Shark Sonic Duo Troubleshooting Guide For Beginners

In this post, we share with you the Shark Sonic Duo troubleshooting guide. No matter the problem, you should be able to find the solution for using the Shark Sonic Duo carpet cleaning machine. You can use the quick navigation tab below to jump to a specific problem immediately.

1. Shark Sonic Duo is squirting foam from the spray nozzle

There are two reasons why your Shark Sonic Duo is squirting foam from the spray nozzle:

1. The reusable bottle is not firmly inserted into the unit. Make sure you hear an audible click when you insert the reusable bottle into the appliance.
2. There may be air in the system. Hold down the spray button for 5-10 seconds to flush the system.

2. Shark Sonic Duo does not spray

There are five reasons why your Shark Sonic Duo does not spray:

1. Make sure the reusable bottle is inserted all the way. You should hear an audible click.
2. Check that there is enough cleaning solution in the reusable bottle. If not, add more.
3. The bottle cap on the reusable bottle may need to be cleaned. Remove it from the bottle and rinse with running water before replacing.
4. There may also be air in the system. Hold down the spray button for 5-10 seconds until solution comes out of the spray nozzle.
5. The colored spray nozzle at the front of the unit may be clogged. Clean the spray nozzle by removing it from the unit. To remove, grip the small lips at the top and bottom of the spray nozzle and turn counterclockwise. Run the spray nozzle under warm water to clean it out. Reinsert the spray nozzle by lining up its grooves with the inside of the nozzle hole. Turn clockwise until the lips return to the top and bottom positions.

3. Shark Sonic Duo turns off when the handle is lowered

The Shark Sonic Duo unit automatically turns off when the handle is too low. This is a safety mechanism to ensure that the machine will turn off if it is dropped.

To keep the Shark Sonic Duo unit on when cleaning under low items, twist the handle to the left or right and engage the swivel. When the handle is swiveled and lowered, the Shark Sonic Duo unit will remain on.

4. The cap of the reusable bottle is stuck inside the Sonic Duo unit after the bottle was removed

To remove the cap, hold the center valve of the cap with your fingers and gently pull it out.

If it doesn’t come out easily, use a set of long-nose pliers for leverage.

Be careful not to crack the center valve when applying pressure and lifting it up.

5. The reusable bottle fell out

The Shark Sonic Duo unit is not meant to be turned upside down. When upside down, the reusable bottle is at risk of falling out of its cradle. If it is necessary to turn the unit upside down, remove the reusable bottle first.

6. Shark Sonic Duo turns off on its own

The Shark Sonic Duo has an automatic protector. If for some reason your appliance overheats, the protector will automatically turn the unit off. Should this occur, perform the following steps to restart the appliance:

1. Move the switch to the “O” (off) position.
2. Unplug.
3. Allow the unit to cool for around 45 minutes.
4. Plug in.
5. Turn the switch on to restart.

If the appliance still does not start, contact Shark Customer Care.

7. Shark Sonic Duo needs a repair or replacement

In accordance with our warranty conditions, products deemed defective may require repair or replacement during the warranty period (please see Owner's Guide for warranty specifics). 

Shark has several options available for both "in warranty" and "out of warranty" conditions. Shark Customer Care representatives will gladly take the time to explain the options available to you.

8. Shark Sonic Duo leaves foam on hard floors

If your Shark Sonic Duo is leaving foam on hard floors, the hard floor cleaning pad is likely too saturated. Replace it with a clean, dry pad. Change the wood & hard floor cleaning pad frequently for best results.

9. The floor appears cloudy after using Shark Sonic Duo

If the floor appears cloudy after using Shark Sonic Duo, the cleaning pad may be dirty. Replace the pad.

Alternatively, the Shark Sonic Duo unit may have been left in the same spot for too long with a wet cleaning pad. Never leave the unit with a wet pad in one spot for too long.

Sometimes past cleaners can leave a cloudy residue on the floor surface. Use the Shark Sonic Duo System for Carpet & hard floors a few more times and see if the leftover cloudiness is removed. If this does not work, rinse the floor with water and let it dry. One or more rinses generally removes the residue.

A more stubborn case may require you to rinse the floor with a mix of one part vinegar to 2 parts water. Then use the Shark Sonic Duo System again with a clean pad. The vinegar should get rid of the residue.

10. The floor appears streaky or spotty after using Shark Sonic Duo

If you notice streaks or spots while polishing your hard floors, there is not enough polish being applied to the floor. Go over the streaky or spotty area with more polish. Wait until the area is dry, then add more polish. Always leave the area looking wet. When the pad and floor are fully saturated, streaks should stop appearing.

If floors dry streaky or spotty, it is hard to fix it, but it is possible.

Repolish the area (no larger than 1 ft. x 1 ft.). This will sometimes soften the previous coat enough that the new layer of polish will smooth out and hide any streaking or spotting.

11. I accidentally ran the Shark Wood & Hard Floor Polish through the Shark Sonic Duo unit and now the unit is not working properly

The Shark Wood & Hard Floor Polish should always be applied directly to the floor. If you have accidentally ran the the polish through the Shark Sonic Duo unit, flush it out immediately as follows:

1. Fill the reusable bottle with warm water and spray it through the system.
2. Turn and remove the tip of the nozzle to clean it.
3. Contact Shark Customer Care for additional assistance if necessary.

You may also want to read: Shark Sonic Duo manual