Unlock the full potential of your Shark vacuum by mastering its versatile accessory toolkit.
You bought a Shark vacuum for its power. But those extra tools sitting in the closet? That is where the real magic happens. You are tired of seeing dust on baseboards and crumbs in couch cushions. You want that deep, satisfying clean you paid for. Learning how to use accessories on shark vacuum is the key. It turns your powerful floor cleaner into a whole-home cleaning system. This guide will show you exactly what each tool does. We will cover how to attach them and where to use them. Get ready to take your cleaning routine to the next level.
Preparing Your Shark Vacuum for Accessory Use
Before you start swapping tools, a little prep work makes a big difference. A clean machine works better. And knowing where everything is saves you time and frustration. Think of this as getting your toolkit ready before a project. It ensures everything goes smoothly and you get the best possible results from your cleaning session.
First, let’s make sure your vacuum is ready to perform. A clogged filter or full dust cup can reduce suction power. This makes your accessories less effective. You want all that Shark power directed to the tool in your hand.
- Empty the Dust Cup: Always start with an empty dust cup. It is a simple step that has a huge impact on suction.
- Check the Filters: Pop out the foam and felt filters. Give them a quick rinse with water if they look dirty. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them back in. A clean filter means better airflow.
- Inspect the Hoses: Take a quick look at the main hose for any obvious clogs. Blockages are a common reason for poor performance with attachments.
Next, gather all your Shark accessories. Lay them out so you can see what you have. This helps you choose the right tool for the job without having to dig through a messy bag or closet mid-clean. Familiarize yourself with how they connect. Most Shark accessories simply click firmly into place on the handle or the extension wand.
| Preparation Step | Why It’s Important | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Empty Dust Cup | Maximizes suction power for attachments. | Less than 1 minute |
| Check Filters | Prevents dust from circulating and ensures strong airflow. | 2-3 minutes (plus drying time if washed) |
| Organize Accessories | Saves time and helps you choose the right tool quickly. | 1 minute |
Mastering the Core Shark Accessories: A Step-by-Step Guide
Your Shark vacuum likely came with a set of standard tools. These are the workhorses of above-floor cleaning. Understanding how and where to use each one is the first step to a truly spotless home. We will break down the most common tools, explaining their purpose and the best way to use them. This is how you go from just vacuuming floors to detailing your entire living space.
The Crevice Tool: Your Precision Weapon
What It Is: This is the long, skinny tool with an angled tip. It is designed for tight spaces where the main vacuum head cannot reach. It concentrates all the suction power into a tiny opening.
Why It’s Crucial: Dust and crumbs love to hide. This tool is your way of fighting back. Without it, places like couch cushions and car seats never get fully clean. Skipping this tool leaves behind annoying debris that builds up over time.
- Select the Right Connection: For most jobs, you will attach the crevice tool to the main handle. For reaching high or low, connect it to the end of the extension wand.
- Attach the Tool: Push the crevice tool firmly onto the handle or wand. You should hear or feel a click, confirming it is locked in place.
- Target Tight Spaces: Guide the tip of the tool along the edges of baseboards. Push it deep into the gaps between sofa cushions. Use it around window sills and along sliding door tracks.
- Pro Tip: Use the crevice tool to clean out your dryer’s lint trap. The powerful suction pulls out deep-seated lint that the screen doesn’t catch. This can even improve your dryer’s efficiency.
The Dusting Brush: For Delicate Surfaces
What It Is: This is the round brush with soft bristles. It is designed to gently agitate dust on surfaces that could be scratched by harder plastic tools.
Why It’s Crucial: Wiping dust with a cloth often just pushes it into the air. This tool sucks the dust away for good. It is essential for cleaning electronics, blinds, and lampshades without causing damage.
- How to Attach: Like the crevice tool, it clicks directly onto the handle or wand.
- The Right Technique: Use gentle, sweeping motions. Let the soft bristles and the vacuum’s suction do the work. Do not press down too hard.
- Where to Use It:
- Bookshelves and picture frames
- Window blinds and lampshades
- Computer keyboards and TV screens
- Air vents and ceiling fans
- Pro Tip: Before vacuuming a dusty surface, give the brush a quick vacuum with the hose itself. This ensures you are not just painting with dust from the last time you used it.
The Upholstery Tool: Reviving Your Furniture
What It Is: A wide tool with a fabric strip designed to lift lint and hair from textiles. It is wider than the crevice tool but smaller than the main floorhead.
Why It’s Crucial: Your furniture traps a lot of dust, pet dander, and allergens. This tool is specifically designed to remove it without damaging the fabric. It is a must-have for anyone with pets or allergies.
- Connect the Tool: Attach it directly to the handle for close-up work on chairs and sofas.
- Use Short, Overlapping Strokes: Pull the tool towards you in short, even strokes. Overlap each pass slightly to ensure you do not miss any spots. The fabric strip helps agitate and lift embedded debris.
- Best Uses: This tool is a beast for cleaning couches, chairs, mattresses, and curtains. It is also great for fabric car interiors.
- Pro Tip: To deep clean a mattress, sprinkle it with baking soda. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then use the upholstery tool to vacuum it all up. This helps deodorize and freshen the mattress.
Unlocking Specialized Shark Attachments
Beyond the basic kit, Shark offers a range of specialized tools. These are designed to solve specific, often annoying, cleaning problems. From pet hair nightmares to dust bunnies under the fridge, these accessories are the key to a truly deep clean. Many of these come with higher-end models like the Shark Stratos Upright or can be purchased separately.
The Pet Power Brush: The Hair Eliminator
What It Is: A small, motorized brush head. It has its own spinning brush roll, powered by the vacuum’s airflow, to aggressively pull up embedded pet hair.
Why It’s a Headache-Saver: Regular tools can’t handle woven-in pet hair. This tool’s agitating brush is the only way to effectively lift it from carpets and upholstery. If you have a dog or cat, this attachment is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
- Connection Point: This tool works best when connected directly to the handle for maximum control and pressure.
- Technique is Key: Use slow, deliberate passes. Let the spinning brush do the work. Pull the tool towards you to allow the bristles to lift the hair effectively.
- Prime Targets:
- Carpeted stairs
- Pet beds and cat trees
- Upholstered furniture where pets lounge
- Vehicle carpets and seats
- Maintenance Note: Hair will wrap around the small brush roll. After each use, check it and snip away any tangled hair with scissors to keep it spinning freely.
The Under-Appliance Wand: Reaching the Unseen
What It Is: A long, flat wand that can bend. It is designed to slide into the narrow gaps under heavy appliances and furniture.
Why You Need It: The space under your refrigerator or sofa is a wasteland of dust, lost food, and pet toys. It is impossible to clean without moving heavy items. This tool solves that problem, improving air quality and reducing allergens.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Flexible Design | Bends to stay flat against the floor, even when you’re standing. |
| Slim Profile | Fits into gaps as small as a few inches high. |
| Removable Brush Tip | Use the soft brush for delicate floors or remove it for stronger suction. |
How to Use It: Attach the wand to your vacuum’s handle. Gently slide it under the appliance. Move it back and forth slowly to capture all the debris. You will be shocked at what comes out.
The Multi-Angle Dusting Brush: For High Places
What It Is: A dusting brush mounted on a pivoting joint. This allows you to change the angle of the brush head.
Why It’s a Game-Changer: How do you clean the top of a ceiling fan or a high bookshelf? This tool. Attached to the extension wand, it lets you clean awkward, high-up surfaces with ease, all while standing safely on the ground.
- Attach to the Wand: This tool is almost always used with the main extension wand to maximize reach.
- Set Your Angle: Adjust the pivot point so the brush will sit flat on the surface you want to clean.
- Lift and Clean: Raise the wand and rest the brush on top of the fan blade, bookshelf, or door frame. Gently slide it along the surface to capture dust.
Tips to Keep Your Shark Accessories in Top Shape
Your Shark accessories work hard. A little care will keep them performing like new for years. Dirty tools don’t clean well. They can even spread dirt around. A simple maintenance routine protects your investment and ensures you get a great clean every time.
- Regular Cleaning: After each use, give your tools a quick inspection. Pull any large debris or hair off by hand. For a deeper clean, you can wash most non-motorized plastic tools.
- Washing Your Tools:
- Rinse them with lukewarm water.
- Use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) to gently scrub away stubborn grime.
- Crucially: Let them air dry completely for at least 24 hours before using them again. Storing them wet can lead to mildew.
- Proper Storage: Don’t just toss them in a pile. Many Shark vacuums, like the popular Shark Navigator Lift-Away, have onboard clips for the most-used tools. For the rest, use a dedicated bag or a clear plastic bin. This protects them from damage and makes them easy to find.
- Check for Wear: Look at the bristles on your dusting brushes. If they are frayed or smashed, they won’t clean as effectively. Check for cracks in the plastic of your crevice tool. Replacing a worn-out tool is a small cost that makes a big difference.
Final Words
Your Shark vacuum is more than just a floor cleaner. It is a complete cleaning system waiting to be used. By taking a few minutes to learn how to use accessories on shark vacuum, you transform your approach to cleaning. No more ignoring dusty corners or pet hair on the sofa. You now have the right tool for every single job. From the tightest crevice to the highest ceiling fan, you can achieve a level of clean that was out of reach before. So grab those attachments, connect them with confidence, and see the amazing impact they make on your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Shark accessories on any Shark vacuum?
For the most part, yes. Shark designs its main accessories to be interchangeable across many models that use the same diameter connection for the wand and handle. However, specialized motorized tools or unique wands might be specific to certain series like the Stratos or Vertex. Always check your model’s manual or the accessory’s product page for compatibility if you are buying extra tools.
How do I know which accessory to use on stairs?
The best tool for stairs depends on the surface. For carpeted stairs, the Pet Power Brush is the clear winner. Its motorized brush roll deep cleans the carpet fibers. For hardwood or bare stairs, the Upholstery Tool is a great choice. It is wide enough to cover the step quickly but small enough to be easily maneuverable.
What is the best way to clean my Shark vacuum accessories?
Most plastic accessories like the crevice tool and upholstery tool can be washed by hand with lukewarm water and a little mild soap. Use a soft brush to remove any stuck-on dirt. The most important step is to let them air dry completely before reattaching them to the vacuum. Never wash motorized tools like the Pet Power Brush; instead, wipe the housing with a damp cloth and clear the brush roll of hair and debris.
My Shark accessory doesn’t seem to fit. What am I doing wrong?
First, ensure you are connecting it to the correct point—either the main handle or the extension wand. Push firmly until you hear a distinct click. If it still feels loose, check both the tool and the wand for any obstructions or debris that might be preventing a secure connection. In rare cases, there could be a compatibility issue between very old and very new models.
Can I use my Shark vacuum accessories to clean my car?
Absolutely! The accessories are perfect for car detailing. The crevice tool is ideal for getting between seats and in door pockets. The dusting brush works wonders on the dashboard and air vents. The upholstery tool or Pet Power Brush is fantastic for cleaning fabric seats and floor mats. A cordless model like the Shark Wandvac combined with these tools is a perfect car cleaning solution.
Where is the best place to store my vacuum attachments?
Many Shark models have onboard storage clips for one or two of the most-used tools. For the rest, a small canvas bag or a clear plastic bin works great. Storing them together keeps them from getting lost and protects them from being damaged. Keeping them organized also makes you more likely to use them regularly.
How often should I clean the Pet Power Brush?
You should inspect the brush roll on your Pet Power Brush after every use, especially if you have long-haired pets. Hair can wrap tightly around the roller and reduce its effectiveness. A quick cleaning after each session by snipping the hair with scissors will keep it spinning at full power and ready for the next job.
Is there an accessory for cleaning under low furniture?
Yes, the Under-Appliance Wand is designed specifically for this. It’s a long, flat tool that can bend to slide under sofas, beds, and dressers with low clearance. It’s a fantastic tool for cleaning those hard-to-reach spots that gather dust bunnies without having to move heavy furniture.