How to clean a Shark cordless vacuum

What to clean and how often

Shark machines usually have two filter stages. The pre-motor filters, often a foam and a felt layer, catch dust before air reaches the motor and need the most attention. The post-motor filter cleans the exhaust air and needs it less often. Some models, such as the Stratos Pet Pro, also have an anti-odour cartridge that is replaced rather than washed. The table is a general guide. Your manual may set different intervals.

How to empty a Shark cordless vacuum

On most Shark cordless models the bin opens from the bottom. You hold the vacuum over a bin and press the bin release button or slide the catch, and the base flips open. Some models let you lift the whole dust cup off the handle to empty it or reach the cyclone. Shake out any hair caught on the cyclone screen. Then close the lid until it clicks so no air leaks past it, as a poor seal reduces suction straight away.

If dust has caked inside the bin, a detachable bin can usually be rinsed with plain water. Let it dry fully before refitting. Your manual will show if your bin comes off and which parts must stay dry.

1. 1

   Hold the vacuum over a bin or bin bag.

2. 2

   Press the bin release button as your model shows.

3. 3

   Let the dirt fall out and pull away any hair on the screen.

4. 4

   Close the bin lid firmly until it clicks.

5. 5

   If you rinsed the bin, let it dry fully before use.

How to wash Shark cordless vacuum filters

Shark typically advises rinsing washable filters in plain cold water only, without soap or detergent, and letting them air-dry fully, often for at least 24 hours, before refitting. Do not use a hairdryer or put them on a radiator. On many models the pre-motor filters sit under a lid at the top of the dust cup or behind it, and lift out by a tab. The post-motor filter is usually behind a cover near the motor or battery.

Squeeze the foam gently as you rinse until the water runs clear. Tap the felt layer to release dust. If your model has an anti-odour cartridge, do not wash it. Replace it as your manual describes. If a filter is torn, misshapen or will not sit flat, buy a replacement for your exact model. Our Shark cordless vacuums compared guide shows how the ranges differ.

1. 1

   Remove the battery or switch the vacuum off fully before you start.

2. 2

   Open the filter lid and lift out the foam and felt pre-motor filters.

3. 3

   Tap off loose dust, then rinse each in cold water until it runs clear.

4. 4

   Squeeze out the foam gently. Do not wring or twist it.

5. 5

   Check and clean the post-motor filter if your manual says it is washable.

6. 6

   Leave all filters to air-dry fully, typically at least 24 hours.

7. 7

   Refit only when completely dry, making sure each sits flat.

Note:Remove the battery before any maintenance. Do not use the vacuum with filters missing or damp. If the battery is damaged, swollen or gets very hot, stop using it and contact Shark or a qualified repairer.

Clearing the brush roll, wand and floor head

Anti Hair Wrap brush rolls are designed to shed long hair as they spin, but thread, string and very long hair can still wrap round them. On most Shark floor heads you turn the head over and open a cover or press a release to slide the brush roll out. DuoClean heads have a soft front roller as well as the brush roll, and both can be removed on many models. Pull or cut away anything wrapped round them and check the end caps for hair.

Next, look through the wand towards a light. Then check the neck of the floor head and the inlet where the wand meets the handle. Flexology wands have a hinge joint with a small gap where debris can lodge. Clear blockages with a blunt, long object, never a sharp one.

• Remove the battery before handling the brush roll.
• Cut hair along the groove with scissors if needed, taking care not to cut bristles.
• Wipe the soft roller with a dry cloth. Rinse it only if your manual says it is washable, then dry fully.
• Check the head's neck and the Flexology hinge for trapped debris.
• Refit everything until it clicks before testing.

Range notes: Stratos, Detect and Anti Hair Wrap

The Stratos models, including the Stratos Pet Pro, use a DuoClean head with two motorised brush-rolls and Anti Hair Wrap Plus, plus an anti-odour cartridge. The Detect models, such as the PowerDetect Cordless Pet, use sensors that raise suction when they detect more dirt or an edge, and an Anti Hair Wrap Plus chevron brush-roll with internal combs. Older Anti Hair Wrap models use a simpler single head. The cleaning routine is the same in principle across all of them: bin, filters, brush roll, wand. Filter shapes and positions differ, so keep the manual handy or download it from Shark's support pages using your model number. For pet homes, see our cordless vacuums for pet hair guide.

Compare Shark cordless models →

If it still is not picking up

If suction stays weak after a full clean, the most likely cause is a hidden blockage, a filter that is still damp, or a lid that is not sealing. Our guide to Shark cordless not picking up goes through the checks in order. If the vacuum cuts out or the lights flash, see cordless vacuum flashing lights explained.

Worn batteries can be replaced on many Shark models because the pack is removable. Use a genuine or compatible pack for your model, and recycle the old one at a battery recycling point, never in household waste.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean Shark cordless filters? Shark typically suggests rinsing the pre-motor filters about once a month, and the post-motor filter less often. Clean more often if you have pets or vacuum fine dust. Check your manual for your model's intervals.

Can I wash Shark filters with soap? Shark typically advises plain water only. Soap can leave residue in the foam and felt that blocks airflow. Rinse until the water runs clear, then let the filters dry fully, usually for at least 24 hours.

Where are the filters on a Shark cordless vacuum? On most models the pre-motor filters sit at the top of the dust cup under a lid, and the post-motor filter is behind a cover near the motor. Positions differ by model, so check your manual.

Why does my Shark smell after washing the filter? The filter was probably refitted before it was fully dry. Take it out and leave it longer in a warm, airy place. See why a vacuum cleaner smells for other causes.