Shark ION Flex 2X Review: The Best Upright Vacuum of 2021!

If you are planning to buy a new vacuum, you have probably already done your fair share of research. No matter where you look, you will stumble upon Shark, one of the best vacuum cleaners brands in the world.

Shark carry tons of different vacuum models. The IONFlex 2X cordless vacuum cleaner is one of their best inventions without a shadow of a doubt.

The DuoClean MultiFLEX 2X excels at fulfilling any number of household cleaning needs. With a friend like this, you will be able to keep your house in tip-top shape without any additional help!

Let’s see what makes this vacuum cleaner so unique in this Shark IONFlex 2X review.

How to Use Shark IONFlex 2X Vacuum Cleaner

Shark IONFlex is really easy to use with its simple features and power options. To start using your brand new Shark DuoClean 2X vacuum, you need to install your ION power pack batteries first.

Let the batteries charge for up to 3.5 hours. There are 3 LED lights attached to let you know when the batteries are full.

To start vacuuming simply press the power button and recline the wand to start the brush rolls. You can press the MultiFLEX Wand button to easily access under the furniture.

If you want to clean stairs easily, attach the handheld vacuum directly to the DuoClean™ floor nozzle.

Before you start vacuuming your delicate rugs and carpets, it is always wise to check the manufacturer’s user manual to see the recommended cleaning instructions.

Want to know how you can clean your living room properly? Take a look here.

Benefits of Shark IONFlex 2X DuoClean

Shark IONFlex DuoClean comes with a lot of advantages that make it one of the most popular cordless home vacuums of all time. In this part of the Shark IONFlex 2X review, here are some of the key features that everyone notices right off the bat.

Hassle-Free Runtime:

As Shark IONFlex comes with dual removable batteries, you can keep cleaning without having to worry about them running out.

This cordless vacuum can run for up to 80 minutes in ION power mode with two batteries running consecutively.

If you run out of charge, simply swap with another battery for a hassle-free runtime.

Cordless:

Being cordless, you can imagine how convenient it is. You can take it outside to clean your car or the backyard. You can carry it anywhere without having to worry about plug sockets.

Imagine how easy cleaning the staircase would be with this handheld vacuum cleaner!

Multiflex Technology:

The MultiFlex technology allows it to be incredibly flexible and functional. You can reach under the bed, or behind any furniture. This makes cleaning easier and faster.

The hard-to-reach places at our home that we often ignore and avoid, can be easily cleaned with the Shark IONFlex 2X vacuum cleaner. The under appliance wand is ideal for cleaning under the kitchen cabinets and sink.

Duster Crevice Tool:

If you want to clean your ceiling, you can easily use the duster crevice tool to remove dirt from tight and narrow crevices.

All the hidden dust on the baseboard or on the air ventilators can be easily removed with this vacuum. You can even clean the blinds without having to remove them from the window!

Want some more vacuum cleaner options for those tricky areas of the house? Click here.

Self-Standing feature:

Even though the machine is top-heavy, it has a self-standing feature. You can use the multiflex mode to bend it and make it compact. This way itself-stands while taking as little space as possible. Perfect size for any cleaning closets.

Maintenance Tips for a Shark IONFlex 2X

One of the best things about this vacuum cleaner is, it’s pretty low maintenance. You can easily store it with its compact storage function. In this part of the Shark IONFlex cordless vacuum reviews, we will find out how to properly take care of it.  

Empty the Dust Cans:

To empty the dust cans, remove the handheld vacuum from the wand by pressing the Wand release button. Then empty the can into a trash bin by pressing the Dust Cup Release button.

Clean the Filters:

Clean the filters only with water to prevent damage from cleaning chemicals. Let the filters air dry completely for at least 24 hours before putting them back in.

Ideally, it’s good to clean the pre-motor filters once a month and post-motor filters once every nine months.

Turn off Power:

To reduce any risk of shock or accidents, always turn off the power and remove the ION Power Pack before cleaning. Remove the batteries as well.

Clean the Brushrolls:

When you are cleaning the brush rolls, it’s important to not cut anything other than hair, fibers, string, or other debris. Make sure the brush roll garage is totally sealed and closed before using it.

If you follow these steps carefully, your vacuum will stay in good condition for a long time. The more you use your vacuum, the less upkeep it needs in order to maintain its appearance.

Difference between Shark IONFlex 2X vs. Dyson v10

Shark IONFlex 2X DuoClean and Dyson V10 are often put together in different comparison lists. While they both are incredibly well-performed devices, there are certain perks for owning a Shark IONFlex.

Versatility:

Shark IONFlex comes with the MultiFlex technology that bends in the middle. This provides excellent angles to clean from any sides you want. You can easily clean hard-to-reach surfaces with the Shark.

The Dyson Cyclone v10, however, lacks in this department. Even though they both can clean many different surfaces, with Dyson v10, you cannot be very flexible and bendable. This is a drawback especially if you live in a busy street with tons of dust.  

Filters:

The Dyson v10 comes with HEPA filtration that traps 99.97% of even the smallest dust particles from the air. Their filters are one-of-a-kind and designed to last a lifetime and you can simply clean them under running water.

The Shark gives a similar effect with washable foam filters with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal™. This traps more than 99% of the microscopic allergens including pet dander and dust mittens. Perfect for a carpeted home.

If you have shag rugs or carpets at your home, you might need something stronger to get rid of all the dust. You can check our list of Best Vacuums for Shag Carpets for more info.

Batteries:

Shark IONFlex comes with removable battery options which makes it a superior choice than Dyson V10 Absolute. This is because if there is any unexpected damage, you can simply remove and replace the battery without having to carry your machine around for a fix.

Removable batteries also last longer than traditional ones. So this makes Shark IONFlex a better option.

Both of these vacuum cleaners are industry classics with excellent features. If you want something specifically made for carpeted floors then Dyson Cyclone V10 is the better option. Check out our Dyson V10 Review to know more about it.

But if you want a flexible vacuum with multi-surface cleaning power, there are no better options than Shark DuoClean 2X.

Shark IONFlex 2X Stick Vacuum Review

Shark has a lot of different models on its MultiFlex technology. This particular one, however, is famous for its versatility and maneuverability.

Instead of having a solid metal body, IONFlex has a bendable area in the middle that allows it to twist however you want. This is why it’s named “Flex”. This multiflex technology folds over for a compact storage option as well!

The DuoClean technology of this vacuum combines soft rollers with a hard bristle brush. This seems strange and unconventional but it gives an excellent result on multiple different surfaces.

Whether you have hardwood floor work your whole place is covered in the most exquisite middle eastern carpets, it will clean them with delicate care and strong suction power.

It comes with two lithium ION batteries and charge indicator lights. You can see the remaining charge level by simply looking at the smart light panel.

There are three lights to indicate low, medium, and high charges. While vacuuming, seeing the remaining charge is helpful and practical.

The vacuum is easy to use and can be controlled with your thumb. There are buttons within the reach of your hands and feet to help you use the device efficiently.

The Pros:

  • Extra batteries.
  • Charging station.
  • Cordless and lightweight.
  • Strong and powerful suction.
  • Multi-surface cleaning.
  • Converts into a handheld vacuum.
  • Easy to use and freestanding.
  • 5 years warranty on the vacuum and 2 years on the batteries.

The Cons:

  • Batteries take approximately 40 minutes to cool down after each session.
  • Smaller dust bin. But this makes it lightweight and easy to clean.

Why I Recommend:

This is a really good device for anyone who wants a two in one option of a full stick vacuum and a handheld one all in a single unit. This is a rare feature that can not be found on any stick vacuums. It makes cleaning efficient and practical.  

Buying Guide

Before you decide on buying Shark 2X IONFlex DuoClean vacuum for your home, here are some of the things you should look for. These features are what make Shark IF251 such a unique device.

DuoClean Technology:

The DuoClean technology is designed to work on many different surfaces including hardwood floors, carpets, vinyl, tiles, and concrete.

If you have hardwood floors you know how easy it is to get scratches on them. The soft rollers on the Shark IONFlex 2X not only cleans your floor but also gives it a polished shine.

If you have carpeted floors or a lot of shag rugs, dust is an inevitable part of your life. With the hard bristle brushes of Shark IONFlex 2X, you can easily get rid of all the dirt and debris from your home.

Lithium-Ion Batteries:

Shark DuoClean IONFlex 2X comes with a pair of 25.2-volt Lithium-ion batteries with superior quality and durability. This vacuum cleaner is also designed to be cordless.

Lithium batteries are famous for their higher energy density and voltage capacity than any other type. They also have a lower self-discharge rate than other rechargeable batteries. This makes them power efficient and more stable.

You can use these DuoClean batteries for up to 2-3 years along with a warranty.  

Handheld Mode:

Most of us use two vacuums, one for power cleaning and one handheld vacuum for easy everyday cleanups. With Shark IONFlex 2X, you can have them both at the same time.

The whole machine is designed to be ergonomic and lightweight. You can convert it into a handheld vacuum whenever you want.

It is easy to detach from its body to clean all those places your hands cannot reach. Whether you are trying to clean between your car seats or each individual staircase, Shark IONFlex DuoClean vacuum cleaner won’t strain your back in the process.  

Suction Power:

The suction power of Shark IONFlex is strong enough to go deeper into the carpet pile than any other handheld vacuums out there. The flexible handle allows you to reach tricky places that a standard vacuum would never reach.

If you have pets, you know how hard it is to get rid of the shredded hair. It is almost impossible to remove. Shark IONFlex Cordless Ultra comes with hard bristle brush rolls that can get rid of all the unwanted pet hairs from textured surfaces.

LED Headlights:

LED headlights are something only high-end vacuum cleaners carry. They make cleaning under the bed or couch really convenient and easy.

This vacuum comes with great quality lights that will help you track down any unwanted dust and particles. A simple feature but truly transforms the whole device.

Filtration Power:

Of course, you need to focus on the filtration power of any vacuums you want to purchase. Without a good filter, the air gets filled with small dust particles that can create sinus issues or other health problems.

The Shark IONFlex 2X has pre-motor and post-motor filters for double filtration. The pre-motor filter cleans the air before it reaches the motor. The post-motor filter aka the exhaust filter cleans the air that comes out of the machine.

Shark claims that this dual filtration process can remove even the smallest dust particles from the air. It also has a special Anti-Allergen Complete Seal that traps 99.8% of allergens and dust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

01. How long does the shark ion flex battery last?

Unlike other cordless vacuum cleaners, chark ion flex has longer battery life. If you are using it at max power, it will last up to 15 minutes or so.

This is an adequate enough time to clean your carpeted floors or rugs. If you need more tie, you can simply swap the batteries. This will double up your runtime without the need to charge.

02. How do I clean my shark ion Flex?

To keep your Shark ion flex at the best condition, empty the dust cup regularly and make sure your dust cup is never over the max fill line. Rinse the pre-motor filters monthly with water and let it air dry for at least 24 hours before using it again.

The post-motor filters need to be cleaner every nine months or so. Wash the filters with only water and no sope and let them air dry. This will keep your filters in great shape.

03. How much does the shark IonFlex weigh?

Shark IONFlex weighs around 8.7 pounds without the added accessories. This means it is really easy to lift and carry around.

You can use the handheld vacuum to clean your ceiling without getting sore muscles. It is lightweight and perfect for a two/three-bedroom apartment.

04. Is the Shark Ion Flex very noisy?

If you have previously owned or used a Dyson vacuum, you know how noisy vacuuming can be. However, with Shark IONFlex, you get a quieter cleaning process.

It makes a very small amount of noise compared to any Dyson vacuum cleaners. This makes it a great option for smaller apartments or if you have kids and pets. Shark IONFlex will not scare anyone away.

Final Verdict

In this Shark IONFlex 2X review we discussed how carefully designed and well-structured this device is. The powerful and modern technology along with all the unique accessories makes it really helpful to clean even for those who hate to do it!

This vacuum is certainly not an affordable and budget option. However, it is a worthwhile investment if you are looking for a lightweight and versatile machine to use all around the house.

Want a more versatile and affordable alternative? Check our Shark Ion P50 review.

The fact that it comes with a complete manufacturer’s warranty is like a cherry on top. If you live in a two-three bedroom apartment with pets or kids, this is a really good option to keep your home clean and fresh.everyday.

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