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Shark has been a trusted name in the vacuum industry for years. Shark Navigator vacuums are known for their powerful suction and ease of use, but they easily get dirty.
If you own one, you’re probably wondering how to clean a Shark Navigator vacuum. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to clean all parts of your Shark Navigator—from the brush roll to the filters.
Why Are Shark Navigator Vacuum Cleaners Popular?
Shark vacuums are powerful and easy-to-use cleaning tools. They can clean more than just the floors – try them on your car seats or carpets!
These upright vacuum cleaners come with bagless canisters, which means they don’t require expensive replacement bags. This makes it easy for you to see when the container is full and needs to be emptied.
Shark models have been tested and certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America as suitable for people who have allergies or asthma. These machines use cyclonic anti-allergen technology, which keeps dirt from re-entering the air path to ensure optimal cleaning performance each time, which means it’s excellent at trapping dust particles as well as pet dander.
Shark navigator vacuums are recommended for pet owners whose pets are suffering from allergies. They come with HEPA filters that will trap up to 99.99% of allergens and other particles as small as 0.25 microns in size, which other vacuums can’t do.
These vacuums also have a patented swivel steering system that allows for effortless maneuverability around furniture and in tight spaces. They are also equipped with handles that are ergonomically designed to fit the shape of your hand. This makes them comfortable to use and maneuver around corners or under furniture.
Signs That Your Shark Navigator Vacuum Need Cleaning
Before you can clean a Shark Navigator vacuum cleaner, you need to know when it needs a thorough cleaning. A Shark vacuum’s filter screen is an excellent indicator as it will clog or blacken if the Shark isn’t thoroughly cleaned.
If your Shark doesn’t have enough suction and needs new filters, this may be another sign. Shark Navigator vacuums are known for their powerful suction, so if they are losing suction power or do not fully clean floors, it may be time for a deep clean.
Other signs that your tool needs cleaning are emitting an unusual sound or giving off an unpleasant odor. Shark Navigator vacuums have strong suction that can suck in little bits of debris, dust, and dirt which is not only unpleasant but also dangerous for your Shark’s motor.
If you’re unsure what to look out for or how often Shark vacuum cleaners need deep cleaning, refer to the Shark vacuum manual. It will give you information on Shark vacuum maintenance.
How to Clean Shark Navigator Vacuum Cleaner
Below is our step-by-step guide on how to clean a Shark Navigator Vacuum cleaner:
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
For this cleaning process, you will need the following:
- dish soap
- warm water
- clean microfiber cloth
- a pair of scissors
- soft brush
Step 2: Unplug the Machine
Make sure to unplug your Shark Navigator before you begin. This is a safety precaution in case something goes wrong. You don’t want to shock yourself!
Step 3: Disassemble the Vacuum Cleaner
After unplugging, you have to take apart the Shark vacuum cleaner by removing the dust canister, the Shark vacuum filters, including the foam filter and HEPA filter, and the hose.
It would be best to take note of the proper placement of all the components so that you can put them back together correctly.
Step 4: Detach and Clean the Dirt Canister
Remove the dirt container and detach the felt and foam filter as well as the HEPA filter. Next, empty the contents of the dirt canister into a trash can. Use a small brush with soft bristles, like a toothbrush, to remove pet hair or loose dirt out of any small crevices.
After disposing of all its contents into a trash bag, wash the dirty vacuum dust canister in soap water. Rinse thoroughly, and don’t forget to dry the dirt container or dust cup with your microfiber cloth or any clean rag.
Step 5: Clean the Vacuum’s Filtration System
Shark Navigator vacuums have multi-layered washable filters that are easy to remove. No tools are required for Shark Navigator filter cleaning.
Clean the foam filters using tap water only. Remember not to use soap when cleaning your Shark vacuum filter. Squeeze and rinse with water until they look clean.
If your unit comes with felt filters, don’t wash them in water as they may break or tear easily. Tap the filters to loosen dust and dirt.
Shark vacuum models also come with an additional filter—a HEPA filter. To clean this filter, you can give it a thorough rinse in running water. Remember that you only need to clean HEPA filters once or twice a year.
Step 6: Dry the Filters
To dry Shark navigator vacuum filters, squeeze excess water out of each filter and place it in a clean area. Don’t put them next to the heater because the steam may damage the foam or felt filter. Let each Shark vacuum filter air dry for 24 hours for good measure.
Step 7: Clean the Vacuum’s Rotating Brush Head
Next, get rid of any hair or debris on the rotating brush by using a pair of scissors to cut it off. You can then use a small bristle brush or soft rag to clean the rotating brush.
If you find it difficult to remove hair from the roller brush, apply some warm water on both sides of the vacuum cleaner’s rotary disc and let sit for about five minutes for s good cleaning. You’ll be able to pull out more debris after. Remember to gently pull the debris so as not to damage the brush bristles.
Let the roller brush air dry for at least 24 hours.
Step 8: Clean the Hose and Floor Nozzle Attachments
Inspect these components for blockages. Depending on what the manual suggests, you can also use some water mixed with dish soap to remove stubborn dirt.
Don’t forget that you have to rinse and dry all hoses, nozzle, crevice tool, and other attachments thoroughly before using them again!
Step 9: Reassemble Your Shark Navigator Vacuum
Once your Shark vacuum is clean, you can now put it back together. Be sure all the components are in their proper place, and make sure to wipe down any sticky residue on parts subjected to intense suction power during use.
Finally, plug your Shark vacuum in and turn it on to test if everything functions properly!
Cleaning Shark Vacuums: Dos and Dont’s
Shark Navigator vacuum cleaners are some of the most popular cleaning tools on the market today. They’re known for their suction power and have high customer satisfaction ratings.
If you own a specific Shark model, follow these tips to keep it in optimal condition:
Remove Large Debris
Always check your Shark Navigator before turning it on. Before you turn your machine on, make sure there’s nothing stuck inside of any parts that could potentially damage it if turned on without removing first! Don’t use your Shark vacuum without removing large debris.
Clean Filters Regularly
Don’t neglect your Shark Navigator filters, especially if you suffer from allergies! Dirty Shark navigator filters make it more challenging to keep your vacuum cleaner running in tip-top shape.
If you have allergies, you must clean all filters regularly not to aggravate the condition even further. Having additional filters on hand is a good idea too.
Clean the Rotating Brush
Shark Navigator vacuum cleaners have a powerful spinning brush. If you turn on your Shark vacuum cleaner without first removing large pieces of dirt or other debris, it will clog up the rotating brush, which may cause irreparable damage to the machine itself.
Dry Your Vacuum Thoroughly
Make sure all the filters and components are completely dry before using Shark navigator again. If your vacuum cleaner isn’t allowed to dry completely, it may damage internal components and even result in mold and mildew growth.
Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals
Don’t use harsh chemicals when cleaning out any parts of your Shark Navigator. These vacuum cleaners are made of high-quality materials. Using harsh chemicals may damage its delicate components and cause the machine to malfunction or not work correctly in general.
Reassemble After Cleaning
Don’t use your Shark Navigator vacuum cleaner without all of the parts in place! If you try using a Shark navigator with missing components, its suction power will be severely diminished, resulting in less than optimal performance.
FAQs on Shark Navigator Maintenance
How Often Should I Clean a Shark Navigator Vacuum?
The frequency in which you should clean your Shark Navigator depends on the frequency of your use. Shark Navigator models are known for being very durable, so if you have a lot of people in your house using them every day, then you should clean them at least once a month!
How Often Should I Clean a HEPA Filter?
If you have a Shark Navigator with HEPA filters, it’s recommended that they be cleaned at least once a year. If your Shark vacuum has a TruePet motorized brush accessory, then the HEPA filter needs to be replaced at least twice per year!
Can I Use Warm, Soapy Water to Clean Shark Vacuum Filters?
It is not advisable to use warm, soapy water or any other cleaner for the filters. Regular tap water will do. Use soap at your own risk.
How Do I Maintain a Shark Vacuum Cleaner?
Cleaning Shark Navigator vacuum cleaners is a pretty straightforward process. Make sure to clean it after every use, and don’t forget that you need to replace filters regularly too!
When it comes time for maintenance, always keep your owner’s manual on hand. These tools are known for their durability, but they still need regular cleaning and maintenance to work correctly.
Why Does My Vacuum Give Off a Funny Smell?
If Shark Navigator has a funny smell, it is most likely due to the lack of proper maintenance. Dirt and dust particles build up around the brushes and filters, which causes foul odors. Using wet filters may result in unpleasant odors as well.
Can I Wash Felt Filters?
No, according to the instruction manual, a Shark Navigator’s felt filters should not be washed or submerged in cold water. This will cause them to break down and lead to reduced suction! To clean a Shark vacuum felt filter, tap it gently to loosen all the debris.
When Do I Need to Replace My Shark Navigator’s Filters?
Shark Navigator vacuum cleaner filters should be replaced regularly, at least once a year, or when your machine still loses suction even after cleaning. Replacement filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, but they make a massive difference in suction performance! Not replacing the filters regularly will cause the machine to lose suction power over time.
Where Can I Buy Shark Navigator Replacement Filters?
Shark navigator filters and other replacement parts are widely available online or at any store that carries Shark products.
How Do I Clean My Shark Navigator Deluxe?
It is recommended that Shark Navigator deluxe be cleaned after each use. Shark Navigator Deluxe can hold up to 50% more than standard Shark Navigators, which means it will require extra attention when it comes time for maintenance!
How to Take Apart Shark Navigator Lift-Away?
Shark Navigator Lift-Away is the brand’s most versatile vacuum. It can be separated into two separate pieces for convenient cleaning and storage. To disassemble it, you will need to push down on the Shark navigator handle and pull it apart.
Can I Use Baking Soda and Vinegar to Clean Foam Filters?
No. Stick to running water when cleaning these filters. Shark Navigator vacuums have a high degree of durability, but you will need to be careful with the components.
Easier Cleaning with Shark Vacuums
If you’ve been thinking about investing in a Shark Navigator vacuum, but are hesitant because of the price tag or upkeep requirements, then this article is for you. Knowing how to clean a Shark Navigator vacuum properly will keep it running like the day you bought it and extend its lifespan.
If you want more information on other floor cleaning methods and tips beyond what we covered here, feel free to check out the other how-to guides in this blog.
