
There are two types of HEPA filters commonly used in Shark vacuums, one is washable and the other is not. Before you attempt to clean your HEPA filter check your manual to see which one you have. With either of these filters you’ll want to first remove any visible dirt or hair you see on the outside of the filter prior to cleaning it.
If you have a washable HEPA filter you can carefully rinse it with water until the water runs clear to remove any dust inside the filter and then allow it to air dry.
If your filter is non washable take it outside and lightly tap it against a hard surface until you no longer see dust coming out of it. Be careful not to tap too hard or you may damage your filter.
Once all your filters are clean be sure to air dry them until they are completely dry. This typically takes about 24 hours.
Do not put a damp filter back into your vacuums dust cup, this can cause mold and mildew to grow inside your vacuum.
How to Clean Shark Vacuum Brush Rolls
When brush rolls fill up with hair and debris it can cause your vacuum to push dirt around instead of picking it up. It is important to clean them out to keep your vacuum cleaning properly.
To make sure you can fully remove any hair or debris that is wrapped up in the brush rolls you’ll want to push the floor nozzle button to release the cleaning head and then use a screwdriver to remove the brush roll cover.
Now that you have access to the brush rolls you can use a pair of scissors to clip out hair or dirt particles that have wrapped around the brushes. Be careful not to clip the brushes themselves.
Now that the hair and debris have been clipped you should be able to easily pull them out of the brush rolls. If you find that some are still hard to pull out you can clip them again with your scissors.
Once all the debris have been removed from the brush rolls you can reassemble the vacuum and the brushes will now be able to freely pick up dirt and debris.
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How to Clean the Shark Vacuum Dust Cup
Now that you’ve taken care of your filters and brush rolls there’s only one more part of your Shark vacuum that you should clean, the dust cup.
If you’ve noticed bad odors coming from your vacuums vents it is most likely due to dirt and debris being stuck in the dust cup. This is especially true if you have pets, as pet hair and odors can cling to the inside of the dust cup.
The dust cup can be cleaned using soap and water and you can use a sponge to scrub away any stains or stubborn dirt. If you find it hard to clean down into the bottom of the dust cup a bottle cleaning brush is perfect for getting into areas you can’t reach with a sponge or a cloth.
Now that the dust cup is clean be sure to thoroughly rinse it and allow it to air dry completely prior to reassembling your Shark vacuum cleaner. If you prefer you can use a clean dry cloth, just make sure the dust cup is completely dry.
Never put any parts back onto your vacuum when damp. Just like with the filters a damp dust cup can cause mold or mildew to grow inside your vacuum.
If you find that you’ve cleaned all the areas covered in this article and you’re still experiencing problems with suction you may have a clog in your vacuum tubes. Remove the tubes from your vacuum, take them outside, and shake them out.
If there’s a blockage you can’t reach you can run a brush with a long handle through them to push it out. Be sure to remove any debris from the areas where the tubes connect to the vacuum as well.
In order to keep your vacuum running it’s best be sure to follow these steps regularly, every three months or more often with heavy use, and also empty your dust cup after every use. Not only will this prolong the life of your Shark vacuum but it will also make sure that your floors and upholstery are free from dirt and debris.
