Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums and mops come with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules and select mopping settings. Certain models with dual spinning pads will 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 several cleaning cycles to prevent the buildup of bacteria. It is also recommended to clean the tray 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 remove sticky spots and other marks. To stop robot vacuum best Robot Vacuum Mops of bacteria up and to keep them from smelling, these pads should be removed and washed between uses (if they can be washed). Some models also have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the robot which need to be washed or rinsed after every few cleaning cycles.
The most effective 2-in-1 robot mop and vacuum combos are simple to operate and include features that reduce post-cleaning maintenance. These include self-cleaning pads, docks and automatic dustbin emptying. This keeps your robot mopping immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors using a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This will remove dust that could block sensors and lead to errors.
If you have carpets, be certain to select a mop that is compatible with them. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, however those that can also vacuum or scrub floors might require reprogramming to recognize carpets or avoid them. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping capabilities that give you a live map of your room so you can see where your 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 may sometimes be confused or lost. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with new software updates to ensure that your robot is equipped with the most effective ability to navigate and avoid obstacles. Before you purchase a robot, we recommend creating an obstacle course at home to test its performance.
Most robot mops have two tanks, one for clean water and one for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be emptied and filled regularly. The water tanks are easily removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and rinse them with warm water and mild soap. Most models come with a drip tray that sits beneath the dirty water tank to collect any spilled liquid. It is recommended to empty the drip tray following each cleaning cycle to minimize the chance of bacterial growth.
Cleaning the Water Tank
The majority of robot mops and vacuum/mop combos have a water tank for cleaning. Most manufacturers advise you to clean this tank regularly, dependent on how often you use your bot. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is essential. Certain brands, including the top picks in our rankings are washable, removable tanks that allow you to remove the water that is dirty and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
The majority of the latest mop-vacs we tested are compatible with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is a feature we look for when deciding on the right model, since it makes setting up and using the robot cleaner a lot easier. If the robot you pick doesn't have an app, it's still possible to control the fundamental functions of the bot using a button or remote.
All the newer models that we've tested can vacuum up dirt and dust from a variety of surfaces. This is a big improvement over the previous versions of robot cleaners which mostly pushed water pads across the floor. They aren't made to handle large spills. They must be cleaned manually. They also cannot handle a lot of furniture and could get confused in rooms that have lots of clutter on the floor, so make sure to straighten the area prior to mopping it to ensure that the machine can move around it effectively.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean and remove the brushes that are on the bottom or sides of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by most bots to navigate on the floor and avoid obstacles. It is important to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles, especially where they're pressed against the floor.
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 approved by the manufacturer. This can damage your robot and could void the warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot mop and vacuum combo comes with a dock that doubles as a water tank, it will have to be cleaned on a regular basis. The dock can accumulate dirt, dust and grit and must be cleared and washed when the mop is finished. Many of our options come with a self-cleaning feature that you can access via the app or the button on the mop. This keeps the tank clean and prevents mildew from developing.
It is also important to clean the area of the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If the dock is left wet, it could become slimy and even smell. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads, make sure to wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. The same goes for models with a hybrid mop/vacuum which use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. After each cleaning cycle take the brushes off and clean them with the help of a rag or cloth.
It's essential to clean the sensor areas of some of the most advanced robot mop vacuum combos we've tried. They come with sensors that allow you to navigate floors and keep out obstructions. This can prevent dust and grime from blocking the sensors and leading to misjudgment.
While many robot mops and vacuum cleaners require a bit of work on a regular basis, they can provide significant benefits for the busy homeowner. They can keep floors looking nice and eliminate the need for heavy lifting and save you the most valuable resource you have in a home -your time.
Although there are some startups that are working to create better robot vacuum units but they have some way to go before they reach our standard of quality. But we expect these robots to improve in time, just as all other robot vacuums in the past.
Cleaning the Brushes
Just like a vacuum cleaner, it's important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combo so it keeps functioning properly. Wipe down sensors to improve navigation clear and rinse the water tank, remove pet hair clogs from 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 combo performs well for a lengthy period of time.
Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte evaluates and tests cleaning equipment in the Laboratory which includes robot vacuum and mop combos. Her team has been testing and suggesting products for more than 40 years.
Robot vacuum and mop combos are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills or stains) in one clean-up session without switching machines. These multitaskers are great at saving time and effort. They're also great for busy schedule.
Certain robots are operated via an app and come with more features. For instance this model comes with a map of our obstacle course, which is a major selling point. You can also schedule and alter cleaning sessions with the app, switch mopping modes and check the battery level. Certain models have voice activation to allow hands-free operation such as the model that is compatible with Alexa.
If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combo choose models that have the features that are important to you. All models utilize pads to sweep floors, but some also have a scrubber for cleaning grout or a rotating roller brush for a more intensive scrubbing. Some models have filters that can be cleaned or replaced in order to eliminate odors.
Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads onto the base, which then automatically empty them into a garbage bin, removing the need to manually clean the pads or refill a tank. Some, like the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between use. If you opt for one with reusable pads, be sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and drying them to ensure they look the best.