Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums and mops come with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules and choose mopping options. Certain models with dual rotating pads can also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dispose of dirty water.
If your model has reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every several cleaning cycles to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You should also clean the tray they sit on between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops utilize pads with a cleaning solution that pass over the floor to soften sticky spots and other marks with scrubbing motions or a brush. To prevent bacteria from building up and to prevent them from smelling, these pads should be removed and washed between uses (if they can be washed). auto vacuum have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the robot which must be cleaned or rinsed after every few cleaning cycles.
The most efficient 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop combination is easy to use and comes with features that reduce the amount of maintenance needed after cleaning. These include automatic emptying of the dustbin docks, self-cleaning pads, and self-cleaning pads that ensure your robot is ready to mop again almost immediately following a cleaning. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, try wiping down its sensors with a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This will get rid of dust that can hinder sensors and cause errors.
If you have carpets, make sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with them. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, however those that also vacuum or scrub floors may need to be reprogrammed to recognize carpets or avoid them. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping features that can give you a real-time map of your room so you can see exactly where the robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.
Most robots with apps use sensors to guide them around the house and steer clear of obstacles, but they can sometimes get lost or confused. To ensure that your robot's navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities are as efficient as they can be, update the mopping app on a regular basis with new software releases. We recommend testing the robot's capabilities in your own home by creating an obstacle course to run through before buying it.
Most robot mops come with two tanks one for clean water and another for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be filled and empty on a regular basis. The water tanks can be lifted off the base and made easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models have a drip tray that sits beneath the water tank that has been contaminated to catch any spilled liquid. It is recommended to empty the drip tray at the end of every cleaning cycle to lower the risk of growth of bacteria.
Cleaning the Water Tank
Most robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations, and robot mops utilize an water reservoir to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank regularly, depending on the frequency you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is crucial. Some brands, including the top choices of our ratings, come with an easily washable tank that is removable, so you can remove dirty water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.
The majority of the mop-vacs we tested have an app that allows you to save maps of your home and organize cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is a feature we look for when deciding on the right model, since it makes the process of setting up and operating your robot cleaner much simpler. If your chosen model doesn't have an application, you can manage the basic functions of the bot from a button on its dock or via its remote.
The latest models we've reviewed can vacuum dust and dirt off various surfaces This is a major improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners which mainly just passed a pad with water across the floor. These machines aren't designed to take on large spills. They must be cleaned manually. They also cannot handle furniture and can get confused in rooms with lots of stuff on the floor, so be sure to straighten up the area prior to mopping it to ensure that the machine is able to move around it efficiently.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to wash and remove the brushes that are located on the sides or on the bottom of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Most bots also have sensors to assist them in navigating floors and avoid obstacles. To ensure that the sensors function well, it's a good idea to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles with a soft clean cloth, particularly those areas where the sensors are press-fit against the floor.
While it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot's tank however, we don't recommend it unless it's been approved by the manufacturer. This could damage the robot and may cause the warranty to be voided.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot mop and vacuum combo has a dock on its own that doubles as a water tank, it will have to be cleaned periodically. The dock can accumulate dust, grit and other debris that must be cleared and cleaned when the mop is finished. Many of our options come with a self-cleaning feature that you can use via the app or on the mop. This keeps the tank clean and also prevents mildew from developing.
The area of the dock that washes the pads also should be cleaned every now and thenit can become slimy or smell bad if left wet for too long. If your model has disposable or washable 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 of the unit are also affected. After each cleaning cycle remove the brushes and clean them with the help of a rag or cloth.
Some of the more advanced robot vacuum-mop combos we've tested contain sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still necessary to wipe down those sensor areas on a regular basis. This will prevent dirt and grime from blocking the sensors, causing them to make incorrect judgments.
While most robot vacuums and mop machines require some effort they are an excellent alternative for busy homeowners. They can keep your floors looking great and eliminate the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save time, which is the most valuable resource you have at home.
While there are new companies that are trying to build better robot vacuum-mop units, they still have a long way to go before they reach our standard of quality. But we expect these robots to improve in time, just as the other robot vacuums in the past.
Brushes to be cleaned
Maintaining your robot's mop and vacuum is essential, just as maintaining your vacuum cleaner. Wipe down the sensors to improve navigation. Empty and rinse the water tanks, clean pet hair from brushes and charge ports, clean them, and replace the rollers and filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. These suggestions will help your robot vacuum and mop combination work efficiently for a long 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.
Robot vacuums and mops are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills, stains) all in one cleaning session without the need to switch machines. These multitaskers are great for making it easier to save time and effort. They're also convenient for those with a hectic schedule.
Some robots are operated by an app and include additional features. For example this model features an outline of our obstacle course which is a major selling point. You can also make use of the app to plan and alter cleaning sessions, change mopping modes and check the battery level. Certain models have hands-free operation via voice like the model that is compatible with Alexa.
If you're looking for a robot mop and vacuum, make sure that it comes with the features you need. While all models use a pad with water over floors, some have a scrubber that can be used to clean grout or an inclined brush roll to provide more intensive scrubs. Some models have a filter that can be washed or replaced to reduce the odor.
Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads into an empty base that automatically dumps them into a garbage bin, removing 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 decide to purchase a model with pads that are reusable, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash and dry them.