The Shark NV44 Navigator Plus Upright Vacuum is a versatile cleaning appliance designed for household use, offering powerful suction and a range of features for effective cleaning on various surfaces.
Function Description:
The Shark NV44 Navigator Plus is an upright vacuum cleaner primarily designed for dry vacuuming of floors, carpets, and above-floor surfaces using its integrated hose and accessories. It utilizes cyclonic action to separate dust and debris from the airflow, collecting it in a removable dust cup. The vacuum features a motorized floor brush that can be engaged for deep cleaning of carpets or turned off for bare floors and delicate surfaces. Its "Super Stretch Hose" and cleaning wand allow for extended reach and convenient cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas.
Usage Features:
The vacuum is designed for ease of assembly and use. To assemble, the vacuum body, motorized floor brush, and handle assembly click into place, with the hose connecting the main body to the motorized floor brush for a snug fit. The handle assembly is secured with an included nut/bolt. Accessories like the Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, and Cleaning Wand can be conveniently stored on the unit itself.
For operation, the vacuum offers two main settings: "O Off" for turning the unit off, and "I On" for powering the vacuum. When cleaning bare floors, the "I On" position is selected for suction-only cleaning. For carpets, the "II Brush Roll On" position is used to engage the motorized brush for deeper cleaning. An important safety feature is the Brush Roll Indicator Light, which illuminates solid green when the brush roll is on and working correctly. If the light is red or solid red, it indicates a blockage, and the user should refer to the "Checking for Blockages" section for troubleshooting. The vacuum is designed to protect delicate carpets; therefore, the brush roll will only turn on when the handle is pulled back and the motorized floor brush is released.
When using accessories, the vacuum should be in the upright position, and the "I On" setting should be selected for suction-only cleaning. The Super Stretch Hose should be secured in the anti-tip hose hook to prevent the vacuum from tipping during accessory use. Accessories can be attached directly to the Super Stretch Hose or to the Cleaning Wand for extended reach. The Cleaning Wand can be removed from the unit with the hose attached, and selected tools can be pushed into its end. The Power Brush, Dusting Brush, and Crevice Tool are included for various cleaning tasks.
For portability, the vacuum can be lifted by the Dust Cup Assembly Handle when in the standing position. It is important not to press the Dust Cup Assembly release button while lifting or carrying the unit. The power cord can be wrapped around two cord holders for storage, with a quick-release feature at the top for easy unwinding.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance of the Shark NV44 Navigator Plus. The dust cup should be emptied after each use or when it reaches the MAX fill line, never overfilling it. Emptying the dust cup can be done by pressing the release button and tapping the container over a trash receptacle. For allergy sufferers, an alternative method involves wrapping a trash bag around the dust cup before opening to minimize dust release.
The vacuum's filters require regular cleaning. The pre-motor foam and felt filters should be rinsed and air-dried every 3 months under normal use. The post-motor filter should be cleaned once every 12 months. It is important to note that filter discoloration over time is normal and does not affect performance. The filters must be completely dry before being reinserted into the vacuum, and they should never be put in a washing machine or dishwasher or dried with a hair dryer or other heating methods. The vacuum should never be operated without all filters in place or with wet filters.
To clean the pre-motor filters, the dust cup and filter frame are removed, and the foam and felt filters are separated and rinsed. After air-drying for at least 24 hours, they are reassembled with the felt filter facing out. For the post-motor filter, the filter cover is removed, the filter is pulled out, rinsed with the dirty side face down until the water runs clear, and then air-dried for 24 hours before being replaced.
The motorized floor brush also requires maintenance. To clean it, the power brush is turned over, the locking latch is slid forward, and the brush housing is gently tilted upward to open. Debris should be removed from the turbine wheel and air passage. Reassembly involves inserting the tabs on the front edge of the cover into the matching holes and tilting the cover back down until it clicks into place.
The vacuum is equipped with a motor protective thermostat that will automatically shut off the unit if it overheats. To reset it, the vacuum must be turned off, unplugged, and allowed to cool for at least 45 minutes after emptying the dust cup, cleaning filters, and checking for blockages in the hose, accessories, and inlet openings. After cooling, the vacuum can be plugged back in and turned on.
Blockages can restrict airflow and cause the vacuum to overheat. Users are advised to check the dust cup air duct, the intake opening behind the brush roll, the motorized floor brush hose connector, and the main hose for any obstructions. Scissors can be used to carefully cut away threads, hair, or other debris from the brush roll bristles. It is crucial to unplug the vacuum before checking for blockages and never insert sharp objects into openings. Damages caused while clearing blockages are not covered under the product's limited warranty.