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We reviewed the Shark HydroVac 3-in-1 Cleaner — Why it’s worth it

Cleaning your home can either be an act of self-care on a Sunday or your worst nightmare. Whether you take solace in cleaning your space or wish the chore didn’t creep up on you, there’s a trusty, versatile product you need to add to your cart.

The Shark HydroVac Pro XL 3-in-1 Cleaner is your best mop and vacuum in one cordless product. Impressively, it’s lightweight, easy to use and one of the best products New York Post Shopping has reviewed to date (and that’s saying something).

After testing the product for at least two weeks, I’ve looked forward to cleaning my floors (not to mention, different types of floors, but more on that later). Even after a long work commute and making time for other to-dos (like exercising and reading), I found using the Shark HydroVac was nearly thoughtless; all I had to do was glide it over my floors and feel good that I checked cleaning off my to-do list.

Shark HydroVac 3-in-1 Cleaner, $360

Shark HydroVac 3-in-1 Cleaner
Shark

The Shark HydroVac 3-in-1 Cleaner comes fully loaded with an antimicrobial brush roll, its signature Multi-Surface Concentrate, free shipping, an included three-year limited warranty, the brand’s charging dock and a HydroVac reusable filter to have on hand.

For a limited time, use code NYP25 for 25% off the Hydrovac.


While the Shark HydroVac 3-in-1 Cleaner isn’t designed to necessarily replace your standalone vacuum, it’s an incredible value-based option (one that can replace your mop, even) that’s the best of both worlds — bringing the convenience to your everyday cleaning routine.

Yes, it can suck up pasta and other large messes, but the beauty of this cordless cleaner is seen in its ability to clean your sealed floors in minutes. Seriously, it’s unbelievable; I didn’t have to designate two hours or so on a weekend to lug out my vacuum, then mop and wait for it to dry. With the Shark HydroVac 3-in-1 Cleaner, you won’t even have to think much about the act of cleaning itself.

That said, the powerful, easy-glide Shark HydroVac has a wealth of features that streamline the cleaning process. After testing the product on different floors of my home (from hardwood floors to area rugs) there are a few key characteristics to note, all of which are reasons to add this trusty cleaning staple to your online shopping cart.

Its cordless, multi-surface cleaning ability

Shark HydroVac 3-in-1 Cleaner
Victoria Giardina

While it’s not completely revolutionary for a mop or vacuum to boast its cordless charm these days (who wants to lug around foot-long wires that just get caught around you while cleaning?), the Shark HydroVac has an exceptional design. While cordless, it glides like a gem, much ado to its lightweight nature.

Aside from seamlessly transitioning between rooms without being tied to an outlet (again, a plus!), this model is specially designed for all hard floors. I tested the HydroVac on my real wood floors, laminate floors and tile floors in my home. Be sure to try out the HydroVac first on solid floors to make note of the different cleaning functions; you can spray the recommended solution (mostly water, with some of Shark’s Multi-Surface Concentrate) and, on the other hand, see it work in full-powered vacuum mode.

Seconds after cleaning, I noticed the liquid concentrate took minutes to dry — and effectively pulled away dirt and debris, stains and grime — which is pretty impressive. Growing up, my mother used to whip out her standard, non-electric mop, flip the kitchen chairs upside down on the table and tell everyone in the home that we couldn’t step foot in the kitchen. So long are those days with this convenient cleaner.

Ultra-convenient is how this model operates. To begin cleaning, start by pressing the on and off button to turn the unit on. Then, step on the nozzle (the vacuum-mop’s head) and tilt the handle back to start cleaning. To seamlessly switch between hard-floor mode and area rug mode, simply press the area rug button on the handle, positioned right by the power button on the handle. It’s as easy as that.

The self-cleaning mode and antimicrobial brush roll

Shark HydroVac 3-in-1 Cleaner
Victoria Giardina

What’s revolutionary about the HydroVac is its self-cleaning mode, along with its ability to vacuum, mop and clean itself at the same time. Even better, it’s equipped with an antimicrobial brush roll to help mitigate odors. After all, you are cleaning your space, so this ensures that everything is truly spic-and-span.

With its continuous self-cleaning system, the HydroVac truly helps prevent dirt and debris from being redeposited back on your floor. As someone with seasonal allergies and an aversion to mold (I can instantly smell any form of mustiness or mold upon walking into a room), I haven’t had to worry about dust or unwanted residue with the HydroVac, many thanks to its antimicrobial brushroll.

Namely, Shark designed the HydroVac’s brushroll with an antimicrobial substance to (1) preserve the longevity of the roller itself and (2) resist those odors on your brushroll, thus preventing it from migrating back to your floors. Impressively, after cleaning the laminate flooring in my bedroom wall-to-wall, I instantly smelled freshness (side note: the Multi-Surface Concentrate smells like a hybrid of fresh bubbles solution mixed with cotton and lily). I didn’t have my air purifier plugged in and, surprisingly, didn’t feel I had to use one after using the HydroVac.

Its simple to maintain and easy to clean-up

Shark HydroVac 3-in-1 Cleaner
Victoria Giardina

After cleaning your space, the last thing you want to do is go into full-cleaning mode for your cordless cleaner itself. What’s great about the HydroVac is how seamless it is.

Shark intelligently designed this model with a dual-tank design to ensure your dirty pick-ups never touch the clean solution. The debris filtration technology in the dirty water tank is designed to separate solids from liquids, making it easier than ever to empty the tank, too.

Once your cleaning spree is complete, simply place the HydroVac on its dock and activate the self-clean cycle after every use to ensure it’s clean and ready to charge before its next use. What I love most about the dock is its slim design that doesn’t take up much room in my space (without being an eyesore as well). Everything looks prim and proper, and this would be especially wonderful to store in a laundry room, as the complete 3-in-1 Cleaner isn’t bulky.

Another cool feature: its LED display provides a real-time battery indicator, so you know if it needs to be situated at its dock. Even better, I haven’t had to scramble for a charge while cleaning; its battery life is impressive and long-lasting.

And, while cleaning, rest assured that its LED headlights help you find hidden dirt and debris trapped underneath furniture or in more discreet areas quickly, allowing you to avoid missing spots.

The bottom line

Shark HydroVac 3-in-1 Cleaner
Shark

As someone who’s always looking to streamline my cleaning routine, I’ve found myself reaching for the Shark HydroVac 3-in-1 Cleaner. Its versatility, precision and ease of use is quite unmatched, and it’s especially perfect for those with smaller spaces, like studio apartments and dorm rooms — but it’ll conquer larger areas quite well.

Not to mention, for a two-in-one cleaner (mop and vacuum) that’s on the market for less than $400, say less. We’re all about finding quality items at an extreme value, and look forward to using the brand’s signature HydroVac 3-in-1 Cleaner for many years to come.


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