How to change a Shark vacuum cleaner bag is something that doesn’t usually cross your mind—until the vacuum starts losing suction or giving off a strange smell.
That’s exactly what happened to me a few months ago. I was cleaning the hallway, and I noticed the vacuum just wasn’t picking up like it used to. I thought maybe the filter was clogged or something, but it turned out the vacuum bag was completely full.
Now, not all Shark vacuums use bags—many are the newer, bagless models. But some of the older or commercial ones still rely on replaceable bags, and if you’ve got one of those, changing the bag on time really matters. I learned that the hard way.
Letting the bag overfill doesn’t just reduce cleaning power—it can also mess with the electric motor and spread dust back into the air, which is the last thing you want if anyone in the house has allergies.
Honestly, it’s not hard once you know how to do it. The first time might be confusing, especially if you’ve never dealt with a bagged vacuum before, but after that, it’s just part of regular cleaning.
In this article, I’ll go over everything I’ve learned—from spotting the signs that it’s time to change the bag, to doing it properly without making a mess.
Do All Shark Vacuum Cleaners Use Bags?
To be honest, before I got into vacuum cleaners, I didn’t even know there were models that still used bags. I always thought vacuums had moved on and everything was bagless now.
But when I got my hands on an older Shark model from a relative, I found out that some Shark vacuums still use dust bags — and that’s when I had to figure out how to change a Shark vacuum cleaner bag for the first time.
It can be a little confusing at first because Shark makes so many different types of vacuums. Most of the newer ones — the ones you see in ads or online stores — are bagless.
They come with a plastic dust cup that you just empty into the trash. But not all of them are like that.
More Reads:
how to remove filter from Dyson vacuum cleaner
How to clean Dyson vacuum cleaner V10
How to clean a Dyson handheld vacuum cleaner
Does Your Shark Vacuum Have a Bag or Not?
Here’s the deal: if you’re not sure whether your Shark vacuum uses a bag, the easiest way to find out is just to open it up. No need to overthink it.
If you open the vacuum and there’s a clear container you can pull out and empty, that’s bagless.
But if you open it and there’s a soft, paper-like or cloth-style bag inside, then you’ve got a bagged model.
And if that’s the case, then yep — you’ll want to learn how to change a Shark vacuum cleaner bag the right way, or you might end up with dust leaking everywhere.
more reads
How much is Dyson V6 vacuum cleaner
Can you change the battery on a Dyson vacuum cleaner
Best Dyson vacuum cleaner
Why Some Models Still Use Bags
Some people actually prefer bagged vacuums. They’re especially good if you’ve got pets or allergies. The bags tend to trap more fine dust and hair without letting it escape Into the air.
And they can be more hygienic since you just throw the whole thing away when it’s full — no dust cloud in your face.
So yeah, even though bagged models aren’t as popular anymore, they still have their place. And if you’ve got one, don’t worry — changing the bag isn’t hard once you get the hang of it. I’ll walk you through it step by step in the next section.
also reads
Best SEBO Vacuum Cleaner For Home
What Are SEBO Vacuums
Are SEBO Vacuums Better Than Dyson
When Do You Actually Need to Change the Bag in a Shark Vacuum?
Okay, let me be straight here — this confused me at first too. I mean, when you’re using a vacuum with a bag, how do you even know it’s full?
There’s no little light or beep (at least not on mine). So for anyone out there wondering how to change a Shark vacuum cleaner bag, the real question is — when should you even bother?
I didn’t always know the answer. In fact, I used to wait until my vacuum started acting weird — like losing suction or smelling dusty. That’s when I’d remember, “Oh… the bag.”
moreover reads
Which SEBO Vacuum Is Best For Allergies
What Is the Best SEBO Vacuum Cleaner for Carpets
Best SEBO Vacuum For Pet Hair
A Few Clues You Shouldn’t Ignore
Over time, I picked up on a few signs. Here’s what usually tells me the bag needs changing:
The vacuum just doesn’t suck like it used to (you can really feel it on rugs).
It starts to smell a bit musty — kind of like old attic dust.
You press on the side where the bag is and it feels… squishy or packed.
That’s when I stop everything and pull it apart. Sometimes, I’d even forget how I did it last time,
So I’d go searching again for how to change a Shark vacuum cleaner bag, which is why I thought writing this down would help someone else out.
more reads
How Long Do SEBO Vacuums Last
Are SEBO vacuum cleaners good
Best Sebo Vacuum Cleaner
Don’t Let It Overfill (I Learned the Hard Way)
Once, I let the bag go too long — like really long — and my Shark vacuum actually shut off mid-job. At first I panicked thinking it was broken, but nope… just a full bag making the electric motor overheat. Lesson learned.
Now I check every couple of weeks. If it’s looking full or starting to smell, I don’t wait. The whole changing process takes a couple of minutes, and honestly, once you get used to it, it’s no big deal.
also reads
Why is Henry vacuum so popular
What Else Should I Know About the Henry Vacuum Cleaner Range
Best Henry Vacuum Cleaner
how many different Henry vacuums are there
How I Change My Shark Vacuum Cleaner Bag (No Stress!)
Okay, so I’m going to walk you through how I change the bag in my Shark vacuum cleaner. It’s not as complicated as it seems, but if you’ve never done it before, it can seem a little confusing.
So, here’s how I do it every time, step-by-step, with as little effort as possible. Once you know how to change a Shark vacuum cleaner bag, it’ll feel like second nature.
Step 1: Unplug the Vacuum (Don’t Skip This)
I’ve made the mistake of not unplugging it once before — never again. I always make sure to pull the plug before I do anything. You don’t want to be messing with the vacuum while it’s still plugged in, right?
Step 2: Open the Bag Compartment
So, once the vacuum is off and unplugged, I go ahead and open the compartment where the bag is. There’s usually a latch or button that releases the door.
I’ve found it’s easiest if I just gently press or pull to get it open. Don’t force it; it should open easily.
Step 3: Pull Out the Bag
Now, this is the part I used to worry about. But honestly, once I started doing it, I realized it’s super simple. The bag is usually clipped in place,
So I just grab the top of it and slide it out. If the bag’s full, sometimes it’ll feel a little heavy, but that’s fine. No need to rush or yank it — just pull it out slowly, and you’re good.
Step 4: Toss the Old Bag and Replace It
I take the old bag and just toss it in the trash. You don’t have to do anything special, just throw it out. Then, I grab a new bag, which I keep handy.
I slide the new bag into place, making sure it’s lined up properly with the clip. I do it carefully so there’s no mess.
Step 5: Close It Up and You’re Done!
Once the new bag is in, I just close the compartment. I make sure it clicks into place. Plug the vacuum back in, and boom, I’m ready to go again.
Once you’ve done it a couple of times, it won’t feel like a big deal. I think the key is just being gentle with the vacuum and not overthinking it.
And now that I know how to change a Shark vacuum cleaner bag, I don’t even need to look up the instructions anymore!
Why Using the Right Bags Matters When Changing a Shark Vacuum Cleaner Bag
I used to think that all vacuum bags were pretty much the same, and it didn’t matter which one I used. But then I learned the hard way that using the right bag for your Shark vacuum can really make a difference.
It’s one of those things you don’t realize until you start noticing the small changes. So, here’s why I always stick with the recommended bags now.
Better Suction Means a Cleaner Home
At first, I didn’t realize how much suction can drop if you’re using the wrong bag. One time, I grabbed a bag that seemed like it would fit, but the vacuum didn’t work nearly as well.
I couldn’t figure it out at first, but then I realized the bag wasn’t quite right. The wrong bag can actually restrict airflow, and you’ll feel the difference.
Once I switched back to the right bag, I noticed the suction was as strong as it was when I first bought the best vacuum cleaner brands of shark company. It’s one of those things you can’t ignore once you experience it.
No Dust Escapes — Promise
Another thing that clicked for me: when I didn’t use the right bag, I would notice little dust clouds escaping every now and then.
I’m sure you’ve seen it happen with cheaper bags that don’t fit snugly. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s annoying to see dust fly out when you’re trying to clean your floors.
The Shark bags I use fit perfectly, and that means everything stays locked inside. It’s nice knowing that all the dust is contained, and I don’t have to worry about it getting back into the air.
Save Time and Money Over Time
I’ve learned that trying to save a few dollars with generic bags isn’t always worth it. Sure, the cheaper bags might seem like a good idea, but they never seem to last as long, and I was always having to replace them sooner.
The right bag might cost a bit more, but I don’t have to replace them as often. And, let’s be honest, I’d rather spend a little more up front than deal with the hassle of constantly fixing things later.
Using the correct Shark vacuum cleaner bag means I save time in the long run because I’m not constantly fixing little problems.
It’s Just Easier
Honestly, using the right bag just makes the whole process of changing the bag so much easier. I don’t have to struggle with trying to fit a bag that’s too small or big for the compartment.
When I use the proper bags, everything just works — it goes in smoothly, I don’t worry about anything ripping, and it just feels like a more hassle-free process.
It’s the kind of thing that, once you start doing it right, you won’t ever go back to cutting corners.
Switching bags is part of the routine, but using the right bag makes a huge difference. It helps my vacuum perform better, keeps everything cleaner, and saves me some headaches.
I’ve learned from experience that the little details — like choosing the correct bag — can make all the difference in the long run.
Conclusion
Changing a Shark vacuum cleaner bag is something we all need to do, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Once you get the hang of it, it’s almost second nature.
The key is making sure you’re using the right bag, one that fits well and works with your model. I’ve noticed that when I started paying attention to that, my vacuum worked a lot better and lasted longer.
It’s just one of those small things that makes a big difference.
What I’ve learned over time is that getting the right bag for your Shark vacuum makes a real impact. Better suction, cleaner air, and fewer replacements—it’s all worth the extra effort.
It doesn’t take long to figure out, and once you do, you’ll see what I mean.
So, the next time you’re wondering how to change a Shark vacuum cleaner bag, just remember to choose the right one.
It’ll make the job easier, your vacuum will perform better, and you’ll be saving time and money down the road.
FAQS
How often should I change the Shark vacuum cleaner bag?
I usually change my Shark vacuum cleaner bag when it’s about two-thirds full. You’ll know it’s time if the suction starts dropping or if the bag looks puffed up. Changing it on time helps keep your vacuum running smoothly.
Can I use any vacuum bag for my Shark vacuum?
I wouldn’t recommend using just any bag. It’s best to stick to Shark’s specific bags designed for your model. They fit better, work more efficiently, and keep dust from leaking out, which is important for maintaining good suction.
How do I know if my Shark vacuum bag is full?
A simple way to tell if the bag’s full is by checking the visible fill line if your vacuum has one. If you’re not sure, just notice if the suction power seems weaker—often that’s a sign the bag needs to be changed.