This is what Shark vacuum terms like ‘CleanSense IQ’ and ‘DuoClean Detect’ actually mean — so you’re not duped into buying something you don’t need

When shopping for a new Shark vacuum cleaner, it's easy to get lost in the sea of complicated brand-specific names that make it tricky to know what you're buying. Enter the Shark vacuum terms, decoded.

As you probably already know, the best Shark vacuums are generally considered the crème de la crème, and for good reason. The cult floorcare brand has mastered the art of mixing impressive innovation with sleek design, and as a vacuum expert, I’ve happily tested (and owned) multiple Shark models. However, one of the many things I wish I knew before buying a Shark vacuum is that they’re all different, and they all have different features and specs.

From anti-hair wrap technology to dirt detection, there is so much new technology to look out for, and knowing what they all mean is key to avoiding any vacuum buying mistakes. That’s why I’ve translated what these pesky Shark terms really mean and how they can help you and your cleaning routine. Yep, just call me your fairy jargon-buster.

Shark detection technology

Like many of the other best vacuum cleaners out there, a lot of Shark vacuums now feature detection technology, which means it increases suction power to target the dirtiest parts of your floor or to detect a change in floor type.

We spoke to Lana Sanleandro, chief marketing officer at SharkNinja EMEA, who simplified some of the detection terms below, so you know exactly what your Shark vacuum is capable of.

DirtDetect/CleanSense IQ: This detects dirt you can’t see and automatically boosts suction power by up to 50% for deep cleaning. Currently, Shark incorporates this into many of their cordless vacuums and robot vacuums, like the Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum. This allows the robot vacuum to move in a figure-of-eight pattern to clean up every crumb.

EdgeDetect: This senses edges and doubles suction for more powerful edge and corner cleaning. This is particularly handy for those who share their homes with pets and want to vacuum pet hair - even the strands that work their way into every nook and cranny of the house.

FloorDetect: This technology auto-detects floor type and optimises performance, increasing the brush-roll speed up to 2x for deep cleaning on carpet. This means that you can vacuum carpets and hard flooring without having to switch floorheads or worry about your vacuum losing suction power when you need it most.

DirectionDetect: Designed to improve pick-up on both the forward and reverse strokes, this provides a more efficient cleaning process. This is a new technology that Shark introduced in 2024 in its PowerDetect range. Previously, suction power on the backstroke hasn't been as impressive.

DuoClean Detect: Vacuums with this technology have two brush rolls and various sensors that react and adapt for maximum performance. This also works alongside DirectionDetect when vacuuming both forwards and backwards. The Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner has this to aid pick-up and ensure no debris is left behind.

Shark anti-allergen technology

Anti-allergen technology is a game-changer for those who suffer from dust allergies or are sensitive to pet hair and dander, and it’s a much-needed addition to the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair.

Luckily, more and more Shark vacuums now feature anti-allergen technology that keeps the dust contained in a canister, so it doesn't get blown back into your home. Especially as many vacuum cleaners can actually spread dust.

Shark's main feature is the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, which Lana says 'captures and traps 99.9% of dust, allergens and irritants inside the vacuum, not releasing them back into your home. It's perfect for homes with pets or allergy sufferers.'

It’s important to note that you will need to know how to clean a shark vacuum filter when cleaning your shark vacuum to keep this function working well, though.

Shark brush roll features

One of the biggest issues with vacuums is their brush rolls, which can get clogged with hair and debris. Of course, avoiding common vacuum cleaner mistakes can help you avoid this - but Shark also has some features to ensure your vacuuming process remains seamless.

QuadClean: A microfibre brush roll that also has perfectly-placed cleaning fins and ribs that work to clean all floor types. It’s designed to pull in all manner of debris (no matter the size) and lifts embedded dirt and hair and captures fine dust, so your floors are left spotless.

Powered Lift-Away: This is one of Shark's most popular features, and is typically offered with upright models like the Shark Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner with Anti Hair Wrap. This technology allows you to lift away a lightweight detachable pod from the main vacuum, so you can easily vacuum stairs and under furniture. So, you’re almost turning it into one of the best handheld vacuums (just on a slightly larger scale).

PowerFins: Shark vacuums with PowerFins essentially have a different brush - one which offers flexible cleaning fins and chevron-shaped bristles to ensure continuous contact with every flooring type. With PowerFins on the brush roll, there should be no gaps where dust and debris could potentially be missed.

Anti-Hair Wrap Technology/Self-Cleaning Brush Roll: This technology removes hair from the brush roll as you clean, helping to keep it tangle-free. It does this through its bristle-guard and comb, which continuously separates and removes hair while you’re cleaning, so it doesn’t build up or tangle in the brush.

Shark cleaning and maintenance technology

There’s no point shelling out your hard-earned money on a Shark vacuum if you’re not going to take good care of it. After all, we all want our vacuums to last as long as possible. And while knowing how to clean a vacuum cleaner and spot any problems is on us, Shark does offer its own cleaning and maintenance technology to help us out.

Auto-Empty: A relatively new addition to Shark’s technology roster, this is so far only available with a few cordless and robot options, like the Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum with Auto Empty System BU3521UK. These vacuums come with an Auto-Empty Base, which automatically empties the vacuum when docked.

Thanks to the much larger capacity, it also holds this debris for up to 45 days. It charges it at the same time, too, so it’s great for those who struggle to keep up with everyday maintenance. It’s also ideal if you struggle with allergies, as all of the debris is locked inside the base with no risk of coming loose.

Anti-Odour: This is something you don’t really see from other big vacuum brands, but Shark’s Anti-Odour Technology protects against bad odours inside the vacuum and stops your vacuum from smelling (and then releasing that odour back into your home).

This is done via cartridges, which can be inserted into specific models and then twisted to determine how much - or how little - scent you want to be released while vacuuming. My top-rated Shark Stratos Anti Hair Wrap Plus Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum uses this technology, in fact.

Our top-rated Shark vacuum cleaners

FAQs

What do the Shark codes mean?

Shark codes are different to Shark terms. The Shark codes allow you to distinguish between every Shark product, making it easier for you to troubleshoot any potential problems you have and buy parts and spares if necessary.

The Shark code generally consists of four parts. The first two or three letters showcase the product type (for example, HP for air purifiers, RV for robot vacuums, IZ for cordless vacuums with anti-hair wrap). The next few numbers are the product’s model number, and the portion of the code denotes the region (UK for those in the UK, etc).

If there is an extra letter after the region code, this generally means the product you’re looking at is a pet model. For Shark vacuum cleaners, this is typically a ‘T.’

How long is a Shark vacuum supposed to last?

The average lifespan of a Shark vacuum - or, indeed, any vacuum cleaner - is between 5 and 8 years. However, how long a Shark vacuum lasts ultimately depends on multiple factors, including how often you use it, the type of debris you typically vacuum, and how well you maintain and clean your vacuum cleaner.

It’s worth noting that Shark does offer a manufacturer’s guarantee for all of their vacuums. This is up to one year after the date of purchase for unregistered vacuums, or five years if you register your model within 28 days of purchase.

Hopefully, decoding these Shark vacuum terms has helped you decide if a Shark vacuum is worth it. But if you still need some help, why not check out the Shark vs Dyson debate?