If you’ve ever struggled to clean under furniture or empty a heavy vacuum bin, you might wonder how a vacuum can make those tasks easier. Let’s look at how the Shark Navigator Lift Away work to solve these common problems. This popular vacuum cleaner is known for its versatility, and its unique design is the reason why. We’ll break down the mechanics in simple terms, so you can understand exactly what you’re getting and how to use it best.
The core idea is in the name: “Lift Away.” The main vacuum pod, which contains the dust cup and motor, detaches from the floor nozzle and wand. This means you can quickly convert your upright vacuum into a portable, handheld canister vacuum. It’s a two-in-one system that tackles different cleaning challenges without needing two separate machines.
How Does the Shark Navigator Lift Away Work
The system relies on a clever docking mechanism and a flexible hose. Here’s the basic process:
1. In Upright Mode: The vacuum operates like a traditional upright. You push it across floors and carpets. The motorized floor nozzle agitates and suctions debris, sending it up the wand into the dust cup on the main pod.
2. To Activate Lift-Away Mode: You press a release button, usually located near the handle. This unlocks the pod from its dock on the floor nozzle.
3. Lifting Away: You simply lift the pod off the dock. It remains connected to the floor nozzle by a flexible hose that extends from the pod. The hose is stored in the pod itself and pulls out as you move.
4. In Portable Mode: You now have a lightweight canister. You can carry it by its handle to clean stairs, furniture, ceilings, or inside your car. The floor nozzle stays on the floor, and you use various attachments (like a crevice tool or upholstery brush) that store on the pod.
This design gives you the deep-cleaning power of an upright for floors and the maneuverability of a handheld for everything else.
The Key Components That Make It Function
To really get it, you need to know the parts involved.
The Docking and Release Mechanism
This is the heart of the system. The pod sits securely on a dock attached to the wand. A sturdy latch, activated by a button, holds it in place. When you press the button, the latch retracts and frees the pod. It’s designed to be secure during upright use but easy to detach with one hand.
The Flexible Hose System
A long, durable hose is coiled and stored within the pod’s body. When you lift the pod away, the hose automatically extends. It retracts back in when you dock the pod again. This hose is your suction lifeline in portable mode, connecting the pod to whatever attachment you’re using.
The Floor Nozzle with Brushroll
Shark’s floor nozzles often include technology like “Anti-Allergen Complete Seal” and a brushroll shutoff for hard floors. In Lift-Away mode, the nozzle lies flat on the floor. You guide it with the hose, or you can leave it and use other tools. The suction power remains active because the motor is in the pod you’re holding.
Attachments and Storage
The pod has built-in caddies or clips to store the hose and attachments like the crevice tool and dusting brush. This keeps everything together and ready to use, which is a major convenience factor.
Step-by-Step: Using the Shark Navigator Lift-Away
Let’s walk through a typical cleaning session.
1. Assemble for Floors: Make sure the pod is clicked securely into the dock on the upright. Choose the appropriate setting on the floor nozzle for your surface (carpet or hard floor).
2. Clean Your Floors: Vacuum as you normally wood with an upright. The swivel steering makes it easy to get around furniture.
3. Switch to Lift-Away Mode: When you need to clean stairs or a couch, press the release button on the handle. Lift the pod up and away. You’ll hear the hose uncoil.
4. Grab an Attachment: Pull the desired tool from its storage spot on the pod. Click it onto the end of the extended hose.
5. Clean Above the Floor: Carry the lightweight pod with you. Use the attachment to clean curtains, blinds, shelves, or car interiors. For stairs, you can place the pod on a step and clean upward.
6. Return to Upright Mode: When done, retract the hose back into the pod. Align the pod with the dock on the upright and press down until it clicks into place. It’s ready for floor cleaning again.
Maintenance and Emptying the Dust Cup
Proper maintenance is key for performance. The Lift-Away design actually simplifies this.
* Emptying: The entire dust cup is on the pod. You detach it from the top, carry it to the trash, and press a bottom release to open the lid. Debris falls out without you touching it. Some models have a “no-touch” emptying feature directly into your bin.
* Checking for Clogs: The detachable pod makes it easier to check the hose and pathways for blockages. You can access the air path from both the top (near the dust cup) and the bottom.
* Filter Care: Wash the foam and felt filters every few months with cold water. Let them dry completely for 24 hours before reinstalling. The Lift-Away pod makes the filters easy to locate and remove.
* Brushroll Maintenance: Regularly cut away hair and strings wrapped around the brushroll in the floor nozzle. You’ll need to flip over the upright and release a cover to access it.
Common Advantages and Things to Consider
This system isn’t perfect for everyone, but it has clear strengths.
Advantages:
* Versatility: It’s the biggest benefit. One machine handles entire homes with mixed flooring and above-floor cleaning.
* Easier Stair Cleaning: Carrying a light pod is much safer and easier than maneuvering a full-sized upright on stairs.
* Convenient Storage: The attachments store on the unit, so you’re less likely to lose them.
* Powerful Suction: Shark vacuums generally maintain strong suction, and having the motor in the pod keeps it close to the cleaning tool in portable mode.
Things to Keep in Mind:
* Weight Distribution: In upright mode, the weight is all at the top. This can make it feel tippy if you’re not used to it.
* Hose Length: The hose is long, but it does have a limit. You might need to move the pod mid-cleaning for a very large staircase.
* Canister Feel: When in Lift-Away mode, you are essentially holding a small canister. If you prefer a shoulder strap, this model doesn’t have one.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even great vacuums can have hiccups. Here’s how to fix common Lift-Away problems.
* Pod Won’t Dock Properly: Ensure the hose is fully retracted. Check for debris blocking the dock or latch. Align the pod carefully before pressing down.
* Loss of Suction: First, empty the dust cup even if it looks half-full. Then, check for clogs in the hose, at the pod inlet, and in the floor nozzle. Finally, wash and dry the filters.
* Brushroll Not Spinning: Make sure the upright is fully assembled and the pod is docked. Check for a massive tangle of hair stopping the brushroll. Some models have a belt that may need replacement.
* Hose Not Retracting: Gently guide it back in, checking for twists or kinks. Don’t force it, as the retraction mechanism could be jammed.
FAQ Section
What is the Shark Navigator Lift Away?
It’s a series of upright vacuum cleaners that feature a detachable pod. This lets you lift the main body away from the floor unit to use as a portable canister for stairs and furniture.
How do you use the lift away feature on a Shark vacuum?
Locate the release button on the handle or near the dock. Press it and lift the main pod upward. The hose will extend, connecting the pod to the floor nozzle. You can then carry the pod and use attachments for above-floor cleaning.
Is the Shark Navigator Lift Away good for pet hair?
Yes, many models are excellent for pet hair. The motorized brushroll in the floor nozzle agitates and lifts embedded hair from carpets. The Lift-Away mode is perfect for cleaning hair off of couches and stairs. Regular brushroll maintenance is important with pets.
How do you empty a Shark Navigator Lift Away vacuum?
Remove the dust cup from the pod by pressing a release button. Carry it to your trash can. Hold it over the bin and press another release on the bottom; the door will swing open, letting debris fall out without you needing to touch it.
Can you wash the filters in a Shark Navigator?
Absolutely. The pre-motor foam and post-motor felt filters are washable. Rinse them in cold water only. You must let them air dry completely for at least 24 hours before putting them back in the vacuum. Never use a wet filter.
The Shark Navigator Lift Away works by offering a smart, mechanical solution to a common cleaning dilemma. It combines two types of vacuums in one through a simple detachable design. While it has a few minor drawbacks, its flexibility and power make it a standout choice for many households. Understanding how it works helps you use it to its full potential and keep it running well for years to come.