How to Clean a Shark Navigator Vacuum Cleaner

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Are you experiencing suction problems with your Shark vacuum cleaner? Do you smell something foul coming from it? We sometimes neglect to clean our vacuums, which is one of the main causes of such problems.

Don’t worry, in this post, we will show you how to clean your Shark vacuum cleaners to restore their suction power and smell fresh again.

Table of Contents

How to Clean Shark Vacuum Cleaner

Shark vacuum has several models on the market, and the removable parts are likely to be located differently. If you’d like to know where these parts are located and how to remove them, you’ll need to consult your model-specific user manual.

List of things you need:

Soap
Microfiber cloth
Soft brush
Access to sink or basin with water
Scissors
3 tablespoons of baking soda and 2 cups of vinegar
Gloves

Step by Step Guide: Clean a Shark Vacuum

Step 1. Unplug and Disassemble

You may want to start by checking if your vacuum cleaner is unplugged. Remember the way parts fit back in as you remove them from the larger vacuuming component.

Step 2. Empty the Dirt Canister or Dust Canister

Get rid of the dirt in a disposal bag after removing the canister from the unit. Wash the canister in soapy water using a microfiber cloth. Allow it to air dry after rinsing with cold water.

Step 3. Clean the Rotating Brush

The rotating brush is responsible for most of the cleaning, and you’ll find hair or pet hair, strings, and other debris stuck to it.

The first step in cleaning your rotating brush is to separate the handle from the floor attachment. You will find a button on either end of the floor attachment.

This will allow you to release the brush head for better cleaning.

Cut away any debris that has become tangled in the brush with your scissors. Then gently pull out the debris using hands. Be careful not to damage the bristles in the cleaning process.

If there is some stubborn dirt, use a soft brush to remove the dirt. You can soak the brush in the water and scrub it thoroughly.

It is recommended to leave the brush to air dry completely for at least 24 hours before reattaching it.

Step 4. Clean Shark Vacuum Filters

You’ll find the filters after removing the dirt canister from the larger vacuuming component. Filters for Shark vacuums may be made of foam rubber depending on Shark vacuum model. Other types of filters may consist of felt.

Felt filters can easily be damaged, so Shark does not recommend washing them. To clean them, tap them gently to loosen dirt, then wipe them.

For foam filters, wash them thoroughly in soapy water. They are likely to look stained even after a thorough scrub. Remember that what matters most is that they are clean.

Make sure that the filters are completely dry before reattaching them.

Step 5. Wash the Hose

Ensure that there are no clogs blocking the hose. Disconnect the hose on both ends. Look at the ends carefully, and inspect the entire length of the hose.

In case of a clogged vacuum hose, turn on the hot water faucet and use it. Using your hand, close one end of the hose, remove the hose from the tap. Then close the other end of it. Shake it vigorously.

Fill a hose with baking soda and vinegar, and pour it in. The same process with hot water, give a good shake.

Allow the mixture to go and run warm water through the hose, then run cold water in it. This mixture helps to unclog the hose and removes bad odors. Additionally, hot water loosens and removes dirt.

Step 6. Clean the Motorized Floor Nozzle

You should check the opening of the hose for blockages after removing it from the connector. You should turn the nozzle upside down. Gently tap the surface to loosen dirt, then use an old toothbrush to clean it.

During cleaning, we tend to forget the lower duct hose connected to the motorized floor nozzle. It should be dismounted and checked for obstructions. Look for clogs in the openings as well.

It should be cleaned similar to the main hose by brushing down the openings.

Step 7. Reassembling the Vacuum Cleaner

Your cleaning is almost over. Before you try to reassemble your vacuum cleaners, make sure that it is completely dry.

Take note that reassembling it while it is still wet may cause mold, and may cause allergic reactions.

How Often You Should Clean Your Shark Vacuum?

Cleaning your Shark vacuum filter may vary depending on how often you used it. But according to the owner’s manual, you should clean Shark vacuum filters every three months.

Unlike Dyson vacuum which they recommend cleaning their filter once a month.

Though the HEPA filter can run up to 2 years without any problem. However, you can lose suction if dirt builds up inside your Shark vacuum.

In the event that its efficiency begins to lose, you may want to clean or replace it sooner.

Signs Your Shark Vacuums Need Cleaning:

Lose suction power
Leaves an unpleasant odor
Sounds different
Leaves dirt behind

How do I change the HEPA filter in a Shark Vacuum?

Shark vacuum hepa filter — *Image Credit: Amazon*

In any case, you need to replace your HEPA filter, you can follow the instruction below:

Locate the latch at the bottom of the vent on the front of the vacuum
Remove the front vent by pressing up on the latch
Lift the HEPA filter from the vacuum
Replace with a new one

You can purchase the Shark Navigator Filter here.

Compatible with: Shark Vacuum Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ, NV350, NV351, NV352, NV355, NV356E, NV357, NV360, NV370, NV391, UV440, UV490, UV500, UV540, UV541, UV550

FAQs

Why is my shark not picking up?

A clogged air filter may contribute to suction loss and cause your Shark vacuum not to suction. Dirt and debris can build up on the air filters when they are left uncleaned for too long. A buildup of residue will clog the airway, which will cause the vacuum to choke.

What do you do when a Shark vacuum loses suction?

When your vacuum is losing suction, it is already a sign that you need to clean it up.

Is it normal for a vacuum to smell?

Many factors can lead to a vacuum cleaner smelling when in use. It is possible for odors to escape during the use of a vacuum cleaner with foul-smelling contents, such as pet urine or excessive dust. Friction can burn the vacuum belt and cause a burning odor if the roller head or beater brush becomes stuck.

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