This supports the LA742.
Cleaning & Maintenance
When and how do I clean 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 with cold water every month, or as needed. • Remove the dust cup by sliding the release tabs on the dust cup handle. Lift the dust cup from the pod to access the pre-motor filters. • Remove the foam and felt filters from underneath the dust cup. • Rinse both filters with water only. • Allow filters to air-dry completely (at least 24 hours) before reinstalling. • Once the filters have dried, install the felt filter first, followed by the foam 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 with cold water 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 latch on the HEPA filter to remove the filter. • Rinse with water only. • Allow filter to air-dry completely (at least 24 hours) before reinstalling. • Once the HEPA filter has dried, reinstall it. • Reattach the HEPA filter cover until it clicks into place.
When and how do I empty the dust cup?
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 lower 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. • 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.
How do I access and clean the main 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 the issue persists: • 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.
What is Floor Detect? / Sensor Maintenance
Floor Detect identifies surface type and adjusts brushroll speed and suction for optimized cleaning. Maintenance: Make sure to clean the Floor Detect sensor regularly, as hair and other debris may build up and obstruct the sensors. If the sensor is partially obstructed, Floor Detect mode will not function as expected. To easily access the nozzle for sensor cleaning, step on the Lift-Away(R) pedal to detach the pod. Locate the Floor Detect sensor on the bottom of the nozzle. Use a cotton swab to wipe away dirt and debris from the sensor and surrounding area.
What is Edge Detect? / Sensor Maintenance
Edge Detect focuses and maximizes suction along corners and edges to target stubborn dirt. Maintenance: Make sure to clean the Edge Detect sensors regularly, as hair and other debris may build up and obstruct the sensors. If the sensor is partially obstructed, Edge Detect mode will not function as expected. To easily access the nozzle for sensor cleaning, step on the Lift-Away(R) pedal to detach the pod. Locate Edge Detect sensors on the sides of the nozzle (small clear ovals on the top, rear edge). Check the sensors, and remove any dirt or debris that may be blocking them. Gently wipe the sensors with a microfiber cloth, using a circular motion.
What is Dirt Detect? / Sensor Maintenance
Dirt Detect identifies dirty areas and automatically boosts suction power to pull in hidden dirt. Maintenance: Make sure to clean the Detect sensors regularly, or when the Dirt Detect Indicator is red, as hair and other debris may build up and obstruct the sensors. If the sensors are partially obstructed, Detect mode will not function as expected. To easily access the nozzle for sensor cleaning, step on the Lift-Away(R) pedal to detach the pod. Turn the nozzle upside down and locate the nozzle inlet access point between the brushrolls and rear wheels. Pinch the nozzle hose inlet and pull open the door. Arrows indicate the two small Dirt Detect sensors. Gently wipe the sensors with a microfiber cloth and remove all hair and debris
Popular Topics
What are the product specifications?
What are the weight and dimensions of the vacuum? The LA742 weighs 14.86lbs. The dimensions for the unit are as follows: Height: 45.55in Length: 12in Width: 10.75in What is the dirt capacity of the dust cup? 0.74 Quarts What is the length of the cord? 25 feet What is the electrical usage of this vacuum? Voltage: 120V Wattage: 960W Amperage: 8.0A What does my vacuum come with? Upholstery Tool 8" Crevice Tool
How do I use the different cleaning modes?
This Shark® vacuum has four powerful settings for cleaning. The mode dial is located on the pod, near the wand. To switch between modes, gently turn the knob on the pod to cycle through cleaning modes. Detect Mode: Select Detect mode to activate Smart Detect Technology. In this mode, the vacuum will detect floor type, dirt, edges, and direction, and will automatically adjust suction to maximize cleaning performance. Manual Surface Modes: Select one of the manual surface modes (Hard Floor, Carpet/Low Pile, or Thick Carpet/Area Rug) to clean specific surfaces without Smart Detect Technology. To clean bare floors, tile, and low pile area rugs: • Press the power button and tilt the handle back while gently stepping on the floor nozzle. Note that the brushroll will spin slower in this mode. • Turn the mode dial to the Hard Floor setting. Note: Use Hard Floor setting for maximum suction when cleaning above floors and for easier maneuverability on low pile area rugs. To clean low pile carpets: • Press the power button and tilt the handle back while gently stepping on the floor nozzle. Note that the brushroll will spin slower in this mode. • Turn the mode dial to Carpet/ Low Pile setting. To clean thick carpets: • Press the power button and tilt the handle back while gently stepping on the floor nozzle. Note that the brushroll will spin slower in this mode. • Turn the mode dial to Thick Carpet/ Area Rug setting.
What do the different headlight colors indicate?
Solid White Lights: The brushrolls are spinning and the unit is working as intended.
Solid Red Lights: There is a jam in the brushroll area. Turn off the vacuum and unplug it, then remove any blockages in the nozzle.
Flashing Red Lights: The motorized floor nozzle is overheating. Turn off the vacuum, unplug is, and remove any blockages. Let the vacuum cool down for at least 60 minutes before restarting.
Flashing White Lights: The vacuum is operating in an environment that is either too hot or too cold.
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Set-up & General Use
How do I assemble my vacuum?
• Insert the pod onto the nozzle. You should hear it "click" into place. • Insert the wand into the pod and slide it down until it clicks in place. • Insert the handle into the top of the wand. You should hear it "click" into place. • Connect the hose to the back of the pod. Ensure you hear a "click" before moving to the next step. • 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.
The unit pushes or lifts my area rug
If you vacuum is pushing or lifting your area rug, press the power button to turn on the vacuum and turn the mode dial to manually override to Hard Floor mode. If this issue persists, we recommend attaching the Pet-Multi Tool (with the bristle head removed) to the wand to clean these rugs.
How do I detach the pod for portable above-floor cleaning?
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.
What should I do if my vacuum is hard to push or pull?
Check to see which floor setting you are using. If you are using DETECT mode, try manually overriding for better maneuverability. For manual override on thicker carpet types, tap Thick Carpet/Area Rug. This setting reduces suction and should allow for easier use on carpet. If changing the floor setting doesn't help, try using Lift-Away® mode.
What happens if I experience small static shocks while vacuuming?
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.
Why is my vacuum stalling on my thick carpet?
Try doing manual override to Thick Carpet/Area Rug mode setting as this is optimized to not stall on thicker carpets.
I dislike the scent or its too intense at the lowest setting. Can I remove the odor neutralizer technology system?
The odor dial cover needs to be installed for the vacuum to function properly. If you do not wish to use the odor neutralizer technology system, please follow the below steps: 1) Remove the odor dial from the nozzle. Flip up the handle and rotate the dial clockwise until the two teal arrows are aligned. Pull the handle to lift the dial out of the nozzle. 2) Remove the odor cartridge by rotating the cartridge counterclockwise in the dial housing and pull out the cartridge. 3) Install the dial cover back into the nozzle without the cartridge. Align the teal arrow on the dial cover with the teal arrow on the nozzle, then reinsert the dial cover into the nozzle. To lock, rotate the cover counterclockwise until it clicks into place. 4) Dispose of cartridge by dropping it in the trash.
Do I need to replace my Odor neutralizer technology cartridge?
Yes, odor neutralizer technology cartridges should be replaced every 6 months for optimal performance.
How do I Install the odor neutralizer technology system?
1. Remove the odor neutralizer technology dial from the bag. Flip up the dial handle, align the teal arrows, then insert the dial into the nozzle. 2. To lock and engage the dial, rotate it counterclockwise until it clicks into the desired odor intensity setting.
Why would I use DETECT mode?
Detect mode allows you to use the vacuum with the full suite of Smart Detect Technology activated. In this mode, the vacuum will detect floor type, dirt, edges, direction, and will automatically adjust suction to maximize cleaning performance. We recommend using this mode for best user experience.
Why is the Dirt Detect light staying purple?
The Dirt Detect indicator is located on the Floor nozzle. When it turns purple, this indicates that dirt is detected. The vacuum senses high levels of debris on the surface you are cleaning and will increase suction to pull in hidden debris. The sensors may detect dirt that you are not seeing and may stay purple longer than you may expect. This happens particularly on carpets and in high traffic areas or if the sensors are dirty, and does not affect the overall suction and cleaning performance of the unit. Note: Some carpets (old or worn out) may be prone to shedding. This may cause continuous dirt detect activation. Verify Dirt Detect on clean hard surface to ensure there is not issue with the sensor. How to clean the Dirt Detect Sensors: To easily access the nozzle for sensor cleaning, step on the Lift-Away(R) pedal to detach the pod from the nozzle. Turn the nozzle upside down and locate the nozzle inlet access point between the brushrolls and rear wheels. (Figure 1) Pinch the nozzle hose inlet and pull open the door. Arrows indicate the two small Dirt Detect Sensors. (Figure 2) Gently wipe the sensors with a microfiber cloth and remove all hair and debris. (Figure 3) You can view a video on how to clean all the sensors in the floor nozzle by going here. ** CE to link AZ4 Detect Sensor Maintenance Video **
What is Direction Detect?
Direction Detect senses cleaning direction and directs suction forward or reverse for optimized cleaning
What should I do if the Soft Roller doesn't eject when I slide the release button forward?
If the Soft Roller doesn't eject when you slide the button forward, there may be some debris caught around the Soft Roller. Slide the button forward again. If the roller still won't eject, gently pull on the right corner of the roller while sliding the button forward again. This should eject the roller and dislodge any debris. Once the Soft Roller has been ejected, carefully remove any remaining hair or debris from the Soft Roller and its connection points in the nozzle. Once all debris has been removed, please reinsert the Soft Roller and try slide the access button forward again.