Quick answer

Replacing the Shark Apex DuoClean AX912 pre-motor filter is a DIY job of about 10 minutes. Compatible pre-motor filters currently start at $20.99. Replace it Every 3 months under normal use. Full step-by-step below.

The AX912 foam and felt pre-motor filters are reusable; rinse and reuse until the foam crumbles or the felt tears. They're distinct from the post-motor HEPA — a different part on a different schedule.

Compatible Pre-Motor Filter for the Shark Apex DuoClean AX912

Prices pulled from Amazon and verified September 2026. “OEM” is a genuine Shark part; the rest are tested aftermarket options.

PartTypePriceRating
4 Pack Foam & Felt Filters, 1 Pre-Motor Filter & 1 Post-Motor Hepa Filter for Shark LZ600, LZ601, LZ602, LZ602C APEX UpLight Lift-Away DuoClean Vacuum Cleaner. Compare to Part # XFFLZ600 & XHFFC600. Aftermarket $29.56
$4.50/ea
4.65★ (1,572) Buy on Amazon
2 Pack Vacuum Filters Compatible with Shark APEX AX910 AX912 QU922Q DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Speed Vacuums. Compare to Part # XPRHF910 & XFF680 Aftermarket $25.38
$9.00/ea
4.65★ (397) Buy on Amazon
Filter Brush Roller Kit Replacement for Shark APEX DuoClean Lift-Away Vacuum AZ1000 AZ1002 AZ1003 AX950 Parts,compare to part# XHF650&XFF650&1173FT950, Brushroll+Filter+2 Foam&felt Filter Aftermarket $20.99 4.05★ (0) Buy on Amazon
Foam Hepa Filter Brushroll Roller for Shark APEX DuoClean Lift-Away AX950 AX951 AX952 AZ1000 40 AZ1000W AZ1002 40 AZ1002BRN ZU881 ZU885 NV830 NV831 NV835 vacuum,part # 1173FT950,XFF650 and XHF650 Aftermarket $24.99 4.25★ (0) Buy on Amazon

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About the Shark Apex DuoClean AX912

The Shark APEX DuoClean AX912 corded upright uses washable foam + felt pre-motor filters under the dust cup, plus a HEPA post-motor filter. This page covers the foam/felt pre-filters — the ones that clog first and cost you suction.

Step-by-Step: Replacing the Shark Apex DuoClean AX912 Pre-Motor Filter

1
Power off and unplug
Switch off and unplug the AX912 before opening the dust cup area.
2
Open the filter lid
Lift the lid on the dust cup to reveal the foam and felt pre-motor filters.
3
Remove both filters
Take out the foam and, beneath it, the felt filter.
4
Fit new (or washed, dry) filters
Stack felt then foam back in the same order; if reusing, be sure both are dry.
5
Close and test
Refit the lid, plug in and confirm suction.

⚠ Common mistakes on the Apex DuoClean AX912

The AX912 mistake is washing the foam and skipping the felt disc under it — the felt is what clogs. The second is refitting either while damp, which strains the motor.

✓ OEM vs aftermarket for the Apex DuoClean AX912

The foam/felt pre-filters are generic across Shark uprights, so aftermarket multipacks are great value — confirm the listing names the AX912. Keep a spare set for while one dries.

🔁 How often to replace

The Shark Apex DuoClean AX912 pre-motor filter should be replaced Every 3 months under normal use — sooner with pets or daily heavy use. Signs it's due: Reduced suction.

How we made this page: the steps are written for the Shark Apex DuoClean AX912 specifically; the compatible-part list is pulled from our parts database and price-checked against Amazon. Last verified September 2026.