The Shark S3501 N3 Steam Pocket Mop is a household cleaning appliance designed for effective and safe hard floor cleaning using steam. This owner's guide provides comprehensive instructions for assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, ensuring users can maximize the performance and longevity of their steam mop.
Function Description:
The Shark Steam Pocket Mop utilizes steam to clean hard floor surfaces. It is designed to clean effectively without the need for harsh chemicals, making it a suitable option for households with children, pets, or plants. The mop generates hot steam, which helps to loosen dirt and grime, allowing the microfiber cleaning pads to effectively capture and remove it. The appliance is intended for indoor, household use only and is specifically designed for hard floor surfaces that can withstand high heat.
Usage Features:
The steam mop is designed for user comfort and ease of use. Assembly is straightforward, involving inserting the mop handle into the pump actuator until it clicks into place, and then attaching a cleaning pad to the mop head. The cleaning pads are designed with a lavender loop for easy fitting and quick fasteners to secure them. The mop head then snaps into the base.
To fill the water tank, the mop should be laid on the floor or a countertop, and the cap removed by turning it counter-clockwise. The included filling flask is used to add water, and users are advised not to overfill the tank. For optimal performance and to extend the life of the product, especially in hard water areas, using distilled water or Shark's Water Filtration Bottle is recommended to prevent calcium and mineral buildup.
Before use, it's crucial to ensure the floors are swept or vacuumed. The mop handle features a telescopic latch, allowing users to adjust the height for comfortable pushing and pulling. Once plugged into an electrical outlet, the power "On" light will turn blue, indicating it's heating up. The mop typically heats up in 30 seconds or less. Steam is generated by pumping the handle downward 10 to 12 times to prime the pump, and then automatically as you start mopping. This pumping action also allows users to customize the amount of steam released.
The Steam Pocket Mop features a unique design where the microfiber pocket can be flipped over, allowing users to clean with the other side once one side becomes dirty. This maximizes the cleaning efficiency of each pad. The mop is operated with a forward and backward motion, which naturally produces steam.
Safety is a key aspect of the design and usage instructions. Users are warned against leaving the appliance unattended when plugged in, immersing it in water, or handling it with wet hands. It should not be used outdoors or on delicate, steam-sensitive materials such as leather, wax-polished furniture or floors, synthetic fabrics, or velvet. The manual also explicitly states not to add cleaning solutions, scented perfumes, oils, or any other chemicals to the water tank, as this can damage the unit or make it unsafe.
Maintenance Features:
Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity and performance of the Shark Steam Pocket Mop. After use, the cord should be unplugged, and the unit allowed to cool for 2-3 minutes. Releasing any remaining steam by pumping the handle several times is recommended before removing the microfiber Steam Pocket from the mop head. The microfiber pockets are designed for easy removal using the lavender loop and quick fasteners, while avoiding contact with hot surfaces or dirt.
The microfiber cleaning pads are washable. It is recommended to wash them separately from other fabrics to prevent lint pickup. Only liquid detergent should be used; powder detergents, fabric softeners, and bleach are to be avoided. The pads should be line-dried or dried on a low dryer setting. If loose threads appear on the pocket, they should be carefully cut with scissors, not pulled or cut at the base.
To store the mop, users have two options: hanging it up after removing the head (once cooled and steam released) or storing it upright leaning against a wall for support. In both cases, the microfiber Steam Pocket should be removed, and the mop stored away from children and high-traffic areas.
Decalcifying the steam mop is also an important maintenance step, especially in hard water areas, to prevent calcium and mineral deposits from impacting performance. Using distilled water or Shark's Water Filtration Bottle is recommended for this purpose.
Troubleshooting guidance is provided for common issues such as the mop not turning on, not making steam, leaving water on the floor, being hard to push, or leaving cloudy/streaky/spotty floors. Solutions include checking the power connection, priming the pump, ensuring water in the tank, checking the wetness and cleanliness of the microfiber pocket, adjusting handle height, and using distilled water. If cleaning a kitchen area with grease buildup, pre-cleaning with a degreasing agent is suggested.