Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums with mop vacuums or mop models come with an app which allows you to save maps of your house and create cleaning schedules and choose mopping mode. Certain models with dual rotating pads can also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dump dirty water.

If your model is using reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to avoid the buildup of bacteria. You should also clean the tray that they are sitting on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops have pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and then move across the floor, either by scrubbing or brushing to remove the sticky spots and other marks. To prevent bacteria from building up and to prevent them from smelling, the pads should be removed and washed between usage (if they are washable). Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, [Redirect-302] which must be cleaned, rinsed or replaced after every few cleaning cycles.

The most efficient 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop combos are easy-to-use and come with features that cut down on the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. They include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the trash bin. This keeps your robot mopping immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, try wiping down its sensors using a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This will help get rid of dust that can hinder sensors and cause errors.

If you have carpets in your home, be certain to select a mop that is compatible with them. Robot mops that can scrub or vacuum floors must be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping features that can give you a live map of your room so you can see where the robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn’t.

Most robots with apps use sensors to help them navigate the house and avoid obstacles, but they can sometimes be lost or confused. To ensure that your robot’s ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as good as possible you should update the mopping application regularly with the latest software versions. Before you buy a robot we recommend creating an obstacle course at your home to check its performance.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks, one for clean water and the other for dirty water. The dirty water tank has to be emptied and filled frequently. The water tanks are easily removed from the base, making it easier to clean them and rinse them with warm water and mild soap. Most models come with a drip tray under the tank that collects any liquid that spills. It is recommended to empty the drip tray after every cleaning cycle to lower the chance of bacterial growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot vacuums and mop combos have a water tank to wash. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank regularly, depending on how frequently you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is important. Some brands, like the top picks in our ratings, have removable, washable tanks so you can remove the dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of mop-vacs that we tested have an app which lets you save your home’s maps, organize cleaning schedules or choose cleaning modes. This is something we look for when selecting the best model, because it makes setting up and operating your robot cleaner much easier. If the robot you pick does not come with an app, it’s still possible to control the fundamental functions of the robot using buttons or a remote.

The latest models we’ve tested can vacuum up dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is a big improvement over the earlier versions of robot cleaners which mostly pushed a pad of water across the floor. However they aren’t designed to handle large spills, which have to be cleaned by hand. They aren’t able to move furniture and could get lost in rooms with a lot of clutter.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to wash and remove the brushes that are located on the sides or bottom of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Many bots also come with sensors that aid in navigation and avoid obstacles. To keep these sensors working well, it’s helpful to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles using a soft clean cloth, especially those areas where the sensors are placed against the floor.

In addition, it is possible to put other cleaners into the robot’s tank (for example vinegar or acetic acid) We recommend against doing so unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This can damage the robot and may cause the warranty to be voided.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum has a dock on its own which doubles as a water tank, it will need to be cleaned regularly. The dock can accumulate dust, grit and other debris and must be cleared and cleaned after the mop has been cleaned. Many of our picks have a self-cleaning feature that you can access via the app or on the mop. This helps keep the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew from developing.

It is also important to clean the area of the dock where the pads are cleaned. If the dock is left wet, it could become slimy and even smell. If your model uses disposable or washable mop pads, ensure you’re washing them in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning cycles. The same goes for hybrid mop/vacuum models which use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. After every cleaning cycle, take the brushes off and clean them with an abrasive or a cloth.

It’s essential to clean the sensor areas of a few of the more sophisticated robot mop-vacuum combos that we’ve tested. They are equipped with sensors that help navigate floors and keep out obstructions. This will keep dirt and grime from blocking sensors, which can cause them to make incorrect judgements.

While the majority of robot mop and vacuum cleaners require a bit of work on an ongoing basis, they provide huge benefits for the busy homeowner. They will keep your floors looking beautiful and eliminate the need for heavy lifting. They also save you time which is the most valuable resource at home.

While there are startups that are working to develop better robot vacuum-mop units however, they have a long way to go before they get to our level of quality. We anticipate that these robots will improve over time just as all the previous robot vacuums have.

Cleaning the Brushes

Maintaining your robot’s vacuum and mop is crucial, just like maintaining the vacuum cleaner. Clean the sensors to improve navigation. Empty and wash the water tanks, remove hairs from brushes Clean the charge ports and change the filter and rollers in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. These steps will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum combo is efficient for a long period of time.

Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte evaluates and [Redirect Only] tests cleaning equipment in the Laboratory, including robot vacuum-mop combos. Her team has been testing and suggesting them for over forty years.

Combinations of robot vacuums and mops are perfect to clean dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet spills. (spills and staining) without having to switch machines. Multitaskers can help you save time and energy and are a great choice for those with a hectic schedule.

Some robots that vacuum and mop are operated by an app and have additional features. For instance this model features an outline of our obstacle course, which is a major selling point. You can also use the app to schedule and modify cleaning sessions as well as change mopping modes and check battery levels. Some models also offer voice activation, such as this model, which works with Alexa to allow hands-free control.

If you’re looking for a robot mop or vacuum, make sure that it has the features you want. While all models pass a pad of water across floors, some include scrubbers that can be used to clean grout, or a rotating brush roll for more vigorous scrubs. Certain models come with filters that can be changed or cleaned to lessen smells.

Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads and place them into a base which automatically empties into a waste drawer, eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry between uses. If you choose a model with pads that are reusable, make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to clean and dry them.