Pet Hair Cleaning Hacks: Is Shark’s ION Robot Vacuum Worth It?

Looking for an efficient way to keep your floors clean without lifting a finger? I have been testing out the Shark ION Robot Vacuum over the past few months, and it’s proven to be one of the best pet hair cleaning hacks for everyday maintenance. The three things I like most about the Shark ION Robert Vacuum are that it is affordable, does a great job picking up dog hairs, and is very quiet!

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My Experience Using the Shark ION Robot Vacuum

This smart little robot vacuum features a clever Tri-Brush System that combines side brushes, channel brushes, and a multi-surface brushroll to tackle debris on both carpets and hard floors. I was impressed with how it transitions between different floor types in our home without missing a beat.

With a 120-minute runtime, the Shark ION can handle most homes on a single charge. It does a great job cleaning my entire downstairs living and dining rooms, kitchen, and bathroom. We noticed it occasionally bumps into walls and furniture despite having sensors, but it’s generally careful around stairs and ledges.

Another bonus for me is that it easily goes under furniture without getting stuck. This model is approximately 4 inches high. Some of the other models were higher (5 inches or more) and would not have cleared my sofa and chairs.

I do have to pick up small items like magazines and dog toy baskets to help clear the pathways around furniture. I also discovered that I needed to turn my dining room chairs upside down on top of my table to keep it from getting caught between the legs.

While it doesn’t create a map of your home like more expensive models, it still manages to cover most areas over the course of a cleaning cycle. Pet owners will appreciate how well it handles fur, though you’ll need to keep floors relatively clear of obstacles for best results. For other carpet maintenance, be sure to see my post about How to Keep Carpets Clean with Pets.

Very Affordable!

For those seeking an affordable robot vacuum that handles daily cleaning with minimal fuss, the Shark ION is a solid choice. Model is on of the most affordable and reliable robotic vacuums. It is usually priced for less than $200. Other robotic vacuums with additional features can be priced at $600 or more. But this model has all that I need.

I wanted a basic vacuum that I could run a few times a week to pick up dog hairs, dust, and debris and I don’t mind emptying it by hand. Its decent battery life and effective cleaning on multiple surfaces make it worth considering for busy households.

Ready to let a robot handle your floor cleaning? Click here to see current Amazon prices and get your own Shark ION Robot Vacuum.

Overview: Shark AV753 ION Robot Vacuum

After putting the Shark ION through its paces in our home, we’re impressed by its effective cleaning capabilities. The vacuum’s Tri-Brush System tackles debris on both carpets and hard floors with remarkable efficiency. We found the 120-minute runtime sufficient for cleaning our entire main floor on a single charge.

The SharkClean app makes scheduling and controlling the robot straightforward, though it’s not the most intuitive interface we’ve used. Voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant works well for hands-free operation.

The ION’s cliff sensors reliably prevent falls, though it does occasionally bump into furniture despite its obstacle detection. While it doesn’t map rooms systematically like pricier models, it eventually covers most areas during its cleaning cycle.

For pet owners, I was pleasantly surprised at how effectively it handles fur. Setup is quick, and maintenance is simple with easy-to-replace brushes and filters. Overall, the Shark ION offers solid performance at a reasonable price point.

Tri-Brush System for Enhanced Cleaning

The cleaning power of this robot vacuum truly impressed us during testing. The Tri-Brush System combines three different brush types that work together seamlessly to tackle various debris. We noticed the side brushes effectively sweep edges and corners, pulling dirt toward the vacuum path. The channel brushes handle larger particles, while the multi-surface brushroll takes care of embedded dirt on both carpets and hard floors.

When I ran the Shark ION over scattered cereal, pet hair, and fine dust, it picked up an impressive amount in a single pass. The brushes work in harmony to ensure thorough cleaning without needing to go over the same spot repeatedly.

I particularly appreciated how well the brushes adjusted between our tile and carpeted areas without manual intervention. The 120-minute runtime gave us plenty of cleaning coverage before it automatically returned to the dock.

Long-Lasting Battery for Extended Cleanups

Battery life is a critical factor when choosing a robot vacuum, and the Shark ION doesn’t disappoint. During my testing, I found the 120-minute runtime to be genuinely impressive. This extended battery life allowed the ION to tackle our entire main floor without needing a recharge.

We particularly appreciated how the vacuum automatically returns to its charging dock when power runs low. For larger homes, this runtime is sufficient to clean multiple rooms in a single session. The battery performance remained consistent even when navigating between different floor surfaces.

While the ION performs well on extended cleanups, we noticed it may need a recharge for homes larger than 1,500 square feet. The battery indicator in the SharkClean app accurately displays remaining power, which helped us plan cleaning sessions effectively. Overall, the lengthy runtime adds significant value to this capable robot vacuum.

Intelligent Navigation to Avoid Obstacles

Navigating around the home can be tricky for robot vacuums, but the Shark ION handles this challenge surprisingly well. We found its intelligent cliff sensors to be quite reliable during our testing. The vacuum consistently detected stairs and ledges, safely avoiding potential falls that could damage the unit.

The ION also does a good job avoiding most furniture collisions. While it occasionally bumps into items, the contact is gentle rather than forceful. This cautious approach helps prevent damage to both the robot and your home furnishings.

In our experience, the vacuum moves methodically throughout rooms, though it doesn’t use mapping technology like higher-end models. This means it may miss some spots during a cleaning cycle. We noticed it sometimes needed multiple runs to cover an entire area thoroughly, especially in complex room layouts with lots of furniture.

Pros and Cons

After spending several weeks with the Shark ION Robot Vacuum, I have gathered my thoughts on what works well and what could use improvement. This robot vacuum offers a mix of convenient features with a few limitations to consider before making your purchase.

Pros

• Affordable, quiet, cleans under furniture: I can watch TV, put my feet up and not be bothered while my carpet gets cleaned! This model has all of the features I need at an affordable price!
• Effective cleaning system: The Tri-Brush System handles debris well on different surfaces, combining side brushes, channel brushes, and a multi-surface brushroll.
• Good battery life: With up to 120 minutes of runtime, we found it sufficient for cleaning most medium-sized homes on a single charge.
• Smart home integration: Works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for convenient voice commands.
• Easy maintenance: The filter and brushes are straightforward to remove and clean.
• Reliable pet hair pickup: I was impressed with how well it handles pet hair, making it a solid choice for pet owners.
• Intuitive app control: The SharkClean app allows for easy scheduling and remote operation.

Cons

• No mapping capability: Unlike more expensive models, it cleans in a somewhat random pattern rather than mapping your home methodically.
• Occasional navigation issues: We noticed it sometimes bumps into furniture and walls despite having sensors
• Prep work required: Floors need to be clear of small items and cords before cleaning sessions.
• App functionality: While serviceable, the app isn’t as robust or user-friendly as some competitors.
• Limited functionality on stairs: As with most robot vacuums, it cannot clean stairs, only avoid falling down them.

To prevent the robot from getting tangled up with cords, I purchased these handy Cable Turtle Organizers. I could wrap the cords inside the flexible covers and keep them off of the floor.

Customer Reviews: Real Experiences

After analyzing thousands of customer feedback entries for the Shark ION, I found consistent themes across the board. Many users praise its cleaning performance on multiple surfaces, with several mentioning how effectively it handles pet hair—particularly impressive for husky owners. The vacuum’s simple maintenance and easy-to-replace parts are frequently highlighted positives.

Battery life meets expectations for most households. However, some users note limitations worth considering. The vacuum doesn’t use mapping technology, so it occasionally misses spots during cleaning sessions. Several reviews mention it operates somewhat loudly and can bump into walls during operation.

The app functionality receives mixed reviews, with some users finding it serviceable but not outstanding. International users should verify app availability in their region before purchasing. Overall, the Shark ION performs best in homes with minimal clutter and moderate square footage, where its straightforward operation shines.

Maintenance and Product Care

Taking care of the Shark ION is surprisingly straightforward. We found the maintenance to be minimal compared to traditional vacuums. The dust bin needs emptying after every few cleaning sessions, which takes seconds to pop out, empty, and snap back in.

The filter isn’t washable, so you’ll need to replace it periodically. I recommend tapping it against a trash can every week to extend its life. The side brushes occasionally collect hair and threads, but these are easy to remove with a gentle tug or small scissors.

Battery maintenance is hands-off – the robot automatically returns to its dock when power is low. For optimal performance, I suggest keeping pathways clear and moving cords out of the way before starting a cleaning cycle.

The SharkClean app also sends helpful maintenance reminders when it’s time to check or replace parts. Overall, we’ve found upkeep to be quite manageable for this little cleaning assistant.

Conclusion

After extensive testing of the Shark ION, this robot vacuum offers solid value for households with average cleaning needs. Its 120-minute runtime and tri-brush system effectively tackles dust and pet hair across multiple surfaces. While not perfect—the navigation system occasionally misses spots and it can be noisy when operating—the overall cleaning performance impressed us. The WiFi connectivity and Alexa compatibility add convenience, though the app functionality could use improvements. I appreciate how easy it is to maintain, with simple parts replacement and cleaning.

For best results, remember to clear floors of obstacles before running. The Shark ION isn’t the most advanced robot vacuum on the market, but it delivers reliable performance at a reasonable price point. If you’re looking for a helping hand with daily floor maintenance, this Shark model is worth considering.