Is your Shark Duoclean vacuum’s brush roll indicator light turning red?
Don’t worry, a solid or flashing red light can easily be fixed.
In this blog post, you’ll learn:
- Why your Shark Duoclean brush roll shows a solid or flashing red light
- Step-by-step instructions on how to fix the issue
- And more!
Why Your Shark Duoclean Brush Roll Indicator Light is Red
The brush roll indicator light on your Shark Duoclean can turn solid red or flash red depending on the issue. Solid red usually indicates that the brush roller is jammed or that one part of the vacuum is not properly connected. A flashing red light is a sign that your Shark Duoclean is overheating due to a clog.
Fixing a Solid Red Light On Your Shark Duoclean
A solid red light usually indicates that your Shark Duoclean brush roller is jammed or that something is not properly connected.
Try the steps below to fix a solid red light:
1. Change Floor Type Settings
Like with most upright vacuums, Shark Duoclean units feature the “floor type” settings.
If you try to vacuum a deep pile carpet using the hard floor settings, the brush roll will struggle to spin, leading the machine to think there is something wrong with the brush roll itself.
This may trigger a solid red light.
To fix this, simply locate the floor type settings on your machine (Your Shark vacuum user guide should clearly state where the settings are located) and change the type accordingly.
2. Unclog The Brush Roll
Vacuums’ brush rollers clog up from time to time, especially if you have pets at home.
Lodged debris will cause your Shark Duoclean brush roll to stop spinning and display a solid red light.
Here is how to unclog the brush roller:
- Remove the vacuum head panel to access the brush roller
- Unclip the brush roller
- Grab a pair of scissor to cut through tangled hair
- Rinse the brush roller under running warm water
- Let the brush roller air dry completely before placing it back in the brush roller holder
3. Ensure The Brush Roll Is Clicked Into Place
When placing the brush roller back in the holder of your Shark Duoclean, make sure you click it into place.
A loose brush roll will not be able to spin freely, and, as a result, it may cause the solid red light to come on.
4. Check All Shark Duoclean Parts Are Connected
Inspect your vacuum to verify that the following parts are securely connected:
- Detach and reattach the hose to the pod
- Detach and reattach the handle to the wand
- Detach and reattach the wand to the nozzle/vacuum head
Make sure each part clicks into place.
5. Replace The Brush Roller
Another possible cause of a solid red light on your Shark Duoclean is a defective brush roll.
You can run a simple test to see if a fault within the brush roll is preventing it from working as it should:
- Remove the brush roll
- Place it on the floor in a vertical position
- Use one hand to push the brush roll to the floor while rotating it with the other hand
If your Shark Duoclean brush roll does not rotate, it may be time to replace it.
You can find affordable replacements here.
Make sure to check your Shark Duoclean user manual to know exactly which brush roll to purchase.
Fixing a Flashing Red Light On Your Shark Duoclean
A flashing red light indicates that a clog is present within your machine, causing it to overheat.
Duoclean vacuums feature a motor-protective thermostat that automatically turns the motor off when your Shark overheats.
When this happens, you should let the vacuum cool down for at least 45 minutes.
Then, try each step below and test the machine as you go along to see if any of the steps fixed the issue:
1. Empty The Dust Bin
Vacuuming with a full dust bin can cause the following issues:
- Reduced suction power: As the dust cup fills up, your Shark Duoclean will begin to struggle drawing in air and create suction. As a result, the machine will no longer be as effective at cleaning your floors and carpets.
- Overheating: When the airflow is blocked, the vacuum will begin to overheat. This can potentially damage the motor and other electrical components of your Shark Duoclean. When overheating occurs, your Shark vacuum may begin to smell like burning.
Make sure you empty the dust bin after each use or when it’s no more than ¾ full!
You should also aim to rinse the dust bin under warm water at least once a month (Let it dry before installing it back in your machine).
2. Clean or Replace The Filters
Most Shark vacuums come with 2 filters:
- A Pre-Motor Filter that should be cleaned at least once a month
- A Post-Motor Filter that should be cleaned at least once every 9 months
The filters in a vacuum cleaner play a critical role in keeping the machine running efficiently:
- They capture dust and allergens
- Protect the motor
- Improve air quality
To clean the filters, simply rinse them with water and let them air dry.
Please refer to your Shark Duoclean manual to locate the filters.
If you notice that one or both filters are damaged, you can order replacements here.
3. Unclog The Hose, Inlet Openings, and Accessories
Finally, clogs can form in other parts of your Shark vacuum, including the hose, inlet openings and any accessories you may be using as the flashing red light occurs.
Clean each one of the above using a dry cloth or a long object if necessary (such as a broom to go through the hose and remove clogs).
Make sure you also clean all connections between parts that are attached to one another.
What If The Above Fixes Did Not Work?
Unfortunately, if none of the steps above helped you fix the issue with your Shark Duoclean brush roll indicator light turning red, you will need to contact Shark for further assistance.
Most modern Shark Duoclean vacuums come with a 5-year limited warranty, which covers:
- Purchases made from authorised retailers
- Defects in workmanship and material for a period of five years from the date of purchase (if used to clean a private property and if the machine is well-maintained). Vacuums used in a commercial environment are not covered by the warranty
- All parts, except for wearable ones such as filters
Conclusion
Dealing with a red brush roll indicator light on your Shark Duoclean vacuum doesn’t have to be a headache.
By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly troubleshoot and fix the issue and get rid of the annoying red light.
Remember to regularly clean your vacuum, check for debris or tangles on the brush roller and ensure that all parts of the machine are securely connected.
With a little bit of care and maintenance, your Shark Duoclean will continue to keep your home clean and tidy for years to come 🙂