How to Clean a Shark Steam & Scrub Mop
The Shark Steam & Scrub S7000 series sends steam through a powered head while two Dirt Grip Soft Scrub pads rotate against sealed hard floors. Maintenance involves both hot-steam safety and fabric care: the unit must cool and release steam before the tank is emptied or pads are removed, and Shark warns that bleach or fabric softener can damage the pads or leave a performance-reducing coating. Shark also directs owners to fill the tank with distilled water, which limits new mineral deposits. This guide covers S7000-series variants listed under Shark's shared owner resources; check the label for the exact S7000, S7001 or retail SKU before ordering pads or following a control sequence.
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Primary reference: Shark official S7000-series Steam & Scrub FAQ and owner guidance. Always check the manual for your exact model.
Quick reference
- Before cleaning
- Unplug, let residual steam release and wait until pads and head are fully cool.
- Water tank
- Empty after use; operate with distilled water and stay below the Max Fill line.
- Pads
- Wash with liquid detergent and no bleach or fabric softener; air-dry fully.
- Powered head
- Damp-wipe only after cooling; brush exposed debris without rinsing or opening it.
- Avoid
- Hot-pad handling, tank additives, direct rinsing, metal probes, forced discs and damp storage.
What you will need
- The S7000-series owner guide and FAQ
- Distilled water for normal future use
- Soft lint-free cloths
- A soft nylon brush or wooden pick for exposed dry debris
- Liquid laundry detergent without bleach or fabric softener
- A washing machine or sink for reusable pads, as their label permits
- A ventilated drying rack
- A dry towel for the storage area
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Unplug, release steam and cool completely
Switch the Steam & Scrub off, unplug by grasping the plug and leave it upright on a heat-safe sealed-floor area. Keep hands and children away from the head and pads while residual steam dissipates. Wait until the pads, discs and surrounding plastic are fully cool. Do not flip over a hot steam mop or remove pads while they can release steam.
Step 2: Empty the water tank
After cooling and releasing steam, open the tank as the FAQ shows and pour remaining water into a sink. Shark instructs owners to use the filling flask and distilled water without exceeding the Max Fill line for operation. Do not add floor cleaner, vinegar, fragrance, essential oil or descaler to the tank unless Shark issues exact model instructions that permit it.
Step 3: Remove dirty pads without touching soil
Detach each reusable pad using its release features, keeping fingers away from the dirty floor-contact face. Shake or brush loose hair and grit into trash before washing so it does not clog the machine. Check hook-and-loop or attachment areas for wrapped thread. Replace a pad whose attachment, edge or scrubbing surface is torn or badly worn.
Step 4: Wash pads without coating the fibers
Follow the pad's sewn label and Shark FAQ. Use liquid detergent and no chlorine bleach or fabric softener; Shark warns those additives can damage pads or leave a coating that reduces cleaning and absorbency. Wash pads separately from lint-heavy cotton items. Rinse again if they feel slick or carry fragrance buildup.
Step 5: Air-dry pads fully
Lay or hang pads in moving room-temperature air until the backing, attachment area and thick center are dry. Air drying avoids unnecessary heat and lets you inspect their shape. Do not reinstall damp pads for storage, iron them or dry them against a radiator. Persistent odor after complete washing and drying usually means replacement is wiser than stronger chemicals.
Step 6: Clean the cooled rotating discs and head
With power disconnected and pads removed, wipe the two disc faces and surrounding head with a soft water-damp cloth. Brush away hair from exposed edges and attachment points without turning a motorized part forcibly. Do not pour water over the head, rinse it in a sink, spray cleaner into steam outlets or remove screws.
Step 7: Wipe the body, handle and cord
Use a barely damp cloth on the housing, controls, pole and handle, then dry. Inspect the cord for cuts, crushed areas and heat damage as you wipe it with a dry cloth. Keep water out of control seams and the cord entry. A damaged cord or leaking tank requires Shark service, not tape or home disassembly.
Step 8: Address weak steam conservatively
Confirm the tank contains distilled water, is seated correctly and the unit has completed its normal heat-up. Never probe steam holes with metal or pour vinegar into the tank on general internet advice. If weak or uneven steam persists after normal checks, use Shark troubleshooting for the exact SKU; internal mineral removal is not the same as wiping the mop.
Step 9: Store empty, cool and dry
Reinstall only dry pads if you prefer to store them attached, or keep them separately in a clean ventilated place. Ensure the tank is empty, wrap the cool cord around its hooks without pulling it tight and store the mop upright indoors. Before next use, inspect pad seating, tank cap, cord and head for damage.
Specific cleaning questions
Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.