If you’re wondering ‘how to unclog Shark vacuum hose?’, chances are you’re having vacuum trouble. Weak suction, strange noises, inconsistent cleaning ability, and a plethora of other issues can signal some sort of blockage in your vacuum hose.
Most of the time, a big dust bunny or a tangled hairball is clogging up the pipe of your vacuum. But sometimes small objects like lego blocks, hair bands, and trinkets can get sucked down the hose, and get stuck somewhere along the way.
So if you want to know how to get a sock out of vacuum hoses, this is your one-stop article. I will show you how to clean a Shark vacuum hose in just a few easy steps.
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How to Know Your Shark Vacuum Hose is Clogged
Is your Shark vacuum hose blocked or is something else the issue? A Shark vacuum clogged hose manifests in the following ways:
- Your Shark vacuum leaves a trail of dirt/dust behind instead of a clean surface.
- Your Shark vacuum doesn’t clean properly, leaving patches of dirt and debris.
- Your Shark vacuum has a nasty smell, even when it is switched off.
- Your Shark vacuum emits a strange sound when it is in use.
- Your Shark vacuum has a weak or nonexistent suction.
In these scenarios, especially if you have pets, there is a good chance that your Shark vacuum hose is blocked or backed up. You will need to clear the blockage and if that isn’t possible, it is time to get a Shark vacuum replacement hose.
Unclogging the Shark Vacuum Hose
This section will show you how to clean the blockage from a Shark vacuum. This method will work for all the different Shark vacuum models, from Shark DuoClean hose blockage to unblocking a Shark Lift-Away hose.
So if you want to know how to clean a Shark Rotator vacuum hose, keep reading to learn all about it!
What You Will Need:
- Warm water
- Baking soda
- Broom handle
- Screwdriver
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Tub or bucket
- Bleach/vinegar and mild detergent
What You Should Do:
01. Separate the hose from the rest of the vacuum:
Make sure your vacuum is disconnected from the outlet and switched off to prevent yourself from getting electrocuted. Then, hold down the tabs on either side of the nozzle where the hose is connected to the body of the vacuum.
After that, press the release button on the wand to separate the handle from the top of the vacuum. You will be left with the handle and the hose attached to it. Use your screwdriver to undo the screws on the plastic housing of the handle.
Take out the upper part of this plastic housing and separate the hose from the handle.
02. Get rid of any visible blockages:
Remove dust, hair, and things like socks blocking the hose using the handle of your broom. Insert the handle through one end of the hose and push out the blockage through the other end. However, be gentle as the hose can break or tear.
04. Clean the vacuum hose:
Fill a large container like a tub, sink, or bucket with warm water. Add 2-3 spoons of baking soda, and a little vinegar or bleach, as well as the detergent of your choice.
Submerge the hose in the water and whirl it around to make sure your cleaning solution reaches all the different parts of the hose. Rinse out the hose by holding it under running water.
Allow the water to flow through the hose by holding it from one end. This will dislodge and wash away any remaining debris. You can use a sponge or soft cloth to gently scrub away any stubborn dirt.
05. Dry your Shark hose thoroughly:
The drying stage may be the most important step of them all. Air-dry the vacuum hose by leaving it in a well-ventilated, preferably sunny spot. You can leave it on your balcony, front porch, or even by an open window.
This will take quite some time as the hose has many folds and nooks and crannies. Make sure the hose is completely dried, inside and outside. If you skip this step, your hose will become home to mold which will stink things up when you vacuum.
06. Reattach the hose to the vacuum body:
Once the hose is completely dry, use your screwdriver and the user’s manual to reconnect the Shark hose back onto the vacuum. After this, you can get back to vacuuming as usual.
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Extra Tips for Maintaining Your Shark Vacuum Hose
- Don’t use boiling hot water when cleaning the hose, as this can weaken and damage it.
- Avoid using harsh or concentrated cleaning solutions, as the hose is pretty delicate and can be damaged by such chemicals. Use a mild detergent or diluted bleach for cleaning.
- Even if your hose isn’t blocked, cleaning it out once in a while will improve how your vacuum functions, and extend the lifespan of the hose.
- Do not use stiff brushes, steel wool scrubbing pads, and rough sponges and these can poke a hole into the hose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find answers to questions I get asked the most about unclogging a Shark vacuum hose.
01. How Often Do I Need to Clean My Shark Vacuum Hose?
This generally depends on how often you use your vacuum. If you vacuum every day or have pets, doing it every 6 weeks is a good idea. However, if you vacuum less frequently, you can get away with cleaning a Shark vacuum hose every 6 months.
02. What Happens if I Don’t Unclog a Shark Vacuum Hose?
A blockage can cause the motor to overheat, creating a burning smell. It will damage the vacuum so you will need to replace the whole unit. Besides this, it will make vacuuming almost ineffective.
03. Can I Use an Oven Cleaner to Clean a Vacuum Hose?
It is better to use something milder, like floor cleaner AKA PineSol or laundry detergent, as they will be gentler on the hose.
04. How Can I Avoid Blockages in My Vacuum Hose When Cleaning?
The easiest way to prevent blockages is to pick up small objects on the floors before you start vacuuming. But for a quicker fix, cover the end of your vacuum hose with a mesh bag and attach it with a rubber band. This will allow the vacuum to pick up dust and dirt, and not bigger hairballs and larger objects.
Takeaway
Well, there you have it. You now know how to unclog a Shark vacuum hose! And it’s super easy, isn’t it? For the best result, I suggest using pantry staples like baking soda, vinegar, and washing powder as they are mild, effective, and even deodorize your vacuum hose.
How often do you clean your vacuum hose and what do you use to do it?