How to Clean Your Shark HydroVac (Vacuum & Mop) + Snag 30% Off Our Favorite Model!

Wondering how to clean a Shark Hydrovac or other vacuum mop? It’s so easy! 

Learn how to clean your vacuum mop like a pro.

When it comes to vacuum mop combos, a Shark is hard to beat! Whether you have a wet or dry mess, the Shark HydroVac is up for the job. It’s no surprise the brand has a loyal following. Their powerful cleaning tools are super easy to use and many come with superior filtration systems, 60-day money-back guarantees, and excellent multi-year warranties.

If you own a Shark HydroVac or any other vacuum mop, it can last a long time if you treat it right. That’s why we’re sharing our best tips for using, maintaining, and cleaning your vacuum mop. Follow our handy advice and you’ll be enjoying your vacuum for years to come.

How to clean a vacuum mop and other useful tips:

1. Learn the right time and the right way to clean a vacuum.

Did you know the Shark Hydrovac is self-cleaning?! 😍 It uses odor-neutralizing technology and even has an antimicrobial brush roll that prevents unwanted smells These special features keep the device low maintenance and that’s why the 3-in-1 Shark Hydrovac is one of the best on the market and a favorite cleaning device here at Hip2Save (don’t miss our full review).

To use the self-cleaning feature:

Place your cordless Shark Hydrovac on the docking station (if your model has a cord, plug it in and set it on the storage tray). Then, make sure your dirty water tank is empty, your cleaning solution tank is at least half full, and you have at least 1 bar of battery power. When you’re ready, press and release the power button to initiate self-cleaning which takes about 2 minutes. Once complete, pop out your brush roller to let it air dry and then empty and rinse the dirty water tank. It’s SO SIMPLE! 💛

If you’d like to see the self-cleaning feature in action, check out this helpful video!

Even if your vacuum or vacuum mop has a self-cleaning feature, it may need routine maintenance and cleaning too! Make your Shark or other cleaning devices last by taking good care of them. It’s time for cleaning if you notice an unpleasant odor, lack of suction, remnants, or any weird noises.

Thanks to Everyday Cheapskate, we found some great instructions on how to manually clean a Shark or vacuum mop. These tips even include how to clean Shark vacuum filters. 🙌  Since each model is slightly different, you may need to adjust these instructions, but the tips below should help you to adequately maintain your device.

Here’s how often we recommend you manually clean each part:

• With each use: Empty your dirt container.
• Monthly: Clean your Shark filters and brush roller if you have pets or long hair.
• Quarterly: If you have a plain vacuum, wipe down your hose and any other attachment.
• Semi-Annually: Replace your filters or roller brush, as needed.

Step-by-step instructions on how to deep clean your Shark:

1. Disassemble your vacuum or vacuum mop.
2. Open both ends of your dirt canister and dispose of any waste (we recommend dumping any dirty water in the sink or toilet)
3. Wipe down your canister using soap and water.
4. Using plain water (no soap), rinse your foam filter and leave it out to air dry. If your Shark model has a HEPA filter or hose attachment, rinse those in clean water and leave them out to air dry.
5. Place the vacuum or vacuum mop on its side in order to examine the brush roll. Using a pair of scissors or a box cutter, carefully cut through any hair or string that has been wrapped around the brush.
6. Once your filter and hose are dry, re-assemble your vacuum or vacuum mop.

Note: Not all Sharks or vacuum mops are exactly the same. If any part of yours contains electronics, do not rinse or soak those parts in water!

For more information on cleaning your specific Shark model, visit Shark’s Q&A section of their website.

2. Avoid using essential oils, vinegar, or bleach.

You may see some influencers adding essential oil to their brush roll or cleaning their hoses with vinegar and water. If you do this, note that it is at your own risk. Shark does not recommend using essential oils or vinegar to deodorize your Shark Hydrovac. The machine is already self-cleaning and deodorizing.

If you have another brand of vacuum mop, read the company website and follow their recommendations. If you’re really concerned with the odor, a common hack is to put baking soda on your carpets and then vacuum it up with your device.

3. To clean your home, use the brand’s cleaning solution.

Many brands have their own cleaning solution that’s specifically designed to use with their product. The Shark Hydrovac is one of them. Use the Shark Hydrovac Multi-Surface Concentrate whenever you clean your floors or area rugs. That’s the best way to get the optimal results you want!

Using a third-party cleaning solution or even just bleach can result in streaks, foaming, false triggering of the water sensors, and even a complete malfunctioning of your unit. 😱 It’s just not worth it! If your unit is damaged by misuse, the repair will not be covered under your warranty.

4. Use the correct amount of cleaning solution to avoid streaking.

The Shark Hydrovac has max fill lines printed on their clean solution tanks. To avoid any streaking with your wet/dry vacuum mop, stay at or beneath that line.

If you have any questions about filling your tank, see the directions printed on the back.

5.  Don’t have much time to clean? Set a timer.

Cleaning for 15 minutes is better than not cleaning at all! If you have limited time to spruce up your space, set a timer and concentrate on the areas you can see. Do this a few days out of the week or month and you’ll be making more progress than if you skipped vacuuming altogether.

6. Unplug or undock your vacuum mop once charging is complete.

It’s unwise to leave your vacuum mop plugged in overnight or for very long periods of time. Aside from posing a fire risk, overcharging your battery can reduce the life of your device in the long run. According to Aspiron, a popular vacuum manufacturer, it’s best to unplug your device once it’s done charging.

7. Register your Shark Hydrovac or other mop vac cleaning device.

Maintain your Shark with ease by registering your cleaning device. When you register, it’s very easy to reorder replacement parts and see your warranty information. You’ll also get access to special promotions and receive faster troubleshooting and support if ever needed.

Don’t have a Shark Hydrovac yet? Check out this hot deal on our team’s favorite model!