Shark Vacuum Not Sucking? Try These Troubleshooting Tips

PDF download Download Article
Get your Shark vacuum working again with these easy fixes
PDF download Download Article

If your Shark vacuum suddenly stops picking up dirt, dust, and pet hair, don’t rush out to replace it just yet. You can usually fix a Shark vacuum that’s lost suction with simple cleaning and maintenance. The process of troubleshooting a Shark vacuum is largely the same whether you have an upright, stick, handheld, or robot—and we’re here to walk you through the steps to fix your Shark vac so it sucks up dirt the way it should.

Why is my Shark vacuum not sucking?

If your Shark vacuum cleaner leaves behind a lot of dust, dirt, or pet hair, check for a full dust bin, blocked roller brush, or dirty air filters—these are the most common reasons a Shark vacuum loses suction. If it’s still not sucking, check for a clogged or cracked hose, low power, or incorrect settings.

Section 1 of 3:

How to Fix a Shark Vacuum That’s Not Sucking

PDF download Download Article
  1. Check to see if the dust bin or dust cup is full, then clear it out. Also, check any openings in the dust receptacle to make sure they’re not blocked by dirt, hair, or other debris. If there’s a screen inside the dust receptacle, clear it of any debris as well. [1]
    • If debris builds up in the dust bin or dust cup all the way to the “MAX FILL” line, you’ll usually notice a loss of suction in your Shark vacuum. Also, dirt and debris can block the openings on the dust bin or dust cup, which could prevent the vacuum from cleaning properly. [2]
  2. Turn over the vacuum and look at the brush roller (sometimes called the beater bar). Pull any hair, fibers, dust, or objects away from the brush, then test it to make sure it spins freely. If you need to, use scissors to carefully snip the obstruction from the brush roller. Also, use your fingers to clear any obstructions out of the nozzle openings. [3]
    • If your vacuum has additional brushes—like a Shark robot with a side brush—check these as well. [4]
    • Hair or fibers wrapped around the brushes could keep them from turning. There could also be debris buildup or even a small item trapped near the brush, which can stop its rotation. [5]
    • Deep clean: On some Shark vacuums, you may be able to remove a cover from the brush head, allowing you to check for debris buildup. Check your owner’s manual to learn exactly how to do this on your model. [6]
    Advertisement
  3. Take out each filter and inspect it—if it’s dirty or clogged with hair or other debris, that could be why your Shark vacuum isn’t sucking. [7] If your air filter is disposable, replace it with a new one. If your air filter is reusable, rinse it until the water runs clear. Allow the filter to dry for at least 24 hours, then replace it.
    • Refer to your owner’s manual to see where the air filters are located in your Shark vacuum—there may be one or you might have more than one.
    • Quick tip: If you’re in a hurry or don’t have a replacement filter, you may be able to clear out the filter by tapping it against the inside of your garbage can. (This will produce a lot of dust, so you might want to do it outside.) But this is only a temporary fix, so change or clean the filter as soon as you can.
  4. Drop a coin down the wand or hose on your Shark vacuum—if the coin doesn’t come out the other side, there’s probably a blockage. If you have a hose vacuum, you may be able to feel the blockage by running your fingers along the hose. Squeeze the hose to carefully work the blockage toward one end so you can reach in and remove it. [8]
    • If that doesn’t work, or if you have a wand vacuum, push a rounded stick (like a broom handle) into one end of the hose to push the blockage out the other side, being careful not to damage the vacuum.
  5. If your Shark vacuum has an energy-friendly setting (Eco Mode), it may use lower power as a way to reduce the vacuum’s electrical pull. Use a different setting to see if the suction improves. For instance, try Boost Mode or Max Mode instead of Eco Mode. [9]
    • Note that if you’re trying to vacuum deep carpet, the suction could be reduced if you’re inadvertently using a setting meant for hard floors or low carpet. [10]
    • If your Shark vacuum has an adjustable height, try lowering it—this will concentrate the vacuum’s power to a smaller area, which may help increase the suction.
  6. Your Shark vacuum won’t work properly if it isn’t getting power. If you have a corded model, make sure it’s plugged in, or move the plug to another outlet if that one isn’t working. If you have a battery-powered model, be sure the battery is charged. If it’s still not working, the problem could be with the power cord, battery, or motor.
    • If you suspect an issue with the unit’s power supply or motor, visit Shark’s support site for troubleshooting tips or to reach out to their customer service team.
    • Safety tip: Do not attempt to repair a faulty power cord on your own, and don’t disassemble the Shark vacuum to try to fix the motor—you’ll run the risk of an electric shock, and you could void your warranty.
    • Did your Shark vac overheat? If your vacuum was working normally then suddenly shut off and won’t come back on, it may have overheated. Wait about an hour for it to cool down, then try to turn the vacuum on again. [11]
  7. If you find a broken hose or cracks in the body of the vacuum, contact Shark customer service to determine whether the hose or frame can be repaired on your model. If it can’t be fixed, they may send you a new vacuum if yours is still under warranty. [12]
    • Over time, your Shark vacuum can develop cracks or breaks in the hose. If the unit is dropped, the frame could crack as well. Cracks in the vacuum will prevent it from sucking properly.
    8. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Shark Vacuum FAQs

PDF download Download Article
  1. Check your owner’s manual to see if your model has a reset button. Many upright, handheld, and stick vacuum models don’t have one. However, you can reboot some Shark robot vacuums by pressing and holding the DOCK or POWER button for 10–15 seconds. [13]
  2. If your Shark vacuum is making a loud noise, turn off the vacuum and unplug it, then check around the brush roller for any obstructions. Empty the dust bin and clean the filters, as well. [14]
    • If you still hear the noise after thoroughly cleaning the vacuum, there may be an issue with the motor or belt—contact Shark customer service for assistance.
  3. If your vacuum is brand-new, you may notice a strange smell coming from the motor the first few times you use it. If you’ve used the vacuum for a while, check for clogs that could be causing the vacuum to overheat. If that’s not the problem, check any connection points for melting or damage, like where the hose or wand meets the vacuum and where the dust receptacle connects to the housing. [15]
    • If you see melted plastic or burns on the metallic connectors, stop using the vacuum and contact Shark customer service.
  4. Clogs can cause your Shark vacuum to overheat. Empty the dust receptacle and clean the filters, then check the hose and brush roller to make sure they’re not blocked. You may need to wait 1 hour for the vacuum to cool down before it will come on again. [16]
    • If your vacuum keeps overheating, there could be a problem with the motor.
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

Maintaining a Shark Vacuum

PDF download Download Article
  1. Keep an eye on the dust receptacle on your Shark vacuum, and empty it as soon as debris reaches the MAX FILL line. Every time you empty the bin, check the inside of the container and the openings on the vacuum for hair, dust, or other clogs.
  2. Remove the air filters from your vacuum. If they’re reusable, rinse them in the sink until the water runs clear. If they’re disposable, replace them with a new one. Check your owner’s manual if you’re not sure how many filters your vacuum has or where to find them.
    • If you have pets that shed a lot, or if you have allergies, you may need to clean your filters more often, like once every 2 or 3 weeks.
    • For a quick clean, remove the filters and tap them inside of your trash can to clear out dirt. It’s a good idea to do this each time you empty the dust receptacle.
  3. You may not need to clean your brush roller every time you vacuum, but it’s a good idea to check it each time. If hair, dust, or other debris becomes wrapped around the roller, your vacuum won’t operate properly.
    • If the outside of your vacuum cleaner gets dusty or dirty, wipe it down with a lightly damp (not wet) cloth and allow it to air dry.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Fix a Dyson Cordless Vacuum That Won't Charge: Tips & Solutions
      How to
      Fix a Dyson Brush That Won't Spin: Troubleshooting Guide
      How to
      Empty and Clean Any Dyson Vacuum Cleaner
      How to
      Empty and Clean Your Shark Vacuum
      How to
      Find a Vacuum Leak
      How to
      Use a Shop Vac for Water
      How to
      Tell a Roomba to Go Home
      How to
      Clean a Dyson Filter
      How to
      Diagnose and Fix a Dyson That’s Losing Suction
      How to
      Operate a Roomba
      How to
      Clean a Roomba
      How to
      Repair a Vacuum Yourself (Plus When to Call a Professional)
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/15813529961116-LA490-Series-Shark-Detect-Lift-Away-ADV-Corded-Upright-Vacuum-Troubleshooting-Guide
      2. ↑ https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/4863753022364-HV370-Series-Shark-Rocket-Pro-FAQs
      3. ↑ https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/15813529961116-LA490-Series-Shark-Detect-Lift-Away-ADV-Corded-Upright-Vacuum-Troubleshooting-Guide
      4. ↑ https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/9958195849500-RV2300-Series-Shark-Matrix-Robot-Troubleshooting-Guide
      5. ↑ https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/4863753022364-HV370-Series-Shark-Rocket-Pro-FAQs
      6. ↑ https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/15813529961116-LA490-Series-Shark-Detect-Lift-Away-ADV-Corded-Upright-Vacuum-Troubleshooting-Guide
      7. ↑ https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/4863753022364-HV370-Series-Shark-Rocket-Pro-FAQs
      8. ↑ https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/15813529961116-LA490-Series-Shark-Detect-Lift-Away-ADV-Corded-Upright-Vacuum-Troubleshooting-Guide
      9. ↑ https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/14235389153692-IW4000-Series-Shark-Cordless-Detect-Pro-Vacuum-Troubleshooting-Guide
      1. ↑ https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/4403091821586-QU573Q-FAQ
      2. ↑ https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/10181370013596-ZU60-Series-Shark-Navigator-Pet-Pro-Upright-Vacuum-Troubleshooting-Guide
      3. ↑ https://www.ifixit.com/Troubleshooting/Shark_Navigator_Repair/Shark+Navigator+Lift-Away+Pro+Loss+of+Suction/444338
      4. ↑ https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/fe/fec3b5a6-d849-4213-8f82-fb2ddc6b8378.pdf
      5. ↑ https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/14235389153692-IW4000-Series-Shark-Cordless-Detect-Pro-Vacuum-Troubleshooting-Guide
      6. ↑ https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/14235389153692-IW4000-Series-Shark-Cordless-Detect-Pro-Vacuum-Troubleshooting-Guide
      7. ↑ https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/10181370013596-ZU60-Series-Shark-Navigator-Pet-Pro-Upright-Vacuum-Troubleshooting-Guide

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 625 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement