How To Use Shark Vacuum

If you’ve just bought a Shark vacuum, you might be wondering how to use Shark vacuum to get the best clean. This guide will walk you through everything from unboxing to advanced features, ensuring you get the most out of your new machine.

We’ll cover all the basics and some pro tips. You’ll learn how to assemble it, choose the right settings, and maintain it for years of reliable service. Let’s get started.

This section covers the essential first steps. Before you even plug it in, you’ll need to get your vacuum ready for its first job.

Unboxing and Initial Setup

Carefully remove all parts from the box. You should find the main vacuum body, the wand, the floor nozzle, and any additional tools. Lay them all out on the floor.

Locate the instruction manual. It’s a good idea to give it a quick glance. The first thing you’ll need to do is charge it if it’s a cordless model. Plug the charger into the vacuum and a wall outlet. A full charge can take a few hours.

For corded models, you can proceed to assembly right away. Make sure you have the power cord unwound and ready.

Assembling the Main Parts

Connecting the parts is usually straightforward. It often involves a simple click or twist mechanism.

Attach the Wand: Insert the metal wand into the socket on the vacuum body. You should hear a definitive click when it’s secure.
Connect the Floor Nozzile: Attach the floor nozzle (the part with the brush roll) to the bottom of the wand. Again, listen for a click.
Check the Hose: Ensure the flexible hose is properly connected to the main body if your model has one. It shouldn’t be kinked or twisted.

Now your vacuum is assembled and ready for basic floor cleaning. Double-check all connections are tight to prevent any loss of suction.

Understanding the Controls and Settings

Shark vacuums have different controls depending on the model. Familiarizing yourself with them is key to effective cleaning.

Power Button: Usually located on the main body or handle. It may have multiple speed settings.
Brush Roll Switch: This turns the brush roll on or off. Use “off” for hard floors to avoid scattering debris. Use “on” for carpets to agrugate dirt.
Mode Selector: On uprights, this might be a dial for “Carpet” or “Hard Floor.” On cordless sticks, it’s often a button to cycle through power modes.
Release Pedals/Buttons: Learn where the buttons are to detach the wand or recline the vacuum for under-furniture cleaning.

Take a moment to press each button and see what it does before you start vacuuming. It’s easier than fumbling during a clean.

Adjusting the Vacuum for Your Height

Many Shark wands have a height adjustment feature. This is crucial for both cleaning performance and your comfort.

Look for a lever or button on the wand near where it connects to the floor nozzle. While holding the vacuum upright, press the lever and move the handle up or down.

The correct setting depends on your flooring. For thick carpet, you’ll want a higher setting so the nozzle can glide. For low-pile carpet or bare floors, a lower setting is better. If the vacuum is too hard to push, try a higher setting. If it seems to not be making good contact, try a lower one.

Filling and Emptying the Dust Cup

Shark vacuums use a clear, cyclonic dust cup instead of bags. Knowing how to handle it is vital.

To Empty:

Turn off and unplug the vacuum.
Press the release button to detach the dust cup from the main body.
Carry it to a trash can. Hold it over the bin and press the bottom release latch. The bottom will open, letting debris fall out.
Some models have a “clean touch” release so you never touch the dirt. Give the cup a gentle tap to dislodge any stuck dust or hair.

To Reinstall: Simply place the cup back onto the vacuum until it clicks into place. Make sure it’s sealed properly, or suction will be weak.

You should empty the cup after every few uses, or when it reaches the “MAX” fill line. Don’t overfill it.

Using the Vacuum on Different Floor Types

This is where your Shark’s versatility shines. Switching between surfaces is simple.

Hard Floors (Wood, Tile, Vinyl): Turn the brush roll OFF. This prevents the rotating brush from acting like a hockey stick and scattering crumbs. Use the hard floor setting if available.
Low to Medium Pile Carpets: Turn the brush roll ON. Use the standard carpet setting. The brush will agitate the fibers to pull out embedded dirt.
High-Pile or Thick Rugs: Turn the brush roll ON and adjust the height to its highest setting. This prevents the vacuum from bogging down. You may need to use a more powerful suction mode.
Area Rugs with Fringe: Be cautious. The brush roll can suck in and damage fringe. It’s often safer to turn the brush roll off or use an attachment tool along the edges.

Always do a quick check for large objects like coins or paper clips that could damage the brush roll or block the hose.

Mastering the Attachments and Tools

Your Shark likely came with several handy tools. They store on the vacuum itself for easy access. Knowing when to use them makes cleaning your whole home easier.

The Crevice Tool

This is the long, flat, angled tool. It’s perfect for tight spaces.

Between couch cushions
Along baseboards and in room corners
In car seats and between console
Window tracks and door frames

Just attach it to the end of the hose or wand and direct the narrow end into the crevice.

The Upholstery Tool

This wide, often fabric-covered tool is gentle yet effective.

Cleaning sofas, armchairs, and dining chairs
Vacuuming mattresses and pillows (for dust mites)
Cleaning curtains and drapes (use a low suction setting)
Pet beds and car interiors

It’s designed to lift dirt without damaging delicate fabrics.

The Dusting Brush

This tool has soft bristles around a suction opening. It’s for delicate surfaces.

Lampshades and blinds
Bookshelves and knick-knacks
Computer keyboards and electronics (be gentle)
Ceiling corners and light fixtures

The brush loosens dust, and the suction pulls it away.

Anti-Allergen Brush or Pet Tool

Some models include a specialized motorized brush. It looks like a smaller floor nozzle.

It has its own rotating brush to dig pet hair and dander out of furniture and stairs. It’s incredibly effective on carpeted stairs and car upholstery where pet hair gets woven in.

How to Switch Between Tools

It’s a quick process:

Turn off the vacuum.
Detach the floor nozzle or current tool. Usually, you press a release button near the connection point.
Take the desired tool from its dock on the vacuum body.
Click it onto the end of the wand or hose until it snaps in place.
Turn the vacuum back on and start cleaning.

Keep the tools you use most often easily accessible. You’ll be more likely to use them.

Advanced Cleaning Techniques and Tips

Now that you know the basics, let’s look at some techniques to improve your results and make cleaning faster.

Effective Vacuuming Patterns

Don’t just push the vacuum back and forth randomly. Use a methodical approach.

For large open floors, use slow, overlapping strokes. Go forward and back in a straight line, then move over slightly so the next stroke overlaps the previous one by an inch or two. This ensures you cover the entire area.

For high-traffic areas, make several passes from different directions. Dirt gets pressed into carpet in all directions, so vacuuming north-south and then east-west gets a deeper clean.

Cleaning Under Furniture

Most Shark uprights have a “Lift-Away” feature or can recline flat. For cordless sticks, they often detach to a hand vac.

For uprights, press the release button to detach the pod from the floor nozzle. You can now carry the lightweight pod to clean under beds and sofas with the hose and tools.
For non-Lift-Away models, recline the handle fully. This allows the floor nozzle to lay almost flat to slide under low-clearance furniture.

Don’t forget to move lightweight furniture occasionally to clean underneath it.

Handling Stairs Efficiently

Stairs are easiest cleaned with the vacuum in handheld mode or with the hose and tools.

Detach the main floor nozzle.
Use the hose with the upholstery tool or the motorized pet tool for carpeted stairs.
Work from the top stair down, so you’re not stepping on cleaned areas.
Use the crevice tool for the corners where the step meets the riser.

If your vacuum is heavy, this method saves you from carrying the whole machine up and down.

Dealing with Common Problems

You might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to solve them.

Loss of Suction: First, check and empty the dust cup. Then, check for clogs in the hose, wand, and nozzle. Remove any blockages. Also, check and clean the filters (see maintenance below).
Brush Roll Not Spinning: Turn off the vacuum and unplug it. Check for hair, string, or carpet fibers wrapped around the ends of the brush roll. Carefully cut and remove them with scissors. Also, ensure the brush roll switch is in the “ON” position.
Vacuum is Hard to Push: Adjust the height setting to a higher position. Check that the brush roll is free to spin. On thick carpet, you may need to use a lower power setting for easier maneuvering, though this may reduce suction.
Unusual Noises: A high-pitched whine or grinding sound often indicates a blockage or something caught in the brush roll. Stop using it immediately and inspect for obstructions.

Essential Maintenance for Longevity

Regular maintenance keeps your Shark running like new. It only takes a few minutes after each use.

Regular Filter Cleaning

Filters are the lungs of your vacuum. Clogged filters cause poor suction and can strain the motor.

Most Sharks have two or three filters:

Pre-Motor Filter (Foam/Felt): Protects the motor from dust. Rinse it under cold water every month. Let it air dry for at least 24 hours completely before reinstalling.
Post-Motor Filter (HEPA or Felt): Captures fine particles. Usually, you tap it gently against the inside of a trash can to remove dust. Some are also washable—check your manual.
Dust Cup Filter: Located inside the top of the dust cup. Remove it and rinse it as per the instructions.

Never operate the vacuum without all filters in place and completely dry.

Brush Roll Care and Cleaning

The brush roll needs attention every few weeks, especially if you have pets or long hair.

Turn off and unplug the vacuum.
Flip it over to access the bottom. There’s usually a cover secured by screws or latches.
Open the cover and lift out the brush roll.
Use scissors or a seam ripper to carefully cut and remove all hair and threads wrapped around the ends and the brush bristles.
Check that the brush roll spins freely by hand. Clear any debris from the housing.
Reinsert the brush roll and close the cover securely.

A clean brush roll is more effective and puts less strain on the vacuum’s drive belt.

Checking for and Clearing Blockages

If suction seems weak, run a quick blockage check.

Empty the dust cup.
Detach the hose from both ends. Look through it or use a long, flexible object (like a broom handle) to push out any clogs.
Check the wand by looking through it.
Inspect the opening at the top of the dust cup and the entrance to the filter chamber.

Never use sharp objects to clear blockages, as you could puncture a hose.

General Care and Storage

Treat your vacuum well, and it will last for years.

Always wrap the cord loosely around the cord hooks; don’t yank it tight.
Store the vacuum in a dry, cool place, like a closet.
For cordless models, if you won’t use it for a long time, store it with about a 50% charge. Avoid leaving it on the charger constantly.
Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to keep it looking clean. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Following these simple steps prevents most major repairs.

FAQ Section

How do I use my Shark vacuum for the first time?

First, fully charge it if it’s cordless. Then, assemble the wand and floor nozzle. Make sure all filters are installed. Do a quick test run on a small area to ensure everything works before tackling a whole room.

Why is my Shark vacuum not picking up dirt?

The most common reasons are a full dust cup, clogged filters, or a blockage in the hose or nozzle. Empty the cup, check and clean the filters, and inspect the air path for obstructions. Also, ensure the brush roll is spinning freely.

Can I wash the filters in my Shark vacuum?

Yes, most Shark pre-motor and dust cup filters are washable. Rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear. Let them air dry completely for at least 24 hours before putting them back. Never use a wet filter.

How often should I empty the dust cup?

You should empty it after every few uses, or whenever the debris reaches the “MAX” fill line. For best performance, get in the habit of emptying it after each major cleaning session. A fuller cup reduces suction power.

What’s the best way to use a Shark vacuum on hardwood floors?

Always switch the brush roll to the “OFF” position. This prevents the rotating brush from scattering debris. Some models have a dedicated “Hard Floor” setting. Use the suction-only mode for the gentlest and most effective clean on hard surfaces.

How do I clean hair out of the Shark brush roll?

Turn off and unplug the vacuum. Flip it over and open the brush roll cover (usually secured with latches or screws). Lift out the brush roll and use scissors to carefully cut and remove the hair wrapped around the ends. Pull the strands away and reassemble.

Is it normal for my Shark vacuum to get warm?

The motor can get warm during extended use, which is normal. However, if it becomes very hot to the touch or you smell burning, turn it off immediately. Let it cool and check for blockages or a dirty filter that might be causing the motor to overwork.