Our Definitive Shark Apex Duo-Clean Zero-M Review

[@coryhankins6895]

Good video! Great explanation.

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Thanks, my friend! Trying to up that video game...

[@sahajpatel1553]

I like how it picks up everything from dust to large bits, and how it doesnt tangle hair

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Hey, thanks for being part of the discussion! Zero-M definitely works well as long as you keep all your combs intact. Interestingly, I my most recent video compare cleaning the brushroll of a Sebo vs cleaning the cup and filters of a Shark. The results show that each type takes the same amount of time to maintain, so it depends on your preferences and priorities. Check out the video and let me know what you think! Thanks Again!

[@grumpyshorts1056]

I just bought one and I was IMPRESSED with the low pile carpet pickup. I have 3 dogs, and one is a German Shedder. My Kirby just went out so we decided to get this to try out. Again only used once. No smell from the floors which we usually got from the Kirby. Impressed with how much it picked up from the two big rugs. So for now I'm sold on this Shark. We'll see going forward.

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Hi Grumpy! Hope it works out for you. Just be aware that you need to clean your filters on that every 3 months at minimum to maintain performance and try to avoid building up odors. If you want to see some information about the ownership process, check out our Shark playlist for some help. Cheers!

[@MustPassTruck]

Still using an NV752. Been using it for home and as a dry only shop vac for small renovation work because of the hepa filter. Time to retire it to shop vac use only and get a dedicated carpet vacuum again.

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Right on. Thanks for commenting!

[@tonycapil1022]

Do you know if the Rainbow E2 black is good for allergens and dust since it uses water to filter? Thanks

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Hi Tony! Thanks for the question. Water systems like the Rainbow E2 have historically proven to bypass fine dust through the machine due to the air traveling in pockets through the water... thus, not absorbing all particulate. Because of this, the E-Series has a HEPA filter mounted to the exhaust. So this will provide the same amount of filtration as any sealed HEPA vacuum like a Sebo or Miele, but be harder to maintain due to the water and needing to clean the machine each use. I think for the money, there are better options out there with equal if not better filtrations. Thanks!

[@tonycapil1022]

@@HouseOfVacuums Thanks for the reply!

[@tacktiician4978]

I just picked this up and I'm amazed at all it picked up that my previous vacuum was leaving behind. 2 full containers

[@HouseOfVacuums]

This will almost always happen when you compare and old, unmaintained vacuum with a vacuum fresh out of the box, regardless of the make. It is a better indicator of how your old vacuum wasn't cleaning versus how amazing the new vacuum is. Thank for the view and the comment!

[@tacktiician4978]

@@HouseOfVacuums yes exactly! It was an outdated Kirby from the 90s lmao. From a door to door man. So yeah it was long overdue. Worth the money!

[@FreedomNurse]

@@tacktiician4978 the amount of money Kirby was that vacuum should have still out perform all the new vacuums. Lol they tried to sell me one for $2k.

[@gmlover82]

I still several of the old Kirby’s and they still clean great! Might be time to replace the brush roll and belt. A Kirby will deep clean way better than this thing

[@Palacemanager]

Hi there! I bought the Shark AZ1002 a year ago. Today the brush roller stopped but the indicator light is still green. Called Shark. They did a video call to see what is was doing. Said there was no fix and it needed a need brush head, which is not covered under the 5 year warranty! Grrrr....$89.00. Totally frustrated, I started looking for a diy fix and came across your video. We have a homestead with 3 dogs, dirt and 8 family members. Our main floor is about 80% hard surface floors with some large area rugs. Which is one of the reasons I fell for this duoclean as well as the worthless 5yr warranty. I like kids to be able to vacuum so I'm not sure a cannister vacuum is the easiest for them to manage. What would you suggest that won't break the bank?

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Hi Debbie! Sorry to hear about your warranty issues with Shark. For a long-lasting vacuum that will stand up to kids using it, I would recommend the Sebo Felix. It is made in Germany, is built like a tank, and runs $699. I know that is a little more than a top-of-the-line Shark, but for two of those Sharks you are at one Sebo. Also, if you buy from an authorized dealer like myself, Sebo extends your warranty to 10 years parts & motor/7 years labor. And that is a real, dealer supported warranty. Not the fly-by-night warranties that Shark advertises. If you have more questions, you can shoot me an email at [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@Palacemanager]

@@HouseOfVacuums Thank you for the suggestion. I will check it out. I'm not at all familiar with this brand, but like that it's made in Germany, as historically German made products are built to last.

[@garethcharlesnoir3348]

You are confusing the pre-motor filters with the post-motor HEPA filters. To create a complete seal system, the HEPA sits post-motor. What you showed was pre-motor filter. Also the three months maintainance recommendation is for HEPA, not for the pre-motor filter.

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Hey Gareth! I never confused the two filter types. I always inferred that the foam filters were pre-motor... thus, when they get dirty they do two things: 1) starve the motor for air and 2) bleed dirt into the motor. Also, you are reversed on the filter maintenance . The pre-motor filters require cleaning everything 3 months and the HEPA every 12. Here is an excerpt directly from the Apex product page on Shark's website: "Pre-motor foam and felt filters: Rinse the pre-motor filters every 3 months. Remove the dust cup, then take out the filters. Rinse with water only, and allow filters to air-dry completely before reinstalling. Return the filters to their housing, reinstalling the felt filter first, followed by the foam filter. Reattach the dust cup. Post-motor HEPA filter: Rinse the HEPA filter every 12 months, or as needed. Press the tab on top of the filter cover and lift off the cover, then remove the HEPA filter. Rinse the filter with water only, then allow it air-dry completely before reinstalling. When filter is completely dry, reinstall it and reattach the cover." Cheers!

[@belly996]

*This is my 3rd Crosswave in several years **MyBest.Tools** I use it several times a day. It sees hard use. Best floor cleaning machine ever. I’d never be without one.*

[@HouseOfVacuums]

If you have had 3 Crosswaves over multiple years, maybe it's time to try a longer lasting brand. Just a thought!

[@jamiejohnson4946]

I TOTALLY agree with you, man! I shouldn't have to figure out how to dump the damn tank. Thx for the review!! Keep Calm and Clean On!!

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Yup, I don't know why you would want to deal with your own filth over and over... thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ryanhawkins1235]

I've not use this Shark but admit I do have a Shark Rotator lift away, don't recall the model number, the Burg Randy one that was the flag ship pre duo clean. It's not too hard to push and I cheat and vacuum the filters with another machine more than I wash them. I am a vac collector with mostly Kirby and pre Aerus Electrolux but have a few modern machine too. My Sebo Felix just arrived today and I think it's going to become my new favorite/daily machine next to my Hoover One Power Cordless Bagged (my quick clean up machine). I admit I prefer uprights and like the Sebo Brush roll on my K3 but don't want to always drag the machine behind me.

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Cleaning out a bagless vac with a bagged vac is the only way to go! I have a Dyson V6 and a Miele Triflex... every time I empty them I just thoroughly clean the cups and the filters with a bagged Miele, Sebo or Bosch.

[@mtbrdude]

I've had an Apex for 2 years. The only thing I like about it is the soft front brush. It does a great job getting fine dust off the floor. That's it, everything else sucks. The zero-m feature keeps the brush clean, but those little metal bars are a nightmare for grabbing hair. The hose doesn't stretch at all. The filters/suction don't make it 2 weeks without cleaning (3 pets) and I have to empty the bin 3 times just for my main floor.

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. Sorry you had to learn about Shark the hard way... but look at the bright side, now you know!

[@BullieDad100]

I purchased one but I have mostly carpet and like you, I didn't care for the Shark.. Fortunately, I have a sister w/all hard flooring who is very happy with her new Shark. I'm much more pleased with my SEBO X4 Automatic👍 and the Shark went to a good home. You gotta love happy endings. 😊

[@HouseOfVacuums]

All's well that ends well! Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers!

[@BullieDad100]

I don't always comment; but I always watch. Thanks for the excellent videos!@@HouseOfVacuums

[@michaelfe.7930]

Just scored that one for $250 on Ebay, brand new, 2.5 lbs handle weight fatigues your biceps? You actually weighed the amount of dirt you vacuumed over time? To many variables i would think...for me depending on the time of year I have more debris tracked through my house during the fall vs. the summer.... The machines you compare it to are high end and IMHO are overpriced, my sister has one of those Miele vacuums and bought it because her husband can afford it but says it works no better then any other vacuum she owned before and it actually ends up in the shop being tuned up/repaired more then any other vacuum she had owned.

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Hey Michael! It wasn't designed to be a scientific test of the vacuum... there are others who do videos like that. I'm only relaying my own experience after using it for a period of time. Your mileage may vary. I do indeed find the Shark fatiguing to use, but I am used to my Sebo which is around half a pound of handle weight. Once you use that there is no going back. Those who find their Miele and other high end vacs in the shop more often are typically very hard on vacuums and would have trouble with any machine. At least, that is my experience as a technician seeing machines come and go. I can tell you from being inside the machines, they are not overpriced for the build quality. Check out my video on the Sebo E3... it's amazing! Thanks!

[@silverado5469]

Excellent presentation Matt. I could see exactly what you were talking about and I have to agree with you concerning this machine. After having owned a Dyson Ball with their bagless system and having moved up to a Riccar R40- P6 the Cadillac of vacuums ( my opinion ) I would never first of all ever buy a BIG BOX store vacuum ever again, especially never a vacuum that is bagless. BAGLESS VACUUMS SUCK. John in Ohio.

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Indeed. Thanks for watching!

[@StormySky48]

Very descriptive overall great video. All the videos I looked at they all said the shark was the best compared to Dyson and other brands but based on your explanation you think otherwise. I'm wanting to know what you believe is the best vacuum and why? What vacuum do you currently use?

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Hey Storm Sky! The best vacuum really depends on your home and flooring type. However, you really can't go wrong with anything from Sebo, Miele, or Riccar. Personally, I think Sebo makes the best designed and most durable machines for the money. I put my money where my mouth is, as my daily driver vac is a Sebo E3 canister. If you let me know your square footage, flooring types (percentage of each) and pet situation I can make a more personalized recommendation. Thanks!

[@manjeshbanawara7957]

I am deciding on buying this vacuum, How much does it weigh in Lift Away mode? (canister + motor etc.?)

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Thanks for the comment. In LiftAway mode the power unit is about 11-12 pounds if I remember correctly. If you are planning on using it in that mode a lot it can get pretty tough on the shoulder after a while. In those instances I would instead suggest the purchase of an actual canister where you do not have to carry that weigh... it will just travel behind you on the floor. Thanks!

[@ironmaiden8625]

Dang it!!! I just ordered this for my wife's birthday gift. I wish I would have watched this sooner.☹️ I also ordered her a brand new set of Dewalt power tools.😂

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Vacuum and power tools? You're a brave man...

[@sullennessa3819]

Came here cuz my vac brush roller stopped and the red light was on. I have the same model as yours which had the same issue of rollers starting, stopping, and lights flashing. Now the brush roller stops and doesn't come back on until I take it apart. Sometimes a red light comes on, sometimes not. I take it apart, find no clear problem, put it back together, and it usually will work for a short time. This is my third vacuum, a previous Shark, a Dyson, now this one, where I constantly have to stop and find a KZbin video to figure how to fix them. All have had issues within months of purchase. Honestly, I dread vacuuming knowing it may take way longer than it should to get the job done. I feel awful about the amount of plastic going into the trash constantly. The company suggested I donate the broken machine instead of trashing it. Who donates a machine that can't be fixed???

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Hey Sullen! Sorry to hear about the vacuum troubles. If the brushes are clear and it is still fritzing out, it could be the motor or the circuit board going out. Most likely the motor. Check out this video for something similar... kzbin.info/www/bejne/anzTeJ2sebiqo80 As for machines that are having issues, there really isn't much you can do except throw them away. The plastics they are made out of are not readily recyclable at the consumer level. The most you can do is pull the metal off it and recycle that. Typically, those who take donations want the vacuum to work. Sounds like it might be time for a better vac. Next time, check out the Sebo Felix. It isn't insanely expensive, made in Germany and comes with a 10 year warranty. It will last you a long, long time. Hope that helps!

[@Palacemanager]

Oh, I should also say we have about 3200 sf of main floor.

[@chipethecat]

Yep using an Shark is so heavy. I just got an bissell and it’s so much easier and no shoulder pain!

[@HouseOfVacuums]

I'm no Bissell fan, but I must agree with you that a bagged Bissell is preferable to a Shark in most areas. Thanks for commenting!

[@chipethecat]

@@HouseOfVacuums Yeah it’s definitely better then an Shark. Part of why I got it is the 5 year warranty which covers everything except for wear items. And that the local vacuum store is an Bissell dealer. Parts are all available for it too.

[@chipethecat]

I have the misfortune of an Shark rotator. I want to replace it with an bagged Bissell. The main issue with the Shark is that it’s an pain to recline since it reclines by steeping on the vacuum itself it feels award every-time. And getting the dirt cup back on is an pain it’s much quicker to change an bag.

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Dirt cups are the worst. I have a few bagless machines at my house for testing purposes. You know how I empty the cups? Vacuum them out with a bagged vacuum...

[@chipethecat]

@@HouseOfVacuums There all tiny compared to an bag. The Shark dirt cup is extra annoying since it’s the same as lining an bag up but with no collar....... It has to be perfectly lined up or it doesn’t close.

[@chipethecat]

@@HouseOfVacuums The Bissell is here so no more bagless. The bag is only 25% full and I did rooms I’d have to empty the dust cup 2 or more times.

[@PerformanceReviews]

👏👏👏👏 good stuff man!

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Thanks, I appreciate it! Keep up the good work.

[@DillonCleans]

I have had one for nearly a year. And all I can say is I like it. I don’t love it. I just like it. I did a review on it when I first got it and it is on my channel if you want to check it out. But I have since changed my mind and will be doing a follow up review. I don’t think the vacuum is bad. I think it is hands down the best vacuum for hard floors. And I own 32 vacuums. From dysons to Kirby to bissell to shark to eureka. You name it, I have it. Except for a Miele, Debo or riccar. So I love it on hard floors. But I think carpet performance could be better. I don’t think it’s bad. And when I did a deep clean test, it got 97%. I just think that it’s not as good in the real world. The way cheaper nv352 does much better at carpets. But doesn’t do hard floors well. So it’s a trade off. I agree with the weight issue. I think this is the vacuum that gave me carpal tunnel. I think the power of the vacuums is great, but the brushroll design should be looked at. Same for the cyclone. I have made a whole video about that separately. The cyclone sucks. Dyson is the best at cyclones. So that is what I think of it. But I will be re-doing my review.

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Thanks for the comment! Riccar is one of the few brands where you really see a difference in cleaning capability as you go up in their line. They aren't just adding features... the R25

[@travismoreland7268]

Dont bash my Shark

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Thanks for watching and commenting! The great thing about this life is we can disagree and still get along. While I stand by my comments, I hope you're happy with your Shark. Cheers!

[@travismoreland7268]

@@HouseOfVacuums I was kidding Im still inlove with my sebo x4 and Oreck xl2

[@HouseOfVacuums]

LOL, sorry, didn't catch the sarcasm! People get really defensive of their vacuums sometimes, ha! Thanks again for watching and commenting!

[@charlesrodriguez7984]

@@HouseOfVacuums what helps is if you didn’t care about what vacuum you like to begin with :D

[@m60kaf]

Totally agree with your review. Shark are horendous . They are way too heavy, smash skirting boards and the filters block way too easy. Dont know why they get good reviews

[@HouseOfVacuums]

I didn't enjoy using it, and I used it pretty extensively. I have never really understood the draw, either. Then again, I am spoiled by the vacuums I use!

[@crazyphotobooth]

@@HouseOfVacuums what vacuums do you use?

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Ha! I have way too many vacuums. Right now in my house I have: Sebo E3 on the second floor. Miele Complete C3 Brilliant on the first floor. Miele HX1 Triflex on the first floor for testing. In the basement I have: Bosch Formula Electro Duo Plus Bosch Premium Electro Duo XXL HC Miele 6000 series Miele 500 series Simplicity S5 hand vac A Frankenstein Hoover Lynx cordless that I rebuilt a battery for as an experiment.

[@crazyphotobooth]

@@HouseOfVacuums you were supposed to help me!!!

[@HouseOfVacuums]

@@crazyphotobooth Yeah, sorry, I didn't really narrow it down for you. If you are looking for a good canister, my absolute favorite right now is the Sebo E3. It's the vacuum that I sell to all of my friends, especially in demanding households with pets and kids. I'm a big canister fan, but if you prefer the upright form factor I would look at the Riccar R25 (good), Sebo X7 (better), or Riccar R30 (best). The great thing about the R25 is you can get one for $499 retail, so for a really good cleaning, long lasting design you aren't spending an arm and a leg. For the extra money the Sebo X7 is a little bit more durable and the R30 is REALLY, REALLY good at carpet cleaning. I would put the R30 up against anything on the market for raw floor cleaning.

[@eabreu4]

The vacuum is a tool, and you fail to use it correctly read the box where it states for household use only it is at the bottom of the box, It is not an industrial vacuum for a shop.

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Hmmm, I'm not sure I see where you are going with this. Everything I subjected it to would fall under "typical household use". Even vacuuming the showroom of the shop is probably easier than most homes, being that it is vacuumed multiple times a day by folks demoing vacuums.

[@soldierz18]

Nice video! Very informative! Y’all smash that subscribe button!

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Thanks, Alan. I appreciate the shout-out!

[@PeterTroutman]

What are you vacuuming up in the shop? lol. This is not a shop vac man

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Well, by shop I mean vacuuming the showroom... which is regularly vacuumed by all manner of vacuums I sell. It's not a particularly challenging task. Cheers!

[@dathyr1]

Whatever. I have the Shark APEX Duo Clean Vacuum and I find it cleans my rugs very well - much better than my cleaning ladies Rotator Vacuum. I am 72 yo and find the Vacuum does not make my arms sore or tired. To do my rugs I have the APEX set to medium setting and rolls easily across my thick and thin carpets in 2 rooms - rest are hardwood floors. I dont have any pets, so the APEX is used for just picking up dust. That is my take on the APEX Vacuum and I could care less what others think about bagless vacuums.

[@HouseOfVacuums]

Hmmmm, if you could care less why are you watching and commenting on videos about it?

[@dathyr1]

@@HouseOfVacuums The only reason I put that "care less" statement at the end of my comment cause I read other comments here that they hated bagless vacuums. Other then that, I liked your video. i dont see anything wrong with bagless vacuums.

[@burzendowski100]

Oh my gerd, 2 pounds on my bicep ouchy my poor shoulder. Soy boy destruction.

[@HouseOfVacuums]

You're a funny guy. But seriously, for people with shoulder or back problems you need to keep the handle weight low as possible to avoid problems with long term use. Sharks have one of the heaviest handle weights out there. For someone with a bad rotator cuff, they could be in a lot of pain at the end of vacuuming with this.

[@b1riley1000]

@@HouseOfVacuums I think an even bigger issue with this vacuum is just how stiff the swivel mechanism is! This thing is just terrible on the wrist. I just bought one and I'm returning it after only one use. Seriously looking at the Riccar R25.