How to clean a Shark vacuum filter – a step-by-step guide

The key to a long-lasting, efficient vacuum cleaner is all in the upkeep – from tackling blockages to cleaning the floorhead and maintaining proper airflow. And if you want to keep your Shark vacuum in full working order for years to come, you need to know how to clean a Shark vacuum filter.

If you own one of the best Shark vacuum cleaners, you’ll probably agree that it’s one of the best vacuum cleaners out there. The brand is known for building no-nonsense models that get the job done with reliable suction power and handy tools. But even the most impressive vacuums won’t stand the test of time if the filters aren’t maintained. And Shark vacuums tend to have two.

These filters are vital for removing dust and allergens, but clogged filters can lead to reduced suction, overheating, and the release of this debris back into your home. Thankfully, though, they’re incredibly easy to clean, and I’ve written a step-by-step guide to cleaning Shark vacuum filters below for you to follow.

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1. Unplug or turn off your vacuum

Before you start cleaning your Shark vacuum filter, ensure it’s safe to proceed. This means switching the vacuum off at the socket and then unplugging it.

Of course, this step is a little different if you have one of the best cordless vacuum cleaners. In this instance, make sure your Shark is completely turned off. This could also be a great time to remove the battery and pop it on charge.

2. Clean your Shark vacuum cleaner

You know what they say about two birds and one stone, so it makes sense to clean your whole Shark vacuum while you’re also cleaning the Shark vacuum filter.

You should focus your cleaning efforts on emptying the dust tank, checking for blockages, cleaning the brush roll, removing any hair, and checking the sensors.

3. Clean the pre-motor filter

Every Shark vacuum cleaner is different, and this is also true when it comes to the location of its filters. This is why Shark suggests checking the instruction booklet first to help locate your unit’s removable filters and see how to access them.

Most Shark vacuums should have a pre-motor filter, though. This is a washable, foam and felt filter that protects the motor from dust and debris, ultimately preventing overheating and any suction issues that could cause your Shark vacuum to keep stopping.

This pre-motor filter is easily recognisable by its flat and generally circular or square shape. And Shark has issued some strict instructions to clean these foam filters at least once a month.

‘Simply tap off loose dirt and then rinse them under a tap. Only use water – do not use soap.’ If you wanted to, you could gently squeeze the foam filter to remove any tough build-up. But if you’re going to do this, you need to be incredibly gentle and make sure you don’t squash or rip the filter in any way.

When the water runs clear, you can stop rinsing. However, if the water doesn’t run clear and looks permanently dirty, it’s time to replace this filter – which you should be able to buy on the Shark website. This is generally every 6-12 months.

4. Leave to dry

It’s common sense that water and electricity don’t mix, which is why you should never put a wet pre-motor filter back into your Shark vacuum cleaner. Instead, you need to make sure it’s completely dry before inserting it again, and Shark suggests letting it air-dry for at least 24 hours.

If you want to speed up the process slightly, you could roll the filter in a microfibre cloth – like this MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth (Pack of 12, £16.99 at Amazon) – to dry any surface water. Again, you need to be incredibly gentle, which is why air-drying is generally considered the best option.

5. Clean the post-motor filter

Next up in the Shark filter-cleaning lineup is the post-motor filter, which is often of HEPA-grade and traps dust and allergens picked up during vacuuming. As you can imagine, this filter can become incredibly dirty, and it’s important to clean it regularly to stop these allergens from making their way back into the air.

The exact shape and location of this filter depends on the specific Shark vacuum cleaner you use, but it’s easily recognisable by its pleated filter edge. Sometimes, tapping the filter on the edge of a bin will dislodge much of the dust caught in the pleats.

But to clean it further, Shark recommends handwashing it with water. Once again, you should avoid using anything other than water on these filters, as they’re extremely sensitive and can impact the overall efficiency of your appliance.

To ensure they continue to perform this important task, it’s recommended that you clean them at least once a year (or when required) and replace them when performance starts to slip.

6. Leave to dry

Just as you need to leave the foam filter to dry completely before reassembling your Shark vacuum cleaner, you also need to leave the post-motor filter to dry.

Air-drying is the best way to do this, and you should also make sure it’s bone-dry before you put it back in your electrical appliance.

Of course, if you’ve regularly cleaned and replaced your Shark filters and your vacuum is a few years old, it’s worth keeping an eye out for the signs it’s time to replace your vacuum and start eyeing up a newer, more advanced model.

FAQs

If you haven’t cleaned the filter of your Shark vacuum cleaner recently, it’s time to give it some TLC.