Can I wash the filters on a Shark vacuum cleaner? That was one of the first questions I had after noticing my vacuum wasn’t picking up dust like it used to.
If you’re like me, you probably rely on your vacuum often, especially if there are pets or kids in the house. But over time, even the best vacuums start to feel less powerful—and a lot of that comes down to dirty filters.
When I first opened up my Shark vacuum, I didn’t realize it had more than one type of filter inside. Some looked like sponge material, others were thicker and felt-like.
That’s when I started digging into whether it’s okay to wash these filters at home—or if I was supposed to replace them every time. Turns out, the answer isn’t the same for every filter or every model.
This article is built from real research and experience, and it’s written to help regular vacuum owners (like us) take better care of their Shark machines.
I’ll walk you through which filters can be cleaned, how to do it safely, and what to avoid so you don’t damage your vacuum by mistake. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, cleaning those filters is way easier than you’d expect—and it makes a big difference.
What Kind of Filters Are Inside a Shark Vacuum?
Before I got into cleaning my Shark vacuum regularly, I honestly had no idea how many filters were inside. I thought maybe one, maybe two at most.
But once I opened it up, it turned out there’s a whole system going on in there. And if you’re wondering can I wash the filters on a Shark vacuum cleaner, you first need to know what type of filters you’re dealing with.
Not all filters work the same way, and not all of them can handle water. That’s where most people mess up — they assume everything inside is washable, which isn’t always the case.
Foam and Felt Filters: These Are the Ones You’ll Wash Most Often
The most common filters you’ll run into are the foam and felt ones. They’re usually located right behind the dust canister and are pretty easy to take out.
The foam one is super soft and spongy, while the felt one is flat and looks kind of like a thick pad.
These two are usually washable. I rinse mine out under cool tap water every month or so — especially if I’ve been vacuuming after the dog or doing a deep clean.
Just make sure they dry completely before putting them back in, otherwise you’ll get that weird mildew smell.
Can I Wash the Filters on a Shark Vacuum Cleaner If They’re HEPA?
That depends. Some Shark models come with washable HEPA filters, but not all of them do. And just because a filter looks sturdy doesn’t mean it can handle water.
Personally, I don’t take any chances unless the manual clearly says the HEPA filter is washable. If it’s not mentioned, I replace it every few months instead. It’s not worth messing up your vacuum just to save a few bucks on a filter.
Are There Other Filters I Should Know About?
Some models also include an exhaust or electric motor filter tucked away near the bottom. Honestly, I didn’t even know mine had one until I saw a little trap door under the vacuum. These filters are usually smaller and may or may not be washable, depending on your model.
If your vacuum has been losing power or giving off a dusty smell even after cleaning the usual filters, that hidden one could be the culprit. It’s worth checking out.
Why It Matters to Know Your Filter Types
If you’re serious about keeping your vacuum working like new, you need to know what’s inside it. It sounds basic, but understanding which filter does what can help you avoid mistakes like washing something that isn’t meant to get wet.
And more importantly, it gives you a better answer to that original question: can I wash the filters on a Shark vacuum cleaner?
How Do You Clean Shark Vacuum Filters Without Ruining Them?
Let me be honest — the first time I tried to clean my Shark vacuum filters, I had no idea what I was doing. I thought I could just rinse them quickly, pop them back in, and get back to vacuuming. Nope.
The vacuum smelled weird afterward, and the suction wasn’t any better. That’s when I realized there’s a bit more to it.
Here’s how I clean mine now — nothing fancy, just the way that works.
Start by Turning It Off and Taking the Dust Cup Out
I always start by unplugging the vacuum. Safety first — I don’t want to mess around with power when I’ve got my hands inside the machine.
Then I remove the dust container and dump out whatever dirt is left. Makes it easier to get to the filters, and I don’t end up with a pile of dust all over the place.
Pull the Filters Out One by One Carefully
Once the dust cup is out of the way, I reach for the filters. On my Shark, there’s usually a squishy foam one sitting right on top and a flat felt one underneath it.
I pull them out slowly. The felt one feels delicate, and I don’t want to damage it — replacing it isn’t exactly cheap.
Sometimes there’s another one down by the electric motor, especially on the bigger models. If I remember, I pull that one out too.
Don’t Use Soap — Just Rinse with Cool Water
The first time I cleaned these, I used dish soap. Big mistake. They felt sticky afterward, and I had to rinse them for ages.
Now I just rinse each filter under cool tap water. That’s it. I squeeze the foam one a bit to help the dust come out, but I never scrub or twist too hard.
It takes a couple of rinses for the water to run clear. I just keep going until it looks clean.
Let Them Dry Fully Dry
Here’s the part I always tell people not to skip: let the filters dry completely. I’m talking overnight at the very least — 24 hours is better.
I leave mine on a clean towel in the laundry room and just forget about them until the next day. If you put them back even a little damp, your vacuum’s going to smell weird, and moisture could ruin the inside.
Put Them Back In Right Order Matters
Once everything is dry, I slide the filters back into place. Foam first, then felt. If there’s a third one (like a HEPA filter), it goes last.
I double-check that they’re seated properly. Once the dust cup is back on, it’s good to go.
One Thing That Helps: Set a Reminder
I’ve made it a habit to clean the filters once a month. I just set a phone reminder. It’s one of those things that takes 10 minutes but keeps the vacuum working way better — and saves money down the road.
How Often Should You Clean the Filters on Your Shark Vacuum?
I didn’t even think about cleaning my Shark vacuum filters when I first bought it. I figured as long as it was still sucking up dirt, it was fine.
That worked for a while… until it didn’t. The suction got weaker, it started smelling dusty, and I kept asking myself: can I wash the filters on a Shark vacuum cleaner, or am I going to mess something up?
The truth is — you can wash the filters. In fact, you have to if you want your vacuum to work like it should. But when and how often depends on how much you use it — and what you’re using it for.
Once a Month Is a Safe Bet for Most Homes
In my home, I vacuum a few times a week — mostly kitchen crumbs, hallway dust, and whatever ends up under the couch.
So I try to clean the filters once every month. It’s not a big job. Just a quick rinse with water, squeeze out the foam ones, let everything dry overnight, and done.
Since I started doing that regularly, the vacuum works way better — and it doesn’t sound like it’s struggling anymore.
If You Have Pets (or Kids), Do It More Often
Now, I’ve got a golden retriever who sheds like it’s his full-time job. With all that hair and dander, the filters clog up faster than I expected.
So if you’ve got pets — or messy kids tracking dirt inside — I’d clean the filters every 2 to 3 weeks instead of waiting a full month.
It doesn’t take long, and honestly, you can tell when the filters are dirty just by how the vacuum feels when you use it.
Don’t Forget About the HEPA Filter
Some Shark vacuums also come with a HEPA filter (usually tucked behind a little panel). That one doesn’t need washing as often maybe every 2–3 months but it’s easy to forget about. I check mine every couple months just to make sure it’s not coated in dust.
I’ve heard people say you can damage the HEPA one by washing it too much, so I’m gentle with it — rinse, air dry, and make sure it’s 100% dry before putting it back.
Pay Attention to the Signs
Here’s how I know it’s time to clean: the vacuum gets louder, the suction drops, or there’s this musty smell coming out of it. That’s usually your filter crying for help.
So when I notice any of that, I stop and clean the filters — and yes, I remind myself again that can I wash the filters on a Shark vacuum cleaner isn’t even a question anymore. Of course you can. Just make it a habit, and your vacuum will last longer and work better.
What Happens If You Don’t Wash the Filters on Your Shark Vacuum?
I’ll admit it — I used to skip cleaning the filters on my Shark vacuum. I didn’t think it mattered much. The vacuum was still picking up dirt, right? But after a few months,
I noticed that something wasn’t quite right. It wasn’t as strong as before. I kept thinking, can I wash the filters on a Shark vacuum cleaner?
If you’re wondering whether it’s really a big deal, let me tell you from experience — it is. Here’s what happens if you don’t clean your filters regularly:
The Suction Just Isn’t the Same
The first thing I noticed when I wasn’t cleaning the filters was that the suction power started to fade. The best vacuum cleaner brands some time still running but most of the vacuum was still struggling.
I wasn’t getting the deep clean I was used to. At first, I thought it was the vacuum itself that was faulty, but then I realized — the filters were packed with dust. When the filters are clogged, the vacuum can’t do its job properly.
Once I cleaned them, though, I noticed an immediate difference. The suction power came back like new. It was a game-changer.
The Vacuum Starts Smelling Funky
This is one of those things that sneaks up on you. If you don’t clean your filters often enough, your vacuum will start to smell.
It’s not a good smell more like a mix of wet dog, dust, and old carpet. It wasn’t until I was using it one day that I finally noticed the smell creeping up. That’s when I had to ask myself again: can I wash the filters on a Shark vacuum cleaner?
The answer is a big yes. Once I cleaned the filters, the smell went away completely. It was such a relief. If you’ve noticed any kind of odor coming from your vacuum, that’s a sign the filters need a wash.
It Puts Extra Strain on the Motor
Another thing I didn’t realize at first was that dirty filters put a lot of strain on the motor. I’ve learned the hard way that it’s like asking your vacuum to do a heavy job without the right equipment. The motor has to work harder, and that’s not something you want long-term.
The more clogged the filters, the harder the motor has to work to get suction, which could lead to overheating or even motor failure.
It’s kind of like trying to run a car without oil — not a good idea. So now, I’m super consistent with cleaning mine. It just makes sense.
Can I Wash the Filters on a Shark Vacuum Cleaner? Yes, You Definitely Can
To wrap this up, let me tell you this: can I wash the filters on a Shark vacuum cleaner? Yes, you absolutely can. And you should, too.
I learned the hard way that skipping this simple task can seriously affect how your vacuum works. Now, I clean my filters every few weeks, and I’ve never had any problems since. It’s worth the extra couple of minutes, trust me.
Conclusion
After all the dust settles (literally!), it’s clear that cleaning your Shark vacuum’s filters is a simple yet essential step in keeping everything running smoothly.
When I first started using my Shark, I didn’t think much about the filters. I figured as long as it was picking up dirt, everything was fine. But over time, I realized that maintaining the vacuum means doing just a little extra work now and then.
Sure, the vacuum will keep running without cleaning the filters, but it won’t do so as efficiently, and it could even cause more harm in the long run.
I’ve noticed that a clean filter helps the suction work better, makes the vacuum smell fresher, and just overall keeps everything running as it should. It’s easy to overlook, but once you realize the difference it makes, you won’t want to skip it.
If you’re still wondering, can I wash the filters on a Shark vacuum cleaner? Yes, you absolutely can — and it’s one of those tasks that will really pay off.
FAQS
How often should I clean the filters on my Shark vacuum?
Honestly, I try to clean mine about once a month. If you use your vacuum a lot, you might need to do it more often. I’ve found that doing this regularly keeps the suction strong and the vacuum running smoothly.
Can I use my Shark vacuum right after washing the filters?
Nope, you definitely shouldn’t. I learned the hard way — it’s best to let the filters dry completely before you put them back in. I usually leave mine out for a day or two to make sure they’re dry. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
What happens if I don’t clean the filters on my Shark vacuum?
Well, if you skip cleaning the filters, you might start to notice a weaker suction, some weird smells, and even overheating issues. It’s just not worth it in the long run. Cleaning the filters regularly helps your vacuum last longer and work better.