Is Your Shark Steam Mop Not Steaming? 5 Fixes You Should Try
The Spruce / Joe Morales
Your Shark steam mop is one of the most versatile and effective cleaning tools in your arsenal. It's perfect for cleaning and sanitizing several types of flooring—but not when it's suddenly no longer steaming.
If your mop stops steaming, do you need to toss it? Here are five fixes if your Shark Steam Mop is not steaming.
Why Did My Shark Steam Mop Stop Steaming?
A common issue with the Shark steam mop would be a clog in the water nozzle. Mineral deposits from hard water, usually calcium, can build up around the nozzle and impact steam output. We recommend descaling this part of the mop by soaking it in boiling water and vinegar, or scraping out the nozzle with a safety pin.
Read on for some other quick fixes you can try.
Fix One: Check the Water Tank Level
Often, the fix is as simple as refilling the water tank when the steam stops flowing. Ideally, you should use distilled water to fill the tank to prevent the build-up of minerals that can clog mop components.
For the best performance, empty the water tank after every use to help prevent mineral deposits.
Fix Two: Inspect the Water Tank and Mop Head
If no steam is forming, it could be because the components are not aligned correctly. Inspect the cap on the water tank to make sure it is not cracked and that the rubber gasket used to prevent leaks is still attached.
A water intake tube extends to the bottom of the water reservoir. It should be straight, not bent, so all of the water can be heated. Consult your user manual or online instructions to be sure the foot of the steam mop is installed properly.
Fix Three: Check the Power Source and Select the Correct Setting
Be sure your steam mop is securely plugged into an electrical outlet or if it is cordless, that it is fully charged. If a corded model will not turn on, try another outlet or check the fuses or breakers in your electrical system.
Once you see the power LED come on, be sure you have selected the STEAM button to activate the steam. If you cannot select the steam setting but the power light remains on, unplug the mop. Wait 15 to 30 seconds and plug the unit back in. This will often reset the mop's control system.
Fix Four: Remove Mineral Deposits
As mentioned, a clogged nozzle can often be the culprit for why your Shark mop is no longer steaming.
Shark includes a nozzle cleaning tool with most of its models. If you have lost the tool, straighten a paper clip to tackle the mineral deposits.
Unplug the steam mop. Make sure it is completely cool.
Remove the mop head and locate the nozzle. It's a small hole where the water vapor enters the mop head)
Insert the nozzle cleaning tool or straightened paper clip. Move it up and down several times to loosen mineral buildup. In some Shark Steam Mop models, the nozzle can be removed using a flathead screwdriver to pop it out. The nozzle can then be cleaned and rinsed under a stream of warm water and reinserted by snapping into place.
Reattach the mop head and fill the water tank. Plug in the mop and check the output of the steam. Repeat the cleaning steps, if needed.
Fix Five: Replace Your Steam Mop
Nothing lasts forever, and a common reason for the lack of steam is a failed heating element in the mop after many years of use. You can take the mop to an authorized repair center or decide to purchase a new steam mop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no steam coming out of my steam mop?
If no steam is coming out of a steam mop, be sure the mop is plugged in securely or fully charged. The water tank should be full and the mop head installed correctly. Check that you have selected the correct setting for different steam levels. The nozzle that feeds water vapor to the mop head may be clogged and requires cleaning. Or, the heating element no longer works and the mop needs repair or replacement.
How long does a Shark mop take to steam?
A Shark Steam mop should begin producing steam within 30 seconds of selecting the steam function.
How do you unclog a Shark steam mop with vinegar?
Shark recommends using distilled water, not vinegar, or the Shark Water Filtration Bottle to extend your mop's life and reduce the potential build-up of hard water residue in the unit which may contribute to steam performance issues. If the steam nozzle is removable, it can be soaked in vinegar to loosen mineral deposits.
Read the original article on The Spruce.
