Dealing with pet hair and allergies can be a real struggle, especially for pet lovers. I recently moved into a new home that clearly hadn’t seen a vacuum cleaner in ages, and as someone with both pet and dust allergies, I was in for a tough time. The previous owner had a large dog, and the carpets were filled with embedded fur and dirt. My allergies were going crazy – constant sneezing, watery eyes, and an itchy nose.
Desperate for a solution, we invested in a top-brand vacuum cleaner, hoping it would solve our pet hair problem. However, this expensive model turned out to be bulky and difficult to maneuver around the house. Just when I was about to lose hope, a friend recommended the Shark Rotator Lift-Away Pet vacuum cleaner. She raved about it after seeing it on TV, claiming it had revolutionized her cleaning routine. Intrigued by her enthusiasm, I decided to try it out myself.
First Impressions and What’s in the Box
Bringing the Shark Rotator Pet home, I was eager to test it on my living room and bedroom carpets, as well as the hard floors in the hallway and bathroom. Before diving into my experience, let’s see what you get in the box:
- Body / Motor Base
- 2-in-1 Crevice Tool
- Dust Away attachment without Pad
- Dust Away replacement pads
- Dust Cup
- Floor Nozzle
- Foam & Filter Kit
- Handle with Hose
- Articulated Upholstery Tool
- Wand
- Filter Holder
- Pet Power Brush
- Instructions
Assembling the Shark Rotator Pet was surprisingly easy. Unlike some products that require a degree in engineering to put together, this vacuum cleaner was intuitive and straightforward. You could probably assemble it without even glancing at the manual. However, for those who prefer instructions, the box includes a detailed booklet with helpful information on using all the attachments and features, along with a leaflet specifically for the Dust-Away attachment and Microfiber Pad Care.
There’s also a handy quick-start guide label attached to the cleaner itself, showing assembly steps, how to empty the dust cup, and fingertip control basics. This mini-guide is perfect for quick reference as you get used to your new machine.
Putting the Shark Rotator Pet to the Test
After the simple assembly, I started with my living room carpet in the upright position. I was immediately impressed. The Shark Rotator Pet effortlessly sucked up embedded dog hair, even though no dog had been in the house since I moved in! It was clear the previous vacuum cleaner had missed a lot. The LED light on the front of the vacuum is a brilliant feature, illuminating dust and debris that might otherwise be missed.
Switching between hard floor and carpet modes is simple with a button on the front of the machine. The suction control setting, adjustable from Min to Max, is another great feature. The suction power is remarkable – it really lifts carpet pile. My friend with thick carpets experienced this firsthand, noticing footprints on her freshly vacuumed carpet for the first time in ages!
Next, I tested the Lift-Away feature. By pressing the conveniently located LIFT-AWAY button, the pod effortlessly detaches from the motorized floor nozzle. This instantly transforms the upright vacuum into a portable handheld unit. For anyone with stairs, this feature is a game-changer, making stair cleaning incredibly easy. The pod is lightweight and easy to carry around.
The 2-in-1 Crevice Tool proved to be incredibly useful. It extends for reaching tight corners and also includes a dusting brush for various surfaces. Impressively, it maintains strong suction, perfect for tackling those stubborn dusty spots.
Cleaning cobwebs, usually a dreaded task, became surprisingly easy. With the lightweight pod in one hand and the wand in the other, the Shark Rotator Pet becomes a highly maneuverable handheld vacuum, making corner-dust a thing of the past.
For cleaning under furniture like coffee tables, simply detach the pod, attach the motorized floor nozzle directly, and you’re set. The powered brush head makes under-furniture vacuuming a breeze.
As someone who isn’t particularly strong, I was particularly impressed with the steering and maneuverability of the Shark Rotator Pet. The swivel steering is light and responsive, a significant improvement over my previous, bulkier upright vacuum.
For upholstery cleaning, you can attach tools directly to the handle. The Pet Power Brush is designed for pet owners, perfect for removing cat hair from cushions or dog hair from furniture and carpeted stairs.
The Articulated Upholstery tool is another smart addition, offering two cleaning tools in one: an upholstery tool for pet hair removal and a stiff bristle brush for stuck-on debris on various surfaces.
For hard floors, the Dust Away Hard Floor Attachment & Microfiber Pad is ideal. After switching the Shark to hard floor mode, this attachment effectively lifts dust and larger debris from tile and hardwood floors, gently yet thoroughly.
After my cleaning session with the Shark Rotator Pet, my carpets looked spotless, with visibly lifted pile. The amount of dust and dirt collected was astonishing, and surprisingly, I was actually looking forward to vacuuming again – a sentiment I never thought I’d have!
Pros & Cons of the Shark Rotator Pet
Pros:
- Versatile 2-in-1 Design: Easily converts from an upright to a handheld vacuum, offering flexibility for various cleaning tasks.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: Easy to move around furniture and tight spaces.
- LED Headlights: Effectively illuminate dust and debris in dimly lit areas.
- Powerful Suction: Excellent for removing embedded pet hair and dirt.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal: Traps over 99.9% of dust and allergens, certified by the British Allergy Foundation.
- Multiple Attachments: Comes with a range of tools for different cleaning needs, including pet hair removal and hard floors.
Cons:
- Attachment Click: Some attachments don’t have a distinct ‘click’ when properly connected, which can be slightly confusing at first.
- Pod Stability: The pod isn’t designed to stand alone on the floor while vacuuming in handheld mode, although attaching it to a floor nozzle resolves this.
Final Verdict: Is the Shark Rotator Pet Right for You?
I genuinely enjoyed using the Shark Rotator Pet. It’s remarkable to see the difference it makes, lifting carpet pile and removing dust effectively. It’s lightweight, user-friendly, and incredibly versatile. According to Shark’s website, 3 out of 4 people prefer the Shark Powered Lift-Away TruPet over the Dyson DC40 Animal, and after using it, I can understand why.
The suction is fantastic, the LED lights are incredibly helpful, the swivel steering is smooth, and the multiple cleaning modes offered by the detachable pod are truly game-changing. For allergy sufferers like myself, the anti-allergen seal technology is a major benefit, ensuring that dust and allergens are trapped inside the vacuum rather than recirculating in the air.
Overall, the Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away True Pet Upright Vacuum Cleaner exceeded my expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend it, especially to pet owners and anyone struggling with allergies. It’s a powerful, versatile, and user-friendly vacuum cleaner that truly delivers on its promises.
Our Score: 9/10
The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away True Pet Upright Vacuum Cleaner earns a well-deserved 9/10 from us. It’s a fantastic investment for a cleaner, healthier home, particularly if you have pets.
For more information, visit the Shark Website.
