Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums and mops come with an app that lets you save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules and select mopping modes. Some models that have dual spinning pads can also automatically return to their docks mid-cleaning to dump dirty water and clean their brushes.
If your model uses pads that are reusable, take them off and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You should also clean the tray they sit on between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops come with pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to get rid of the sticky spots and other marks. To stop the growth of bacteria up and to keep them from smelling, these pads should be removed and washed between use (if they can be washed). Some models have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot. They also need to be rinsed, washed or replaced every couple of cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop combos are easy to use and come with features that help reduce cleaning maintenance after cleaning. These include automatic emptying of the dustbin docks that self-clean and self-cleaning pads which ensure that your robot is ready to mop again almost immediately after a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot's sensors to to navigate around obstacles, clean them with a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This will remove dust that can hinder sensors and cause mistakes.
If you have carpets in your home, be sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with carpets. Most robot mops are able to work on hard surfaces, but those that can also be used to scrub or vacuum floors may need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping features that can give you a live map of the room so that you can track where your robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.
Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to guide them around the house and steer clear of obstacles, but they can occasionally get confused or lost. automated vacuum cleaner is important to update the mopping app frequently with the latest software releases to ensure your robot has the best navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. We recommend testing a robot's capabilities in your own home by constructing an obstacle course for it to test its capabilities before purchasing it.
Most robot mops have two tanks: one for clean water and the second for dirty water. The tank that is dirty needs to be filled and emptied on a regular basis. The water tanks can be easily removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and rinse with warm water and mild soap. Most models come with a drip tray under the dirty tank to collect any liquid spilled. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray following each cleaning cycle to minimize the risk of growth of bacteria.
Cleaning the Water Tank
Most robot mops and vacuum/mop combos use a water tank to clean. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank on a regular basis, dependent on how often you use your robot. This is essential to ensure that your bots last for a long time. Some brands, including the top choices in our rating, have removable, washable tanks so you can remove the soiled water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
Most of the newer mop-vacs we tested are compatible with an app that allows you to save your home's maps as well as set cleaning schedules and select cleaning options. This is a crucial feature to look out for when choosing a robot cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and using it much easier. If your chosen model doesn't have an app, you'll be able to manage the basic functions of the robot using a button on its dock or via its remote.
All the newer models that we've tested have the ability to clean dirt and dust from a variety of surfaces. This is an enormous improvement over the earlier versions of robot cleaners, which mostly pushed water pads across the floor. However they're not designed to deal with big spills, which still need to be cleaned manually. They also can't handle large furniture pieces and can get confused in rooms that have lots of stuff on the floor, so be sure to straighten the area prior to mopping it to ensure that the machine can maneuver around it efficiently.
Follow the instructions of the manufacturer to wash and remove the brushes on the bottom or sides of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate the floor and avoid obstacles. To ensure that the sensors function well, it's helpful to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles with a soft, clean cloth - especially the areas where sensors are press-fit against the floor.
Additionally, although it is possible to add other cleaners into the robot's tank (for example vinegar, for example), we advise against using them unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This could cause damage to your robot and could void the warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot vacuum and mop combination has docks that also double as water tank, then you will need to clean it regularly. The dock can accumulate grit, dust and debris that needs to be removed and cleaned when the mop is finished. A majority of our choices come with a self-cleaning feature which you can access through the app or button on the mop. This helps keep the tank clean and prevents mildew from developing.
It is also important to wash the area around the dock where the pads are cleaned. If the area is left wet, it may turn slimy and even smell. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads, make sure you are washing them according to the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. The same goes for hybrid vacuum models which use brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. Clean the brushes and clean them with a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.
It's essential to clean the sensor areas of some of the more sophisticated robot mop vacuum combos we've tried. They have sensors that aid in navigating floors and stay clear of obstructions. This will keep dirt and grime from blocking sensors, causing them to make incorrect judgements.
While most robot vacuums and mop systems require some effort however, they're a great alternative for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking beautiful and eliminate the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save you time and energy, which is the most valuable resource you have at home.
There are a few companies that are trying to create better vacuum-mop robotics but they're a long way from the quality we have. However, we expect these machines to improve over time, just like the other robot vacuums in the past.
Cleaning the Brushes
Maintaining your robot's vacuum and mop is essential, just as maintaining a vacuum cleaner. Wipe down the sensors to improve navigation. Clean and empty the water tanks, remove pet hair from brushes Clean the charge ports, and replace the rollers and filter in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. These tips will make your robot vacuum and mop combo perform efficiently for an extended period of time.
Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab reviews and tests cleaning devices in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuums and mops. Her team has been testing and suggesting products for more than 40 years.
Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are great for cleaning both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills and stains) in one cleaning session without having to switch machines. Multitaskers are great for saving time and effort. They're also great for those with a busy schedule.
Some robots are operated by an app and have additional features. For example this model features a map of our obstacle course, which is a major selling point. You can also schedule and modify cleaning sessions with the app, switch mopping modes and check battery level. Certain models have hands-free operation via voice, such as the model that integrates with Alexa.
If you're looking for a robot mop or vacuum, make sure that it comes with the features you need. While all models pass pads with water over floors, some have a scrubber that can be used to clean grout, or rotating brushes to provide more intense scrubbing. Certain models come with filters that can be cleaned or replaced in order to reduce the odors.
Some mopping robots dispose of their dirty pads, and drop them into a base which automatically empties into a waste drawer, eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some, like the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between uses. If you choose one with pads that can be reused, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean and dry them.