
A Complete Guide to Choosing and Using Shark Vacuums
When it’s time to deep clean the carpets, bare floors, stairs and everyday messes in your home, a powerful and reliable vacuum cleaner is a must. Shark makes some of the top-rated vacuums on the market, from full-size uprights to convenient handhelds.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover Shark’s lineup of innovative vacuums. You’ll learn about their key features and technologies, see reviews of Shark’s best vacuums, and get answers to frequently asked questions about using these popular cleaning machines.
An Overview of Shark Vacuums
Founded in 1998, Shark has grown into one of the most recognized vacuum brands worldwide. They offer a diverse range of corded, cordless, bagged, bagless, and even robotic vacuums packed with performance and conveniences tailored for home use.
Some of Shark’s vacuum innovations include:
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology– Traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
- DuoClean Brushrolls– Dual brushrolls optimize cleaning on carpets and bare floors.
- Lift-Away Technology– Allows the canister to detach for portable cleaning.
- Self-Cleaning Brushroll– Removes tangled hair while you clean with no extra effort.
Shark’s lineup runs the gamut from budget-friendly essential vacuums to high-tech models with all the bells and whistles. We’ll take a closer look at their best vacuums for tackling pet hair, deep carpets, quick cleanups and more.
Reviews of the Best Shark Vacuum Cleaners
Shark makes corded, cordless, bagless, robot, and steam mop vacuums to suit virtually any cleaning needs or budget. Here are reviews of their top vacuums for whole home deep cleaning, versatility, and convenience:
Shark NV501 Rotator Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
The corded NV501 Lift-Away delivers powerful upright cleaning that converts to a portable vacuum. Lift the pod for easy cleaning of stairs, drapes and hard-to-reach spots.
Key Features:
- Lift-Away pod for portable cleaning
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology
- Powered lift-away nozzle with brushroll
- Swivel steering and LED headlights
- HEPA filter captures 99.9% of dust and allergens
Starting around $150, the Shark NV501 upright vacuum is a versatile cleaner able to tackle whole rooms as well as portable tasks.
Shark AV2501S AI Robot Vacuum with Self-Empty Base
The AV2501S AI robot vacuum uses laser navigation to systematically clean floors while you relax. After cleaning, it empties itself for up to 45 days of hands-free convenience.
Key Features:
- Self-emptying base holds 45 days of dirt
- Total home mapping with room select
- Works on carpets and hard floors
- 110+ minutes of runtime
- Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
- App monitoring and scheduling
Priced around $650, the Shark AV2501S AI delivers powerful robotic cleaning with the benefit of self-emptying for weeks of fuss-free maintenance.
Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins Corded Vacuum IZ163H
The Vertex DuoClean PowerFins upright vacuum pairs strong suction power with deep carpet cleaning capability from two brushrolls and the PowerFins attachment.
Key Attributes:
- DuoClean technology with two brushrolls
- PowerFins attachment for deep carpet cleaning
- Anti-allergen complete seal and HEPA filter
- Self-cleaning brushroll removes pet hair
- Excellent cleaning performance on high pile carpets
- Large capacity dust cup
This corded Shark upright vacuum typically costs around $350, providing professional-grade carpet cleaning results in an easy-to-use home vacuum.
Shark WV201 WandVac Handheld Vacuum
The WV201 WandVac makes quick cleanups easy with its cordless, portable design. The removable battery ensures you can always have charged backup power on hand.
Key Features:
- Lightweight handheld vacuum
- Removable lithium-ion battery for swappable power
- Charging stand for grab-and-go convenience
- Crevice tool and multi-surface tool
- Motorized brushroll for picking up pet hair
- 15 minute run time per battery
Selling for $130, the Shark WandVac handheld vacuum is great for cleaning furniture, cars, and all those quick mess cleanup needs.
Key Factors When Choosing a Shark Vacuum
With such a wide range of vacuums to consider, from multi-surface uprights to handheld portables, keep these factors in mind when selecting the ideal Shark vacuum cleaner for your home:
Types of Flooring
Consider the mix of carpeting, rugs, hardwood, tile, vinyl, and other flooring types you need to clean. Look for adjustable height settings, brushroll on/off, and accessories to tackle different surfaces.
Upright, Stick, Handheld or Robot Styles
- Uprights offer whole home cleaning with large capacity and cleaning power for carpets.
- Sticks quickly convert for lightweight yet robust floor, ceiling, upholstery and car cleaning.
- Handheld vacuums are extremely portable for furniture, cars, and small messes.
- Robotic vacuums deliver hands-free cleaning by navigating and vacuuming automatically.
Bagged vs Bagless
- Bagged contain dust better, while bagless models avoid the need to purchase replacement bags.
- Bagless bins must be emptied manually but often hold more debris.
Corded vs Cordless
- Cordless convenience comes at the cost of runtime limits before recharging.
- Corded provide unlimited cleaning time but require outlet access.
Filtration System
Look for true HEPA filters and complete system seals to contain dust and allergens. This prevents contaminants from escaping back into the air.
Attachments and Specialized Tools
A range of attachments like crevice tools, pet multi-tools, upholstery brushes and wide upholstery nozzles allow tackling multiple cleaning tasks.
Weight and Maneuverability
Choose a vacuum that’s comfortable for you to maneuver and lift. Swivel steering, lightweight sticks, and handhelds improve usability.
Warranty
Shark vacuum warranties typically cover 1-5 years. Longer warranty periods provide more protection. Register your purchase for coverage.
Reviews
Check Shark vacuum reviews on sites like Amazon for insight into real-world cleaning performance, durability, and ease of use for the models you’re considering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shark Vacuums
To help you understand how to use, maintain, and troubleshoot Shark vacuums, here are answers to some of the most common questions:
Setup and Use
How easy is it to assemble the vacuum?
Shark vacuums are designed for quick, simple assembly. The wand clicks into place, tools attach as needed, and the dust cup is aligned and clicked in.
Where can I find the model, serial and ID numbers?
Check near the cord on the back or bottom of the vacuum. The serial number will be labeled clearly for reference.
How do I empty the dust cup or change the bag?
Bagless Shark models feature easy, bottom-release dust cups. Just hold over trash, press release button, and the bottom lid opens. Follow instructions to replace bags when full.
Cleaning Performance
How well do Shark vacuums clean bare floors?
Very well! Turn off the brushroll so it doesn’t scatter debris. Optional bare floor attachments are available for purchase.
How well does it deep clean carpets?
Great! Models like the DuoClean PowerFins deep clean carpets by engaging two active brushrolls at once. Adjust height for your carpet thickness.
How is pet hair pickup?
Excellent. Self-cleaning brushrolls remove wrapped hair on the fly. Multi-tool attachments grab pet hair from stairs, furniture, and more.
What causes loss of suction issues?
Check for blockages or full dust cup. Clean filters, brushrolls, accessories and airways to maintain optimal suction power.
Accessories
What attachments come with the vacuum?
A crevice tool and pet multi-tool are commonly included. Different bundles add extras like a duster crevice tool, wide upholstery tool, or under appliance wand.
Where do I store the accessories?
Many Shark vacuums have onboard accessory storage. Accessory clips, bags or the original packaging also work for safe keeping.
Troubleshooting
How do I clear clogs or blockages?
Check hoses, tools, brushrolls, and air passages. Clear obstructions, rinse washable filters, and empty the dust cup. Follow instructions to clear elevator jams on uprights.
Why won’t the vacuum turn on?
Check that it’s plugged in, that you’ve flipped the power switch on, and that any safety triggers are properly engaged. Contact Support if it still won’t start.
Where can I find vacuum repair shops?
Shark provides a lookup tool on their website to find authorized service centers near you. Bring the make, model, serial and ID numbers.
Care and Maintenance
How do I clean the filters?
Check and rinse washable foam and felt filters regularly. HEPA filters should be replaced about once a year for best results. Let components fully dry before reassembling.
How often should I replace the filters?
For optimal performance, plan to replace the main HEPA filter at least once every 12 months, or more often with heavy use. Check other filters too.
What is the proper way to store the vacuum?
Coil the cord neatly, clean all components, empty the dust cup, and store on-board attachments. Store in a dry area away from heat or freezing temps.
Warranty
What does the Shark warranty cover?
Shark warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship under normal use, typically 1-5 years on parts. Limitations apply, so review warranty details closely.
How do I file a warranty claim?
Contact Shark support with your model information and description of the issue. They will assess and determine if your claim aligns with the warranty policy terms.
Conclusion
Shark makes excellent vacuums that stand up to pet hair, deep carpets, quick cleanups and whole home cleaning. Their lift-away, duo-brushroll, anti-allergen and cordless innovations provide versatility and convenience. Consider the flooring and portability needs in your home to select the ideal Shark vacuum. Follow the tips and advice provided here to get the best performance from your new Shark vacuum for years to come!