LA490 Series Shark Detect™ Lift-Away® ADV Corded Upright Vacuum - FAQs

This Shark® vacuum has three powerful settings for cleaning. 

To switch between modes, slide the mode switch to toggle between Detect, Hard Floor, and Carpet modes.

Detect Mode: Select Detect mode to activate Floor Detect technology. In this mode, the vacuum will detect floor different types and will automatically adjust brushroll speed on each surface to maximize cleaning performance.

Manual Surface Modes: Select one of the manual surface modes (Hard Floor or Carpet) to clean specific surfaces without Floor Detect technology.

• Select Hard Floor Mode for surfaces like wood or tile.
• Select Carpet Mode for both low- and high-pile carpets.

Suction Slider: This vacuum is equipped with an adjustable suction slider on the handle. Set the suction to MAX for hard floors and low pile carpets for the best cleaning performance. Set the suction to MIN when on plush or high pile carpets for easier manueverability.  

Note: Some thin or small area rugs can be pulled up by the vacuum's very high suction. We recommend setting the suction slider to MIN. If this issue persists, we recommend attaching the Upholstery Tool to the wand to clean these rugs.

To clean above-floor areas in Lift-Away® mode:

• First release the power cord by turning the top cord hook downward.
• Step on the Lift-Away® pedal on the side of the pod to detach the pod from the nozzle.
• Lift off the pod by pulling up on the dust cup handle.
• Detach the wand from the pod by pressing the wand release button.
• To vacuum with the handle, press the release button to detach the handle from the top of the wand.
• For more reach, reattach the handle to the wand.
• You can attach a cleaning accessory to either the handle or the end of the wand.

The vacuum cleaner has powerful suction that can sometimes pull up small or thin area rugs. To prevent the rug from being pulled up and stalling the vacuum, avoid vacuuming corners and edges. If the rug is still being pulled up, manually set the suction slider to MIN. If the rug is still being pulled up with minimum suction, remove the nozzle and attach the Upholstery Tool to the wand to vacuum smaller area rugs.

Certain dry temperatures in winter or dry desert areas may cause common static electricity to build up in the vacuum, producing small shocks, similar to what you might experience from contact with doorknobs, wool sweaters, or blankets. This is harmless. In order to avoid this, we recommend moisturizing your hands and/or removing wool socks or sweaters prior to vacuuming.

<go to 0:39 in the above video for instructions on assembly>

• Insert the pod onto the nozzle.
• Insert the wand into the pod and slide it down until it clicks in place. 
• Insert the handle into the top of the wand.
• Connect the hose to the back of the pod.
• Remove the Odor Neutralizer Technology dial from the bag. Flip up the dial handle, align the teal arrow on the dial with the teal arrow on the nozzle, then insert the dial into the nozzle.
• Lock and engage the dial by rotating it counterclockwise until it clicks into the desired odor intensity setting.
• Store included accessories on the accessory posts on the pod.

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

<go to 0:56 in the above video for instructions on cleaning the filters>

Filters may need to be cleaned if the vacuum stops picking up dirt, if airflow is restricted, or if you notice lighter or no suction. For optimal cleaning and Odor Neutralizer Technology performance, clean filters regularly. Between cleanings, lightly tap filters over a trash receptacle to remove dust and debris as needed.

Rinse the pre-motor foam and felt filters every month, or as needed.

• Remove the dust cup to access the pre-motor filters.
• Slide the release tabs on the dust cup handle. Lift the dust cup up and away from the pod.
• Remove the foam and felt filters from underneath the dust cup.
• Rinse both filters with cold water only.
• Allow filters to air-dry completely (at least 24 hours) before reinstalling.
• Once the filters have dried, install the felt filter first, then the foam filter on top of the felt filter.
• Reinstall the dust cup by placing the bottom of the dust cup into the pod and then tilting until it clicks into place.

Rinse the post-motor HEPA filter every 12 months, or as needed.

• With the dust cup removed, pull the tab on the bottom of the pod to release the HEPA filter cover.
• Press the tab on the side of the HEPA filter and pull out the filter.
• Rinse the filter with cold water only.
• Allow the filter to air-dry completely (at least 24 hours) before reinstalling.
• Once the HEPA filter has dried, reinstall it by pressing it in firmly until it clicks into place.
• Reattach the HEPA filter cover by inserting the top portion first, then the bottom, until it clicks into place.

<go to 0:25 in the above video for instructions on emptying the dustcup>

For optimal performance, empty the dust cup each time you vacuum, or when debris reaches the MAX FILL line.

• To remove the dust cup, slide the release tabs on the dust cup handle. Tilt the dust cup away from the wand, then lift it off.
• Hold the dust cup over the trash. Press the upper release button on the back of the dust cup and the bottom lid will drop open. 
• Tap the dust cup gently to empty contents.
• Close the bottom lid by pressing until it clicks into place.
• Open the top lid on the dust cup by lifting the upper release tab on the front, near the Shark logo. 
• Turn the dust cup over to empty it into the trash. Tap it gently to shake loose dust and dirt. Clear debris from the cone-shaped screen inside the dust cup.
• Close the top lid by pressing until it clicks into place.
• To reinstall, place the bottom of the dust cup into the pod, then tilt it toward the wand until it clicks into place.

• Detach the pod from the nozzle by stepping on the Lift-Away® pedal below the vacuum pod.
• Turn the nozzle over to access the brushroll. Using scissors, carefully remove any string, hair, or debris that may be wrapped around the brushroll.
• Reattach the pod to the nozzle, pressing until it clicks into place.

Note: Do not vacuum wet messes.

Detect mode activates Floor Detect technology. In this mode, the vacuum will detect different floor types and will automatically adjust brushroll speed to maximize cleaning performance on each surface. We recommend using Detect mode for the best user experience.

Floor Detect identifies the type of floor surface you are vacuuming and adjusts brushroll speed for optimized cleaning on each surface.

The icons on the nozzle indicate which surface setting is currently active.

13.12 lbs.

The cord is 25 feet long.

0.74 quarts

9.75" x 12" x 45.55"

960 Watts

120 Volts

8 Amps

Ocean Breeze. 

This is the only scent available.

• 8" Crevice Tool
• Upholstery Tool

<go to 1:14 in the above video for information on how to use your accessories.>

• Pet Crevice Tool
• Pet Multi-Tool
• Anti-Allergen Dust Brush

• Duster Crevice Tool
• Precision Duster
• Pet Multi-Tool