Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules, and choose mopping modes. Certain models with dual spinning pads can also automatically return to their dock mid-cleaning to dump dirty water and clean their brushes.

If your model has disposable pads, take them off and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You’ll also want to clean the tray where they sit between cleanings.

Preparation

Many best robot hoover mops utilize pads with a cleaner that are pushed across 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, the pads must be cleaned and removed between usage (if they can be washed). Some models have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot. They also require to be rinsed, washed or replaced every couple of cleaning cycles.

The most effective 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combination is easy to use and comes with features that decrease the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads, docks and automatic dustbin emptying. This will keep your robot mopping immediately after cleaning. If you want your best robot hoover to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, try wiping down its sensors with towels or soft cloths every few cycles. This can help get rid of dust that can hinder sensors and cause errors.

If you have carpets, make certain to select a mop that is compatible with them. Robot mops that can clean or vacuum floors must be reprogrammed so they can avoid carpets. Some robotic mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping features that can give you a real-time map of the room so you can see where the robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn’t.

Most robots with apps use sensors to guide them around the home and avoid obstacles, but they may sometimes be confused or lost. To ensure that your robot’s ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as good as possible you should update the mopping application regularly with new software updates. We recommend testing a robot’s capabilities in your own home by constructing an obstacle course for it to test its capabilities before buying it.

Most robot mops come with two tanks. One for clean water and one for dirty water. The tank that is dirty is required to be filled and empty frequently. The water tanks are easily removed from the base, making it easier to clean them and rinse with warm water and mild soap. The majority of models have an under-sink drip tray beneath the tank that collects any liquid that spills. It is recommended to empty your drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to prevent bacterial from growing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot mops and vacuum/mop combination devices use a tank of water for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank regularly, depending on how frequently you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is important. Some brands, such as the top choices of our reviews, have a removable, washable tank so that you can wash away dirty water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of the latest mop-vacs that we tested can be used with an app that lets you save your home’s maps, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is one of the features we look for when choosing a model, as it makes the process of setting up and operating your robot cleaner much easier. If the best rated robot vacuum you choose does not have an app, it’s still possible to control the essential functions of the robot using buttons or a remote.

The newer models we’ve tested have the ability to clean dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is a big improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners, which mainly passed water-filled pads across the floor. These machines are not meant to take on large spills. They must be cleaned manually. They aren’t able to move furniture, and they can become lost in rooms with a lot of clutter.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove and wash the brushes that are on the sides or bottom of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Most bots also have sensors to help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles. To ensure that these sensors are working well, it’s helpful to clean the sensors after every few cleaning cycles with a soft clean cloth, especially the areas where the sensors are placed against the floor.

While it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot’s tank, we do not recommend it unless it has been recommended by the manufacturer. This can 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 its water tank, it will need to be cleaned on a regular basis. The dock is prone to collecting dirt, dust and grit and needs to be removed and cleaned after the mop has been cleaned. Many of our options have a self-cleaning feature that you can use via the app or button on the mop. This keeps the tank clean and helps to prevent mildew.

The area of the dock which washes the pads should be cleaned periodically -it could become slimy and smell unpleasant if left wet for a long time. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads ensure that you wash them in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuum and mop units with brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. Clean the brushes and clean them with a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

It is essential to clean the sensor areas of some of the more advanced robot vacuums we’ve tested. They are equipped with sensors that allow you to navigate floors and keep out obstructions. This will prevent dirt and grime from blocking the sensors, causing them make faulty judgements.

Although most robot vacuums and mop machines require some effort, they are a great option for busy homeowners. They can keep floors looking great and eliminate the need for heavy lifting, and save you the most valuable resource in a home -your time.

While there are a few startups that are working to create better robot vacuum units but they still have some way to go before they reach our level of quality. But we do expect these robots to improve with time, just as all other robot vacuums in the past.

Brushes to be cleaned

Maintaining your robot’s vacuum and mop is essential, just as maintaining the vacuum cleaner. Wipe down sensors to improve navigation clear and rinse the water tank, remove pet hair clogs that block brushes and charge ports, clean the ports and replace filter and rollers as suggested by the manufacturer. These suggestions 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 appliances in the Laboratory including robot vacuum-mop combos. Her team has been testing products and recommending them for more than forty years.

Robot vacuum and mop combos are great for tackling dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills and stains) all in one cleaning session without switching machines. Multitaskers can help you save time and energy and are a great choice for those with a hectic schedule.

Some robots are controlled by an app and have more features. For example, this model has an obstacle course map that shows our course which is a major selling point. You can also schedule and alter cleaning sessions using the app, switch mopping modes and determine the battery’s level. Some models also offer voice activation, for instance this model that works with Alexa to allow hands-free control.

If you are considering purchasing a robot vacuum and mop combo choose models that have the features that are most important to you. All models utilize pads to sweep floors, but some include a scrubber for cleaning grout, or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrubbing. Some models have filters that can be washed or replaced to eliminate the smell.

Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads into an empty base that automatically dumps them into a waste bin, removing 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 between uses. If you decide to purchase one with pads that are reusable, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.