I’ve had the Shark Sonic Duo for a couple of weeks now, so I’ve decided to make a review. Right here I’m going to try to give you the most comprehensive guide possible, and see if I can cover all the necessary details, features, as well as all the benefits and queries I’ve noted about this item since I unpacked it. Note, I’ve already analyzed the similar (and yet so different) Bissell Symphony, you can check out that review if you ever need some comparing terms. So lets not lose any more time, here’s what you’ll know in a couple of minutes, after reading this:
- If the Sonic Duo is right for your cleaning needs
- The complete specs of this Shark
- How to get a really good deal for this product
With this new product, homeowners have now a real alternative to commercial carpet cleaning. If you still have doubts, I want to reassure you this machine can be used for both bare floors and carpets. That means it can clean roughly 90% of your home. Moreover, Shark took special care and included in the product box a tool that with help you reach in tight places: the scrub duster accessory. This comes with 2 different pads, one that can be used for scrubbing and one that can be used for dusting.
To get a better grasp of this model, I’ve embedded bellow a video introduction:
I’ll start with some basic information of this SharkClean scrubbing cleaner that might come in handy:
Specifications
| Scrubbing power | First, you have to understand that the Shark Sonic Duo is not a vacuum cleaner. The is no vacuum what so ever. In fact, if you are planing to clean carpets and staircases, the best results you can get with this tool appear if you pre-vacuum the areas (using a regular vacuum cleaner). If you are using Shark's carpet cleaning solutions, it is also advised to vacuum the carpets after the solution impregnated the textile fibers and dried. The pads vibrate just like an electric toothbrush, 1,000 times per minute. The ZZ550 has 2 scrub modes: Hard floors and Carpets. |
| Input power | Works on 120V. |
| Cleaning solutions | Comes with 4 different bottles of solutions: a 12oz low moisture no rinse carpet shampoo, a 10oz activating pre-treat carpet stain and odor remover, a 12oz hard floor cleaner solution and a 16oz wooded hard floor polish. You can use for carpets first the pre-treat carpet stain and odor remover, and then the low moisture carpet shampoo. For hardwood floors, first apply the cleaner solution and then the polisher. You can mix these in 2 reusable bottles. The solutions and the cleaning pads are colored intuitively. Thus, it's easier to keep track and use the right one. There's purple for carpets (1 bottle of solution and 1 bottle of stain and spot remover), green for cleaning hard floors and orange for polishing hard floors. All the formulated cleaning solutions are very effective and non-toxic, being safe to use around kids and pets. |
| Pads | The product comes with a lot of pads: - 2 green hardfloor cleaning pads - 1 orange hardfloor polishing pad - 1 purple carpet and rug cleaning pad - 1 purple scrub'n stain removal pad According to the producer, the pads are washable, lasting at least 20 washes. Despite the many extras included in the box even I could keep with all them as the solutions and pads were all color-coded! Replacements for all of the pads and solutions are easily available online. |
| Weight and Dimensions | Weights 9 lbs and measures 46.5 x 9.5 x 11.5 inches. |
| Warranty | If you buy the product on Amazon, it has a 2 year warranty. On Shark's site, you get a 5-year VIP plus limited lifetime warranty. |
| Accessories | Apart from the pads and the cleaning solutions, the product also comes with a scrub duster accessory (with scrubbing and dusting pads) and a storage tray. Check out this pic with all accessories: |
| Special features | 3 special features come in my mind: - the electronic spray button - spray cleaning solution with just a push of a button - the ergonomic handle - better grip - the bumper - protects your furniture |
| Usability | As you can tell from the weight and dimensions, the Shark Sonic Duo is substantial piece of gear, but this doesn't really matter once you switch it on. That's because of something billed as "Airglide Manoeuvrability". The pads underneath vibrate so quickly (1000 times a minute, or 16 times a second, so they say) that the cleaner handles very lightly. You can literally pull or push the Sonic Duo around the floor with your fingertips. The power cord has 22 ft, which is enough IMO. The rooms in my house are larger than average, but I've found the cord length to be ample, even while negotiating my Shark Sonic Duo around furniture. The head is slim-line and swivels 180 degrees, making tight gaps and nooks more accessible. At the front of the swivel head are headlights, which are a nice touch, bringing stains into better focus. Just above the handle, within easy reach or the thumb is the spray button. Halfway down the shaft is the reservoir, which is pretty easy to fill. |
| Price | You can buy it for $139.99 @ Amazon.com, or you could buy it for $199 directly @ SharkClean. |
Cleaning Carpets with the Sonic Duo
Having a dust allergy makes me a bit of a stickler for cleanliness, and is one of the reasons I was first attracted to the Shark Sonic Duo. The promise of getting years-old stains, trapped dust and mold out of my carpets was too good to pass up. The promise that hooked me was that this cleaner, combined with a vacuum cleaner, would remove four times as much dirt as if I had simply vacuumed the carpet alone.
After using it on the runner in my hall I can say that is pretty close to the truth. I saw colors and a vibrancy that must have been hidden for years beneath a layer of dirt that I didn’t even know was there. It was almost shameful how big the difference was between the areas that had been cleaned with the Shark Sonic Duo and those that hadn’t.
In the lounge I had a couple of long-term stains that had been trodden in the fibers, and no amount of cleaning in the past had been able to remove them. I followed the Sonic Duo – loaded with spot solution – up with my vacuum cleaner and a dull brown blotch that had been bothering me for ages was gone.
What happens is that the sonic scrubbing (like an electric toothbrush) and solution first breaks up any of the dirt that is on the surface. Then as you pass over, the solution penetrates deep into the carpet fibers, first trapping then unlocking dirt as it dries. When I followed it up with the vacuum cleaner I was pleasantly surprised by the renewed cleanliness of my carpets.
Cleaning hard surfaces
Transforming the Shark Sonic Duo just took just a couple of minutes, changing the pads and refilling the solution.
The results I saw on my carpet also applied to the linoleum flooring in my kitchen, which had picked up various stains and grime, which I’d become resigned to putting up with. Once the Sonic Duo came into contact with what I thought were permanent marks I saw them begin to ebb away.
Got to say, though when it came to using the Shark Sonic Duo on the wooden floors in my living room I did have my doubts. I’ve got these lovely hardwood floorboards, perfectly varnished and from bitter experience I know only too well what can happen if you use too much liquid or product on this kind of surface. Streaks and water damage!
But I felt encouraged to dry a small patch with the Shark Sonic Duo and the results were just incredible. First I had to attach the green pads, which are specially designed for hardwood surfaces.
One pass and I took a look at the results: no damage, no residue and no streaks; just a healthy shine. This is because Sonic Duo uses less moisture than, say, a mop, needing only a quick spray, which then evaporates quickly once you’ve passed over it with the pads. This was such an unexpected bonus. So once I had finished with my small test corner I went ahead and used my Shark Duo on the rest of the floor, ending up with a finish I haven’t seen for a good few years in there.
Polishing steps the shine up to a new level – those 1000 vibrations a minute help to distribute the polish solutions across the floor, and the results are spectacular.
Difference between Shark Sonic Duo ZZ550 and ZZ500
The ZZ500 is designed to clean only hard floors and has no headlights.
Queries
It might be that I’m a clean freak, but I have noticed that I’ve already used up a lot of the carpet solution. At this rate I may well get through several bottles of this a year, but the solution is sold in one package alongside the spot cleaner. As I only need the spot cleaner for isolated stains, I’ll end up with a lot of bottles I won’t need.
The instructions were a little sparse. As a seasoned cleaner I could get my head around them quickly enough, but I could understand how some people might be left in the dark.
Product infographic
Shark Sonic Duo VGM
After quantifying the features of this product, here is what I’ve got:
My final word
The Shark Sonic Duo is now firmly part of my cleaning arsenal, and I can look forward to floors that are visibly cleaner and healthier. I recommend this product to people that have lots of hardwood floors, it does wonders with the polishing feature. Additionally, I recommend the ZZ550 if you have carpets or rugs and if want to get rid of the most stubborn stains or if you want to buy a cleaning system that deeply scrubs the fibers. Get it now for a cheap price.
Update: Please sign this petition to get the concentrated carpet cleaning solution back on the market. Thank you!!!
I would love some feedback from you guys. Share your thoughts or questions bellow.
Jason Roberts
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Adelaide says
How fast does it work on carpets? I have a 100 ft carpet in my living room and I would hate to spend an hour just to clean it.
Jason Roberts says
Hi Adelaide.
Don’t worry, you can scrub 100ft in less than 10 minutes. The machine practically pulls itself, especially if you use it on loop pile carpets.
Omero Brownlee says
I’m concerned about the quality of the Shark cleaning solutions. I have a sensitive skin, so I was wondering if these were certified by a third party organism as being safe to use for all types of skin.
Jason Roberts says
Omero, you have nothing to worry about. Several customers reported using these products around kids, pets and even newborns with no issues. The producer specifically states the solutions are not toxic, do not contain any zinc and are biodegradable. The carpet solution has an English Lavender scent, while the hardwood solution smells like Italian citrus.
Jennifer says
I am curious if you can tell me how this compares to the Shark Steam n Spray SK410 mop. I recently got the Steam n Spray but I have seen reviews about the Sonic Duo cleaning better than the Steam n Spray. I have a 9 yo and live in a 2br apartment with laminate flooring throughout with a few area rugs. I initially thought the Steam n Spray would be perfect but now I’m wondering if the Sonic Duo is a better option. I would love your thoughts in how the two products compare.
Jason Roberts says
Dear Jennifer,
I’ll review the Steam n Spray SK410 in a couple of weeks and let you know. I haven’t tested this mop yet, but stay tuned, I’ll return with some informed conclusions in the first part on January, 2015.
Jennifer says
I was wondering if you had ever reviewed the Steam n Spray SK410?
Jason Roberts says
No, but it’s going to happen around the end of this month. I’ve been planning to do this, just a couple of weeks and I’ll take care of this subject.
Marissa says
Thanks for the great review! One question. Is there a furniture attachment? I have a dog and am considering buying this, but I’d like something that I can also clean my couches with. Thanks!
Jason Roberts says
Marissa, unfortunately this product is not designed to clean above the floor (so there is no upholstery/furniture attachment). Keep in mind, it does not vacuum at all, it scrubs. It would be really really hard for Shark to produce an smaller scrubbing attachment.
Belinda says
Hi There i was just wondering what would happen if other shampoo other than the shark duo one was put into the machine
Jason Roberts says
It will work just fine. You can use any shampoo designed to work with carpet cleaners. The only thing that may change is the amount of foam, the residue it leaves on the floor (you may get stripes), and of course, the smell.
Teena Phillips says
Jason, are you sure? The big selling point on their concentrate (1 bottle makes 7) for $25.96 1-2-2014 at Walmart, was that it was PATENTED to dehydrate the dirt after scrubbed. My clean (I thought) carpets, when vacuumed, filled the canister twice. Always lived alone, no kids, no pets.
So I shampooed again, and filled the canister twice AGAIN.
Third shampoo (in a week) half filled the canister and barely dirty dense foam filter. Ditto for 7 more rooms.
TODAY Shark themselves told me the concentrate was DISCONTINUED . I want to cry. There is some at Amazon for $119.89 yeah FIVE TIMES the price. At $26. div by 7 = $3.71 and One bottle would do 2 rooms for $1.85 each. Now they sell an UNCONCENTRATED bottle for $10. or $5. for 2 rooms.
3 x $3.71 = 11.13
All this in ONE YEAR. I almost feel like it’s bate and switch.
Like you, I use plenty. Going to HATE buying 5 bottles for $50.
Ain’t this a shame. Worlds greatest workhorse and shampoo, but a billion more bottles in the landfill, all because they said people were “confused on how to use it’.
Welcome to illiterate America.
Linda Kay says
I agree that it is a shame that Shark has discontinued the concentrated cleaner. I was very pleased with it and do not like having to purchase the ready to use bottle. It takes about one bottle per room and that makes it quite expensive. I sincerely hope that Shark will start selling the concentrated cleaner again.
Jason Roberts says
I just made an online petition which everybody should sign.
CJ says
I found that I had to add a stronger shampoo because to do my rugs with and they were not that dirty but two spots that I want to get out. I had to add some stronger shampoo and the hold rug looked so much better. It could be that the pad could have a little more brush material in them.
The hard wood solution is fine on the floor.
denise marshall says
I cannot buy shark sonic duo carpet cleaning solution and stain remover in Australia can anyone tell me what I can use in the machine. im desperate
Jason Roberts says
Unfortunately, I don’t know where you could buy this in AU, but you could try a different solution.
des says
Try TV Shop U8/120 Bertie St Port Melbourne Ph # 03 96817824. I have bought from them before but delivery can take a while.
jim darvidis says
I have exactly the same problem. What replacement refills do you recommend with the Sonic Duo.
Jason Roberts says
Check out the answers above.
Joe says
I have a question around how well the shark will work with more wet saturated stains. We have a new puppy and Potty training for us has been a difficult task. We currently use a bissell carpet cleaner to clean those spots. I had always assumed this would be better because it is forcing water down through the carpet and then sucking it back up getting all remnants of the urine out. Would the shark duo work well for this or is it more for dirt and stains and not wet smelly areas?
Jason Roberts says
You guessed correctly. This tool is not design to handle deep stains. For thin rugs, it works fairly good, so the answer to your question depends pretty much on the thickness of your carpets.
Jon Peterson says
Bought 3rd Shark Duo as gift for daughter and unit mister stopped working after 58 days. Despite Shark customer service acknowledging internal mechanical problem solution was to return unit and pay shipping costs both ways (est $50). Warranty almost worthless. Luckily Amazon A to Z guarantee will refund.
Make sure you use within 30 days for any potential problem. Unit is great IF you don’t receive a lemon.
Jason Roberts says
Thank you for sharing with us! I always recommend buying appliances through Amazon, precisely for the outstanding refund service.
shirley macklin says
My empty reusable bottle was thrown away. Walmart no longer carries them. Where can I buy a new bottle? The Sonic Duo is useless without it.
Jason Roberts says
Buy one from SharkClean directly, or get it from Amazon together with a hard floor detergent i.e.
Darcy says
Could you use a homemade vinegar cleaning solution instead? Especially for the laminate flooring? And did I see that one only does laminate/ hardwoods? Does it scrub as well? I have a carpet cleaner for my carpet, but am wanting something that will scrub the laminate.
Jason Roberts says
I wouldn’t use a homemade solution, as the producer doesn’t recommend this. Shark’s cleaning products, particularly the orange one, is working great on laminate floors. You can get a good scrub for your tiles with the matching orange cleaning pad. The Sonic Duo will also help you with the carpet scrubbing. Check out the Carpet Scrub ‘N Stain pad, it’s especially designed for this chore.
Tish says
How does this product work on stained concrete floors?
Jason Roberts says
Beyond your wildest expectations, it’s like it was built for this job! I’ve actually used it myself on this type of flooring, and I was fully impressed.
Mary Calain says
I bought this machine at Walmart. It was the only one left and when I opened the box, there was no wood floor solution or the orange scrub pads that went with it. Also there was no snub duster or storage tray. There were no extra bottles for refills and I never saw directions on how to mix the solution. The bottles were already filled to capacity so I called the help line number and asked if I needed to dilute the solution. The person I talked to said it could be used full strength but I would be sent the extra refill bottles in the mail. I did not realize I did not have the wood floor cleaner and pads. I can do without them anyway as I would probably not use the sonic duo on my wood floor. I will continue to use a dust mop and Bona wood floor cleaner.
I cleaned my carpet today and three small area rugs with the Sonic Duo carpet cleaner. I used one whole bottle of the solution and most of a 2nd one I had purchased. The instructions were not clear as to how much solution to use. It was hard to judge just how much was needed. My carpet is a sand color and I am way to old to be getting down on the floor to see how wet it was. I pre treated some dark spots which still did not completely come out. I did vacuum before and after which was a pain. I hate to vacuum. I am thinking about getting a foam carpet cleaner and using it next time. I don’t see how it can hurt as long as it is not put through the machine, only sprayed on the carpet. At least I will be able to see where it is exactly. I am planning to use the sonic duo on my porcelain tile floors soon. I think it might do a better job there. I have a Shark steam mop but it also comes with its share of problems. It gets clogged up easily and it has to have distilled water which always has to be refilled 3 or 4 times before I get finished with all the tile floors. I like the idea of the steam cleaning but it is not easier than mopping with a cloth mop. In fact the carpet cleaning, which amounted to vacuuming my carpet 3 times in a few hours is not easier either. I think I may have to resort to calling a professional cleaning business for my carpets in the future..
Suzanne says
I bought the Sonic Duo about 6 months ago from QVC and my mister has stopped working. I have done all the troubleshooting and haven’t been able to get it to spray. I haven’t contacted Shark yet, especially after i have read several places where you have to pay S&H both ways. I will have to check and see if QVC has a similar warranty policy like Amazon. I am so disappointed because it did a great job. Not so great when you have to carry around a spray bottle with cleaning solution and spray every few feet.
Teresa Dorsey says
My Sonic Duo was also purchased from QVC. Tried using it for the first time and it will not spray. Contacted Shark and they said to rinse the bottle cap as it can get clogged and the manual states to remove the brown sprat nozzle on the front of the Sonic and rinse thoroughly. Shark is sending me a new empty bottle for hard wood floors as there could be a problem with the cap not releasing cleaner properly. Shark rep also had me to pull out the handle and check the rubber tubing for kinks. So please do call Shark. They will walk you through troubleshooting…
Frances says
I heard the Shark carpet shampoo was discontinued. If true, what shampoo is recommended?
Jason Roberts says
Hmm, I haven’t heard that, from what I see it is still going strong on Amazon. Check out my definitive guide to carpet cleaning solutions. I’d go with Bubba’s cleaning solution if Shark stops the production.
Jim says
Only the concentrate has been discontinued. They now sell Carpet Buddy No rinse Carpet shampoo.
Mary says
I have a lot of floor area covered in a product called Karndean. It is expensive tiles laid with thin inter tile strips in material like linoleum. Would this steam mop cause problems with this type of flooring.
Jason Roberts says
Mary, this is not a steam mop. The product just scrubs the surfaces, so you will have no problems in using it.
Debra says
Can you use the Shark Sonic Duo on tile floors? I worry about the grout!
Thank you for your feedback.
Jason Roberts says
It works very goo on tile floors, and usually doesn’t mess up the grout. Check out other great cleaning tools that are especially designed for tiles.
Des Michael says
Hi,
Do you know where in Australian I can buy the cleaning solution for carpets please. I am trying to get some more and at the present time the ones on Amazon don’t ship to Australia.
Cheers
Jason Roberts says
From Sharkclean.com.au, call 1800 722 222. Or you can ask through twitter at https://twitter.com/SharkCleaning
Faye Bennetts says
Hi Jason Roberts, I am very pleased with my Shark Sonic Duo vacuum Carpet cleaner. I wanted to buy the 10oz pre-treat carpet stain and odor removal and the 12oz low moisture no rinse carpet shampoo. Could you please help me to locate which company that sells these 2 cleaning products as I have run out of them. Your kind assistance is most appreciated.
Jason Roberts says
You can buy them either from SharkClean.com separately, or you could buy them as a pack from here.
Elizabeth says
Just bought my shark sonic duo, can’t wait to use it.. My question is can I use the sonic duo on my laminate flooring? It is about 10 yes old and has traffic stains. Please anyone.
Jason Roberts says
Of course you can! It’s one of its main strengths.
Mel says
What detergent (if any) do I use to clean all the pads? And can they be cleaned all together (polishing pad especially?)
Jason Roberts says
Sure you can. Any regular clothing detergent works just fine. Set your washing machine at 1000 rotations or faster, at 60 C degrees (140 F) or more, and you’ll be just fine.
Paul Roughan says
When I checked all the information on this sonic cleaner it only gives information on hard timber floors. I am trying to find a reference to cleaning Cork tile floors as I am using a Bissel steem mop and find it a problem moving it around and leaving water marks as the cork is very highly polished with the coating harder than vinyl products, could you advise me as to the suitability of this machine to do the job for me.
Paul
Jason Roberts says
The Sonic Duo should work very well in your case. The product is designed not to leave any water marks. If you own this unit and get smears or streaks, there are 2 possible reasons: either the pad is dirty and needs to be cleaned or you are using too much solution.
E Michael Gray says
Purchased from Bed Bath & Beyond, returned it after 3 months of use. It gives the impression of an easy-to-use and effective cleaning tool with all the sonic jiggle and the pleasant scent of the cleaning solution. Unfortunately, the floors are just as dirty after several passes, a damp white cloth will turn grey in one swipe off of the supposedly clean floors. Shark appears to be a Made-in-China low cost low value strong marketing machine with little effort on effectiveness of the products for sale.
Jason Roberts says
I’m sorry to hear that Michael. The pads need to be cleaned and replaced regularly, in order to clean the floors in just a few swipes. Some people cope with this, others don’t.
Linda Cave says
I have had the Shark Duo Hard Floors and Carpet cleaner for about a year. Right now I can not find the Shark Wood & Hard Floor Cleaner at any stores in a large metropolitan area. I “chatted” with a representative from Shark who told me that all Bed, Bath, and Beyonds, Walmarts, and Targets are supposed to have their concentrates and products. I even checked on line and all of the above mentioned stores and Lowes said the refills were unavailable. Of course I could buy the products from them but shipping costs more than a bottle of concentrate. I am beginning to panic because I only have solution for one more bottle.
Jason Roberts says
Linda, you can use other cleaning solutions, they don’t necessarily need to be produced by Shark. Check out my list of detergents.
Darla Fletcher says
I have had the shark duo unit for 8 mo. and the sprayer has quit. After trying all of the trouble shooting advice I wonder if there is anything else I can try. I love the unit it did a wonderful job as long as it was working… The sprayer is a huge part of this unit, while reading other reviews I have come to the conclusion that this is the major problem with the unit… Has the company resolved this problem? If so I need to know what to do to make my unit work again..
Jason Roberts says
I’ve occasionally heard about this issue, but I don’t think it’s a common problem. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do, except the following:
1. Clean the bottle cap of the reusable bottle.
2. Get rid of the air inside the system by holding down the spray button for more than 10 seconds.
3. Unclog the spray nozzle located on the unit. First, remove it by gripping the small lips and by rotating them counterclockwise. Rinse the nozzle and reinsert it where it belongs.
If this doesn’t help, I’m afraid you’ll have to seek professional help, or you’ll have to return the unit.
Susie says
Hi ,
I have the same problem. I love my Shark Sonic but the sprayer stopped working. I did all of the above but it still doesn’t work. Also, I tried to take the top off of the shampoo and hand spray it. I can’t get the top off.
Help.
Jason Roberts says
The sprayer pipe is pretty slim, that is why it may get clogged with limescale. You can try to use a syringe and to insert some vinegar in there, which should eat up the deposits, but this is kinda last resort. If that doesn’t work, there’s not much you can do, except returning the unit.
Amy says
I am very interested in the Shark Sonic Duo. I was always afraid that the very fast scrubbing action would ruin or fray the carpet. In one of your other posts you mention to not “scrub” carpets. Could you please explain why the Shark is different than scrubbing and why it won’t hurt my carpet fibers? Thank you so much!
Jason Roberts says
Amy, Shark has designed a special pad, with the sole purpose of scrubbing carpets. They also made a special cleaning solution to go with this system. This works very good on berber and plush carpets – basically, on all low to medium pile flooring. I however wouldn’t recommend this on frieze or shag carpets. Also, sensitive rugs made out of wool should be avoided.
Amy says
Thank you Jason. I purchased the Shark Sonic Duo the other day. I like using it. However, since they don’t sell the concentrated shampoo any more, their shampoo is much too expensive for me to use. If I use my own shampoo, will that work the same way as long as it is a shampoo that doesn’t need to be rinsed? Since the shampoo is not extracted from the carpet, I wasn’t sure if it would work the same way (trapping the dirt to vacuum away). Any suggestions on an all natural shampoo that might work?
Jason Roberts says
Indeed, buying the simple Shark Carpet Buddy over long periods proves to be expensive, and the concentrate is also pricey. You can use BUBBA’S Super Steamer Carpet Cleaner with similar results (even better in some cases). Earth Choice also has a 3-in-1 concentrate that works very well on carpets.
Deb Bland says
How well does this work on thick wool area rugs? Thanks.
Jason Roberts says
Well, wool is a sensitive material. On regular carpets, I would warmly recommend this product, but I don’t think it will do well on thick wool rugs. I think you should consider other cleaning choices.
Larry says
I was very upset with Shark taking the carpet concentrate off the store shelves and forcing the purchase via the internet. This is the second Shark product I have purchased that did this. Shipping and handling drives the price up and is obviously where they are making their money. Put the product back on the store shelves!! It works great!
Bev says
I am considering purchasing the Shark sonic duo and I appreciate your informative review. I will mostly be using it for tile flooring and area rugs. Which cleaning fluid do you recommend for tile? And is this the best machine for that task?
Jason Roberts says
It’s a great machine for tile use. Check out my other recommendations. As for the tile detergent, I’d go with the Shark Hard Floor Cleaner, or for more cheaper alternatives, check out the Hoover Multi-FLOORPLUS 2X Concentrated, the Bona Stone Tile and Laminate Floor Cleaner or BUBBAS Super Strength Commercial Enzyme Cleaner.
Andi says
Can you refill the bottles for the Sonic Duo yourself? I’ve tried to get the lid off, but can’t.
Jason Roberts says
The bottles are refillable. Try to apply a higher force, or use a a pair of tongs.
M. S. Carter says
This comment is concerning the Shark Carper Buddy Pretreater/Carpet Stain and Odor Remover. It ruined our carpet which we now must replace at a cost of about $1000.
What the bottle does not clearly state is that you MUST use this product ONLY with other Shark products or your carpet may end up permanently stained. This is what the representative in the Claims Department told me. Well, it would have been nice if the bottle been labeled with this information.
Of course, the Claims Department is doing nothing for us. But, I would like to warn everyone to beware of this product.
Jason Roberts says
Dear, Carter, thanks for the input. But for the sake of knowledge, could you please elaborate, how exactly did it ruin your carpet?
rex says
how do you remove the handle from sonic duo
Jason Roberts says
On the back of the unit, there are 2 holes, just below the cord holder. One is round and the other is small and oblong. Push a screwdriver inside the bigger hole. You should hear a decoupling sound (after you apply a little pressure). The handle should then come off.
Debbie says
How would it compare to the Shark Steam Mop SK410 ?
Jason Roberts says
They are 2 different machines. The steam mop steams, this one scrubs. The cleaning technique is completely different, so there’s no way to truly compare them.
cindy says
What is the difference between the ZZ550 model and the ZZ900 model?
Jason Roberts says
The ZZ900 is the latest Sonic Duo from Shark. It is meant more as a face-lift than as a full unit upgrade. Shark calls it the Sonic Duo Deluxe. Except for the obvious different color, the ZZ900 has a longer power cord (35ft instead of 22ft), a few additional pads (1 Hard Floor Cleaning Pad, 1 Carpet Cleaning Pad, 1 Scrubduster Dusting Pad and 1 Scrubduster Scrubbing Pad) and additional cleaning solutions. The handle mechanism is also a bit different from the ZZ550 (some people complained it doesn’t snap properly when assembled).
Cindy says
Thank you, Jason. After considerable research between all the models, I decided to purchase from Walmart.com the Kd450W model for $69.00. Here’s what I discovered:
KD450W and KD450WM are the models sold through Walmart. The KD450W and the KD450WM are identical machines. The difference is amount of cleaning solutions that come in the box. They both come with the different pads, but the KD450WM comes with full size cleaning solutions and the KD450W comes with smaller size solutions.
KD450WM & ZZ550 are identical models with identical solution and pad contents. As stated above KD450WM is sold at Walmart and ZZ550 are sold at other big box stores.
Pricing:
KD450W only available for home delivery with free shipping on line @ walmart.com $69.00 (reg $75.00).
KD450WM available on-line @ walmart.com $139.00 for store pick-up. If you go to the store and purchase it has a selling price for $159.00 but they will match on-line pricing of $139.00 AND they will match Lowe’s pricing of $111.00 for the ZZ550 model.
Lowe’s is selling the ZZ550 model for $111.00. They are closing out and if you are lucky you can score the cleaning solutions on sale. I picked up all the available solutions that my local Lowe’s had for $3.98 close-out price on pretreat spray and carpet solution. I was sad they didn’t have any of the hardwood floor cleaner or polish left in stock.
From what I could find out, Shark intends to now only sell the product on-line for their solutions. Home Depot and Lowe’s have discontinued selling the Sonic Duo Hard Floor and Carpet Cleaner.
I gave the KD450W to my daughter for Christmas. She used it the other day and let me know that it is a wonderful machine and with just the one cleaning so far there is a considerable difference in her carpets and hardwood floor. It is a definite tool to have for cleaning your home.
Cindy says
I forgot to mention that the ZZ900 is also available at Walmart.com for $129.00
Jason Roberts says
Thank you for the wonderful follow-up Cindy!
Chris McB says
I have had my Shark carpet cleaner for at least two years now. My carpet is 5 years old. I haven’t had any trouble with the mechanics of the machine at all. I purchased it because the cost of professional cleaning as often as it needed to be done with pets was too expensive. This is my assessment: it is great for being able to clean stains. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to using the pretreater for this. I have never not been able to get a stain out. On overall cleaning, I would give it a B. Especially in higher traffic areas, but in any traffic area, it never really comes back to the original color. I do vacuum after per the manufacturer’s instructions. It does seem to affect the texture of the carpet to some extent. I wish the chemical could soften the carpet. It does take care of odors in the carpet adequately.
Mary Kirby says
It’s been 4 months since I got my floors refinished. I’m scared to use the shark duo. Do you think it will be cured enough to use cleaner and polish?
Jason Roberts says
IMO you can use it without any worries.
Margaret Moore says
Ive very recently bought a Shark Sonic Duo carpet cleaner serial number KD450NZ 26 on trade me. I would love to know where i can get a manual with instructions on how to use it correctly & where the nearest store/place I can purchase cleaning solutions for this type of carpet cleaner. Im really hoping you or anyone can HELP me.
Jason Roberts says
The product manuals can be found here (scroll down to your model). The cleaning solutions can be ordered online or bought from your local convenience store.
Jeannie Littleton says
I have had the Shark Sonic Duo for several years and have been very happy with it. Unfortunately, I am now having trouble with the pads staying properly. They now roll making cleaning impossible. I have tried cleaning the magnets (or whatever they are) by removing, by hand, any hair, etc that may be causing the problem, but I am not having any luck. Help! Am I going to have to buy a new one? Is this one done for? I hope not.
Thanks
Jason Roberts says
Have you tried a new set of pads? If the new pads don’t stay on, I’m afraid you need to take it for a quick repair or a complete replace.
Pamela King says
I have just purchased the sonic duo and have used it on an area rug with a 1/2 in shag pile. The solution does not come out of the bottle while in motion, am I supposed to spray the whole area? Please help Thank you. Pamela
Jason Roberts says
Pamela, the device is designed to spray along, during the cleaning process. No solution can emerge from the pads. The sprayed solution gets inside the carpet fibers or moistures the hard floors, which are then scrubbed with the specific pads. Don’t forget to vacuum before and after.
John jeppesen says
Can the shark sonic duo be used on hardwood decking. John.
Jason Roberts says
It really depends on the profile of the beams. If they have strips, they’ll ruin Shark’s pads quickly. If they are even, you can use it with out any problem. If you have applied deck oil, it will get into the pads. I guess you can use it for spot cleaning though.