Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums and mop cleaners have an app that allows you to save maps of your home, set up cleaning schedules and choose mopping mode. Some models with dual spinning pads also automatically return to their docks mid-cleaning to flush out dirty water and clean their brushes.
If your model has reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to avoid the buildup of bacteria. It is also recommended to clean the tray that they sit on between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops come with pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and then move across the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to get rid of sticky marks and other spots. These pads should be cleaned, removed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to prevent the growth of bacteria and prevent them from smelling unpleasant. Recommended Looking at have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot. They also need to be rinsed, washed or replaced after a few cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combos are simple to use and come with features that decrease 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 again almost immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to be able to navigate around obstacles, clean them using a soft towel or a cloth every few cycles. This will eliminate dust that can block sensors and lead to mistakes.
If you have carpets, be certain to select a mop that is compatible with them. Robot mops that can clean or vacuum floors will need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping capabilities that give you a live map of your room so you can see exactly where your robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.
The majority of apps-connected robots mops use sensors to move through the house and avoid obstacles however, they can get confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities are as efficient as they can be you should update the mopping application regularly with new software updates. We suggest testing a robot's performance in your home by constructing an obstacle course for it to run through before purchasing it.
The majority of robot mops have two tanks. One for clean water and the other for dirty water. The dirty water tank needs to be filled and empty on a regular basis. The water tanks can be easily removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and wash them with warm water and mild soap. Most models come with a drip tray that sits under the dirty water tank to collect any liquid spilled. It is recommended to empty your drip tray after every cleaning cycle to stop bacteria from growing.
Cleaning the Water Tank
Most robot mops and vacuum/mop combos use a water tank to wash. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank on a regular basis, depending on how frequently you use your robot. This is essential if you want your bots to last for a long time. Certain brands, including the top picks in our rating are washable, removable tanks, allowing you to wash off the water that is dirty and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
Many of the latest mop-vacs that we tested can be used with an app that allows you to save your home's maps, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is a crucial feature to look out for when choosing a robotic cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and operating it a lot easier. If the robot you choose does not come with an app, it's still possible to control the fundamental functions of the robot with buttons or a remote.
The newer models we've tested can vacuum up dirt and dust from a variety of surfaces. This is an enormous improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners, that mostly passed a pad of water across the floor. However they aren't designed to deal with big spills, which have to be cleaned by hand. These machines can't move furniture and could get lost in rooms that have a lot of clutter.
Follow the instructions of the manufacturer to remove and wash the brushes that are located on the sides or on the bottom of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Most bots also come with sensors that aid in navigation and avoid obstacles. It's important to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles, especially if they are pressed up against the floor.
While it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the tank of the robot We do not recommend it unless it has been recommended by the manufacturer. This can damage your robot and could void the warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your mop and robot vacuum combo has docks that also double as water tank, you'll need to clean it periodically. The dock may accumulate dirt, grit and other debris that needs to be cleaned and removed after the mop has finished. Many of our options have a self-cleaning feature that you can access via the app or the button on the mop. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps to prevent mildew.
It is also important to clean the area of the dock where the pads are cleaned. If the area is left wet, it may become slimy and even smell. If your model is equipped with washable or disposable mop pads, be sure to wash them in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuums that have brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. After each cleaning cycle remove the brushes and clean them using an abrasive or a cloth.
It's important to clean the sensor areas on some of the more advanced robot mop-vacuum combos that we've tried. They come with sensors that allow you to navigate floors and avoid obstructions. This will stop dirt and grime from blocking sensors, which can cause them to make inaccurate judgements.
While many robot mops and vacuums require a bit of work on an ongoing basis, they provide huge benefits for the busy homeowner. They can keep floors looking great and eliminate the need for heavy lifting and help you save the most valuable resource of a home -- your free time.
Although there are some companies that are attempting to build better robot vacuum-mop units however, they still have a long way to go before they get to the level of our quality. We expect these robots will improve over time just as all the previous robot vacuums have.
Cleaning the Brushes
Maintaining your robot's mop and vacuum is crucial, just like maintaining your vacuum cleaner. Wipe down sensors to make it easier to navigate clear and rinse the water tank, get rid of pet hair clogs off of brushes, keep charge ports clean and change the rollers and filter according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These steps will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum performs well for a lengthy period of time.
Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte evaluates and tests cleaning appliances in the Laboratory, including robot vacuum-mop combos. Her team has been testing and providing recommendations for them for more than forty years.
Combinations of robot vacuums and mops are ideal for cleaning dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet messes. (spills and stains) without the need to change machines. These multitaskers are great for making it easier to save time and effort. They are also great for those with a busy schedule.
Some robots are operated by an app and include more features. For instance this model comes with an obstacle course map that shows our course which is a key selling feature. You can also plan and modify cleaning sessions with the app, change mopping mode and check the battery level. Some models offer voice activation to allow hands-free operation like the model that works with Alexa.
If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combo make sure you choose models that have the features that are important to you. Each model uses pads to sweep the floor, but some also have a scrubber for cleaning grout, or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrub. Certain models come with a filter which can be cleaned or replaced in order to reduce odors.
Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads and drop them into a base that empties into a waste drawer, eliminating the need to wash the pads manually or refill the tank. Others, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between uses. If you choose one with reusable pads, be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer on how to clean and dry them.