No. Do not vacuum dry fireplace ashes, plaster dust, or fine construction debris.
Why: These ultra-fine particles can bypass the filtration system, clog the motor, and significantly reduce the vacuum's lifespan. They can also be redistributed into the air you breathe.
What to do instead:
- For ashes and fine dust, use a dedicated ash vacuum or shop vacuum with a suitable fine-dust filter.
- For general fine dust in the home, your Shark is fine, but ensure the dust cup is empty and all filters are clean and properly seated to maximize filtration.
If you already did it: If you've vacuumed fine ashes, stop using the vacuum immediately. Perform a complete, thorough cleaning: empty the dust cup, remove and clean all filters (pre-motor and HEPA), and check for any fine powder residue in the hose and canister. Let filters dry fully for 24 hours before reuse.