Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that lets you save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules, and choose mopping options. robot hoover with dual rotating pads will also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dump dirty water.
If your model uses pads that are reusable, take them off and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to prevent bacteria buildup. You should also clean the resting tray where they sit between cleanings.
Preparation
A lot of robot mops have pads that contain a cleaning solution that slide across the floor to soften sticky spots and other marks using scrubbing motions or brushes. To stop the growth of bacteria up and to keep them from smelling, these pads should be cleaned and removed between uses (if they are washable). Some models have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot that also require to be washed, rinsed or replaced after a few cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combos are simple to use and come with features that help reduce post-cleaning maintenance. They include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the dustbin. This helps keep your robot mopping immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, consider wiping down its sensors using towels or soft cloths every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that could block sensors and cause mistakes.
If you have carpets, make 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 scrub or vacuum floors might need to be reprogrammed to recognize carpets or avoid them. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping capabilities that give you a real-time map of your room so you can see where your robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.
The majority of apps-connected robots mop use sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles, but can sometimes be lost or confused. 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 the latest software versions. We recommend testing a robot's performance in your home by creating an obstacle course to test its capabilities before buying it.
Most robot mops come with two tanks, one for clean and the other for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be filled and empty on a regular basis. The water tanks are easily removed from the base, making it easier to clean them and rinse with warm water and mild soap. Most models come with drip tray that is placed under the water tank that is dirty to collect any spilled liquid. It is recommended to empty your drip tray every cleaning cycle to prevent bacteria from developing.
Cleaning the Water Tank
Most robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations and robot mops use an water reservoir to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank regularly, dependent on how often you use your robot. This is crucial for bots that you want last for many years. Some brands, such as the top picks 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 we tested can be used with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is something we look for when choosing a model, as it makes setting up and using your robot cleaner much easier. If the robot you choose does not come with an app, it is still possible to control the essential functions of the bot using a button or remote.
All of the newer models we've examined can sweep dust and dirt off many surfaces, which is a huge improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners that mostly just passed a pad with water across the floor. However they're not designed to handle huge spills, which still need to be cleaned manually. They also can't handle large furniture pieces and could get confused in rooms with lots of things on the floor, so be sure to straighten the area prior to mopping to make sure the machine can move around it efficiently.
Follow the manufacturer's directions to remove and wash the brushes that are located on the sides or on the bottom of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate the floor and avoid obstacles. To keep these sensors working properly, it's recommended to clean the sensors after every few cleaning cycles using a soft, clean cloth - especially the areas where the sensors are pressed against the floor.
Additionally, although it is possible to put other cleaners into your robot's tank (for instance vinegar or acetic acid), we advise against doing so unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This could cause damage to the robot and invalidate 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 periodically. The dock can collect dirt, dust and grit and must be cleared and washed when the mop has been cleaned. Many of our options include a self-cleaning function that you can access via the app or on the mop. This keeps the tank clean and prevents mildew from developing.
The dock area that is used to wash the pads should be cleaned from time to time -- it can get slimy or even smell bad when left wet for too long. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads, make sure you are washing them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuums with brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit are also affected. After every cleaning cycle take the brushes off and clean them using an abrasive or a cloth.
Some of the more advanced robot vacuum-mop combos we've tested have sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still essential to clean the sensor areas clean on a regular basis. This will keep dirt and grime from blocking sensors, causing them make inaccurate judgments.
While most robot mop and vacuum units require a little bit of work on a regular basis, they can provide significant benefits for the busy homeowner. They can keep floors looking nice and eliminate the need for heavy lifting and give you the most valuable resource of the home- your free time.
While there are a few companies that are attempting to build better robot vacuum-mop units but they still have still a long way to go before they get to our standard of quality. We expect these machines to improve over time, just like the previous robot vacuums did.
Brushes to be cleaned
Maintaining your robot's mop and vacuum is crucial, just like maintaining your vacuum cleaner. Clean sensors to improve navigation clear and rinse the water tank, get rid of pet hair clogs that block brushes, keep charge ports clean and change the rollers and filter according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These suggestions will help your robot vacuum and mop combo 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 suggesting them for over forty years.
Combinations of robot vacuums and mops work for cleaning both dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet spills. (spills and stains) without the need to change machines. These multitaskers will help you save time and effort and are convenient for anyone with a busy life.
Some robots are controlled by an app and have more features. For instance, this model has an outline of our obstacle course which is a major selling feature. You can also plan and modify cleaning sessions with the app, alter mopping modes and check the battery level. Others provide voice activation, such as this model that integrates with Alexa, for hands-free control.
If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combo, look for one that has the features that are important to you. All models utilize pads to sweep the floor, but some also have a scrubber to clean grout or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrubbing. Some models have a filter which can be changed or cleaned to lessen odors.
Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads into a base which automatically empties them into a waste bin, removing the need to manually clean the pads or refill a tank. Some mopping robots, such as the Noesis Florio have reusable pads which can be washed and dried between uses. If you opt for a model that has pads that are reusable, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.