Have you discovered the Shark Sonic Duo yet? We recently replaced our carpet with hardwood. I don't care for carpet, and when we bought this house just four years ago, I told our salesperson I would prefer not to have it.
Unfortunately, many home building companies buy large quantities of carpeting and cabinetry, and you get what you get. I'm not really complaining (well, maybe a little.) Our cabinets are top of the line, and I love all the great detailing that came standard, like tray ceilings. But, from day one, I looked forward to the carpets being replaced.
I knew from past experience that you need to be careful in how you clean hardwood, so I went shopping in search of a good mop just for wood floors. I knew I wanted to be able to use my own cleaning solution, not just because I wanted to save money, but also because some products are just better than others, and I want to take care of my new investment!
The first mop I bought kept falling apart. The refillable bottle would not stay in the holder, so I just took it back. The man at the store who took my return couldn't figure out why the bottle wouldn't stay put, either, and just shook his head. I did more searching, even looking online for the perfect hardwood mop. Everything I was finding in the stores was poorly made and I knew would not last, or do a good job.
During that same time, I got an email from Shark. I took a quick look at the Shark Sonic Duo then, but didn't get a chance to really check it out. I hadn't seen it in the stores, but was so excited to get their email. They wanted me to check out the new Sonic Duo. What perfect timing!
The Shark Sonic Duo has everything I was looking for. It's light weight. I can use my own solution. It can be used on hardwood and carpets, so I can clean my area rugs with it, too. The best thing? This system is so well made! I know this is going to last a long time! And did I mention how easy it is to use? I can get right up against the wall, and the swivel action makes it so simple. This system is just amazing!
Part of the reason the Shark Sonic Duo works so well is the Dual Scrubbing Action. Combined with the cleaning solution provided in my starter kit, this system really does the job, making my floors just beautiful. I could not be happier!
What you get when you buy the Sonic Duo Kit:
- Two scrub modes for Hard floors and Carpets, at 1000 scrubs per minute!
- 7 to 1 Concentrated Non-Toxic Gentle Cleaning Solutions. This is safe for family & pets, which is important to us.
- Hard Floor Solution and Carpet Solution, plus Spot Remover and Polish Solution.
- Microfiber Washable Pads just for Hard Floor and Carpet Cleaning
I know you'll love the Shark Sonic Duo as much as I do!
I was given a Shark Sonic Duo in order to try it and share the results with you. As always, I only share my honest thoughts on products with my readers.
John Welna
Call your friends at Shark and ask them why they do not offer the concentrated carpet cleaner solution, Also their site did not offer the diluted solution either. Makes the whole thing kind'a useless.
Rachel Ide
I'm looking for a homemade recipe as a substitute or the original carpet cleaner the sonic duo came with. Does anyone mix up their own carpet cleaner solution. I'm looked at diy recipes but I'm concerned they all need to be rinsed (use with a machine like a Bissell) the shark is a no rinse system. any suggestions?
Thanks!
Kelly Stilwell
I'm just not sure, Rachel. You may be able to find something by searching online, but I always worry about using my own creation as it's not recommended. Let me know what you find out!
Linda
Does anyone have a specific "recipe" for a solution for cleaning my hard floor (vinyl) that has been tried and tested with the Shark Duo? Since the concentrate is no longer made, I would like to make my own substitute! Thanks!
Kelly Stilwell
I'm not using it as I have tile now, but I know I saw several recipes by searching it. Have you tried Google? Good luck!
Betty L. Johnson
Reading all of the above comments- I can see that others loved their Shark Duo as much as I did. My granddaughter used it once- helping me clean- and SHE fell in love with it too...When she bought her new home, I GAVE it to her.... and ordered me a new one- same one- same number KD 451T.
When my new Shark arrived- I was informed that they no longer MADE the one I ordered, and they sent me the new model ZZ 550 N2. tt was beautiful- looked a lot like my previous one- so I figured it was only better!
Little did I know that Shark had made some changes, and NOT changes the purchaser would appreciate. They had replaced ALL OF THE BOTTLES with lids that are NON-REMOVABLE- LOCK-ON LIDS- non-re-usable bottles!! Of course, this insures Shark that the purchasers will NOT be refilling the bottles with their own cleaner- and will be purchasing a LOT MORE bottles of LOCK ON LID CLEANSERS!!
I, like the original poster here, enjoyed re-filling the large bottle with my own cleaner. I feel like I have been ripped off ad cheated- when they took away the re-fillible bottle!! For me- it made my new Shark Duo nearly useless as I now hove to hand-spray my floor when I mop.
Yes- that first SHARK DUO was wonderful- The Shark corporation just got too greedy.
Jennifer
where can you purchase the cleaner? i looked at target and didn't find it and its a ridiculous price on amazon! tia
Kelly Stilwell
It looks like you can find it at Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc. Google it an a lot of choices come up! Good luck!
Kelly Stilwell
I know I saw refillable bottles that worked for the solution, but that was some time ago. They have been great to work with, so I do think you should let them know your concerns.
Eric
Yes, you are spot on. I won't buy another Shark product due to this same issue. The new, non-resusable bottles do not contain enough liquid to clean my kitchen and dinning. The previous solution (the ones you re-use and mix with water) would last me a year. This is as big of a money grab as you can get. I don't want to pay nearly $30 for solution to clean my floors each time. Terribly disappointed with this company.
Kelly Stilwell
Unfortunately, I'm going to have to agree with you, Eric. It was a really great product before they changed it. Sorry!
Darcy
What solution do you use in your shark duo? I'm looking at getting one, but don't want to be constantly buying the shark solution. Although you said the solution lasted awhile? How long did your solutions last and how often do you use them?
Betty L. Johnson
Shark no longer makes that model- They have replaced that model with a model with NON-REUSABLE bottles of cleaning solution. The bottles are smaller (2 to 4 mops per bottle) and the lids LOCK ON once installed in the Shark Duo- insuring that you will NOT be re-filling the bottle with your own cleanser- but constantly running back to the store to buy more. It was a very profitable change for Shark, NOT for the consumer.
Kelly
Hi Linda,
Be sure you don't confuse the cleaner with the polish. Go to the website for answers or how to use the solution as I don't want to give you misinformation. http://www.sharkclean.com/shark-sonic-duo/sonic-duo-for-hardfloors/usage-tips/
Linda
I got my Shark Sonic Duo it came with 32 0z. bottles of both liquid cleaner
for hard floors and carpet it says to put bottle in and start - my Question is
do I have mix with water as you are saying or just use this way . . I know nothing about this
I can't find it in my book that came with it . .SO HELP !
Bob
I just installed porcelain tile on my floors. I used a grout sealant to protect the grout. People told me not to steam clean the floors but just clean with vinegar. I have the Shark steamer and the Sharp duo and Sharp told me not to use vinegar oin the steamer. I would like any feedback from those who have used vinegar over a period of time.
Kelly Stilwell
I'm not an expert on what to use on different tile floors, but I know many suppliers say you can just use water. I would not use anything they tell you not to use as it would mean your warranty would no longer be valid. I found the Shark solution worked well.
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Peggy
Hi did anyone use the polish for hardwoods? Let me know your experience. I'm not really happy.
Kelly
I did, Peggy. It's concentrated, though. What were you unhappy with? I'd be happy to let the company know.
Rikki Perez
Kelly, could I use Biokleen carpet and rug cleaner? I have extra from my old shampooer and I don't wanna toss it. ???? Thank you! I know you have all hardwood..... But am scared to try a different solution. Plus the Shark solution are quite expensive.
Shalene
I am considering purchasing the Sonic Duo. My concern is I own a housecleaning business and clean 3-5 homes a day. can I purchase more pads? Also I think using the pre made product would be costly. Any ideas?
Kelly Stilwell
Hi Shalene,
You can buy more pads! And you can fill the bottle with whatever cleaning solution you want, which is amazing. I thought the solution lasted a long time, though, as you add water to it. Give it a try and see what you think. Let me know how it goes! I love my Shark!!
John Larson
We really like the way the Shark cleaned our floors, but the Shark cleaning solution left a very slight film on the floor when it dried. Yes, we mixed according to the marks (ratio) on the bottle. We have had lots of hard surface floors (wood and tile) and seem to always go back to vinegar and water. I, like you, liked the ability of being able to use other solutions with the shark. Before the Shark we were using a Swifter with HDX Hard Floor Cleaner that we got at Home Depot. We definitely do not want to put any "polish" on our floors due to build up issue. May use the Shark cleaner and then vinegar and water the next time to get rid of the film. Interested in your experience.
Kelly
Thanks for the feedback. I really like the Shark so far, and haven't noticed any build up on the hardwood. I'm not using anything but water on the tile now as per the manufacturer, but I do use a steamer on it. The Shark is perfect for the wood floors, which we have in all bedrooms. Thanks again for the visit.
Bob
So you have had results using the vinegar/water in the Steamer. shark told me not to use it.
Debby Malaise
Hi Kelly, I just ordered mine. Reading your review made me more excited to get mine. I have 3 dogs and need my carpets cleaned frequently and they still don't look that great. I can't wait to get my shark. I have a no wax kitchen floor that is pretty old and can't wait to see the difference the shark is going to make on it. Looking so forward to using the shark in my house....
Kelly Stilwell
You will love it, Debby! Let me know your thoughts once you get it 🙂
leah
Hi! so do you make your own hard floor cleaning solution? what do you use?
Kelly
Hey Leah,
I've used the solution that came with the Shark, and I'm trying various products with it to see what I like best. What do you use?