Dirty filters kill suction and burn out motors. Learn the correct way to wash, dry, and maintain your Shark vacuum's foam and felt filters for peak performance.
Your Shark vacuum’s filters are its lungs. They trap dust, pet dander, and allergens before they reach the motor. When they get clogged, airflow drops, the motor overheats, and suction disappears.
Dirty filters kill suction and burn out motors. Learn the correct way to wash, dry, and maintain your Shark vacuum’s foam and felt filters for peak performance.
- Symptoms: Suction has dropped over time, Vacuum smells musty or like wet dog, Filter looks grey or clogged, Motor is running hot
- Tools: Running Water, Mild Dish Soap (optional)
- Difficulty: Easy
The good news is that most Shark filters are washable. Here is the correct way to clean them.
1. Identifying Your Filters
Most Shark vacuums have two types of pre-motor filters:
- Foam Filter: A spongy, open-cell filter. Usually grey or white. Traps large particles.
- Felt Filter: A thin, dense pad. Usually white or blue. Traps finer dust.
Some models also have a HEPA Post-Motor Filter located near the exhaust. This is often NOT washable (check your manual).
2. How Often to Wash
| Usage Level | Wash Frequency |
|---|---|
| Light (Weekly Use) | Every 3 Months |
| Normal (Daily Use) | Every Month |
| Heavy (Pets/Construction) | Every 2 Weeks |
3. The Washing Process
- Remove the Filters: Open the dust cup and pull out the foam and felt pads.
- Rinse Under Lukewarm Water: Do NOT use hot water, as it can damage the foam cells.
- Optional Soap: If filters are greasy or smelly, add ONE drop of mild dish soap.
- Squeeze Gently: Press the foam repeatedly to push out trapped dirt. Do NOT wring or twist.
- Rinse Until Clear: Continue rinsing until the water runs completely clear.
4. The Critical Drying Rule
Filters MUST be 100% dry before reinstalling. Damp filters cause:
- Mold growth inside the vacuum.
- Motor damage from moisture.
- A terrible smell when the motor heats up.
Drying Time: Air dry for a minimum of 24 hours. Place in a well-ventilated area. Do not use a hairdryer or put in a clothes dryer.
When to Replace (Not Wash)
Washing extends filter life, but it does not last forever. Replace your filters if:
- The foam is crumbling or breaking apart.
- You cannot remove stains or odors even after washing.
- More than 12 months have passed since purchase.
TIP: Buy two sets of filters. Use one while the other is drying. This eliminates the 24-hour downtime and encourages more frequent maintenance.