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Do Shark Vacuums Have a HEPA Filter?
Many Shark vacuum cleaner models have HEPA filters, while some do not. If HEPA filtration is something you want or need in your vacuum keep reading to learn more.
Which Shark Vacuums Have HEPA Filters?
To determine which Shark vacuums have HEPA filters, take a look at the tables below.
Shark Vacuum Filter table
| Shark Vacuum Model | Has HEPA? |
|---|---|
| Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum | YES |
| Shark Vertex Ultra Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum | YES |
| Shark Cordless Pet Plus | YES |
| Shark WANDVAC Cordless Stick Vacuum | No |
| Shark Navigator Freestyle Cordless Upright Vacuum | No |
Do Shark Robot Vacuums Have HEPA Filters?
When it comes to robot vacuums, only one Shark vacuum has a HEPA filter while the rest do not.
If you’re looking for a robot vacuum for your home, and you want it to include a HEPA filter, pay close attention to the lists below.
Shark Robot Vacuum Filter Table
| Shark Vacuum Model | Has HEPA? |
|---|---|
| Shark AI Robot Self-Empty XL | YES |
| Shark IQ Robot Vacuum | No |
| Shark AI VACMOP Robot Vacuum and Mop | No |
| Shark ION Robot Vacuum | No |
Do Shark Handheld Vacuums Have HEPA Filters?
Currently Shark handheld vacuums do not contain HEPA filters.
However, you can check for vacuums with Shark’s Anti-Allergen Complete Seal. This filtration system traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, similar to a HEPA filter, and is one alternative.
What Is a HEPA Filter, and How Do They Help with Vacuuming?
HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is a standard of efficiency for filters. To meet the standard, a filter must remove at least 99.97 percent of airborne particles with a diameter of .3 microns.
A micron is equal to .001 millimeters (one-millionth of a meter) and is used to measure the diameter of microscopic objects.
HEPA filtration is endorsed by both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency as the best filter for cleaning the air. It offers a high degree of peace of mind to those who choose HEPA filters in their homes.
HEPA filters remove pet hair, dust particles, pet dander, dirt, pollen, debris, dust mites, mold spores, and other allergens. Eliminating these makes the air cleaner for everyone living in your home but can have even more impact on those with asthma or allergies.
These filters are also capable of removing viruses and bacteria from the air.
It’s worth noting that unless all air goes through the HEPA filter, it won’t have the effect you want. Air seeping through openings or cracks in the vacuum may not have gone through the filter and, therefore, may still contain dust particles.
It’s worth prioritizing vacuum models that are sealed in some way as that will ensure all air passes through the filter.
What Is HEPA Filter Made Of?
HEPA filters are made from a very dense paper-like material formed from glass fibers. Up to 40 square feet of folded filter material makes up a HEPA filter, and this thick folded surface is what traps the particles as the air passes through.
A HEPA air purifier also includes an activated carbon material in addition to the filter. The purpose of this is to remove what the filter itself does not, including gasses, odors, and chemicals in the air.
Do Shark Vacuums Use a True HEPA Type Filter?
Certain models of Shark vacuums use true HEPA filters, as listed above. If you want to be sure, you can check your operating manual or the filter itself.
Keep reading for more information on how to find out whether your filter is a true HEPA filter.
Can You Use a Shark Vacuum Without the HEPA Filter?
While your vacuum cleaner may continue to function without its HEPA filter, vacuuming without the filter in place is not advised. The dust and other allergens will be circulated up into the air rather than trapped.
Not only does this cause problems for asthma and allergy sufferers, but that dust will settle back to the floor at some point, defeating the purpose of vacuuming in the first place.
How to Know if Your Vacuum Has a HEPA Filter
Visit Shark’s product information page and select your vacuum type and model to view more information about your vacuum.
You can also look at the filter itself. This requires removing the filter from your vacuum cleaner, but on the filter, you’ll find a serial number and test results. A true HEPA filter must have these printed on the filter.
If you don’t find the serial number or test results on the filter, or if you find the test results indicate anything less than 99.97 percent of 0.3-micron particles trapped, it isn’t a HEPA filter.
A couple of quick, but not necessarily fool-proof, ways to know whether you have a HEPA vacuum are to find out whether it is specified as a pet vacuum.
That’s because in general pet vacuums do contain HEPA filters. Also, HEPA vacuums will tend to be a bit pricier than those that aren’t.
Can You Clean or Wash Your Shark Vacuum Filters?
You may wish to clean your Shark filters if you are experiencing reduced suction or if you notice strange sounds or unpleasant odors from your vacuum cleaner.
While you should replace your HEPA filters every three months to 2 years to keep them operating as effectively as possible, cleaning your filters within that time span helps.
This is a great idea as you can prolong their life and also help keep their cleaning performance good in the meantime.
Some filters can be washed, and others cannot so make sure to check your HEPA vacuum manual before attempting to wash your filter. As a general rule, most HEPA filters cannot be washed so unless clearly labeled as such, assume it cannot be.
How to Clean Washable HEPA Filter Types
Cleaning your HEPA filter is a simple four-step process.
- Remove the filter from your vacuum cleaner
- Tap the filter to remove excess dust
- Wash the filter under cold water
- Air dry for 24 hours or until completely dry
Using any sort of detergent while washing your HEPA filter isn’t recommended as this can cause the filter to become clogged. Once your filter has dried completely, reinstall it in your vacuum cleaner and you’re ready to go!
How Do You Know What Model Shark Vacuum You Have?
There are several ways to determine which model your Shark vacuum is so you can find out whether it includes a HEPA filter or not.
- If you still have the box your vacuum came in, you can find the model number on the bottom of the box near the bar code. If you don’t have the box, look at your manual. The model number is listed on the front cover.
- You can also find the model number on the vacuum cleaner itself. This may be a bit trickier to find but it’s usually on the back of the vacuum cleaner.
- It’s often near the handle on handheld or stick units.
- On an upright unit, look on the back of the main body of the vacuum, near the center. On a robot vacuum, however, flip it over and look at the bottom.
