Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Kiersten James
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to the hose on your Shark vacuum cleaner. With all of the day-to-day things you have to actually worry about, why would you?
The vacuum reliably turns on, cleans, and then gets put away. When it begins to smell like white cheddar popcorn or a dog kennel, you just vacuum faster to avoid filling the room with any lingering odors.
Eventually, you’ll get around to cleaning the vacuum filter. In the meantime, you’ll put down some natural carpet freshener and vacuum more quickly.
Maybe you’ll get a whole new vacuum and call it good. Idk.
*Totally raising my hand in guilt here.*
How Do I Know The Vacuum Hose Needs to Be Cleaned?
Cleaning the vacuum is the kind of thing we all know we should do but “will get to some other time.” If the vacuum hose (and foam filters) do not enjoy regular cleaning and proper maintenance, the vacuum can become clogged with dirt particles, pet hair, and copious amounts of dust.
Eventually, you’ll start noticing things like reduced suction power, high-pitched motor noises, bad odors, louder-than-normal vacuuming sessions…and other annoying things.
Broken vacuum motors, scratched hardwood floors, and other expensive issues often result.
Are Shark Vacuum Hoses Hard to Clean?
Lucky for all of us procrastinators, cleaning the vacuum hose is a quick and easy process that honestly only takes a few minutes. If your vacuum hose is seriously hazmat level gross or caked up with stubborn dirt, it may require thorough cleaning with an overnight soak.
In both cases, the actual hands-on cleaning time is minimal.
Done Is Better Than Perfect
Choose the cleaning process that’s easiest for you as it will be the one most likely to get done.
Putting in a bit of effort here and there to clean hoses and vacuum filters will help your Shark vacuum cleaner perform at its best year after year. The important thing is that it gets done – not how you do it.
Before You Begin: Prep for Cleaning
Before beginning any cleaning steps, you’ll need to unplug the vacuum from any power source and remove the hose from the body of the vacuum. Hoses on most Shark models are held in place with plastic clips, but you may have one of the few models that require ownership of a screwdriver.
If you are unsure how to proceed, refer to the instruction manual for your specific Shark vacuum model. Model-specific details can be readily found online at the manufacturer’s website in PDF form.
After removing the vacuum hose, give it a good shake outside to loosen or remove any dirt and debris that may have become stuck inside.
Do not shake the vacuum cleaner hose out in the kitchen garbage unless you have a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA filter) nearby, plugged in, and ready to put in some work.
Now, gather your cleaning supplies and have at it!
Cleaning Method #1: Vinegar-Soaked Paper Towels
- Run hot water through the Shark vacuum hose to soften and remove dirt that may have accumulated on the inner walls of the hose.
- Soak a paper towel in vinegar and wrap it around the end of the hose.
- Push the vinegar-soaked paper towel through the length of the hose until it comes out the other end. A mop or broom handle works well to help move it through. If this is the first time you’ve ever cleaned the vacuum hose, you will likely have to push a towel through several times.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the paper towel comes out relatively clean.
- Rinse the hose with cold water to remove any residual dirt.
- Hang the vacuum hose vertically and let it dry completely.
- Once dry, reattach the hose to your Shark vacuum cleaner.
- Vacuum your carpets, floors, and furniture as you normally would to remove any remaining dirt or dust.
Cleaning Method #2: Dish Soap & A Bottle Brush
- Disconnect the hose from the vacuum cleaner and remove any dirt or debris by hand.
- Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
- Place the hose in the bucket and allow it to soak for a few minutes.
- Scrub the inner portion of the vacuum hose with a long-handled bottle brush or other soft brush to loosen and remove any debris.
- Rinse the hose with a considerable amount of warm water until it is clean.
- Hang vertically to air dry, preferably overnight.
- Once dry, reattach the hose to your Shark vacuum cleaner and start cleaning!
Cleaning Method #3: Hot Water Basin Soak
- As with the other cleaning methods, remove the hose from the vacuum cleaner before you begin.
- Rinse the vacuum hose with hot water for a few minutes to help loosen and break up any debris stuck on the interior walls.
- Place the vacuum hose in a storage tote, bucket, bathtub, kitchen sink, or anything else that would allow the hose to be temporarily but entirely submerged underwater.
- Fill the vessel of choice with hot water and one tablespoon of household dish soap.
- Soak the Shark vacuum hose in the hot soapy water for at least 30 minutes. This can be extended to an overnight soak for more demanding cleaning jobs.
- Rinse the hose with warm water to remove any dirt and soap residue.
- Let the hose air dry in a vertical position.
- Once dry, reattach the house to your Shark vacuum cleaner and enjoy your refreshed cleaning machine.
How Often Should I Clean My Shark Vacuum Hose?
How often you need to clean your Shark vacuum hose will depend on how often you use your vacuum cleaner. For example, if you vacuum once or twice daily, inspect the hose once a week and clean as needed.
Additional Tips to Maintain Your Shark Vacuum
- Store your vacuum cleaner with the hose detached so that dirt and dust can’t accumulate inside.
- Replace the vacuum hose if it becomes damaged or worn out.
- Stock up on additional filters to replace as needed instead of cleaning. Multipacks can be found on Amazon for under $40.
Choose the cleaning method you are most likely to complete on a semi-regular basis. There is no “right” way, only a way that works for you. Simple, regular maintenance can make a huge impact and is one of the most effective ways to increase your vacuum’s lifespan.
By following these easy steps, you can help keep your Shark vacuum clean and functioning at its best.
