If you’ve just brought home a Shark Rotator Professional Lift Away, you might be wondering how to get the most out of its many features. This guide will show you exactly how to use Shark Rotator Professional Lift Away for a perfectly clean home.
It’s a powerful and versatile vacuum, but knowing all its functions makes a huge difference. Let’s break it down into simple steps, from unboxing to advanced cleaning techniques.
Shark Rotator Professional Lift Away
This model is famous for its ‘Lift Away’ pod, which detaches from the main floor nozzle. This means you can easily clean stairs, furniture, and above-floor areas without lugging the whole machine. It also comes with several specialized attachments for a complete clean.
What’s in the Box?
First, let’s identify all the parts. You should have:
- The main vacuum pod with the dust cup and filters.
- The motorized floor nozzle (for carpets and floors).
- The wand (the long tube).
- Several attachments, usually including:
- Pet Power Brush
- Dusting Brush
- Upholstery Tool
- Crevice Tool
- And of course, the power cord.
Initial Setup and Assembly
Assembly is straightforward. Start by inserting the wand into the floor nozzle until it clicks. Then, attach the other end of the wand to the main vacuum pod. It should all lock securely into place. Make sure you here the clicks to ensure a proper seal.
Before first use, check that all filters are installed. There’s typically a foam and felt filter inside the dust cup chamber. Give them a quick rinse and let them dry completely for 24 hours for best performance.
Understanding the Controls
On the vacuum body, you’ll find a few key switches:
- Power Switch: Turns the vacuum on and off.
- Brush Roll Switch: Turns the motorized brushroll in the floor nozzle on/off. Use ‘ON’ for carpets, ‘OFF’ for hard floors to avoid scattering debris.
- Suction Control Slider: Often on the handle, this lets you reduce suction for delicate rugs or upholstery.
Basic Vacuuming in Upright Mode
For everyday floor cleaning, use the vacuum in its full upright form.
- Ensure the vacuum is fully assembled with the floor nozzle attached.
- Plug in the power cord to an outlet.
- Step on the floor nozzle’s release pedal (usually at the back) and tilt the handle to start.
- Use the power switch on the body to turn it on. For carpets, ensure the brush roll is on. For bare floors, switch it off.
- Glide the vacuum forward and backwards over you’re carpets and floors. The swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver around furniture.
Using the Lift-Away Feature
This is the star of the show. To detach the pod:
- Locate the release button(s) on the pod, usually near where it connects to the wand.
- Press the button(s) and lift the pod away from the floor nozzle and wand.
- You can now carry the lightweight pod by its handle to clean stairs, shelves, or your car interior. Simply attach the hose end directly to any tool.
To go back to upright mode, just align the pod with the wand and click it back into place. It’s that simple.
Choosing the Right Attachment
- Pet Power Brush: Excellent for digging pet hair out of carpets, upholstery, and even car seats. The rotating bristles are very effective.
- Dusting Brush: Use on lampshades, blinds, keyboards, and other delicate surfaces that could be scratched.
- Upholstery Tool: The wide, flat tool is perfect for sofas, mattresses, and chair cushions.
- Crevice Tool: Gets into tight spots like between couch cushions, along baseboards, and in window tracks.
Emptying the Dust Cup
Empty the cup regularly, before it reaches the ‘MAX’ fill line, to maintain strong suction.
- Turn off and unplug the vacuum.
- Press the dust cup release button, normally at the top, and lift the cup away.
- Hold it over a trash can. There’s a latch at the bottom—push it to open the door and let debris fall out.
- You may need to tap it gently or remove larger debris by hand to get everything out.
- Close the latch securely before reattaching. The cup clicks back into the main body.
Cleaning and Maintaining the Filters
Clean filters are essential. Shark recommends rinsing them every month for normal use, or more often if you have pets.
- Remove the dust cup.
- Inside the compartment, you’ll find the foam and felt filters. Take them out.
- Rinse them both under lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Never use soap.
- Gently squeeze out excess water and let them air dry for at least 24 hours. Do not put them back in wet.
- While the filters are drying, you cannot use the vacuum. Putting them back damp can cause mold and damage the motor.
Checking for Clogs
If suction seems weak and filters are clean, a clog might be the issue.
- First, check the hose. Detach it and look through it.
- Next, check the wand by looking through both ends.
- Finally, check the opening at the top of the floor nozzle and the brush roll chamber. Remove any hair or string wrapped around the brush roll.
Always unplug the vacuum before checking for or removing clogs.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
To really master your vacuum, try these tips:
- For high ceilings or fans, attach the crevice tool to the wand, then connect it to the Lift Away pod. The extended reach is very helpful.
- When vacuuming stairs, use the Lift Away pod with the upholstery tool or pet brush. It’s much lighter and safer than trying to balance the whole vacuum.
- Use the ‘brush roll off’ setting on hard floors to prevent scattering dust and to protect delicate floors from scratches.
- For under furniture, the low-profile design of the floor nozzle should fit, but you can also detach the pod and use a hose attachment to reach way back under beds and sofas.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Vacuum won’t turn on: Check that it’s plugged in securely. Ensure the filters are completely dry and correctly installed.
- Brush roll isn’t spinning: The belt might be broken or the brush roll could be jammed with hair. Turn off and unplug, then inspect the brush roll chamber.
- Suction is weak: Empty the dust cup, check for clogs in the hose/wand/attachments, and clean the filters. Also make sure all parts are clicked together tightly.
- Vacuum is tipping over: You might be using to long of an attachment for the task. In Lift Away mode, sometimes a shorter setup is more stable.
Storing Your Vacuum
To keep it in good shape, store it in a cool, dry place. You can wrap the cord around the cord hooks on the back of the pod. Store the attachments on the caddy if one was included, or in a separate bag to keep them all together. Avoid storing it with a full dust cup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I use the Shark Rotator lift away feature?
Press the release buttons on the sides of the vacuum pod where it meets the wand. Lift the pod straight up and away. Now you can attach the hose directly to any tool for portable, above-floor cleaning.
Why is my Shark vacuum lift away not working?
If the pod won’t detach, double-check that you’re pressing the correct release buttons all the way. If it feels stuck, ensure it’s in the upright locked position first, then try again. Never force it.
How often should I wash my Shark vacuum filters?
Shark recommends washing the foam and felt filters every month. If you vacuum frequently or have pets, you might need to clean them every two to three weeks. Always let them dry fully for 24 hours before reusing.
Can I use my Shark Rotator on hardwood floors?
Absolutely. For best results on hard floors, switch the brush roll to the ‘OFF’ position. This prevents the bristles from scattering debris and provides gentler cleaning on delicate surfaces like hardwood.
What is the best way to clean pet hair with this model?
Use the Pet Power Brush attachment. It’s designed to actively remove embedded hair from both carpets and upholstery. For stubborn hair on carpets, use the upright mode with the brush roll on. Remember to frequently check and cut hair wrapped around the brush roll.
How do I replace the belt on my Shark Rotator?
First, unplug the vacuum. Turn the floor nozzle over and remove any screws or latches to open the brush roll cover. Remove the old belt and any debris. Stretch the new belt onto the motor shaft first, then onto the brush roll. Reassemble the cover. It’s a good idea to consult you’re specific model’s manual for detailed diagrams.
With this guide, you should feel confident using every feature of your Shark Rotator Professional Lift Away. Regular maintenance, like emptying the cup and cleaning filters, will keep it running powerfully for years. Now you can tackle any cleaning job in your home efficiently.