Is your Shark hoover not picking up dirt or not working when powered on? You can try a few simple, quick fixes to resolve the issue and get it back to life.
When your Shark vacuum is not working, it might be due to a few common problems like blocked air filters or airways, a dirty brush bar, or a full dust container. Fixing these can instantly improve your vacuum’s cleaning power, and save you both time and money to call an engineer.
Use our step-by-step guide to follow some simple steps that can resolve the issue of your Shark hoover losing suction, leading to leftover dust and dirt on surfaces.
Signs that Indicate A Suction Problem In A Shark Hoover
How do you determine whether your Shark vacuum has a reduced suction power? Other than leaving debris behind and sucking in less than usual, there might also be a foul smell or weird noises from your appliance.
You might also notice that your device is gasping for air when powered on, which also indicates a suction problem.
Reasons For Your Shark Hoover Losing Suction
Some of the common problems that can lead to reduced suction of a Shark hoover are:
- Blocked air filters: You cannot leave the air filters for too long without cleaning them because dirt and debris can build up on their surfaces. The accumulation will cause blockage, choking the appliance and hampering its suction.
- Dirty Cleaning Head or Brush Roll: When your Shark vacuum is not sucking, the first thing to check is the brush roll inside of the cleaning head. It might have a tangled bundle of hair, a stuck paper clip, or be full of pet hair. This issue is prevalent among pet owners who regularly have to deal with thick pet fur.
- Wrong Cleaning Head Height: Sometimes, the issue can be due to the inappropriate height of the cleaning head. If your hoover is not configured correctly for the surface you are cleaning, it can leave behind residue. For example, for bare floors like hardwood with a low height, the cleaning head should reach low, while in the case of high-pile carpeting, it needs to be raised accordingly.
- Clogged Suction Hose: Attachments like wands and hoses can sometimes take in too large debris and get blocked. This blocks the airway, and the Shark vacuum faces a suction problem.
- Full Dust Canister: If your dust bag or dust cup is overflowing, it will not suck up any more debris until it is empty. Check the dust cup, empty the contents, and then try using your appliance.
Check the following section on how you can fix the issue by performing some simple cleaning steps at home.
Step-By-Step Guide for Fixing A Shark Hoover That Isn’t Picking Up Dirt
Step 1: Unplug the Shark Hoover
Step 2: Clean the Air Filters
There are mainly two filters in every vacuum cleaner:
- Motor filter Ð This is at the rear where the exhaust from the vacuum is emitted.
- Allergen filter Ð This is near the dust container or bag.
These need to be cleaned at least once a month. Use the following steps to remove debris and clean the air filters.
- Self-cleaning filter Ð Twist the dial and shake off the dirt.
- Washable filter Ð Remove the filters and wash them with water (take note of any special instructions in the manufacturer’s manual). Let them dry for about 24 hours before you put them back.
- Replaceable filter Ð These filters must be replaced periodically to maintain your hoover’s performance.
Most Shark vacuum models will have washable filters. If they are replacement filters, don’t worry, as Shark’s filter replacement kits are not expensive. Tiny particles can quickly get stuck in HEPA or HEPA-like filters, so you must keep an eye on them and clean them regularly.
Step 3: Empty and Clean the Dust Cup
If your hoover’s dust cup is full of dust, it will affect the cleaning power. Did you know vacuums are tested when they are empty and again when they are almost full, to see if they will keep cleaning once you have used them a few times? In most cases, the suction drops when the bag or container is full of dust, sometimes by as much as 30%.
- Bagless vacuums: Empty after every use, especially if the dust capacity is less than a litre, which is typical for cordless vacuums. Check for the max fill mark on the canister. It might be only around a third of the way up. So, if the dust container looks visibly full, it is definitely overdue for emptying.
- Bagged vacuums: In bagged models, you might want to fill the whole bag before emptying as replacement bags cost money. However switching to a new bag can help restore suction quickly if the suction levels are low.
To avoid the issue of constantly emptying your vacuum, you might check the reviews to choose one that doesn’t lose much suction as it begins to fill up.
Step 4: Clean the Cleaning Head
There are mainly two types of models:
- a) No brush bar Ð If there is no spinning brush bar, check the air pathways and any bristles around the tool’s edge and clean them. Sometimes, hair and dust can get trapped, blocking the airway.
- b) With a brush bar Ð Brush bars get covered in hair and fibres, and affect how well it sucks up dust. Keep a regular eye on this to prevent damage to the bristles due to clogging.
Follow the steps to clean the brush head:
- Carefully pull out, with your hands, the hair or fibres that might be stuck.
- If the brush bar is removable, pull it out and cut hair and fluff away. Sometimes a nearby button will be there to detach the bar. You can wear disposable gloves during this process.
Most Shark vacuums come with a rotating brush bar. However, it is best to opt for a hoover with a removable brush bar so it is easy to clean.
Step 5: Check the Hose and Tubes for Blockages
A clog in the hose or cleaning tubes can also affect suction. Use a torch to look inside the tube to check for any obstructions.
Detach the hose entirely and use something to push the clog out slowly. Take care not to damage the hose. You can sometimes clean it with water, but ensure it is completely dry before fixing it back.
Step 6: Look for Leaks and Cracks
Leaks can allow air to escape, which can decrease the suction performance. Check the hose and frame for any cracks or gaps.
Sometimes, these can be easily fixed, but sometimes the hose or frame can be permanently damaged. In such cases, you must look for a replacement rather than trying to repair it.
Step 7: Check Charging Conditions
Some Shark hoover models use an internal battery that needs periodic recharging. Sometimes, a weaker battery can lower suction, which you can identify by listening to the motor. Ensure the battery is connected properly, and the connectors are not dirty or damaged.
Needless to say, you must clean your Shark hoover from time to time to ensure better performance. You don’t need to wait for problems to arise. Following the above steps will mostly solve the issue, but if you notice that your hoover is still not performing properly, you might have to contact an engineer to identify the real reason.
