Shark Apex DuoClean AX952 Series Instructions Manual

AX952

Series • Série • Serie

INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCCIONES

sharkclean.com

1-800-798-7398

Powered Lift-Away®

1 2

1-800-798-7398 sharkclean.com

ENGLISH

CONTENTS

THANK YOU

for purchasing the Shark® APEX™ DuoClean™ Powered Lift-Away®

Important Safety Instructions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 3

Getting to Know Your Shark® APEX

™

DuoClean

™

Powered Lift-Away® � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 5

Assembling Your Vacuum � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7

Using Your Vacuum in Upright Mode � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 9

What Does the Brushroll Indicator Light Mean? � � � � � � � � � � � � � 9

Using Your Vacuum in Above-Floor Mode � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11

Using And Storing Your Deep-Cleaning
Motorized Pet Tool � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 12

Using Your Vacuum in Powered Lift-Away Mode � � � � � � � � � � 13

Powered Lift-Away Cleaning � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �13
Lift-Away Cleaning � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �14

Using Your Caddy � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 15

Compatible Accessories � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 17

Maintenance � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 19

Emptying the Dust Cup � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �19
Cleaning the Filters � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 20
Cleaning the Brushroll � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �21
Cleaning the Soft Roller � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 22
Checking the Nozzle for Blockages � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 22

Troubleshooting Guide � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 23

Warranty � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 26

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND KEEP
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE�

This instruction manual is designed to help
you get a complete understanding of your new
Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away.

If you have any questions, please call the
Customer Service line at 1-800-798-7398.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Voltage: 120V., 60Hz
Watts: 1350W
Amps: 11.3A

TIP: You can find the
model and serial numbers
on the QR code label
which is located on the
back of your unit behind
the dust cup.

RECORD THIS INFORMATION

Model Number: ��������������������������������������
Serial Number: ��������������������������������������
Date of Purchase (Keep receipt): �����������������������
Store of Purchase: �����������������������������������

REGISTER YOUR PURCHASE

registeryourshark.com

1-800-798-7398

Scan QR code using mobile device

3 4

1-800-798-7398 sharkclean.com

ENGLISH

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONSIMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY • PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE

THE POWER NOZZLE, WAND,

HOSE, AND HANDLE CONTAIN
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS:

• There are NO serviceable parts.

• DO NOT use to vacuum any liquids.

• DO NOT immerse in water.

• DO NOT use if handle/wand/hose is

damaged, cut or punctured.

• Avoid vacuuming up sharp objects.

• Always turn off this appliance before
connecting or disconnecting either hose,
mechanical accessory, or motorized nozzle.

When using an electrical appliance,

basic precautions should always be
followed, including the following:

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.

2 DO NOT use outdoors or on wet surfaces.

Use only on dry surfaces.

3 Unplug from electrical outlet when not in

use and before servicing.

4 If vacuum cleaner is not working as it

should, or has been dropped, damaged,
left outdoors, or immersed in water,
return it to SharkNinja Operating LLC for
examination, repair, or adjustment.

5 DO NOT pull or carry vacuum cleaner by

the cord or use the cord as a handle.

6 DO NOT unplug by pulling on cord. Grasp

the plug, NOT the cord.

7 DO NOT handle plug or vacuum cleaner

with wet hands.

8 DO NOT run the vacuum cleaner over the

power cord, close a door on the cord, or
pull the cord around sharp corners.

9 The use of an extension cord is NOT

recommended.

10 DO NOT leave vacuum cleaner unattended

when plugged in.

11 Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
GENERAL USE
12 Use only as described in this manual.
13 Keep your work area well lit.
14 Keep the vacuum cleaner moving over

the carpet surface at all times to avoid
damaging the carpet fibers.

15 DO NOT place vacuum cleaner on

unstable surfaces such as chairs or tables.

16 DO NOT put any objects into openings.

DO NOT use with any opening blocked;

keep free of dust, lint, hair, and anything
that may reduce airflow.

17 DO NOT allow young children to operate

the appliance or use as a toy. Close
supervision is necessary when any
appliance is used near children.

18 DO NOT use unless brushroll, Soft Roller,

dust cup, and all filters are in place.

DUST CUP/FILTERS/ACCESSORIES

Before turning on the vacuum:
19 Make sure that all filters are thoroughly dry

after routine cleaning.

20 Make sure that dust cup and all filters are in

place after routine maintenance.

21 Make sure accessories are free of

blockages.

22 Use only Shark

®

brand filters and
accessories. Using other brands will void
warranty.

HOSE ATTACHMENTS
23 DO NOT use if 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 turn on the
unitagain.

24 Keep the end of the hose and accessory

openings away from face and body.

25 Keep cleaning tools and hose suction

openings away from hair, face, fingers,
uncovered feet, or loose clothing.

26 Only use manufacturer’s recommended

attachments.

GENERAL CLEANING
27 DO NOT vacuum up large objects.
28 DO NOT vacuum up hard or sharp objects

such as glass, nails, screws, or coins that
could damage the vacuum cleaner.

29 DO NOT vacuum up drywall dust,

fireplace ash, or embers. DO NOT use
as an attachment to power tools for dust
collection.

30 DO NOT vacuum up smoking or burning

objects such as hot coals, cigarette butts,
or matches.

31 DO NOT vacuum up flammable or

combustible materials (e.g., lighter fluid,
gasoline, or kerosene) or use vacuum in
areas where they may be present.

32 DO NOT vacuum up toxic solutions (e.g.,

chlorine bleach, ammonia, or drain cleaner).

33 DO NOT use in an enclosed space where

vapors are present from paint, paint thinner,
moth-proofing substances, flammable dust,
or other explosive or toxic materials.

34 DO NOT vacuum up any liquids.
35 DO NOT immerse vacuum cleaner in water

or other liquids.

36 Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.

POLARIZED PLUG

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 injury, fire, electric shock, and property damage

resulting from improper use of the appliance, carefully observe the following
instructions� This unit contains electrical connections and moving parts that
potentially present risk to the user�

5 6

1-800-798-7398 sharkclean.com

ENGLISH

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SHARK® APEX™
DUOCLEAN™ POWERED LIFT-AWAY®

WELCOME!

Congratulations on
your purchase. Use this
instruction manual to
learn about your new
vacuum’s great features.
From assembly to use
to maintenance, you will
find it all in here.

MAIN UNIT
A Power Switch
B Handle Release Button
C Surface Selector
D Hose Clip
E Hose
F Upper Cord Hook
G Powered Lift-Away Button
H Wand Release Button
I Lift-Away Pod
J Dust Cup Release Button
K Dust Cup Empty Latches
L Wand
M Lower Cord Hook
N Motorized Floor Nozzle
O Brushroll Indicator Light
P Headlights
Q Brushroll Garage
R Soft Roller

A

C

G

B

D

E

F

H

J

I

L

K

O

M

N

P

Q

R

7 8

1-800-798-7398 sharkclean.com

ENGLISH

1 Place motorized floor

nozzle on floor and insert
wand, pressing it in until it
clicks securely into place.

ASSEMBLING
YOUR VACUUM

TIP: Push hose clip

into back of wand for
convenience.

2 Insert handle into wand,

pressing it in until it clicks
securely into place.

3 Place pod onto wand and

slide down to connect.

4 Connect hose into back of

pod, pressing it in until it
clicks securely into place.

5 Store included accessories

on the accessory posts on
the pod.

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5

TIP: For quick cord

access, rotate upper hook
down and remove cord.

TIP:

Use cord clip located
on the side of wand to
hold cord in place while
vacuuming.

9 10

1-800-798-7398 sharkclean.com

ENGLISH

USING YOUR VACUUM
IN UPRIGHT MODE

WARNING: DO NOT

use to vacuum up drywall
dust, fireplace ash, or
embers. DO NOT use as
an attachment to power
tools for dust collection.

WHAT DOES THE
BRUSHROLL INDICATOR
LIGHT MEAN?

Solid Green

The brushrolls are spinning
and working as they should.

Solid Red

There is a jam in the brushroll
area. Turn off your vacuum
and remove any blockages.

Flashing Red*

The motorized floor nozzle
is overheating. Turn off your
vacuum and wait for it to
cool down. After vacuum has
cooled, move Surface Selector
switch to Thick Carpet mode,
then press Power button to
turn vacuum back on.

No Light

The brushrolls are not spinning
because the vacuum is off.

1 Plug power cord into outlet. Place foot on floor nozzle

andtilt handle back.

3 Choose the appropriate setting.
Thick Carpet & Area Rug Cleaning

Set floor selector to Thick Carpet/Area

Rug.

Carpet & Low Pile Cleaning

Set floor selector to Carpet/Low Pile to

increase the speed of your brushrolls and
to help remove stuck-on dust and debris.

Hard Floor Cleaning

Set floor selector to Hard Floor.

NOTE: For deep cleaning per ASTM F 608 (embedded
dirt in carpets) please set to Carpet/Low Pile.

2 Press power button to turn on vacuum.

Please note the brushrolls will not spin
unless the wand is reclined.

STEP 1 STEP 3STEP 2

* See Troubleshooting section for

further instructions.

11 12

1-800-798-7398 sharkclean.com

ENGLISH

OR

OR

OR

1 To clean above-floor areas

with the handle, detach it
from the wand by pressing
the Handle Release
button.

USING YOUR
DEEP-CLEANING
MOTORIZED PET TOOL

1 To use the tool, slide the

Rotate button down, then
rotate the cleaning head
clockwise, until the head
is in cleaning position,
perpendicular to the base.
Insert tool onto wand or
handle.

USING YOUR VACUUM
IN ABOVE-FLOOR MODE

USING AND STORING YOUR
DEEP-CLEANING MOTORIZED PET TOOL

2 Insert desired tool directly

onto wand orhandle.

3 Place it on the left tool

post (marked with tool
icon) with orange release
button facing outwards.
Push forward until the tool
clicks into place.

4 To remove tool from post,

press orange Release
button and pull the tool
towards you, away from
the vacuum.

To clean with a longer

reach, detach the wand
from the floor nozzle
by pressing the Wand
Release button.

STORING/REMOVING
YOUR DEEP-CLEANING
MOTORIZED PET TOOL

1 To store the tool on your

vacuum, first press the
Wand Release button to
remove from the wand or
handle.

2 Slide the Rotate button

down, then rotate
the cleaning head
counterclockwise until the
head is lined up with the
base.

STEP 1 STEP 2

OR

13 14

1-800-798-7398 sharkclean.com

ENGLISH

POWERED LIFT-AWAY CLEANING
1 Press Powered Lift-Away button to lift pod off floor nozzle.

You are now ready to clean those hard-to-reach places.

USING YOUR VACUUM IN
POWERED LIFT-AWAY® MODE

2 For a convenient way to clean stairs,

detach wand and handle, then insert
handle into motorized floor nozzle.

LIFT-AWAY® CLEANING
1 Attach desired accessory directly to the

handle. For more cleaning reach, attach the
wand to the handle, then attach accessory
to the wand.

WARNING: Ensure solid
footing when using in
Lift-Away mode. Using

vacuum when you don’t
have stable footing may
result in personal injury.

WHAT IS POWERED
LIFT-AWAY?

Our Powered Lift-Away
feature allows you to remove
the pod from the nozzle while
maintaining the same power
you have in upright mode.
This is great for cleaning
stairs, under furniture, and in
other tight spaces.

15 16

1-800-798-7398 sharkclean.com

ENGLISH

If your vacuum comes with a
caddy, use these instructions.

To purchase a caddy, visit
sharkaccessories.com

USING
YOUR CADDY

1 From Lift-Away® mode, place pod onto caddy. 2 Cleaning in Powered Lift-Away® mode

allows you to still use the motorized
floornozzle.

3 To clean above-floor areas, use the wand

or the handle with an accessory attached.
Press Wand Release button or Handle
Release button, and attach preferred
accessory.

REMOVING POD FROM CADDY

When you are done cleaning with your

caddy, press the Powered Lift-Away button
to remove pod.

TIP: Use the posts on the
caddy to store additional
cleaning accessories.

TIP: You can store the
nozzle on the back of
thecaddy.

TIP: There is a cord clip
on the caddy to help with
cord management.

17 18

1-800-798-7398 sharkclean.com

ENGLISH

COMPATIBLE
ACCESSORIES

There are a variety of
accessories that are
compatible with this
vacuumseries.

The Quick Start Guide shows
the select accessories that are
included with your model.

To purchase additional
accessories, visit
sharkaccessories.com

A Mini Motorized

Pet Brush

Designed to remove pet

hair and ground-in dirt
from carpeted stairs and
upholstery.

B Duster Crevice

Two cleaning tools in one—

the crevice tool gives you
extended cleaning reach
for small spaces, while the
soft dusting brush cleans a
multitude of surfaces.

C Caddy

Transforms your upright

vacuum into a canister
vacuum, giving you the
freedom to roll the pod
along while keeping
cleaning tools close by.

D Pet Multi-Tool

Two tools for cleaning

tough pet messes: first,
a stiff bristle brush for
cleaning stuck-on debris.
Then remove the bristles to
reveal an upholstery tool for
cleaning stubborn pet hair.

E Anti-Allergen Dust

Brush

Nylon fiber bristles specially

designed for removing fine
dust and allergen particles
from the most delicate
surfaces.

F Deep-Cleaning

Motorized Pet Tool

Motorized compact

brush powerful enough to
remove deeply embedded
allergens, dirt, and hair
from multiple surfaces.
Stores onboard for your
convenience.

G MultiFlex™ Under

Appliance Wand

Pivoting wand that extends

to clean under appliances
and on top of furniture.

C

E

G

D

F

A B

19 20

1-800-798-7398 sharkclean.com

ENGLISH

To keep your vacuum’s
suction power optimal, follow
these instructions. Make
sure unit is off and cord is
unplugged.

MAINTENANCE

RECOMMENDED
FILTER CLEANING
SCHEDULE:

Pre-Motor Filter Kit

(Foam & Felt)
XFF680
Clean every 3 months.

Post-Motor Filter

(HEPA)
XHF680
Clean once a year.

EMPTYING THE DUST CUP
1 Press down on Dust Cup

Release button and lift
dust cup off pod.

2 Hold dust cup over a trash

bin and press the latch
on the bottom of the dust
cup to empty it.

3 Press top Dust Cup Empty

latch to access dust
screen and remove built­up debris asrequired.

CLEANING THE FILTERS
1 Pre-Motor

(foam and felt):

With the dust cup
removed, take out the
foam and felt filters, and
rinse with water. Tap loose
dirt off filters between
washes asneeded.

2 Post-Motor (HEPA):

To access the HEPA filter,
reach under the grill,
press the button, and pull
the grill away from the
vacuum. Remove and
rinse the HEPA filter.

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

WARNING: To reduce

the risk of shock and
unintended operation,
turn off power and
unplug unit before
servicing.

Hand wash only with
water to prevent
damage from cleaning
chemicals. Allow
ALL filters to air-dry
completely before
replacing them in the
vacuum to prevent
liquid from being drawn
into electricparts.

IMPORTANT: Do not use
soap when cleaning the
filters. Do not scrub HEPA
filter material.

HEPA

FELT FILTER

FOAM FILTER

FILTER FRAME

Filter Access

21 22

1-800-798-7398 sharkclean.com

ENGLISH

CLEANING THE BRUSHROLL
1 To open the brushroll garage, slide both release buttons

on the floor nozzle away from you, towards the back of the
nozzle, then lift off the brushroll garage lid.

2 To remove any string, hair or debris that may be wrapped

around the brushroll, use scissors to cut along the groove in
the brushroll.

3 To close the brushroll garage lid, insert the 3 tabs on top of

lid into the 3 slots in the nozzle, then push down on both
sides of lid until it clicks securely into place. If Brushroll
Indicator Light isn’t green and headlights are flashing, check
again that both sides of lid are locked in place.

MAINTENANCE - continued

CLEANING THE SOFT ROLLER
1 To remove Soft Roller from nozzle, lift it out

by the pull tab.

2 You can also tap loose debris off the Soft

Roller, or wipe it clean with a dry towel. If
you see any hair buildup or fibers caught in
the teeth behind the Soft Roller, wipe clean
with a dry towel.

3

Wash the Soft Roller as needed. Use only

water, and let air-dry completely for at least
24 hours.

4

Reinsert Soft Roller under rubber bumper in

front of nozzle

until it clicks into place.

CHECKING THE NOZZLE FOR BLOCKAGES
1 Tilt neck of nozzle back to straighten the

airway, then remove any blockages.

WARNING: To reduce
the risk of shock and
unintended operation,
turn off power and
unplug unit before
servicing.

TIP: You can also check
for blockages in the hose
and tubes. Just remove
the floor nozzle, dust cup,
and hose and shine a
flashlight in the openings.

STEP 1 STEP 2

23 24

1-800-798-7398 sharkclean.com

ENGLISH

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

WARNING: To reduce the risk of shock and unintended operation, turn
power o and unplug unit before servicing�

This vacuum nozzle is specifically designed to pull in all types of debris and therefore can give
the feeling of being self-propelled, especially on short carpets. If you’d like to feel less pull
forward when using, you can change the handle mode setting from Carpet to either Hard Floor
(for slower brush speed) or High Carpet (for less suction).

Vacuum is not picking up debris� No suction or light suction�

(Refer to Maintenance section for more information�)

• Check filters to see if they need cleaning. Follow instructions for rinsing and drying the filters

before reinserting in the vacuum.

• Dust cup may be full; empty dust cup.

• Check hose, hose connections, nozzle, and accessories for blockages; clear blockages if required.

• Remove any string, carpet fibers, or hair that may be wrapped around the brushrolls.

Vacuum lifts area rugs�

• Turn off unit to disengage the brushrolls. Be sure to select Thick Carpet/Area Rug setting.

• Suction is powerful. Take care when vacuuming area rugs or rugs with delicately sewn edges.

Brushroll and/or Soft Roller does not spin or the Brushroll Indicator Light
turnsred�

• Turn off vacuum, and move it away from any obstruction. Turn on vacuum and tilt handle back

to activate brushroll.

• If Brushroll Indicator Light on floor nozzle remains red, turn off vacuum and unplug. Disconnect

nozzle and remove any blockages. Make sure brushroll garage lid is firmly locked into position
on both sides. Plug in vacuum, turn on power, and tilt handle back to activate brushroll. If
Brushroll Indicator Light isn’t green and headlights are flashing, check again that both sides of
lid are locked in place.

• If Brushroll Indicator Light is still red, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-798-7398.

The Brushroll Indicator Light on the floor nozzle doesn’t light up (either green
or red) when you tilt the handle back�

• Turn off the unit. Move the handle back up into the upright lock position and unplug the

vacuum. Make sure the brushroll garage lid is firmly locked into position on both sides. Plug
in the vacuum and turn on power, then tilt handle back to activate brushroll. If the Brushroll
Indicator Light on the floor nozzle turns green, the issue has been fixed.

• If Brushroll Indicator Light is still red, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-798-7398.

Vacuum turns o on its own or Brushroll Indicator Light flashes red�

• This vacuum is equipped with a motor-protective thermostat. If your vacuum overheats, the

thermostat will automatically turn the suction motor off. Perform the following steps to reset
thethermostat:

1. Turn vacuum off and unplug it.

2. Empty dust cup and clean filters (see Maintenance section).

3. Check for blockages in hose, accessories, and inlet openings.

4. Allow unit to cool for a minimum of 45 minutes.

5. Plug in vacuum and turn it on.

• If hose is not fully connected to the pod, it can cause a poor electrical connection and the

hose can come loose, turning the vacuum off.

1. Turn vacuum off and unplug it.

2. Empty dust cup and clean filters.

3. Check for blockages in hose, accessories, and inlet openings.

4. Remove cord from cord hook so hose latch can be seen and engaged.

5. Ensure that hose, wand, and handle are all clicked securely into place at all connection points:
a. Where hose meets back of pod (may require additional force; pull on hose to ensure

latch is fully engaged)
b. Where wand plugs into floor nozzle
c. Where handle plugs into wand

6. Plug in vacuum and turn it on.

Note: If vacuum still does not run properly, contact Customer Service at 1-800-798-7398.