Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that lets you save maps of your house, set cleaning schedules and select mopping options. Certain models with dual spinning pads will also automatically return to their docks during cleaning to empty the water of dirt and clean their brushes.
If your model is using pads that are reusable, take them off and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You should also clean the tray that they rest on between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops have pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and then move across the floor, scrubbing or brushing to remove the sticky spots and other marks. To stop bacteria from building 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 cleaner with mop. They also need to be cleaned, rinsed or replaced after a few cleaning cycles.
The most efficient 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop combination is easy to use and comes with features that decrease the amount of maintenance needed after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads, docks, and
automatic vacuum cleaner and mop emptying of the dustbin. This keeps your robot mopping immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, try wiping down its sensors with a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This will get rid of dust that can block sensors and lead to mistakes.
Choose a mop that is that is compatible with carpets if you have them. Most robot mops are able to work on hard surfaces, but those which can also vacuum or scrub floors may require reprogramming to recognize carpets or avoid them. Some robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners are equipped with mapping functions. This lets you see the areas that your robot has cleaned, as well as those it has not.
Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to help them navigate the house and avoid obstacles, but they may occasionally get confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's navigation capabilities and obstacle-avoidance abilities are as effective as they can, update the mopping app on a regular basis with the latest software versions. Before purchasing a robot, we suggest that you create an obstacle course at home to check its performance.
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 tanks can be lifted out of the base which makes it easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with a drip tray under the dirty tank to catch any liquid that spills. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray following each cleaning cycle to reduce the chance of bacterial growth.
Cleaning the Water Tank
The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations and robot mops use a water reservoir for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you clean this tank regularly, according to how often you use your robot. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is crucial. Some brands, including the top picks of our ratings, come with an easily washable tank that is removable, to remove dirt water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.
The majority of the mop-vacs we tested come with an app which allows you to save maps of your home as well as organize cleaning schedules or choose cleaning modes. This is a feature we look for when choosing the best model, because it makes setting up and using the robot cleaner a lot easier. If the model you choose doesn't come with an app, you can still control the basics of the robot using the dock or remote.
The newer models we've tested are able to remove dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is a huge improvement over the earlier versions of robot cleaners that mostly passed a pad of water across the floor. These machines are not meant to take on large spills. They must be cleaned manually. They also can't handle furniture and could get confused in rooms that have lots of things on the floor, so be sure to straighten up the space before mopping to make sure the machine is able to move around it easily.
Some modern bots come with brushes on the bottom and sides that can be removed and washed, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions on how to do this (typically using use a damp microfiber cloth). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate around the floor and avoid obstacles. To keep these sensors working well, it's helpful 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 add other cleaners into the robot's tank (for example vinegar or acetic acid) We recommend against doing this unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This could damage your robot and void its warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot mop and vacuum comes with a dock which doubles as a water tank, it's going to need to be cleaned periodically. The dock can accumulate grit, dust and debris and needs to be removed and cleaned when the mop is done. Many of our picks have self-cleaning cycles that you can use the app or a button on the mop itself. This helps keep the tank clean and helps to prevent mildew.
The area of the dock that is used to wash the pads needs to be washed periodically -it can become slimy or even smell bad when left wet for too long. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, ensure that you wash them according to the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. The same goes for models with a hybrid mop/vacuum which use brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. Take the brushes out and clean them using a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.
It is essential to clean the sensor areas of a few of the more sophisticated robot mop vacuum combos we've tried. They have sensors that allow you to navigate floors and avoid obstructions. This can keep dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and causing misjudgment.
While most robot mop and vacuum cleaners require a bit of work on an ongoing basis, they can provide significant benefits for the busy homeowner. They will keep floors looking beautiful, eliminate the need for heavy lifting, and save you the most valuable resource in a home -your time.
Although there are some companies that are attempting to build better robot vacuum-mop units, they have still a long way to go before they get to the level of our quality. But we expect these robots to improve in time, just as the other robot vacuums in the past.
Cleaning the Brushes
Maintaining your robot's vacuum and mop is crucial, just like maintaining your vacuum cleaner. Clean sensors to aid in navigation, empty and rinse the water tank, clean pet hair clogs that block brushes and charge ports, clean the ports and replace the filter and rollers as recommended by the manufacturer. These tips will make your robot vacuum and mop combination work efficiently for a long time.
Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab is responsible for evaluating and tests cleaning products in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum-mop combinations. Her team has been testing products and recommending them for more than forty years.
Combinations of robot vacuums and mops work to clean dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet mess. (spills and staining) without changing machines. Multitaskers can help you save time and energy and are ideal for those with a busy life.
Certain robots require an app to operate and provide more features than others, such as the map this model designed of our obstacle course which is one of the main selling points. You can also schedule and alter cleaning sessions using the app, change mopping mode, and check battery level. Certain models have hands-free operation via voice like the model that works with Alexa.
If you're looking for a robot mop or vacuum, make sure that it has the features you want. All models use a pad to sweep the floor however some have scrubbers for cleaning grout or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrub. Some models have a filter that can be washed or replaced to reduce odors.
Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads and place them into a base which automatically emptys into a garbage drawer, making it unnecessary to wash the pads manually or refill the tank. Certain mopping machines, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads which can be washed and dried between uses. If you opt for the model with reusable pads, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions about washing and drying them to keep them looking the
best automatic vacuum.