How to Clean Shark Lift-Away Vacuum and its Filters?

Easiest Method to Clean Shark Vacuum and its Filters

The main parts that require cleaning are filters, canister, and rotating brush. The location of these parts may vary from one model to another. Hence, it is recommended to keep the user manual with you while cleaning your Shark lift-away vacuum cleaner.

Things Needed

• Dishwashing liquid
• Warm water
• Cleaning cloth
• Flashlight
• Wood skewer
• Scissors
• Soft brush

Cleaning Procedure

To clean the shark lift-away vacuum and its filters, you should follow the below-mentioned steps. 

1. Preparing the Machine

Disconnect your vacuum from the power source and place it on a flat surface. Remove the dust canister, foam filters, HEPA filter, cover, and handle hose. Take a picture of how these parts are installed; it will help you in putting everything back. 

2. Clear Obstructions

Remove hairballs, debris, and dirt in all openings after removing the parts in 1st step. You can use a wood skewer or WD-40 to remove stubborn gunk on the openings.

3. Empty and Clean the Dirt Canister

Empty the dust canister in a trash can. Use warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush to clean the canister from the inside. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft clean cloth.

4. Filter Cleaning

Your model may have a foam/felt filter or a HEPA filter. 

Cleaning of Foam/Felt Filters

It is not recommended to wash a foam/felt filter. However, you can hand wash these filters with cold water without soap, a brush, or a cleaner. Make sure you squeeze the filter gently after washing. The filters may have some stains. Don’t worry; stains don’t interfere with the cleaning process.

A damaged or torn filter must be replaced.

Cleaning of HEPA Filter

The latest shark models have an additional HEPA filter. This filter is located behind the filter door at the lower front of the machine. Pull the door to access the filter and remove it. Rinse it with clean water and let it air dry. 

You must not install a wet HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner as it can lead to mold growth. Further, ensure you only wash HEPA filters designated as washable and do not touch the filter material. You can wear gloves to avoid any mishaps.  

5. Rotating Head Brush Cleaning

Lay your shark vacuum on the floor to access the rotating head brush. Place a towel or a cloth under the head brush so it can catch dirt and debris removed from the head brush. You will be more likely to see hair clumps, strings, and other debris material around the brush. 

You can use a scissor to cut through anything stuck with the brush. After cutting, it will become easy for you to remove it. Use a soft scrub brush to remove any dirt accumulated there. After cleaning, you can return the brush to its previous position. 

6. Cleaning of Handle Hose

Check your Shark’s user manual to see if there is any electrical component inside the handle hose. Remove the handle hose if it doesn’t have any electrical components. Clean the dirt from the hose opening on the machine.

Place the hose in a tub filled with warm soapy water; ensure that water enters the hose. Use a soft brush to clean the water. Run clean water from one end of the hose to the other end until clean water starts coming out. Hang the hose upside down to dry it.

7. Reassembling

Reassemble your machine the same way you took it apart once every part is dry.

How to know if your Shark vacuum cleaner needs cleaning?

• Dirt left behind
• Reduced suction power
• Unpleasant odor
• Weird sounds

Can you wash shark lift-away filters with soapy water?

No. It can damage your filters. The manufacturers recommend only cold tap water for their cleaning and rinsing.

How often to clean the shark lift-away filter?

It is recommended to clean Shark lift-away vacuum filters monthly. It may vary depending on usage frequency and how dirty your floors are. Some people clean filters after 3 months, while some clean after every cleaning session.