I have owned a couple of high-end and low-end pet vacuum cleaners and tested a couple more. Call me a vac maniac.
I have never been a big fan of uprights, but after researching this particular Shark Vacuum, I simply had to get one.
More specifically, the vac I found is the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright (NV356E) vacuum (Affiliate Link)
Finding a Vacuum to Tackle Pet Hair
Being not at all new to the world of pet-parenting, I was hoping for a pretty good vacuum with all the exceptional versatility required to help me go micro in the war on little Fluffy and Grime. My search was successful.
I was pleased to find that the Shark Navigator vacuum is surprisingly meticulous as a cleaner, and of course, a good vacuum for pet hair. The quality and performance are better than most vacuums I had tried, and it combines all the latest moving and detaching parts that make a vacuum superbly maneuverable and versatile.
I was more than pleased to see how well this vacuum is able to remove pet hair from upholstery.
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright (NV356E)
I like the description in the Shark specifications:
Powerful pet attachments quickly and easily lift pet hair
My Take on the Shark Navigator NV356E
The Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright Vacuum offers a range of features designed to make vacuuming efficient and effective, particularly for pet owners.
The Shark is a nice household item and pretty much holds its own against other brands in terms of design, usability, and performance, and it has excellent features.
Here’s a breakdown of its key features that appealed to me:
- HEPA Filter: The inclusion of a HEPA filter ensures that allergens and dust particles are effectively captured, making the vacuum suitable for allergy sufferers and households with pets. I am prone to allergies, so I really welcome a vac like this one.
- A common flaw in a lot of bagless vacuums is the dust bin fittings. The Shark, on the other hand, is nicely fixed at four points – skintight against the filter casing. This just means even less leakage when the machine is blaring away.
- XL Dust Cup: A larger dust cup means less frequent emptying, which is especially beneficial for households with shedding pets or large cleaning tasks.
- Pet Power Brush: The Pet Power Brush is specifically designed to effectively lift and remove pet hair from various surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and stairs. I found this attachment particularly useful for dealing with stubborn pet hair.
- Dusting Brush and Crevice Tool: These attachments enhance the versatility of the vacuum, allowing you to clean tight spaces and delicate surfaces with precision.
- Swivel Steering: Swivel steering enhances maneuverability, enabling you to navigate around furniture and obstacles with ease. This feature contributes to a more thorough and convenient cleaning experience. I love this feature. With just a slight press of the wrist, the vac twists and turns into every nook and cranny, around furniture and into smaller spaces. It’s much less backbreaking to have a vacuum that you can steer with minimal effort. The most daunting maneuvers and your usual side-stepping are reduced to applying just a little bit of wrist-grease. It’s the kind of maneuverability that can almost put pleasure back into housekeeping.
- Two Vacs In One: It was the idea of having two vacs in one that won me over. I just love the ability of this vacuum to convert from a typical upright to a lightweight handheld (or stand-up) portable canister. The canister provides better above-floor access. Combine this with the accessories offered on this incredibly modular machine. It couldn’t be easier to convert the vacuum from upright to canister, extend the wand and add various brush attachments.
- Lift-Away Technology: This feature allows you to detach the canister from the vacuum’s base, making it easier to clean stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas.
- Unfortunately, the Lift-Away is not a drag-behind canister, and it doesn’t have wheels. The only wheels are on the powerhead. This means you must bring it with you by lugging it along – and handle it with one hand while the other reaches to vacuum the ceiling-fans. I’ve developed a nice and easygoing lug-and-drop cleaning pattern which works well to relieve myself ever so often of the lifting.
- Color and Design: The white/silver color scheme of the Shark NV356E gives it a sleek and modern appearance that may complement various home decor styles.
In my opinion, this very versatile vac can compete and hold its own against some of the most popular of pet hair vacuums.
Overall, the Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright Vacuum appears to be a solid choice for pet owners and households in need of a versatile and powerful vacuum cleaner. It certainly is for me.
Dirt, Dust – even fruity Cheerios and pet-hair are no match.
Its combination of lift-away technology, swivel steering, HEPA filtration, and specialized pet hair tools makes it well-suited for tackling the challenges associated with any pet hair and dander.
However, as with any product, individual preferences and needs may vary, so it’s essential to consider factors such as budget, home layout, and specific cleaning requirements before making a purchase decision.