Important Safety Instructions
Before using your Shark DuoClean APEX Upright Vacuum, please read all instructions carefully. Keep this manual for future reference. Always follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury.
- Ensure the power cord is undamaged. Do not use if the cord or plug is damaged.
- Do not use the vacuum cleaner outdoors or on wet surfaces.
- Unplug from the electrical outlet when not in use and before cleaning or servicing.
- Do not handle the plug or vacuum cleaner with wet hands.
- Use only as described in this manual. Use only manufacturer's recommended attachments.
- Do not put any object into openings. Do not use with any opening blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair, and anything that may reduce airflow.
- Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of body away from openings and moving parts.
- Turn off all controls before unplugging.
- Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
- Do not pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes.
- Do not use to pick up flammable or combustible liquids, such as gasoline, or use in areas where they may be present.
- Do not use without dust cup and filters in place.
What's in the Box
Your Shark DuoClean APEX Upright Vacuum AX951 comes with the following components:
- Main Vacuum Unit (Motorized Floor Nozzle, Pod, Wand, Handle)
- Anti-Allergen Dust Brush
- Pet Multi-Tool
- Duster Crevice Tool
- MultiFLEX Under Appliance Wand
- Accessory Bag
Image: The Shark APEX vacuum cleaner displayed with its various attachments, including the Anti-Allergen Dust Brush, Pet Multi-Tool, Duster Crevice Tool, and MultiFLEX Under Appliance Wand.
Assembly
- Insert the Wand into the Motorized Floor Nozzle.
- Insert the Handle into the top of the Wand.
- Place the Pod onto the Wand and slide it down until it clicks into place.
- Connect the Hose to the back of the Pod.
- Store accessories on the accessory posts on the vacuum.
Operating Instructions
Power and Surface Settings
The power button and surface settings are located on the handle. Select the appropriate setting for your cleaning needs:
- Hard Floor: For bare floors and delicate area rugs. The brushrolls spin slowly.
- Carpet: For low-pile carpets. The brushrolls spin faster.
- Thick Carpet/Area Rug: For high-pile carpets and area rugs. The brushrolls spin at an optimized speed for deep cleaning.
Image: A woman operating the Shark APEX upright vacuum on a carpeted floor, demonstrating its ease of use in standard mode.
DuoClean Technology
The DuoClean floor nozzle features two brushrolls that work in unison to clean both carpets and hard floors effectively. The soft front brushroll pulls in large debris and fine dust, while the bristle brushroll deep cleans carpets.
Image: Close-up of the DuoClean brushroll picking up large debris on a hard floor.
Image: Close-up of the DuoClean brushrolls engaging with a carpet, showing fine dust being captured.
Powered Lift-Away Mode
For versatile cleaning, detach the pod from the floor nozzle. This allows you to clean hard-to-reach areas while still providing power to the motorized floor nozzle or attachments.
Image: A woman using the Shark APEX in Powered Lift-Away mode to clean under a couch, with the main pod detached.
Image: A woman using the extended wand of the Shark APEX with an attachment to clean high areas, such as window frames.
Using Attachments
Connect the desired attachment directly to the handle or the wand for specialized cleaning tasks. The Anti-Allergen Dust Brush is ideal for delicate surfaces, while the Pet Multi-Tool is effective for pet hair on upholstery.
Image: The Anti-Allergen Dust Brush attachment being used to clean dust from a wooden shelf, demonstrating its soft bristles.
Video Demonstration: Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (AX951)
Video: A demonstration of the Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (AX951) in action, highlighting its features and versatility across different floor types and cleaning scenarios.
Maintenance
Emptying the Dust Cup
Empty the dust cup after each use or when debris reaches the MAX FILL line. To empty, press the dust cup release latch and lift the dust cup off the pod. Hold the dust cup over a trash bin and press the bottom release latch to open the bottom of the dust cup.
Cleaning Filters
Regularly clean the filters to maintain optimal suction power. Rinse foam and felt filters every 3 months, and the HEPA filter once a year. Allow all filters to air-dry completely before reinstalling.
- Pre-Motor Filters (Foam & Felt): Located on top of the motor. Remove and rinse with water.
- Post-Motor HEPA Filter: Located at the bottom of the motor. Remove and rinse with water.
Cleaning Brushrolls
Inspect the brushrolls regularly for hair, string, or debris. Use scissors to carefully cut away any wrapped hair or debris. Ensure the soft roller is free of obstructions for optimal performance.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum not picking up debris. | Clogged hose or filters, full dust cup, brushroll obstruction. | Check and clear any blockages. Empty dust cup. Clean filters. Remove brushroll obstructions. |
| Brushrolls not spinning. | Obstruction in brushroll, incorrect surface setting, vacuum not fully upright. | Clear any obstructions. Ensure vacuum is reclined and on the correct surface setting. |
| Vacuum turns off on its own. | Overheating due to blockage or dirty filters. | Check for blockages in nozzle, hose, or filters. Clean filters. Allow vacuum to cool for at least 45 minutes. |
Specifications
- Brand: Shark
- Model Name: Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away
- Model Number: AX951
- Special Feature: Bagless, Portable
- Filter Type: Foam, HEPA
- Surface Recommendation: Carpet, Hard Floor
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Capacity: 2.8 Quarts
- Color: Green
- Noise Level: 80 Decibels
- Motor Horsepower: 1.78 horsepower
- Voltage: 240 Volts
- Wattage: 1350 watts
- Item Weight: 16 Pounds
- Form Factor: Upright
- Included Components: Anti-Allergen Dust Brush, Pet Multi-Tool, Duster Crevice, MutliFLEX Under Appliance Wand, Accessory Bag
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Shark website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.
For further assistance, you may contact Shark customer service through their official website or the contact details provided in your product packaging.
