A Complete Guide to the Shark LA322 Navigator ADV Lift-Away Vacuum

Keeping carpets free of dust, dirt and pet hair can feel like an endless chore. No one wants to haul out a heavy, unwieldy vacuum cleaner and struggle to reach under furniture or clean stairs. But skipping regular deep cleans allows allergens and grit to build up. That’s why the Shark LA322 Navigator ADV Lift-Away vacuum makes it easier than ever to tackle whole-home cleaning. This innovative upright vacuum features a detachable lift-away pod to offer the best of both worlds – upright cleaning power plus portable convenience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this versatile vacuum’s features, performance and maintenance. Let’s dive in to see why the Shark Navigator Lift-Away deserves a spot in your cleaning toolkit.

An Overview of the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum Line

The Shark Navigator line encompasses the brand’s most popular and top-rated vacuums across various configurations. The lift-away feature allows the motorized cleaning head to remain standing upright, while detaching the canister, wand and hose. This enables easy cleaning of stairs, ceilings, drapes and upholstery. The portable pod reaches where awkward upright vacuums struggle. Yet you still get upright power for everyday floor cleaning. The LA322 ADV model sits near the top of the Navigator lift-away series in terms of features and performance. Let’s look at why it’s become Shark’s best-selling vacuum.

Key Features and Benefits of the Shark LA322

Here are the stand-out features that make the Navigator Lift-Away ADV an excellent vacuum for whole-home cleaning:

• Lift-Away Pod – Detaches to become a portable cleaner while the base remains standing
• Swivel Steering – Smooth maneuverability to clean around furniture
• LED Headlights – Brighten dark areas like under couches
• Anti-Allergen Seal – Traps dust and dander inside for cleaner air
• HEPA Filtration – Captures particles and allergens as small as 0.3 microns
• DuoClean Technology – Dual brushrolls optimize pickup on carpets
• ** Tools Included** – Upholstery, crevice, and pet hair removal tools

With the press of a foot pedal, the canister and wand lift cleanly away from the motorized floor nozzle. This allows easy transport up and down stairs, onto furniture and other areas needing portable cleaning. Meanwhile, the upright base remains standing on its own so you can quickly re-attach the pod when needed for floor cleaning. Advanced features like DuoClean deep carpet cleaning, anti-allergen sealing and brilliant LED headlights take the Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV’s cleaning performance to new heights.

Detailed Specifications and Technologies

Beyond the impressive features, it’s important to understand the Shark Navigator ADV’s technical specifications and cleaning technologies that allow it to tackle dirty floors and above-floor messes with ease:

• 960 Watts of Power – Strong suction for deep cleaning carpets
• 10 Amp Motor – Robust performance for heavy duty cleaning
• DuoClean Technology – Double brushrolls grab dirt from carpets better
• Anti-Allergen Complete Seal – Traps dust and pollen inside the vacuum
• HEPA Filter – Removes allergens and small particles down to 0.3 microns
• Foam Washable Filter – Captures large debris and can be rinsed clean
• LED Headlights – Brighten under furniture to see debris
• 1.9 Quart Dust Cup – Holds plenty of dirt before needing emptied
• Weighs Only 12.3 Pounds – Lightweight for easy carrying

From busting dust mites and pet dander to eliminating embedded carpet dirt, the Navigator ADV Lift-Away has the brains and brawn to conquer every cleaning challenge.

The Pros: Why Choose the Shark Navigator ADV?

So why should you consider the Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV as your new go-to vacuum? Here are the top benefits owners love about this versatile cleaner: Powerful Suction – With nearly 1,000 watts of power, it delivers vigorous suction capable of deep cleaning carpets and pulling stubborn dirt from floors. The bristle brushroll helps loosen and extract embedded debris and dust. Lift-Away Portability – Detaching the pod gives you a lightweight, maneuverable vacuum to tackle stairs, ceilings, drapes and furniture. The upright base stands on its own for quick transitions between floor and above floor cleaning. Advanced Filtration – The HEPA filter traps 99.97% of fine particles 0.3 microns down to lock in pollen, pet dander and other allergens. The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal ensures dust and debris stay locked in the vacuum. LED Headlights – Bright LED lamps make it easy to see dirt and debris when cleaning under couches, beds, and other furniture. No more straining in dim lighting. Swivel Steering – A nimble neck with smooth swivel steering lets you maneuver around and under furniture with ease. Lightweight and Maneuverable – At just 12 pounds, it’s easy to carry the vacuum pod upstairs or lift over thick carpets. The compact cleaning head fits into tight spaces. DuoClean Technology – Dual brushrolls double the carpet cleaning action to lift and remove embedded dirt that other vacuums leave behind. Handy Tools Included – From the crevice tool to the pet multi-tool for removing hair, the accessories tackle tough spots. For powerful and versatile whole-home cleaning, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV upright vacuum packs an impressive punch.

Potential Downsides to Consider

While the LA322 Navigator ADV excels in many ways, there are a few potential disadvantages to bear in mind:

• Short 6-foot cord limits reach in larger rooms
• Lift-away pod doesn’t remain freestanding
• No cord auto rewind feature
• Foam filter may need frequent rinsing
• Brushroll can’t be turned off on hard floors
• Tip over switch is sensitive and shuts off easily
• Accessory tools don’t store onboard
• Reports of quality control issues in some units
• Louder noise than some higher-end models

However, for the strong performance and convenient lift-away cleaning, most owners agree these are reasonable trade-offs. The Navigator ADV delivers outstanding value at its price point.

Choosing the Right Shark Navigator Vacuum

The Navigator line contains several lift-away upright models. Here are some tips for selecting the best match:

• Flooring Type – If you have mostly hard floors, look for a soft roller head. For carpets, dual brushrolls are ideal.
• Carpet Pile Height – Those with high pile rugs need max power and suction. Avoid basic entry-level models.
• Size of Home – For larger spaces, choose a model with over 900 watts of power for sufficient pickup.
• Dust Bin Size – Those who don’t want to empty often should opt for ~2 quarts capacity.
• Filtration – To reduce allergens, look for complete sealing and true HEPA or HEPA-equivalent filters.
• Accessories – Check that crevice, pet and upholstery tools are included to tackle every cleaning need.
• Cord Length – For larger rooms, get an extended cord length over 20 feet.
• Weight – If carrying up stairs, select a lighter model under 15 pounds.

Take time to evaluate which features suit your cleaning challenges. The Navigator Lift-Away ADV hits a nice sweet spot of power, convenience and value.

Tips for Using and Maintaining Your Shark Vacuum

To keep your Shark Navigator ADV running smoothly for years, follow these usage and care tips:

• Empty the dust cup before it overflows to maintain strong suction
• Wash or change the filters as needed – at least every 3 months
• Check brushroll for tangled hair or debris clogging the bristles
• Use proper floor setting for bare floors vs. carpeted rooms
• Detach the wand to easily reach curtains, ceilings and upholstery
• Take advantage of included specialty tools like the crevice and pet hair brush
• Wipe down the exterior as needed with a dry cloth to remove dust and dirt
• Inspect the belt periodically and replace if stretched or damaged
• Carefully unwind cord to prevent kinks and store by wrapping around hooks
• Review maintenance schedule in owner’s manual and follow all instructions

With regular care and maintenance, your Shark vacuum will provide many years of deeper, fresher cleaning throughout your home.

Common Shark Vacuum FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Shark lift-away vacuums: How often do the filters need replaced? HEPA filters should be replaced about once a year. Foam filters can be rinsed and reused for 3-6 months before replacing. Should I buy a bagged or bagless model? Bagless is more economical long-term. Emptying the dirt cup is quick and easy. For severe allergies, bagged captures more dust but requires ongoing filter purchases. What’s better – upright, canister or stick vacuums? Uprights like the Navigator offer great balance for floor cleaning and portability. Canisters excel for above floor messes. Sticks are super lightweight but less powerful. How long do Shark vacuums last? With proper maintenance, Shark vacuums typically last 5-8 years. Higher priced models may exceed 10 years. Can a Shark vacuum replace a mop? Yes, Shark’s steam mop vacuums allow washing and vacuuming floors in one step. Or use a vacuum with a hard floor brushroll and cleaning solution dispenser. Are Shark vacuums good for pet hair? Yes, Shark vacuums are great for homes with pets thanks to specialized tools and powerful suction to lift hair from floors and furniture. How do I clean a Shark vacuum? Rinse filters as needed. Empty the dust cup frequently. Check for clogs in the hose, tools and brushroll. Wipe exterior with a dry cloth. What’s the best Shark vacuum? Top picks are the Shark Rotator Lift-Away TruePet and Shark APEX UpLight Lift-Away models which deliver exceptional cleaning performance and features. Where are Shark vacuums made? Shark vacuums are designed in the U.S. and manufactured in China to strict specifications set by the company’s engineers. Do Shark vacuums have good suction? Yes, Shark vacuums are known for providing consistent powerful suction, especially models with brushrolls and at least a 800-watt motor.

Conquer Stubborn Dirt and Allergens

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV vacuum provides a versatile cleaning system to refresh carpets and tackle above floor messes throughout your home. With the convenience of a lift-away portable pod plus upright power, this Shark vacuum truly does it all. From wrangling pet hair to banishing dust mites, the Navigator ADV has the features and performance to restore cleanliness and healthy air on carpets, bare floors and beyond. I hope this guide gave you all the details needed to decide if the Shark Navigator meets your home cleaning challenges. Please reach out if you need any other vacuum recommendations specific to your situation and budget. I’m always happy to help match you with the perfect vacuum cleaner!