Can a Shark robot vacuum clean multiple floors? Learn about multi-floor mapping, carrying robots between levels, and the best models for 2+ story homes.
If you live in a multi-story home, you might wonder: can one robot vacuum clean all floors? The answer is yes, but with some limitations.
Can a Shark robot vacuum clean multiple floors? Learn about multi-floor mapping, carrying robots between levels, and the best models for 2+ story homes.
- Symptoms: Looking for robot vacuum for two-story home, Want to use one robot on multiple floors, Need multi-floor mapping capability
- Tools: none
- Difficulty: Easy
Here is how to make Shark robots work in multi-level homes.
1. Multi-Floor Mapping Capability
Not all Shark robots support multi-floor mapping. Here is the breakdown:
| Model Series | Multi-Floor Maps | Max Floors |
|---|---|---|
| Shark Ion (RV750) | No | 1 |
| Shark IQ (RV1001) | Yes | Up to 3 |
| Shark AI Series | Yes | Up to 3 |
| Shark Matrix Series | Yes | Up to 10 |
If your model supports multi-floor mapping, the robot will recognize which floor it is on when you move it and load the correct map.
2. How to Use on Multiple Floors
Step 1: Set Up the First Floor
- Place the dock on Floor 1.
- Let the robot complete several cleaning cycles to build the map.
- Name the map in the app (e.g., “First Floor”).
Step 2: Move to Floor 2
- Carry the robot (not the dock) to Floor 2.
- Place it on the floor and start a cleaning run.
- The robot will recognize this is a new space and create a new map.
- Name this map in the app (e.g., “Second Floor”).
Step 3: Return to Dock Manually
Since the dock stays on Floor 1, you must manually return the robot to the dock when it finishes Floor 2 (or carry a second dock for auto-return).
3. The “Two Dock” Strategy
For maximum convenience, many users buy a second charging dock for the upper floor.
- Cost: ~$50-$80 for a spare dock.
- Benefit: Robot can auto-dock and charge on any floor.
- Setup: The app will ask which floor the dock is on.
4. Best Models for Multi-Story Homes
Best Overall: Shark Matrix Pro
- Supports up to 10 floor maps.
- Advanced LIDAR for fast, accurate mapping.
- Self-empty base (keep on main floor).
- Price: ~$600-$700.
Best Value: Shark AI Ultra
- Supports up to 3 floor maps.
- Camera-based navigation.
- Good for homes with 2-3 floors.
- Price: ~$450-$550.
Budget Option: Shark IQ Robot
- Supports up to 3 floor maps.
- Less advanced navigation but still multi-floor capable.
- Price: ~$350-$400.
Tips for Multi-Floor Use
- Consistent Lighting: Cameras work best with similar lighting on each floor.
- Remove Floor Clutter: The robot maps around objects; too many toys/shoes creates a messy map.
- Label Rooms: Use the app to name rooms on each floor for easy scheduling.
TIP: If you have very different floor layouts (e.g., open plan downstairs, bedrooms upstairs), the robot adapts well. The maps are stored independently, so changes on one floor don’t affect the other.
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