How to Clean a Shark Robot Vacuum (7 Easy Steps)
Cleaners Talk is reader-supported. This post contains affiliate links, we may earn a commission at no additional costs to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Cleaning your Shark robot is very easy and straightforward, you just need to know how to do it. For the best results, be sure to complete all the recommended cleaning and maintenance steps in this article.
This article is suitable for all Shark robots, including the Shark ION, Shark AI, Shark IQ, and Shark EZ. Before cleaning your Shark robot, turn off the robot by switching the power button on the side of the robot.
1. Emptying and cleaning Shark robot’s dust bin/cup
To empty the Shark robot’s dust bin/cup, press both release tabs and slide the dust bin out. Hold it on top of a trash can and empty its contents. Gently shake it against the trash can to completely remove anything inside.
If your Shark robot is connected to the phone app, and you continue to receive an error notification with the robot’s dust cup, we recommend you turn on “Evacuate and Resume is on”. This allows your Shark robot to return to the base to empty its dust bin after 30 minutes, then resume cleaning where it left off.
The “Evacuate and Resume” feature is only available on Shark robots with a Self-Empty base and is recommended for homes with pets and high debris.
2. Cleaning the Shark robot’s filter
With the dust cup removed from the robot, pull the filter out by pulling on the two filter tabs. Hold the filter over a trash bin and tap the filter to release any dust and debris. Do not use water when cleaning the filter.
To make sure you are getting the most powerful suction from your Shark robot, be sure to check the filter inside the dust bin regularly. Clean it if it is dirty or replace it when necessary. Ideally, you should clean the Shark robot’s filter once a month, and replace it every six months.
You can buy a pack of Shark robot replacement filters.
- Compatible with: Shark ION Robot Vacuum Models R85(RV850, RV850BRN, RV850C), R71(RV700_N), R72(RV720_N, RV725_N), R75(RV750_N), R76(RV761), R87(RV871,...
- Compare to Part: # RVFFK950. Perfect companion for Shark ION and IQ robot vacuum series, designed to enhance cleaning experience.
- Easy to install and remove,high quality HEPA filter to capture hair, dust and dander to prevent everyday buildup. Adeptly handles debris, pet hair, and...
Once the filter is clean or replaced with a new one, reinstall the filter into the dust bin by sliding it inside carefully. Then, reinstall the dust bin into the Shark robot completely until it clicks into place.
3. Cleaning the self-cleaning brush roll
The Shark robot’s self-cleaning brush roll removes wrapped hair and debris on its own as it spins. If you notice any buildup on the brush roll, continue to allow your Shark robot to clean so the self-cleaning brush roll can do its job. If by any chance some debris remains over time, remove the brush roll and give it a maintenance.
To remove the brush roll, flip the Shark robot over, squeeze the tabs, and lift out the brush roll. Clean off any debris from the brush roll by wiping it with a dry, microfiber cloth.
Once the brush roll is completely clean, reinstall the brush roll back into the Shark robot by inserting the flat end first. Close the access door by pressing it down until both tabs click into place.
Heads up: Did you know that not all robot vacuums have brush rollers? If you are tired of having to clean the brush rollers all the time, why not consider a tangle-free robot vacuum? Check out the top 3 right here.
4. Cleaning the sensors and charging pads
Your Shark robot, whether it is a Shark IQ, Shark AI, Shark ION, or Shark EZ, is a sophisticated, high-tech machine. However, you need to keep its sensors clean for optimal performance and navigation.
Dust off the sensors periodically with a dry cloth. To ensure your Shark robot charges properly, dust off the metal charging contacts on the bottom of the robot. It’s also vital to keep the Shark robot’s dock free of dust so that it can charge freely and make a clean connection with the robot.
Be sure to dust off the metal contacts located on the base. If you neglect these sensors on the robot and the charging station, your Shark robot may have trouble charging itself.
5. Cleaning the Shark robot’s side brushes
A Shark robot has two side brushes. To keep the side brushes clean, pull them off their posts and gently wipe each one with a damp cloth. Then, allow them to air dry before reinstalling them.
When both side brushes are dry, just pop them back into place. Remember, you need to make sure the bristles are clean and the housing beneath each side brush is free of debris, otherwise, the side brushes won't spin.
6. Cleaning the front caster wheel and two drive wheels
Be sure to clean the front caster wheel periodically and to replace it every year.
To remove the Shark robot’s front caster wheel, use a screwdriver or something similar to separate the front caster wheel from its assembly. The assembly cannot be removed. Wipe off any debris and clean inside the wheel housing before replacing the caster wheel within the wheel assembly.
The drive wheels are easy to clean. Just rotate the wheels a few times and wipe them both with a dry cloth.
7. Replacing the battery
If you ever need to replace the Shark robot’s battery, please be sure that the robot is turned off. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the screws covering the battery door. Then it is as easy as unplugging the battery and swapping it for a new one. Replace the cover and screws, and you’re all set.
Bonus step: cleaning the Shark robot’s self-empty base
Some Shark robots come with a self-empty base, which allows the robot to empty itself without needing your help for up to 60 days. However, you need to periodically clean and maintain the self-empty base.
If your Shark robot has a self-empty base, be sure to do the following cleaning procedures:
Empty the self-clean base
Each time your Shark robot docks into the self-empty base, it will automatically evacuate its own dust bin into the base. Basically, the self-empty base vacuums the debris out of your Shark robot. When it’s emptying, you will hear a brief suction noise and the evacuation icon on the top of the base will illuminate.
- Inspect the max fill line. To know when it is time to empty the self-empty base’s dust bin, simply look into the fill window and see if the debris is near the max fill line.
- Empty the self-empty base dust cup. To empty it, press the dust bin release button at the top of the base and then slide the dust cup out. Press the release button over a trash can to empty the debris. Lightly tap the dust cup to loosen any remaining debris.
- Reinstall the dust cup into the self-empty base. To reinstall it, just slide the dust bin back into the side of the self-empty base until it clicks into place.
Clean the self-empty base pre-filter
Once a month, it is recommended to clean the pre-motor filter found on the self-empty base. This keeps the self-empty base clean and its evacuation power at optimal levels.
- Open the filter housing lid that is found on the top left of the base.
- Once the lid is open, remove the foam filter by pulling on the top handle.
- Lift the felt filter found underneath.
- Lightly tap both filters over a trash can.
- Rinse both filters with cold water only (using any soap or cleaning solution may cause damage).
Let both filters air dry completely before reinstalling. To reinstall both filters, insert the felt filter first followed by the foam filter. Congratulations, the Shark self-empty base is now as clean as it can be!
Final Words
And there you have it, the complete step-by-step guide on how to clean a Shark robot top to bottom, including how to clean the Shark self-empty base if your robot comes along with it.
By keeping your Shark robot clean and maintained, it will be running for years and years to come. If you need additional help and information, don’t hesitate to contact Shark support.
Other Shark robot guides: