Do you need to remove or replace your Shark DuoClean’s brushes? Here’s how to remove both the soft DuoClean and stiffer brush roll on the Shark NV801UK.
We’re big fans of the Shark DuoClean floorhead at Spotless Vacuum. The unique combination of a soft brush with a stiff bristle brush makes it effective on all floors, plus it’s great for picking up both larger and smaller debris.
Like all brushes, it’s important to remove any tangles around your DuoClean to make sure it can turn properly. In the long-term, you may also want to replace the brushes once the bristles become worn.
Fortunately, Shark has made it easy to remove, clean, and replace both the brushes on the Shark NV801UK. You won’t even need any tools! Let’s take a closer look at how to do it.
Instructions for Other Shark Vacuums May Vary
The instructions below are based on the Shark NV801UK. This model provides easy access to both brush rolls, but this isn’t the case with all Shark vacuums.
In most cases, the soft DuoClean brush is easy to remove and the process is similar across models. The stiff bristle brush isn’t always removable though. If you can’t remove this brush, then you’ll need to cut away any caught hair or string while it’s in position.
Always check your manual before performing any maintenance to get specific instructions for your machine.
How to Remove the Brushes From a DuoClean Floorhead (NV801UK)
It’s straightforward to remove the brushes from your DuoClean floorhead. Here’s how to do it on the NV801UK:
- Make sure the vacuum is switched off and disconnected from the mains power supply. This is vital when performing any maintenance on your vacuum cleaner.
- Remove the floorhead from the main body of the vacuum cleaner. Tilt it up so you can see the bottom of the floorhead.
- Pull the catch up on the side of the floorhead to remove the softer DuoClean brush from the bottom of the floorhead. It should come away easily.
- This is a good time to clean the comb that’s usually hidden by the DuoClean brush, as this is important for maintaining the cleaning performance.
- Turn the floorhead upright again, then press the two release buttons located on either side of the air outlet. This should pop up a cover at the front of the floorhead, which provides easy access to the main brush.
- Pull the silver tab to remove the main brush roll.
Once you’ve removed the brushes, you can either clean them (see the section below) or replace them with new ones.
Some Shark vacuums don’t allow you to remove the main brush roll. For these models, you’ll need to cut away any string or hair with the brush still in position. Some Shark vacuums come with a tool for this.
To replace the brushes or install new ones on the Shark NV801UK:
- Start with the stiffer brush roll. Line up the opposite end to the removable tab in the correct position, then gently push the other side into place.
- Replace the cover on the top of the floorhead.
- Tilt the vacuum floorhead back to access the bottom.
- Slide the new soft DuoClean brush into position.
And you’re done! As we mentioned, Shark makes the process very easy with the Shark NV801UK, which isn’t the case with all vacuums.
How to Maintain Your Shark’s Brushrolls
While many Shark vacuums have the company’s anti-hair wrap system, string or hair can still occasionally get caught around the bristle brush.
If you can remove the bristle brush on your Shark vacuum, then take it out before using scissors to snip away any caught hair. If you can’t remove the brush, then you can just take off the floorhead cover to cut away the hair while the brush is in position.
It’s also worth noting that some Shark vacuums, including the NV801UK, come with a hair removal tool. This is usually found in a small compartment in the floorhead. Check the manual to find out whether your vacuum includes this tool.
Once you’ve finished cleaning the bristle brush, use the same tool to remove any hair wrapped around the soft roller. The soft DuoClean brush should then be wiped clean with a dry cloth.
Tip: If the soft brush is looking very dirty, you can use cold water to give it a more thorough wash. Don’t use any detergent or soap, however, and allow at least 24 hours for the brush to completely dry before reinserting it.
When Should You Buy New DuoClean Brushes?
There’s no set time when you should replace your DuoClean brushes with new ones. You should inspect the brushes on a regular basis and replace them when the bristles are starting to look worn.
Shark sells replacement brushes for DuoClean floorheads. At the time of writing, the Soft DuoClean Brush-Roll costs £20, while the bristle brushroll costs £9.99 (although this can vary depending on the model.)
We only recommend using genuine parts when replacing components on your vacuum cleaner.
Tip: It’s also worth checking eBay for replacement DuoClean brush rolls. You can sometimes find great deals – although it’s important to make sure that the brushes are compatible with your machine.
Summary
The brushes on the Shark DuoClean NV801UK are easy to remove, maintain, and replace (if required.) We’re big fans of this vacuum cleaner, and its easy maintenance is one of the reasons why it’s such an excellent choice.
Keep in mind that some Shark vacuums don’t have a removable stiff bristle brush. The soft DuoClean brush is usually easy to remove on all models though.
Do you have any questions about how to remove the roller brushes on a Shark DuoClean vacuum? Or do you want to learn more about another aspect of maintaining your Shark vacuum? Please use the comments form below to get in touch. You may also want to read our guide to the best Shark vacuums and how to clean a Shark cordless.