Why Is My Shark Vacuum Blowing Out Air?

Vacuums are supposed to suck in air and all of the dust and pollutants with it. If you notice that your vacuum is blowing out air, there’s surely something wrong with your vacuum, right?

Your Shark vacuum is blowing out air due to a few reasons. Some models blow out and suck in the air simultaneously so that it could be perfectly normal. However, sometimes your vacuum is broken or clogged if the air is blowing out. Cleaning out the hoses and filters is usually enough to fix it.

Troubleshooting is the best way to determine if your vacuum is functioning normally or if it needs to be cleaned or repaired. Let’s look at all of the steps you need to take to find why your vacuum is blowing out air.

Check the Manual

The first step when troubleshooting your vacuum cleaner is to check the manual. Most vacuums are similar enough that general advice will work, but some models are unique from others and will need special care.

Many manuals have sections that list the specific problems you might encounter with your vacuum and have other sections dedicated to troubleshooting. It’s a good idea to try out these recommendations before trying general advice.

If you can’t find your own manual, look for it on Shark’s website.

Check the Buttons on the Vacuum

Before you begin dismantling your vacuum, try pressing the various buttons first. Some models have a setting that will change the air direction from suction to blowing. It’s possible to hit the button accidentally, so if your model has this button, check to make sure it’s in the position that will suck in the air rather than blow it out.

Your model might have other buttons with similar functions that you should also check.

Unclog Shark Vacuum Hoses

Most vacuum issues are solved by unclogging the hoses. If your vacuum is blowing out air, it’s possible that it’s clogged and is at risk of overheating. Here are the steps to clean out the many hoses in the vacuum.

Unplug the Vacuum

Before you do any troubleshooting, unplugging the vacuum should be the first thing you do. Once hoses are detached, accidentally turning on the vacuum will result in debris flying out of the machine and making a big mess. Make sure the button is in the off position and that the cord is unplugged.

Empty the Canister

Debris is usually the culprit when the vacuum stops working. Just like dust and dirt can cover your house, it can cover all the nooks and crannies in your vacuum. Emptying the canister will make it easier to unclog your vacuum if you need to do so, and you won’t risk accidentally spilling debris everywhere.

Test and Clean the Attachment Hoses

Sometimes the clog happens in the attachment hoses. To test this, remove the attachment, plug in the vacuum, and turn it on to test the suction. If the hose has poor suction or is blowing out air and dirt, then you know the clog is in that specific hose.

To clean the hose:

Turn off and unplug the vacuum.
Detach the hose and attachments. The brush head can detach from the hose, and the hose can detach from the vacuum.
Clean out the hose and attachments. Wearing gloves, use your finger to push or pull out debris from brush heads and the ends of the hose.
It’s recommended for the middle of the hose to use a long, slender object like a broomstick or ruler. Be very careful when poking something in the hose because sharp edges can cause the hose to tear.
Clean out the vacuum where the hose attaches. You will need to use your fingers to dig out debris. The debris typically clogs near where the hose attaches to the vacuum. You shouldn’t have to reach too far in the vacuum to find where the debris is clogged up.
Clean the hoses with water. Close one end of the hose with your hand and pour hot water on the other end. Close both ends and gently shake the hose around so the water will knock clinging debris loose. Then, pour baking soda and vinegar into the hose and shake it again. Rinse it out with hot water and lay it out to air dry. Don’t put water in the vacuum cleaner, or it will severely damage the machine.

Unclog Shark Vacuum Head

The head of the vacuum is most likely the place where the clog is happening. The big brush head can easily clog once it’s caked up with hair. The hair can collect dust and build a wall that prevents air from flowing through the machine as it should.

To clean the vacuum head:

Make sure the vacuum is turned off and unplugged. An optional step is to detach the head of the vacuum from the rest of the vacuum, so the pieces are easier to maneuver.
Flip over the vacuum head, so the bottom (the brush and wheels) is facing up.
Remove visible hair and dust. You can easily see if the brush head is clogged. Wearing gloves, remove the debris that is caught in the brush head. Hair can wrap around the brush head bar or on the sides of the bar. They can also get caught between the bar and the vacuum. Use scissors if the hair is wrapped around tightly, but be careful not to cut any bristles.
Open the vacuum for deep cleaning. For easier access, you can remove the panel on the bottom of the vacuum with a screwdriver. The motor and wires will be exposed, so be careful not to make them fall out when you remove the brush head. You’ll be able to fully remove the brush to easily remove debris.

Clean Shark Vacuum Filter

The filter is responsible for catching small particles and causing your vacuum to blow out air. Your vacuum filter should be cleaned out once a month. If you frequently vacuum to reduce allergies, you will probably have to clean it more regularly. HEPA filters should be frequently replaced so they can continue to function as intended.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on August 17, 2020.

Washable filters can be rinsed with water and left to air dry. If it’s not washable, simply replace it with a new one. Washable filters are more budget-friendly since you can reuse them several times before you have to replace it.

Test the Vacuum

After you finish unclogging and cleaning all the parts, you could put it back together and test it. If you washed pieces with water, make sure they’re completely dry before you put them back into place.

Plugin the vacuum and turn it on. Let it run for a couple of minutes and feel the air in both the vacuum head and the attachments if the air is sucking inward, congratulations! You solved the problem. If the air is still blowing out, you may need to take it to a repair shop to get fixed or consider purchasing a new one. Depending on how recently you bought the vacuum, you may be covered by a warranty.

Shark Vacuum Front Filter Blows Off

The Shark vacuum front filter blowing off is typically due to a buildup of dirt and debris, causing pressure to mount and dislodge the filter. To prevent this issue, regularly clean the filter by removing it and gently shaking off accumulated dirt or washing it if necessary. After cleaning, ensure to secure it properly to avoid it blowing off during use.

Final Thoughts

Deep cleaning is the simplest way to repair a Shark vacuum, and it’s likely the only step that needs to be taken, especially if you haven’t cleaned it in a while. It’s recommended that you wear gloves while unclogging all the crevices since it’s a dirty job.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on August 17, 2020.

Be sure to stay safe while cleaning your vacuum by keeping sharp objects away from hoses and not letting water go near the vacuum. You can wash hoses and filters with water, but make sure they’re completely dry before putting them back into place.