Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums and mops come with an application that lets you save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules and select mopping settings. Some models that have dual spinning pads also automatically return to their docks during cleaning to empty the water of dirt and clean their brushes.
If your model has disposable pads, take them off and wash them (if safe) every several cleaning cycles to avoid the buildup of bacteria. You'll also want to clean the resting tray where they sit between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops use pads with a cleaning solution that pass over the floor to soften the marks and sticky spots with scrubbing motions or a brush. To stop the growth of bacteria up and to keep them from smelling, these pads must be removed and washed between use (if they are washable). Some models also have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the robot which need to be washed, rinsed or replaced after every few cleaning cycles.
The most effective 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combos are simple to use and come with features that decrease the amount of maintenance needed after cleaning. They include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the dustbin. This will keep your robot mopping almost immediately following a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, consider wiping down its sensors using a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This will get rid of dust that can block sensors and lead to mistakes.
If you have carpets, be sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with carpets. The majority of robot mops work on hard surfaces, however those which can also be used to scrub or vacuum floors might require reprogramming to avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping capabilities that give you a live map of the room so you can see where the robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.
Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to guide them through the home and steer clear of obstacles, but they may sometimes be lost or confused. Update the mopping app regularly with the latest software releases to ensure your robot has the best navigation and obstacle-avoidance abilities. We suggest testing a robot's capabilities in your own home by creating an obstacle course for it to run through before purchasing it.
Most robot mops come with two tanks, one for clean and another 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, making it easier to clean them and rinse them with warm water and mild soap. The majority of models have drip tray that is placed under the dirty water tank 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
The majority of robot mop, vacuum combinations and robot mops use an water reservoir to clean. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank regularly, depending on the frequency you use your robot. This is crucial for bots that you want to last for an extended period of time. Some brands, like the top choices in our rankings are washable, removable tanks that allow you to remove the soiled water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
The majority of the mop-vacs we tested come with an app which lets you save your home's maps and organize cleaning schedules or choose cleaning modes. This is one of the features we look for when selecting the right model, since it makes the process of 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 robot with buttons or a remote.
All of the newer models we've tested can clean dust and dirt off multiple surfaces This is a major improvement over previous iterations of robot cleaners that largely just passed a pad with water across the floor. They aren't made to handle large spills. They need to be cleaned manually. They are also not able to handle a lot of furniture and could get confused in rooms that have lots of things on the floor, so make sure to straighten the area prior to mopping it to make sure the machine can maneuver around it easily.
Some newer bots come with brushes on the sides and the bottom which can be cleaned and removed Be certain to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to do this (typically using use a damp microfiber cloth). The majority of bots also have sensors to help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles. It is essential to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles, especially if they are pressed up against the floor.
Additionally, although it is possible to pour other cleaners in your robot's tank (for instance, vinegar) We recommend against using them unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This could cause damage to your robot and void its warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your mop and robot vacuum combination has docks that also double as water tank, then you will need to clean it periodically. The dock may accumulate grit, dirt and debris that must be cleaned and removed when the mop has finished. Many of our options include a self-cleaning function that you can use via the app or button on the mop. This helps keep the tank clean and prevents mildew.
It is also essential to wash the area of the dock where the pads are washed. If left wet, it can be slimy and smell. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, ensure you're washing them according to the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. Hybrid mop/vacuum units with brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. After each cleaning cycle, take the brushes off and clean them using an abrasive or a cloth.
Some of the more sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested include sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still necessary to wipe down those sensor areas regularly. This will stop dust and grime blocking the sensors, which can cause them to make incorrect judgements.
While many robot mops and vacuum cleaners require a little work on every day basis, they provide huge benefits for the busy homeowner. They will keep floors looking beautiful, eliminate the need for heavy lifting and give you the most valuable resource you have in a home -- your free time.
While there are a few new companies that are trying to create better robot vacuum units however, they have still a long way to go before they can reach our standard of quality. However, we expect these machines to improve over time, just like the other robot vacuums in the past.
Brushes to be cleaned
Similar to a vacuum cleaner, it's important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum unit to ensure that it's functioning well. Clean the sensors to improve navigation. Empty and rinse the water tanks, take out hairs from brushes, clean the charge ports and then replace the rollers and filter according to the instructions of the manufacturer. These suggestions will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum combo works efficiently for a long period of time.
robot cleaner amazon & 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 offering products for over 40 years.
Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are great for cleaning both dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills or staining) in one cleaning session without having to switch machines. These multitaskers are great for making it easier to save time and effort. They are also great for those with a hectic schedule.
Some robots are operated by an app and include more 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 modify cleaning sessions modify mopping settings and check the battery level. Others include voice activation, for instance this model that works with Alexa for hands-free control.
If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combo make sure you choose one that has the features that are most important to you. While all models pass pads with water across floors, some have a scrubber that can be used to clean grout, or rotating brushes to provide more intense scrubbing. Some have a filter that can be cleaned or replaced to eliminate the smell.
Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads onto a base which automatically empties them into a garbage bin, eliminating the need to manually clean the pads or refill a tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry between uses. If you opt for the model that has reusable pads, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying and washing them to keep them looking the best.