How to Put a Filter in a Shark Pet Vacuum

Putting a filter back into your Shark pet vacuum typically involves placing the clean, dry filter into its designated compartment. Based on maintenance instructions for Shark vacuums, a key step when replacing pre-motor filters is to **install the felt filter** within the pre-motor filter area, often located near the dust cup.

## Filter Re-Installation Process

Filters in Shark vacuums, especially those that are washable, need to be put back correctly after cleaning and drying. The process focuses on proper placement and ensuring the filters are ready for use.

### Key Steps for Re-installing Filters

1.  **Ensure Filters are Completely Dry:** This is a crucial step highlighted in maintenance instructions. After washing, filters, including the felt filter, **must air dry completely** before being put back into the vacuum. Leaving them to dry overnight is usually recommended to ensure no moisture remains.
2.  **Locate the Filter Compartment:** Filters are typically housed in specific compartments. Pre-motor filters are commonly found near the dust cup assembly on the main body of the vacuum. Post-motor or HEPA filters might be located elsewhere, often lower down on the vacuum body or near the exhaust.
3.  **Install Filters in Order:** For multi-filter systems like the pre-motor filters, there's often a specific order. According to maintenance guidelines, **when replacing the pre-motor filters, install the felt filter** first or in its designated spot within that compartment. Other filters, such as foam filters, would then be placed in their respective positions.
4.  **Secure the Compartment:** Once all filters are correctly placed, close and secure the filter compartment cover. Ensure it is properly latched or screwed shut according to your specific vacuum model's design.

### Important Tip

Always wait until filters are **fully air-dried**, which can take at least 24 hours, before putting them back into your Shark vacuum. Installing damp filters can damage the motor and lead to mold or mildew growth.

While the exact location and number of filters can vary slightly between different Shark pet vacuum models, the principle of proper placement and ensuring they are completely dry before re-installation remains consistent.