Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that allows you to save maps of your house, set cleaning schedules and select mopping options. Some models that have dual rotating pads will also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dump dirty water.

To prevent bacteria accumulation, remove the pads and wash them (if it’s safe) after each cleaning cycle. You should also clean the tray they sit on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot vacuum cleaners reviews mops use pads that contain a cleaning solution that are pushed across the floor to soften the sticky marks and spots by using scrubbing movements or a brush. The pads must be cleaned, removed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to prevent the buildup of bacteria and keep them from smelling bad. Some models also have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the robot that need to be washed and rinsed, or replaced every few cleaning cycles.

The best automatic vacuum and mop 2-in-1 robotic 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 helps keep your robot mopping immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, consider wiping down its sensors using a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This will eliminate dust that can block sensors and lead to errors.

Choose a mop that is suitable for carpets if already have carpets. Robotic mops that are able to vacuum or scrub floors need to be reprogrammed in order to avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping features that can give you a real-time map of the room so that you can track where the robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn’t.

The majority of robots with apps connected to mop use sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles, but they can also be lost or confused. To ensure that your robot’s ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as effective as they can and to ensure that the app is updated on a regular basis with new software updates. We suggest testing a robot’s performance at home by constructing an obstacle course for it to test its capabilities before purchasing it.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks, one for clean water and one for dirty water. The tank that is dirty has to be emptied and filled regularly. The water tanks can be lifted from the base, making it easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with a drip tray under the tank that collects any liquid that spills. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray after every cleaning cycle to stop bacteria from developing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations and robot mops use a reservoir of water for cleaning. Most manufacturers advise you to clean the tank frequently, according to the frequency you use your robot. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is essential. Some brands, such as the top choices of our ratings, come with tanks that are washable and removable so that you can wash away dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the mop-vacs we tested have an app which allows you to save maps of your house, organize cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is a feature we look for when deciding on a model, as it makes the process of setting up and operating your robot cleaner much easier. If the robot you pick does not have an app, it is still possible to control the fundamental functions of the robot with a button or remote.

All of the newer models we’ve reviewed can vacuum up dust and dirt from many surfaces this is a significant improvement over previous iterations of robot cleaners which mainly just pushed a pad filled with water across the floor. These machines aren’t designed to deal with large spills. They must be cleaned manually. They can’t move furniture and can get lost in rooms with a lot of clutter.

Follow the instructions of the manufacturer to clean and remove the brushes that are on the sides or on the bottom of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). The majority of bots also come with sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles. It is important to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles, particularly if they’re pressed against the floor.

While it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the tank of the robot however, we don’t recommend it unless it has been suggested by the manufacturer. This could damage the robot and may void its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot vacuum and mop combo has docks that also double as a water tank, you’ll need to clean it periodically. The dock can accumulate dust, grit and other debris that will need to be removed and cleaned after the mop has been cleaned. A majority of our choices have an auto-cleaning cycle that which you can control with the app or on the mop itself. This helps keep the tank clean and prevents mildew.

The dock area that is used to wash the pads should be cleaned periodically -it can become slimy or smell bad if left wet for too long. If your model comes with washable or disposable mop pads, be sure to wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions between cleaning cycles. Hybrid mop/vacuum units that have brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit are also affected. After each cleaning cycle, take the brushes off and clean them using a cloth or rag.

Some of the most advanced robot vacuum-mop combos we’ve tested contain sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstacles, however it’s still essential to clean down those sensor areas on a regular basis. This can prevent dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and causing misjudgment.

While most robot vacuums and mop systems require some work they are an excellent option for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking beautiful and reduce the need for heavy lifting. They also save you time, which is the most valuable resource you have at home.

There are a few companies working to develop better vacuum-mop machines but they’re quite a ways from the quality we have. However, we expect these machines to improve in time, just as all other robot vacuums in the past.

Brushes to be cleaned

Maintaining your robot vacuum and mop is essential, just as maintaining the vacuum cleaner. Clean sensors to aid in navigation clean and empty the water tank, clean pet hair clogs from brushes and charge ports, clean the ports and replace the filter and rollers as recommended by the manufacturer. These tips will help your robot vacuum and mop be efficient for longer.

Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, evaluates and tests cleaning equipment in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum and mop combinations. Her team has been testing and recommending products for more than 40 years.

Robot vacuum and mop combos are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills and staining) in one cleaning session without the need to switch machines. These multitaskers are great for making time and effort. They’re also great for those with a hectic schedule.

Some robots require an app to operate and offer more features than others, like the map this model made of our obstacle course, which is one of the main selling points. You can also make use of the app to plan and modify cleaning schedules modify mopping settings and check battery levels. Some models also provide voice activation, like this model that works with Alexa, for hands-free control.

If you’re looking for a robot mop or vacuum, make sure that it comes with the features you need. Each model uses pads to sweep floors, however some have scrubbers for cleaning grout, or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrub. Certain models come with a filter which can be changed or cleaned to eliminate smells.

Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads into a base which automatically empties them into a waste bin, eliminating the need to manually clean the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, such as the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry in between uses. If you opt for a model that has pads that can be reused, make sure to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.