Shark APEX DuoClean PowerFins Upright Vacuum Owner's Guide

Powered Lift-Away® with Self-Cleaning Brushroll

Important Safety Instructions

Household Use Only

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this vacuum cleaner has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). As a safety feature, this plug will fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. DO NOT force into outlet or try to modify to fit.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR INJURY:

General Warnings

  1. Inspect power cord and plug for any damage before use. DO NOT use vacuum cleaner with a damaged cord or plug. Turn off all controls before plugging in or unplugging the vacuum cleaner. Store your vacuum cleaner with the power cord secured around the two cord hooks. To minimize the risk of power cord damage, do not allow the motorized brush roll to ingest the cord. If this occurs, immediately shut off power to the vacuum and remove the cord.
  2. Your vacuum cleaner may consist of a motorized nozzle, wand, hose, and/or vacuum pod. This device contains electrical connections, electrical wiring, and moving parts that potentially present risk to the user.
  3. Use only identical replacement parts.
  4. Carefully observe and follow the instructions provided below to avoid improper use of the appliance. DO NOT use the vacuum for any purpose other than those described in this manual.
  5. Before use, carefully inspect all parts for any damage. DO NOT use if any parts are damaged.
  6. The use of an extension cord is NOT recommended.
  7. This vacuum cleaner contains no serviceable parts.

Use Warnings

  1. This appliance can be used by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children. Keep the appliance and its cord out of reach of children. DO NOT allow the appliance to be used by children. DO NOT allow to be used as a toy. Close supervision is necessary when used near children.
  2. Always turn off the vacuum cleaner before connecting or disconnecting any motorized nozzles or other accessories.
  3. DO NOT handle plug or vacuum cleaner with wet hands.
  4. DO NOT use without filters in place.
  5. Only use Shark® branded filters and accessories.
  6. DO NOT damage the power cord: a) DO NOT pull or carry vacuum cleaner by the cord or use the cord as a handle. b) DO NOT unplug by pulling on cord. Grasp the plug, not the cord. c) DO NOT run the vacuum cleaner over the power cord, close a door on the cord, pull the cord around sharp corners, or leave the cord near heated surfaces.
  7. DO NOT put any objects into nozzle or accessory openings. DO NOT use with any opening blocked; keep free of dust, lint, hair, and anything that may reduce airflow.
  8. DO NOT use if nozzle or accessory airflow is restricted. If the air paths or the motorized floor nozzle become blocked, turn the vacuum cleaner off and unplug from electrical outlet. Remove all obstructions before you plug in and turn on the unit again.
  9. Keep nozzle and all vacuum openings away from hair, face, fingers, uncovered feet, or loose clothing.
  10. DO NOT use if vacuum cleaner is not working as it should, or has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into water.
  11. Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.
  12. DO NOT leave the vacuum cleaner unattended while plugged in.
  13. When powered on, keep the vacuum cleaner moving over the carpet surface at all times to avoid damaging the carpet fibers.
  14. DO NOT place vacuum cleaner on unstable surfaces such as chairs or tables.
  15. Your Shark® vacuum may not be designed to stand up on its own. When taking a break from cleaning, you may need to lean it against furniture or a wall, or lay it flat on the floor. Using the vacuum for an application where the unit lacks stability may result in personal injury.
  16. DO NOT use to pick up: a) Liquids b) Large objects c) Hard or sharp objects (glass, nails, screws, or coins) d) Large quantities of dust (drywall dust, fireplace ash, or embers). DO NOT use as an attachment to power tools for dust collection. e) Smoking or burning objects (hot coals, cigarette butts, or matches) f) Flammable or combustible materials (lighter fluid, gasoline, or kerosene) g) Toxic materials (chlorine bleach, ammonia, or drain cleaner)
  17. DO NOT use in the following areas: a) Poorly lit areas b) Wet or damp surfaces c) Outdoor areas d) Spaces that are enclosed and may contain explosive or toxic fumes or vapors (lighter fluid, gasoline, kerosene, paint, paint thinners, mothproofing substances, or flammable dust)
  18. Turn off all controls before plugging in or unplugging the vacuum.
  19. Unplug from electrical outlet when not in use and before any maintenance or cleaning.
  20. Hand wash with water only. Washing with cleaning chemicals could damage the unit.
  21. During cleaning or routine maintenance, DO NOT cut anything other than hair, fibers, or string wrapped around the brushroll.
  22. Allow all filters to air-dry completely before replacing in the vacuum to prevent liquid from being drawn into electric parts.
  23. Make sure the dust cup and all filters are in place after routine maintenance.
  24. If provided, secure the power cord around the two cord hooks during storage.

Assembly

For proper operation, ensure all parts are firmly clicked into place.

  1. Insert Wand into Floor Nozzle.
  2. Insert Handle into Wand.
  3. Attach Pod to Wand.
  4. Insert Hose into Pod.

Diagram Description: The assembly section shows a diagram illustrating the connection of the wand to the floor nozzle, the handle to the wand, the pod to the wand, and the hose to the pod.

Whole-Home Cleaning

Power

Press power button to turn on vacuum. Please note the Brushrolls will not spin unless the wand is reclined.

Settings

Surface Settings

Choose the appropriate setting:

Brushroll Indicator Light

What does the Brushroll Indicator Light mean?

Note: For deep cleaning per ASTM F 608 (embedded dirt in carpets) please set to Carpet/Low Pile. For particularly stubborn stuck-on dust messes, set to Carpet/Low Pile mode.

Cleaning Modes

The vacuum can be used in several configurations:

  1. Upright: Standard upright vacuum mode.
  2. Above-Floor-Handle: The handle detaches from the wand for cleaning above the floor.
  3. Above-Floor-Wand: The wand detaches from the pod for cleaning above the floor.
  4. Powered Lift-Away: The pod detaches from the floor nozzle for portable cleaning.
  5. Lift-Away-Wand: The pod is removed, and the handle detaches from the wand for portable cleaning.
  6. Lift-Away-Handle: The pod is removed, and the wand detaches from the floor nozzle for portable cleaning.

Diagram Description: The "Cleaning Modes" section displays six numbered diagrams showing how to detach different parts of the vacuum for various cleaning configurations: 1. Upright, 2. Handle detached from wand, 3. Wand detached from pod, 4. Pod detached from floor nozzle, 5. Handle detached from wand (with pod removed), 6. Wand detached from floor nozzle (with pod removed).

Maintenance

Emptying the Dust Cup

  1. To remove the Dust Cup, first slide up the dust cup release button, then tilt the dust cup, and lift to remove.
  2. To empty debris into the trash, press the lower release button, and the bottom of the dust cup will drop open.
  3. To remove collected debris from the Lint Screen, press the top release button and lift the handle to access the screen. Gently brush the lint screen to clean.
  4. To reinstall, place the bottom of the dust cup into the pod and then tilt the dust cup until it clicks into place.

Cleaning and Replacing the Filters

Regularly rinse and replace the filters to maintain your vacuum's suction power. To minimize the risk of power cord damage, DO NOT run the vacuum over the power cord. If this occurs, immediately shut off power to the vacuum and remove the cord from the brushroll or nozzle. To prevent damage from cleaning chemicals, rinse filters with cold water only. Allow all filters to air-dry for at least 24 hours before reinstalling them to prevent liquid from being drawn into electric parts. IMPORTANT: DO NOT use soap when cleaning the filters.

Clean Pre-Motor Filters (Every 3 Months)

Pre-Motor (foam and felt): With the dust cup removed, take out the foam and felt filters, and rinse them with water. Tap loose dirt off filters between washes as needed.

Clean HEPA Filter (Every Year)

Post-Motor (HEPA): To access the HEPA filter, press the button under the filter cover and lift off the cover. Pull out the HEPA filter and rinse it with water only. Allow the filter to air-dry completely before reinstalling.

Note: The pre-motor filters should be replaced every 2.5 years. The post-motor filter should be replaced every 3 years.

Checking for Blockages

Diagram Description: The following sections describe how to check for blockages in different parts of the vacuum.

Nozzle Maintenance

Self-Cleaning Brushroll

If any hair is wrapped around the brushroll, continue vacuuming, using Carpet/Low Pile mode on a bare floor surface, a low-pile carpet, or a small area rug. This will allow the self-cleaning brushroll to remove the hair wrap and send it to the dust cup. If you run over a hard or sharp object or notice a noise change while vacuuming, check for blockages or objects caught in the brushroll. If some fibers remain wrapped around the brushroll after continued use, clear them from the brushroll.

Cleaning the Soft Roller

Slide the Soft Roller access button forward to release the Soft Roller. Hand wash the Soft Roller as needed. Use only water, and allow it to air-dry completely for at least 24 hours. Reinsert the Soft Roller in the front of the nozzle until it clicks into place.

Troubleshooting

Power Cord Caught in Brushroll or Floor Nozzle

To minimize the risk of power cord damage, DO NOT run the vacuum over the power cord. If this occurs, immediately shut off power to the vacuum and remove the cord from the brushroll or nozzle. Inspect power cord and plug for any damage before use. DO NOT use vacuum cleaner with a damaged cord or plug. Turn off all controls before plugging in or unplugging the vacuum cleaner. Store your vacuum cleaner with the power cord secured around the two cord hooks.

Vacuum is Not Picking Up Debris. No Suction or Light Suction.

Vacuum Lifts Area Rugs

Make sure Surface Selector switch is set to Thick Carpet & Area Rug Cleaning. Suction is powerful. Take care when vacuuming area rugs or rugs with delicately sewn edges.

Brushrolls Do Not Spin

Vacuum Turns Off on Its Own or Indicator Light Flashes Red

If your vacuum overheats, the thermostat will automatically turn off the motor. Perform the following steps to restart:

  1. Turn vacuum off and unplug it.
  2. Empty dust cup and clean filters. See Emptying the Dust Cup and Cleaning the Filters section for more information.
  3. Check for blockages in hose, wand, floor nozzle, accessories, and inlet openings.
  4. Allow unit to cool for a minimum of 60 minutes.
  5. Plug in vacuum and turn it on.

What's Inside (Quick Start Guide Reference)

The following components are typically included with the vacuum:

Note: The images shown here are for illustrative purposes only and may vary.

Models: AZ1501 Self Cleaning Brushroll Powered Lift Away Upright Vacuum, AZ1501, Self Cleaning Brushroll Powered Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Powered Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Upright Vacuum

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