How to Clean Shark Robot Vacuum in the Easiest Way

You love how your Shark robot vacuum keeps your floors clean, but maybe it’s starting to miss a few spots, or it’s getting louder than usual. This can happen when the vacuum gets dirty inside. The good news is that you can fix it quickly. You do not need to be a tech expert to clean it. In this article, I will show you exactly how to clean your Shark robot vacuum using very simple steps. It will run better, last longer, and clean your home like new again.

Turn Off and Prepare Your Shark Robot Vacuum

Before doing anything, make sure your Shark robot vacuum is turned off. This is very important for your safety and for keeping the vacuum safe too. You do not want it to turn on while your hands are inside. Always press the power button and unplug the charger if it’s connected.

Now, place the vacuum on a flat table or floor. You can also put a towel underneath to avoid scratching your table or floor. Get a soft cloth, a small brush (a toothbrush works), and maybe a small screwdriver if needed. You don’t need special tools. These common things are usually enough.

Take a good look at your Shark vacuum. Find the wheels, brushes, dustbin, sensors, and the main roller. These are the parts that get dirty the most. Try to keep all screws or small parts in a small bowl or container so you don’t lose them. Working in a bright room helps too.

It’s good to clean your robot vacuum at least once every week if you use it often. If you have pets, it may need cleaning more often. Pet hair can wrap around the brushes and wheels, making the vacuum stop working well.

Cleaning regularly also helps your vacuum last longer. Dust and hair can cause the motor to work too hard, and this can damage it over time. Think of this cleaning as a small care job that saves you from big repair bills later.

The more careful you are in preparing and checking the vacuum before cleaning, the smoother everything will go. You won’t have to stop in the middle because you’re missing something.

Turn off and unplug your vacuum
Place it on a clean, flat surface

Use simple tools like a cloth, brush, and bowl
Check all the parts before starting
Clean once a week or more if you have pets

Careful prep helps prevent damage

Clean the Brushes and Remove Tangled Hair

The brushes are one of the most used parts in your Shark robot vacuum. They pick up dust, dirt, hair, and everything from the floor. Because of this, they get dirty very fast. If you notice the vacuum is not cleaning well or it’s making weird sounds, the brushes are likely the problem.

There are two types of brushes: the main roller brush and the side brushes. The main roller is usually in the middle under the vacuum. Side brushes stick out from the sides and sweep dust toward the roller.

Start by flipping the vacuum upside down. You will see the roller brush. In most models, you can lift it out easily or remove a small cover with a screwdriver. Take it out carefully. Look for hair or threads wrapped around the roller. Pull them out slowly using your fingers or cut them with scissors if they’re tight. A toothbrush helps brush off the dust.

For side brushes, you can remove them by gently pulling or unscrewing them. Use your fingers or a small cloth to remove the dirt. These brushes are usually thin and soft, so be gentle.

If the brushes are very dirty and hard to clean, you can wash them. Use warm water and mild soap. Rinse well and let them dry completely before putting them back. Never put wet brushes back in the vacuum. This can damage the motor.

Always check the brush holders too. Sometimes hair or dust hides there. Use a brush or a cotton swab to clean inside.

Cleaning the brushes makes a big difference. The vacuum picks up more dust, moves better, and makes less noise. It’s a small job, but it has a big effect.

Flip vacuum and remove roller brush

Pull or cut tangled hair carefully
Unscrew side brushes and clean them too
Use warm water and mild soap if needed

Dry completely before placing back
Clean brush holders inside
Makes vacuum clean better and work quietly

Empty and Wash the Dustbin and Filter

The dustbin is where all the dirt goes. It fills up every time the vacuum runs. If you forget to empty it, your vacuum may stop working or leave dirt behind. Always empty the dustbin after every few uses. This is one of the most important parts of cleaning.

First, press the release button to remove the dustbin. Most Shark robot vacuums make this easy. Hold it over a trash can and empty the contents. Tap it gently to get all the dust out.

Then, take a closer look inside the dustbin. You may notice stuck dirt, hair, or even small objects. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean every corner. You can also rinse it with warm water. Do not use hot water or strong soap. Rinse well and shake off the water.

Let the dustbin air dry fully. A wet bin can cause mold or damage the vacuum. Always wait until it’s dry before putting it back in.

Now check the filter. Most Shark robot vacuums have a filter inside the dustbin. Pull it out gently. Tap it over a trash can to shake off loose dust. If it’s washable, rinse it with water. Again, never use soap unless the guide says so.

Let the filter dry for at least 24 hours. If you use it when wet, it can damage your vacuum. If the filter looks worn out or broken, buy a new one. A clean filter helps the vacuum suck up dust better.

Filters usually last for a few months. Check your manual to see when to replace it. Keeping a spare filter at home is a good idea.

This cleaning keeps your vacuum strong and fresh-smelling. You’ll notice it picks up more dust, and your home feels cleaner.

Remove and empty the dustbin often

Rinse the dustbin with water if dirty
Let it dry before putting back
Clean the filter by tapping or rinsing

Dry filter for 24 hours before reuse
Replace filter every few months
Helps the vacuum stay powerful

Wipe and Clean the Sensors and Charging Contacts

Your Shark robot vacuum uses sensors to see where it’s going. These tiny eyes help it avoid walls, furniture, and stairs. If the sensors are dirty, it may bump into things, get stuck, or stop cleaning correctly.

To clean the sensors, flip the vacuum over and look for small dark circles or windows. These are the sensors. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe them. Do not use wet cloths or spray cleaners. If the dust is stuck, use a dry cotton swab or soft brush.

Also clean the charging contacts. These are the small metal parts that touch the charging dock. If these are dusty, your vacuum may not charge properly. Use a dry cloth to wipe both the vacuum and dock contacts.

If your vacuum is missing spots or acting strange, dirty sensors may be the reason. Clean them once a week or more often if you see problems.

Don’t forget the front bumper area. Sometimes, dirt hides under or around it. Press the bumper gently to make sure it moves freely.

Your vacuum also has a top camera or laser sensor if it’s a mapping model. Wipe that gently with a soft cloth too. Clean sensors help the vacuum move better and avoid damage.

Flip vacuum to find sensors
Use dry cloth or cotton swab to clean
Wipe metal charging contacts on vacuum and dock

Check and clean front bumper
Clean top sensors if your vacuum has them
Helps vacuum see clearly and move better

Check and Clean the Wheels and Underside

Wheels help your Shark robot move around your house. When they get stuck with hair or dirt, the vacuum can’t move well or may stop. Cleaning the wheels is easy and makes a big difference.

Flip your vacuum and find the two main wheels and the small front wheel. Check around each wheel for dust, hair, or string. Use your fingers or a small tool to pull out anything wrapped around.

For the front wheel, pull it out gently. Some wheels just pop out, while others may need a small tool. Once removed, clean the inside hole. Hair hides there and stops the wheel from spinning. Use a cotton swab or small brush.

Spin the big wheels with your hand. They should turn easily. If they’re stuck or stiff, look closer for hidden dirt. Wipe the wheels and area around them with a dry cloth.

If you need to wash a wheel, take it out and rinse it. Let it dry fully before putting it back. Never use oil or sprays. That can damage the parts.

Check the underside too. If there’s sticky stuff or dried mud, wipe it with a damp cloth. Keeping this part clean helps the robot move without problems.

This job takes only a few minutes but helps your vacuum stay fast and smooth.

Remove and clean front wheel
Pull out wrapped hair around wheels

Spin big wheels to check for smoothness
Wipe underside with soft cloth
Don’t use oil or spray on wheels

Helps vacuum move better and not stop

Reassemble and Test the Shark Robot Vacuum

Once all the parts are dry and clean, it’s time to put your Shark robot vacuum back together. This part is simple, but take your time to do it right. It makes sure the vacuum runs like it should.

Start by placing the dry filter back in the dustbin. Then, snap the dustbin into the vacuum. Make sure it clicks and fits tight.

Next, attach the main roller brush. If it has a cover, screw it back. Then, place the side brushes on. If they were screwed on, tighten them gently. Don’t over-tighten.

Check that the front wheel and other wheels are in place and spin freely. Look over everything again to make sure nothing is missing or loose.

Now, put the vacuum on the charging dock. Let it charge fully if the battery was low. Once charged, press the clean button or start it from your app if your model uses one.

Watch the first few minutes. Make sure it moves smoothly, doesn’t stop, and picks up dust well. If you hear any strange sound, turn it off and check again. Sometimes a brush may not be in place.

After testing, your vacuum is ready for daily use again. Clean it like this every week and it will stay in great shape.

Put dry filter back in place

Attach roller and side brushes tightly
Make sure wheels move freely
Test run the vacuum after charging

Watch for smooth movement and good cleaning
Fix anything loose before using fully

Quick Guide Table

Task	How Often	Tools Needed
Turn off and prepare vacuum	Before every clean	Cloth, brush, small bowl
Clean brushes	Weekly	Scissors, brush
Empty and wash dustbin	After 2-3 uses	Water, soft cloth
Wipe sensors and contacts	Weekly	Dry cloth, cotton swab
Clean wheels and underside	Weekly	Cloth, tweezers, brush
Reassemble and test	After every clean	None

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your Shark robot vacuum keeps it running strong and makes your home stay cleaner. It’s easy to forget, but a little cleaning each week saves you from problems later. You don’t need fancy tools or expert skills. Just your hands and a few things from home are enough. The more you clean it, the better it works. Treat your vacuum with care and it will keep your floors spotless for a long time. Try this simple guide today and you’ll see the difference right away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay to wash the filter with soap?

You should not use soap unless your vacuum manual says it’s okay. Most Shark filters are washable with just water. Soap can damage the filter or leave a smell. After rinsing with water, let the filter dry for 24 hours. Never put it back when it’s wet. A dry filter keeps your vacuum running well. If your filter still looks dirty or smells bad after washing, it’s best to buy a new one.

Can I clean the vacuum while it’s charging?

No, it’s not safe to clean your Shark robot vacuum while it is charging. Always turn off the power and unplug it from the charger before cleaning. This keeps you safe from shocks or damage to the vacuum. Even if the vacuum is just sitting on the dock, unplugging it is best. It also prevents the vacuum from turning on while your hands are inside. Always clean it when it’s powered off and cool.

Is it bad to use the vacuum without cleaning the brushes?

Yes, using the vacuum with dirty brushes is not a good idea. Dirt and hair can make the brushes stop spinning or move slowly. This makes the vacuum miss spots and clean poorly. It also puts more pressure on the motor, which can break it over time. Clean brushes help your vacuum pick up more dirt and last longer. It’s best to clean them once a week or sooner if you have pets.

Can I use my Shark vacuum every day if I clean it weekly?

Yes, you can use your Shark robot vacuum every day as long as you clean it weekly. Regular use is okay if you take care of it. Weekly cleaning removes hair, dust, and dirt that can block the brushes and filters. If your home has pets or heavy traffic, you might clean it more often. But if you stick to weekly cleaning, your vacuum will stay strong and work great daily.

Do I need to replace the brushes?

Yes, after some time, brushes get worn out and need to be replaced. If you notice they are bent, missing bristles, or not spinning well even after cleaning, it’s time to get new ones. Most Shark robot vacuums work better with fresh brushes. Check them every few months. Replacing them keeps your vacuum running like new and helps it clean better. Always use the right size brushes for your model.

Is it okay to wash the dustbin in the dishwasher?

No, it’s not a good idea to wash the dustbin in the dishwasher. The heat from the dishwasher can melt or damage the plastic. It’s better to rinse the dustbin by hand using warm water. Gently shake out any water and let it air dry. If it’s very dirty, you can use a mild soap. But always rinse it well and dry it before placing it back into the vacuum. This keeps the vacuum safe and clean.

Can I use oil on the wheels if they squeak?

No, you should never use oil or spray on the wheels of your Shark robot vacuum. Oil can damage the inside parts or attract more dust. If the wheels squeak or get stuck, clean them well and remove any hair or dirt. Most squeaking goes away after cleaning. If the problem stays, check if the wheel is broken and needs replacement. Clean wheels are better than oiled ones for robot vacuums.

Do I need to clean the charging dock too?

Yes, it’s good to clean the charging dock as well. Dust can build up on the metal contacts, making it hard for the vacuum to charge. Use a dry cloth to wipe the contacts and the surface around the dock. Make sure there’s nothing blocking the robot from docking. Clean the dock once a week or when you notice charging issues. A clean dock keeps your vacuum battery full and ready to work.