Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums and mop cleaners come with an app that lets you save your home's maps as well as create cleaning schedules and select mopping mode. Some models with dual spinning pads also automatically return to their dock mid-cleaning to dump dirty water and clean their brushes.
If your model is using reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to avoid the buildup of bacteria. It is also recommended to clean the tray they sit on between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops feature pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, scrubbing or brushing to remove sticky spots and other marks. These pads should be removed, washed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to avoid the buildup of bacteria and keep them from smelling bad. Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, which must be cleaned, rinsed or replaced after every few cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combos are easy-to-use and come with features that cut down on the amount of maintenance needed after cleaning. They include automatic emptying of the dustbin, self-cleaning pads and docks that ensure your robot is ready to mop immediately after a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot's sensors to to navigate around obstacles, clean them using a soft towel or a cloth every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that could 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 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 real-time map of the room so that you can see exactly where your robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.
Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to guide them through the home and steer clear of obstacles, but they can occasionally get lost or confused. Make sure to update the mopping application regularly with new software releases to ensure that your robot has the best navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. We recommend testing the robot's capabilities in your own home by creating an obstacle course for it to race through prior to buying it.
The majority of robot mops have two tanks one for clean water and another for dirty water. The tank that is dirty needs to be filled and emptied regularly. The tanks can be lifted from the base and made easier to clean and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. The majority of models have a drip tray that is placed under the water tank that is dirty to collect any liquid spilled. 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. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you clean the tank frequently, according to how often you use your robot. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is essential. Some brands, including the top picks in our ratings are washable, removable tanks, allowing you to wash off the soiled water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
The majority of the latest mop-vacs we tested can be paired with an app that allows you to save your home's maps and set up cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is a crucial feature to look out for when choosing a robot cleaner. It makes setting it up and operating it much simpler. If the robot you pick does not have an app, it is still possible to control the basic functions of the robot with a button or remote.
The latest models we've examined can sweep dust and dirt off many surfaces This is a major improvement over previous iterations of robot cleaners which mainly simply pushed a pad of water across the floor. However they're not designed to deal with big spills, and they still need to be cleaned by hand. They also can't handle furniture and can get confused in rooms with a lot of clutter on the floor, so make sure to straighten up the area prior to mopping it to ensure that the machine is able to move around it easily.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to wash and remove the brushes that are located on the sides or bottom of the latest bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Many bots also have sensors that 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 using a soft, clean cloth - especially the areas where sensors are placed 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's been approved by the manufacturer. This can damage the robot and may end the warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your mop and robot vacuum combination has docks that also double as a water tank, you'll need to clean it regularly. The dock is prone to collecting dust, grit and other debris that must be cleared and cleaned when the mop has been cleaned. A majority of our choices have a self-cleaning feature which you can access through the app or the button on the mop. This helps keep the tank clean and helps to prevent mildew.
robot vacuum cleaner that washes the pads also must be cleaned from time to time -it can become slimy or smell bad if left wet for a long time. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, ensure that you wash them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning cycles. The same goes for hybrid mop/vacuum models that have brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. After every cleaning cycle remove the brushes and clean them with the help of a rag or cloth.
It's essential to clean the sensor areas on some of the most advanced robot vacuums we've tested. They are equipped with sensors that help navigate floors and avoid obstructions. This will prevent dust and grime blocking the sensors, causing them to make inaccurate judgements.
While the majority of robot mop and vacuums require a little work on a regular basis, they offer big benefits for the busy homeowner. They can keep your floors looking beautiful and reduce the need for heavy lifts. They also save you time which is the most valuable resource at home.
While there are startups that are working to create better robot vacuum units but they still have a long way to go before they reach our standard of quality. However, we expect these machines to improve with time, just as the other robot vacuums in the past.
Brushes to be cleaned
Just like a vacuum cleaner it is important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum combo so it keeps functioning properly. Clean the sensors to improve navigation. Empty and wash the water tanks, take out hairs from the brushes Clean the charge ports and change the filter and rollers in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. 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 including robot vacuum-mop combos. Her team has been testing and recommending products for more than 40 years.
Robot vacuums and mops are great for cleaning both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills or stains) all in one cleaning session without the need to switch machines. Multitaskers can help you save time and effort and are a great choice for those with a busy life.
Certain robots are operated via an app and come with additional features. For example, this model has a map of our obstacle course, which is a major selling point. You can also plan and modify cleaning sessions with the app, change mopping mode, and check battery level. Others provide voice activation, such as this model, which works with Alexa, for hands-free control.
If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop choose models that have the features that are important to you. Each model uses a pad to sweep floors, but some also have a scrubber for cleaning grout or a rotating roller brush for more intense scrubbing. Certain models come with a filter which can be cleaned or replaced in order to lessen smells.
Some mopping robots dispose of their dirty pads and drop them into a base that discharges into a waste bin, making it unnecessary to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some, like the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that can be washed and dry between uses. If you choose a model with reusable pads, be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to clean and dry them.