The majority of the robot vacuums we tested were able to mop. The most efficient 2-in-1 models can eliminate the need to do post-mopping cleaning by automatically washing the mop pads within their docks. Avoid using any other cleaning solution than that suggested by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot and cause it to lose the warranty.
Bins that self-empty
Most robot vacuums that come with a mop will also come with self-emptying bins, which makes cleaning easier and hands-free. The time it takes to empty the dust bin or the base station depends on how dirty and frequent your home is. These models are ideal for busy families because they can do many manual tasks.
The best automatic vacuum cleaner robot vacuums with mopping capabilities have a water tank that contains both clean and dirty water. They also have a space that houses the floor-cleaning solution from the brand can be automatically mixed and dispersed. After the cleaning session is finished, the onboard bin is filled, and the dirt and dust are taken back to the base station to be sealed into a larger and more robust dust bag. Additionally, the top robot mops are able to be filled and cleaned before drying in the base stations.These "hands free" robots such as the S8 MaxV Ultra by Roborock are the most recent class of robots. They vacuum clean, muck, mop, and even refill their water tanks, wash and dry their mop pads. They use the concept of mapping, obstacle avoidance and smart functions such as room-specific and digital stay-away planning to navigate around the house.
However, while these new models of robots are very efficient in cleaning floors, they're not the best rated robot vacuum choice to mop carpeted floors or getting into tight spaces such as between chairs or under furniture. This is why we recommend some robot mops which can mop and vacuum, like the Roborock S7 and S8 and the Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The Eufy X10 Pro Omni features an onboard bin for debris and dirt that can be cleaned manually however, it also has a self-emptying docking station that's capable of clearing out the storage bag in two to three cleaning cycles. The only drawback to this model is that you'll still have to clear out the dust bin within the vacuum on occasion, but we think it's worth the extra investment to get the added convenience.
Self-Cleaning
A robot vacuum that has an auto-emptying bin is a great option for large families or homes that tend to generate lots of dirt and dust. The models will automatically put used pads in the trash bin to be disposed of. This makes it unnecessary to empty the dustbin manually and decreases the frequency of cleaning. Being able to connect to your smartphone via an app is also nice, as you can create cleaning schedules and change settings even when you are away from home.
A good robot mop will come with multiple modes for different floor types, including dry mopping and deep. It will come with docking stations that can be recharged between cleanings. If you want a robotic mop that can be controlled with your voice, check for compatibility with a smart assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models have extra features, such as "dirt sense" that detects the amount of dirt that has been left on the pad and causes it to remop and a system that adapts its pressure to the type of surface (more for tile more pressure, less for hardwood) to prevent scratching floors.
Some robot mops can be capable of saving an outline of the area and returning to it for an additional cleaning. This is a must when you live in a multi-level home or if you have particular areas you would like the robot to focus on, like carpeted kitchen floors and a living room. We recommend models that have this technology, along with features like multi-room smart maps that creates a blueprint for your home flooring.
Be sure to only use the recommended cleaning products for your robot. This will ensure that your robot is properly and efficiently cleaned without causing damage to your flooring or voiding your warranty. You may be able to find cleaners that are compatible at your local hardware store, or online however, it's best to stick to the recommendations given by the manufacturer.
Self-Emptying Mops
Robot vacuums that can mop are an affordable option to get the fresh mowed and waxed look without hiring someone. The majority of the models that can mop also can be used for vacuuming and will work on both hard floors and carpets. However there are some limitations, particularly when you have a lot of dirt or extremely long carpets. They may also be less efficient on certain flooring surfaces like laminate and Linoleum.
Many robots that mop use pads that are reusable, which are washed and re-used by the base. They can last up to 50 minutes before needing to be recharged and replaced. The Noesis Florio, which uses disposable pads as opposed to rechargeable batteries, is a rare exception. However, it's an excellent choice because it can maneuver so well throughout the home. It can go around the legs of chairs, over thresholds, and even remembers the threshold after a few trips.
The X1 Omni robot vacuum can mop, and it does not require an app. It's compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This means that you can control the robot with voice commands. It's also less expensive than many robots, but it lacks some of the most advanced features.
It has a self-emptying container which dumps the contents into larger bins that need to be emptyed every 30 days. It also automatically refills its water tank and discards the cleaning pads when they're dirty, making it extremely low maintenance.
Although the technology behind these mop-and-vacuum combos is improving they aren't yet enough to replace traditional vacuums and mops. That said, if you have a lot of your home that are carpeted, consider purchasing a robot mop and vacuum to keep the rooms clean and smelling fresh. There's a wide selection of options on ZDNET including budget-friendly models that don't compromise quality for extra functions.
Easy to Use
Robots that mop can be easy to use. They typically have an app that lets you set schedules, adjust water and automatic vacuum cleaner power, and check the condition of the cloths or pads. Some come with a built-in video camera that can help you locate pet hair or other debris stuck to your floor. Some allow you to connect to a home assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant, and some come with voice activation.
Some robots, like the eufy RoboVac L20 Ultra drop their mopping pad that is dirty into a bin that is automatically empty by a battery-powered dock located at the base station. This is a hands-free method of managing the machine, but it can leave your floors slightly less clean than if you manually wash and replace the pads. Certain models, such as the eufy X10 Pro Omni refill their mopping pads using an additional tank that is automatically empty by the dock.
A lot of the robots that combine mopping and vacuuming have smart navigation capabilities that allow them to follow a specific route and quickly complete large areas without sacrificing any thing. This feature is especially useful in rooms with furniture since it helps them avoid getting caught on tangled leg or other objects. Users of the app will also receive notifications and status updates, like when their trash bins are full or need to be cleaned.
The elegant RoboVac L20 Ultimate we tested included, for instance, its lidar mapping system and digital keep-out zones in order to navigate around couches, chairs, and other obstacles. In our testing, it did a great job of picking up pet fur and other small debris on stairs and in corners that are hard to reach.Cleaning your robot regularly and using only cleaners specifically designed for it will ensure that it will last and continue to function properly. Vinegar is acidic and can harm the robot's internal systems.
Robots that can vacuum and mop are a wonderful addition to any household that has pets. Using a combination cleaner, making sure the pads and rugs are washed properly and following the other maintenance recommendations will help your machine last longer and perform better. Making the investment in one of these hybrids might cost more than a standard vacuum however the time and effort they save can be worth the investment.