Shark Vacuum Not Sucking – How To Fix It

Shark vacuum not sucking

When looking for a reliable and affordable vacuum cleaner, you really can’t go wrong with Shark vacuum cleaners. They provide you with similar functionality and power to a Dyson vacuum cleaner, but at a fraction of the price.

However, like any other vacuum cleaners, Shark vacuum cleaners can also find itself lagging in performance. Shark vacuum not sucking is one of the main problems for homeowners. Read More: Best Vacuum Under $150: Top 5 Editor’s Picks

So, if your Shark vacuum is starting to lose its suction power, this article will tell you a number of reasons why.

Shark, as per manufacturer’s claim never lose suction, unless there is an underlying problem you need to fix. So, today, we will be looking at the common reasons why the Shark vacuum has lost its bite and the accompanying solution.

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4 Reasons Shark Vacuum Not Sucking and How To Fix It

Shark vacuum not sucking

1) Empty The Canister

If your Shark vacuum ever loses a bit of power or the Shark vacuum not sucking dirt and dust as it should be, then the first thing you need to look at is the dust bag or dirt canister.

You can’t expect any vacuum cleaner to keep sucking up dust and dirt when the bag or canister is about to burst at the seams. It is always recommended that you don’t allow the canister or dirtbag to get so full that your vacuum cleaner starts to struggle to properly function. It is suggested that disposing of the mess when it’s at least ¾ full is the best way to go to prevent Shark vacuum not sucking and to ensure the longevity of the machine.

2) Look For A Blockage

As powerful as the Shark vacuums are, they are still no match for things such as a whole cookie, Lego pieces, socks, and anything else that your kids can leave on the floor or under your sofa.

These large pieces can cause blockages in your vacuum cleaner and cause poor suction power. If thinking about blockage, there are 1 of 2 places that it’s most likely going to be.

  • Canister

Again?

Yes again! But we’re not talking about emptying the canister this time. Specifically, we’re talking about the air duct that’s in there which could be the best spot for a blockage.

Remove the canister and examine the place where the dirt comes in, checking for any possible blockages. You might want to wear gloves for this one since that place can be a build up of icky mess.

  • Behind The Brush Roll

Just behind the brush roll of the vacuum cleaner is the air intake, which is also a great place for slightly larger bits of mess to get stuck— clumps of hair, hard food, toys whatever item your powerful Shark vacuum tried to suck.

First, you can get a pair of scissors to try cutting hair clumps or breaking up the large food pieces. Or use a stick to push it out of the air intake and remove the clogging.

Once you remove the blockages, perhaps you’d also like to clean those icky parts. Not only should it help maintain your vacuum cleaner’s suction power but also prevents your cleaning from smelling nasty.

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3) Cleaning The Filters

Shark vacuum cleaners have some of the best filters available on the market right now. However, that does not mean that you should look pass through it. It still needs some maintenance from you to keep working at its best.

If it has been a while since you last cleaned up your vacuum’s filter, then it could be the main culprit for your Shark vacuum not sucking.

In order to clean it, you first need to remove both foam and felt filters from the vacuum cleaner. Give them a good clean by running them through clean water, making sure that all dirt and dust are removed. Take extra care when washing the felt filter. Read More: 10 Best Vacuum for Hardwood Floors and Carpet

Now, the following steps are important:

Ensure that the filters are completely dry before putting them back into the vacuum cleaner. Usually, this will take at least a day to complete. Never put wet filters back as it can be the perfect breeding ground for molds and mildew, causing your vacuum cleaner to release a strong musty smell whenever in use.

4) The Motor Is Giving Up

Shark produces excellent vacuum cleaners, plus, you will get most years of service out of them. Like any appliances, however, they won’t last forever.

So, if you’ve tried all of the above tips and giving your vacuum cleaner a thorough cleaning and still have poor suction performance, then it sounds like the motor might be broken.

There are replacement motors available, however, they can be very expensive, plus really difficult to install if you don’t know what you’re doing.

If the motor is the main culprit for your Shark vacuum not sucking any dirt or dust, then it is probably better to purchase a new Shark vacuum cleaner instead of prolonging the life of your dead vacuum cleaner.

Honestly speaking, the cost of a new Shark vacuum motor is not actually cheaper than getting a new Shark vacuum anyway.

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Regular Cleaning and Maintenance Keeps Your Shark Working

Although there are a few main reasons as to why a Shark vacuum not sucking dirt or dust, you can see that regular cleaning and maintenance are what prevent such a problem in the first place and keeps it running for a long time.

It is suggested that you give your Shark vacuum cleaner a good and thoroughly clean once a month. While some people check and clean it every 3 – 6 months, taking the time once a month to clean the filters, check for blockages, and making sure that the canister or dirtbag is nice and clean can help you get more years out of your vacuum cleaner.

In addition, ensuring that the vacuum filters and dirt canister clean and that there are no blockages in it puts less stress on its motor, meaning that your Shark vacuum cleaner is going to last a lot longer than most!

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