Is your soft roller dirty or not spinning? Learn how to remove, clean, and replace the front roller on your Shark Rotator DuoClean vacuum.
The DuoClean technology in newer Shark Rotator models (NV800 series) uses two brushes working in harmony. The standard stiff brush pulls dirt from carpets, while the Front Soft Roller acts as a microfiber cloth for hard floors and large debris.
Is your soft roller dirty or not spinning? Learn how to remove, clean, and replace the front roller on your Shark Rotator DuoClean vacuum.
- Symptoms: Front roller is grey/dirty, Vacuum is pushing dirt forward instead of sucking it up, Rattling noise from the front of the floor nozzle
- Tools: Coin, Replacement Soft Roller (if applicable)
- Difficulty: Easy
If your soft roller is caked in dust or pet hair, your vacuum will lose its “polishing” effect and might start scattering debris. Here is how to maintain and replace it.
1. Accessing the Soft Roller
Unlike the main brush roll, Shark made the soft roller incredibly easy to remove.
- Locate the Buttons: On the top of the floor nozzle, look for the two sliding “Access” buttons or the “Eject” button (depending on your specific model).
- Slide to Release: Slide the buttons toward the outside of the vacuum.
- Pop Up: The plastic cover will pop open, and the soft roller will lift directly out.
2. Cleaning vs. Replacing
Most soft rollers do not need to be replaced—they just need a good bath.
- The Wash: Rinse the roller under cold tap water. Use a tiny bit of mild soap if it smells like pets. Do not put it in the dishwasher or washing machine.
- The Dry: You must let the roller air dry for 24 hours. Because it is made of dense microfiber, it holds a lot of water. Placing it back in the vacuum wet will damage the internal motor.
- When to Replace: If the microfiber fabric is peeling away from the plastic core or if the roller has “flat spots” that cause vibration, it is time for a new one.
3. Clearing the Side Gears
If you have a clean roller but it still won’t spin, check the gears.
- With the roller removed, look at the plastic “teeth” on the left side of the nozzle housing.
- Hair wrap around these gears is the #1 cause of soft roller failure.
- Use needle-nose pliers to pull out any trapped hair.
DuoClean Maintenance Chart
| Task | Frequency | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|
| Microfiber Wash | Once a Month | Restores hard floor polishing |
| Gear Check | Every 2 Weeks | Prevents motor strain |
| Replacement | Every 1-2 Years | Maintains large debris pickup |
TIP: If your soft roller is “stalling” on area rugs, check the Floor Selector switch on your handle. DuoClean models are very sensitive to the height setting. Ensure you are in “Area Rug” mode to give the soft roller more clearance.