No matter the brand, you are likely to have some troubleshooting issues with your vacuum cleaner at some point in its life.
Shark is no different, but the good news is that most vacuum issues are fairly simple to fix. So, before you panic and think you may need to buy a new vacuum cleaner, take a look at these common issues as well as their solutions.
Why Did My Shark Vacuum Stop Working?
If your Shark vacuum has stopped working, there are a few potential reasons why. If it is not switching on, it could be one of the following issues:
- Plug not in the socket correctly
- Fuse has blown and needs to be changed
- The power button hasn’t been pressed (more common than you think)
If you are experiencing a loss of suction when the vacuum is on, it could be one of these reasons:
- Dust canister is full and needs to be emptied
- There is a blockage in the vacuum cleaner
- The filters need to be cleaned
- The hose is damaged
- The motor has malfunctioned
Cleaning Shark Vacuum Filters
Cleaning the filters in your Shark vacuum cleaner is a pretty simple task. If you have a cordless Shark, you can remove the wand and then open the compartment on the front of the machine. This is where the filter is stored.
For corded Shark models, you will need to remove the dust canister from the main body to reveal the compartment where the filter is kept. Underneath this, you will also find the motor and HEPA filters, each of which is washable.
Washing the filter is exactly the same for each type of vacuum cleaner. Rinse it under cool running water and ensure all of the dust and dirt is removed.
All of the removable filters in the machine are washable, and you just need to leave them to dry for 24 hours afterwards. They must be completely dry before you put them back in the machine, so make sure you check this.
As an important note, you should check the filter once a month to see if it needs to be washed. Shark does recommend that they are washed monthly, and it is a good idea to stick with this for the health of your machine. A filter that has been left to fill up can ultimately lead to your vacuum malfunctioning.
How to Remove Roller Brush from Shark Vacuum
This is another quick and easy maintenance task. The soft roller gets dusty really quickly, and if you want it to perform the best it can it will need a regular clean. Just follow these simple steps:
#1 Turn off the machine and unplug your Shark vacuum from the mains.
#2 Remove the main floorhead from the machine so that it is standing alone. This will make it much easier to access the roller.
#3 Remove the lid, or garage, from the top of the main floorhead. This is where the brush roll is stored and will provide you with quick access to it.
#4 Cut away hair away from the brush bar that sits behind the roller to keep on top of maintenance.
Using a button on the side of the floorhead, slip the brush roll out so that it is no longer attached to the vacuum cleaner. You can then wipe the dust and debris off it.
#5 If it’s really severe, you can rinse it under cool running water to really get it clean. If you do this, it will need to be completely dry before you reinsert it.
Once clean, slide the brush roll back into place and ensure that it clicks in. You can then reattach the lid and put the vacuum back together again.
How to Clean a Shark Vacuum Hose
A dirty hose can lead to clogs and a loss of suction, and this is why maintaining them is so important. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to get the hose looking brand new again, and smelling better too. Here are a few simple steps for you to follow.
#1 Run the hot water tap and rinse the inside and outside of the hose thoroughly. Then, bend the hose into a U-shape while it fills with water. Use your hands to close each end while you shake it vigorously to remove any loose dirt and debris.
#2 Grab a mixing bowl and add three tablespoons of baking soda and two cups of white vinegar before mixing. Then, hold the hose in the U-shape again and pour the mixture into it. You’ll notice it starts to fizz and bubble – this is good. Cover the ends and give it a good shake again.
#3 Release the mixture down the drain and then rinse with cool water. Not only does this clean out pretty much all of the gunk, but it also neutralises any foul odours. Once the hose is completely dry, you can reattach it to the vacuum and get back to using it.
Please note that some Shark vacuum cleaners have electrical components inside the hose. This means that these models cannot be submerged in water as it will damage the wires. Check which model you have before you decide to wash the interior.
How to Reset the Motor on a Shark Vacuum
Resetting the motor on your Shark vacuum only requires five very simple steps.
#1 Turn the power off using the button on your Shark vacuum cleaner.
#2 Unplug your Shark vacuum from the mains.
#3 Check the hose and filter for clogs. You can remove clogs from the hose, and wash the filter (or replace it) if it is full.
#4 Wait for the vacuum cleaner to finish cooling completely. This tends to take 45 minutes. Then, plug it back into the mains.
#5 Switch the power back on and get back to vacuuming.
If you have performed these steps but your vacuum cleaner is still not turning on, it is likely to be something more severe. In cases like this, it is best that you call Shark customer service so that they can help you to find a good solution.
Why Does My Shark Duoclean Keep Shutting Off?
There are two main reasons why your Shark DuoClean keeps shutting off. It could be that your motor is overheating, or you may have an electrical issue. The former of these is usually caused by a clog that builds up over time, and as the vacuum runs it causes the motor to overheat.
The best way to tell if this is the issue is that it will always happen at the same time.
So, if your Shark DuoClean is shutting off one minute after you turn it on every time, you likely have a motor overheating issue that is caused by a clog. Remove all the tubing, check for blockages, clean the filter, and that should have it running smoothly again.
If it is electrical and you have already tried changing sockets, you will need to call an electrician or send it for repair.
How to Fix a Shark Vacuum That Doesn’t Suck
There are a number of reasons why your Shark vacuum cleaner might not be sucking quite the way it used to. Here’s a quick list of causes and fixes so that you can get back to keeping your home looking incredible.
#1 Dirty/Clogged Filters. This is actually a very common cause of a lack of suction, and the filters should be one of the first things you check. This is because a clogged filter restricts the airflow through your vacuums. You can look at how to clean them earlier on in this repair guide.
#2 Clogged/Dirty Hose. Another common cause, and one that is fairly easy to rectify. If you want the best way to clean a vacuum hose, you can take a peek at the previous section.
Checking for blockages is quite easy, and usually involves you looked down the hose or stretching it out gently and giving it a shake to loosen and remove debris.
#3 Empty the dust canister. This is important, as a full dust canister will result in a loss of suction. All you need to do is remove it from the machine, hold it over the bin, and press the release button.
If there is debris stuck in the top of the bin, there is a button that will open this section so that the contents can be tipped out. The most important thing here is to keep the mesh cone completely clear from dust and debris, so give it a wipe down regularly.
#4 Clogged Wand. This is uncommon, but it does happen. Remove the wand and take a look down to see if you can see out the other side. If not, shake it to see if the blockage comes out.
If it remains lodged, you can try dropping a heavier weight (like a large battery) down to dislodge it, or you can use a blunt yet flexible probe to push it down and out.
#5 Air Path and Brush Bar Blockages. You can remove the suction pod and leave the floorhead ready for inspection.
With the bin removed, you will have access to the motor area as well, the area above of which you can clean with an antibacterial wipe to remove dust and grime. Check the airpath on the floorhead for blockages using a visual check to start with
Flip the floorhead over and use a coin to unlock the three plugs on the floorplate. Lift the plate up when this is done, and the underside of the floorhead will be revealed.
You can then check for blockages in the air path more effectively, as well as remove them, and you have the chance to remove hair from the brushbar using scissors or a knife. Then, put it all back together.
How to Clean Shark Rotator Brush Roll
It doesn’t get much simpler than this, so prepare to take a relieved breath before you go to clean all the hair and muck off your Shark Rotator Brush Roll. Here are the quick and easy steps you need to follow:
#1 Detach the floorhead from the main body of the machine. Flip the floorhead over so that it is upside down, and then use a coin to unlock the floorplate before removing it. This will give you full access to the brush roll.
#2 Take a knife or a pair of scissors and cut the hair off the brush roll. This is the most effective way of getting it all off, as well as the fastest. If the roll is looking a little dirty and dusty, you can also run an antibacterial wipe over it to remove all of the muck.
#3 Put the plate back on, lock it back into place, and then attach the floorhead onto the vacuum cleaner again. It should be good to go and ready to start collecting hair all over again.
What Should I Do if My Brush Roll Has Stopped Spinning on My Shark Vacuum?
If the brush roll has stopped working on your Shark vacuum, it is probably because there is a blockage. All you need to do is remove the soleplate on the base of the floorhead and take a look at the brush.
You can use scissors to remove tangled hair and debris, as well as your hands. Sometimes, it could be that you have sucked up a foreign object without realising and this has clogged the bar. We actually have a great guide on cleaning and maintaining the Shark vacuum that you can read through.
What are the Differences Between Model Numbers on Shark Vacuum Cleaners?
The model numbers on your Shark refer to the colour and accessories that the vacuum cleaner comes with. Regardless of what the number is, the core machines within that specific range remain the same in terms of weight, power, and other such features.
To give you a better idea, here’s a quick run-down of the model numbers you might come across:
– UK: the standard model with regular accessories
– UKT: the true pet model that comes with a pet tool
– UKR: a much rarer code, and one that usually refers to tools with rotating heads
Where Can I Purchase Additional Batteries for My Cordless Shark Vacuum?
If you want to purchase additional batteries for your cordless Shark vacuum, there are a number of online retailers that sell them. However, the best and most reliable place to buy one is the official Shark website, which has them on sale for approximately £70.
It should be noted that there are cordless models that come with a twin battery, so make sure you check before you spend your money.
How to Fix a Shark Vacuum That’s Overheating?
The first thing you need to do when your Shark is overheating is unplug it from the mains and allow it to cool for at least 45 minutes. Usually, this problem is caused by one of the following issues:
- Clogged filter (see our washing guide above)
- Clogged hose (see our unclogging and cleaning advice above)
- Full, dusty, or dirty dust canister. Empty it, rinse it out, and dry it thoroughly
- Hair wrapped around the brush bar (see our advice for this above)
- Electrical issue. In this case, you will normally need to call Shark customer services for help and advice. This is because they can be dangerous to try and may also end up voiding your warranty if you try to do it yourself.
How to Fix a Shark Vacuum Brush Roll Indicator with No Light On
This light can be found on the floorhead, and if everything is ok and ready to go then it should be green. If the light is red, or does not turn on at all, this usually means that there is a clog. You can follow the steps in the previous brush roll cleaning section to remove toe clogged hair from the roller.
It could also be one of the following issues:
- Vacuum cleaner not plugged in or turned on correctly
- Nozzle is loosely attached and needs to be adjusted
- The belt is broken and needs to be replaced
Why are the Lights Flashing on My Shark?
There are several reasons why the lights might be flashing on your Shark, and so we have gathered a quick and helpful bullet list to show you what could be happening:
- There is a blockage (floor and carpet lights together)
- The battery is low (battery light)
- The brush roll is blocked (red light)
- The vacuum has not been turned on correctly (red light)
- There is a problem with the belt in the brush roll (red light)
- The floorhead has not been attached correctly (no light)
To Conclude
Hopefully, this has been able to help you figure out what’s wrong with your Shark vacuum and how to fix it. While the solutions we have listed here are relatively simple and can be done at home, it is important to remember that if you don’t feel confident there is no shame in calling the professionals for help.
The Shark customer service line might be your best bet if you feel as though you can’t perform the repairs and fixes yourself.
Related: Best Shark Vacuums of 2020 – UK Review Guide
Last Updated on March 3, 2021 by Gemma Tyler
Gemma Tyler is a freelance journalist with 15 years of experience writing for consumer publications. She has tested and reviewed a wide range of household items from vacuum cleaners to washing machines and dehumidifiers to steam irons. Her attention to detail and exhaustive testing certainly makes her an expert in her field.
When I lift my hoover the head drop down what can be done and is it under guarantee
My daughter went over the cord while hovering and it has now split, how do we get it fixed.
I would suggest replacing the complete cord for safety. You should be able to look up a local vacuum repair company for this.
If you are within warranty contact Shark support for guidance.