Shark Steam Mop Not Steaming [Reasons & Fixes]
You might already know there are thousands of steam mops on the market. However, Shark Steam Mop is the world’s leading steam mop company that has produced some fantastic products over the years.
The Shark Steam Mop is not only used for cleaning the floor but it also sanitizes and leaves a fragrance on the floor as well.
You won’t have to buy expensive chemicals, or cleaning products as all you will need to buy is the shark steam mop and distilled or demineralized water.
It is super efficient and it can easily clean tough stains. With the Best Shark Steam Mop, you can clean the floor only in a few minutes without even having to break a sweat.
Mopping the floor will be as easy as taking a walk in the park. Moreover, it is affordable and eco-friendly, and it doesn’t produce much noise as well so no more scaring your pets and babies like vacuum cleaners.
But like every mechanical product steam mops can sometime have issues regarding the shark steam mop not steaming.
Here are some reasons behind the issue and the way to fix it. This article will cover: What is the reason behind the shark steam mop not steaming? How to fix it?
Shark Steam Mop Not Steaming Causes & Fixes
Causes | Fixes |
---|---|
Water tank is empty | Refill the water tank to the appropriate level. |
Water tank not properly attached | Ensure the water tank is correctly attached to the steam mop. |
Water tank cap not closed tightly | Check if the water tank cap is tightly closed to create steam pressure. |
Steam mop not heated up yet | Allow the steam mop a few minutes to heat up and start producing steam. |
Clogged steam nozzle or water lines | Clean the steam nozzle and water lines to remove blockages. |
Hard water deposits or scaling | If using tap water, descale the steam mop as per the manufacturer’s instructions. |
Malfunctioning heating element or components | Contact customer support for professional assistance or explore repair/replacement options if under warranty. |
There can be several reasons behind the shark steam mop not steaming besides malfunctioning. Furthermore, there might not even be a problem and you might forget to check the basics. In this section, we have listed some common reasons behind the shark steam mop not steaming.
1. Did not fill the tank with water
Well, let’s start with basic things it’s a simple mistake that anyone can make. As you might already know, the steam mop required water to work so if you forget to fill the tank with water then the steam won’t be produced. Furthermore, ensure to fill the water above the reservoir’s fill line.
Fix: Just put the water in the reservoir prior to using the device.
2. Check the intake Tube
This is a common issue that many of us encounter, leading us to conduct a Google search. Sometimes, the problem can be caused by a bent intake tube, but worry not as it can be resolved by implementing the following solutions.
Fix:
- Check the water intake tube: Open the water tank compartment and inspect the intake tube. Look for any bends or kinks that might be preventing it from reaching the bottom of the tank.
- Straighten the tube: If you find any bends or kinks, gently straighten the intake tube. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damage.
- Ensure proper placement: Make sure the intake tube is correctly positioned at the bottom of the water tank. It should be immersed in water when the tank is filled.
- Test the appliance: After straightening the intake tube and placing it correctly in the water tank, test the appliance by turning it on and allowing it to generate steam. Check if the issue of steam production or water intake has been resolved.
3. Wait till the water heats up
Even if you fill the water, you must wait for a few seconds after turning on the device as it requires around 30-60 seconds on average for the mops to heat up and produce steam.
Fix: After plugging the Shark Steam Mop, wait for a few minutes before using it on the floor.
4. Not using the proper setting
There is a steam-locking collar in some models of Shark Steam Mops. Also, some models allow the user to spray only without steam such as the Steam and Spray models. So, make sure you read the user manual and use the proper setting.
Fix: Read the user manual and make sure you have the proper setting for Steam.
5. Leakage of water or steam
If you look into the working mechanism of the shark steam mop then you will realize that the steam is produced due to reassure buildup. Thus, if there is a leakage of pressure then the steam won’t simply be produced.
So, while you install the device make sure to fit the parts according to the user manual and fit the bottom cap tightly.
Moreover, the rubber cap of the water tank is not watertight so there can be leakage if the tank is overfilled.
Fix: Don’t overfill the reservoir and make sure you have fitted every part of the device perfectly. Be extra careful while installing the water tank. If there’s a crack or any damaged parts you should contact Shark customer service immediately and make sure you have got your warranty.
6. Due to calcium and magnesium deposits in the nozzle
Well, every Shark Steam Mop recommends you use distilled or demineralized water.
That’s because if you use tap or hard water then the minerals such as calcium and magnesium present in the water can get deposited in the nozzle and block the steam from coming out.
You might not notice the slow but gradual decrease in steam production due to the slow formation of mineral deposits on the nozzle and might get surprised when the steam is drastically reduced or stopped.
Fix: The nozzle can be easily unclogged/unblocked by dissolving the calcium deposit. You won’t have to buy expensive chemicals as you can simply make some cleaning solutions at your home. Moreover, you can also buy a CLR liquid from the market if you are tired to make a homemade solution. We will explain in detail the steps to decalcify the shark steam mop below.
7. Call customer support
If none of the above fixes work it’s better to work with a professional. You can contact Shark’s support center at 1-855-427-5127 or visit their website at SharkClean customer support for further help.
How do you descale/decalcify the shark steam mop?

Decalcifying/Descaling the shark steam mop might not be as difficult as you might think. Just follow the steps and you will be easily able to decalcify your shark steam mop with ease.
- When receiving the shark steam mop package, check for the nozzle cleaner included.
- Before cleaning, ensure the steam mop is turned off and the nozzle is cool.
- Wear safety gloves for added protection during the cleaning process.
- Refer to the manual to locate the nozzle and follow the instructions to clean it.
- Move the nozzle cleaner back and forth on the nozzle tip to remove calcium deposits.
- Clean the nozzle, water tank, and steam head with white vinegar.
- Check if the steam mop is steaming properly after cleaning.
If the above steps don’t work:
- Prepare a solution of vinegar and distilled water in a 1:1 ratio.
- Fill the water tank with the solution and let it sit overnight.
- Plug in the steam mop and set it to the highest setting while in the sink to allow the steam to flow and remove the calcium deposit.
Alternatively, you can use a commercial-grade cleaner called CLR:
- Fill half of the water reservoir with CLR and the other half with water.
- Let the solution sit in the water reservoir overnight.
- Plug in the steam mop and set it to the highest setting to release steam and clear the clog.
- Rinse the water reservoir thoroughly after completing the process.
Note: Here is a link for a CLR Cleaner for your steam mop.
Can you prevent such issues in the future?
The Shark Steam mop is one of the best steam mops in the world but it doesn’t mean that you don’t have to take care of the device.
For the maximum utility and longevity of the shark steam mop, you should always be careful while using the steam mop and follow the instructions from the manuals. You must know the correct way to use a shark mop correctly.
For the longevity of your shark steam mop, you must handle the steam mop with care and use the device according to the manual. Sweeping or Vacuuming the floor helps increase the longevity of your steam mop and pads.
The Shark mop does an incredible job at mopping and sanitizing the floor but vacuuming and sweeping is not the one. Moreover, your sealed for such as laminate, tiles, stones, and hardwood floors won’t get damaged or scratched.
Make sure you always keep your steam mop in the upright position while storing. Some of the versions of the shark steam mop don’t stand in an upright position on their own so make sure you don’t drop the steam mop on the floor.
The best way to prevent your nozzle from clogging is by using distilled or demineralized water. Also, you should clean your steam mop with the vinegar-water solution and air dry the mop after every session if possible.
Cleaning the mop once every one to two weeks also helps a lot as it relieves a lot of pressure on the heating element and other components in the unit.
Furthermore, never use the steam mop in a hurry or carelessly, and always make sure to check your steam mop every time before you start cleaning. Make sure to wait for a few seconds after plugging it in as it takes some to heat up.
You shouldn’t use the steam mop on high steam mode for too long as it decreases the longevity of your steam mop.
Be careful not to put other liquids, chemicals, or cleaning agents in the water tank besides distilled or demineralized water as it can cause health hazards and serious damage to the floor and equipment as well.
FAQ: Shark Steam Mop Not Steaming
Why is my shark steam mop not producing steam?
If your Shark steam mop is not producing steam, first check if the water tank is filled to the appropriate level and inserted correctly. Allow it sufficient time to heat up, ensuring it’s properly plugged into a functional power outlet. If the issue persists, clear any clogs in the nozzles or steam vents, and consider descaling the mop to remove mineral buildup. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for troubleshooting and maintenance. If the problem continues, contact customer support for further assistance.
How do I get my shark steam mop to steam?
To get your Shark steam mop to steam, ensure the water tank is filled with clean water to the indicated fill line. Use distilled or demineralized water in areas with hard water. Plug the steam mop into a functioning power outlet and turn it on. Wait for the unit to heat up, and if required, manually pump the handle or trigger to activate the steam flow. Once steam is generated, glide the steam mop slowly over the surface you wish to clean.
How do I fix my steam mop not steaming?
If your steam mop is not steaming, start by checking the power connection to ensure it’s properly plugged in and turned on. Verify that the water tank is filled and correctly seated. Unclog any blocked nozzles or vents that may be obstructing steam flow. Descaling the steam mop can help remove limescale buildup that might be affecting its performance. If troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, contact the manufacturer’s customer support for further assistance.
How do I unblock my steam mop?
To unblock your steam mop, start by turning it off and unplugging it for safety. Inspect the nozzles and vents for any visible blockages and use a small brush or paperclip to gently remove debris or mineral buildup. Clean the water tank thoroughly, and consider descaling the mop to dissolve limescale deposits. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance. If the blockage persists, reach out to customer support for additional help.
Also, check- Shark Steam Mop Keeps Turning Off