Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums or mop models come with an app that allows you to save maps of your house as well as set up cleaning schedules and choose mopping mode. Certain models with dual rotating pads can also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dump dirty water.
If your model is using disposable pads, take them off and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You'll also want to clean the tray where they sit between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops come with pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and then move across the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to get rid of sticky marks and other spots. To stop the growth of bacteria up and keep them from smelling, the pads must be cleaned and removed between uses (if they are washable). Some models have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot that also need to be washed, rinsed or replaced after a few cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robotic mop and vacuum combos are simple to use and come with features that help reduce post-cleaning maintenance. They include automatic emptying of the dustbin docks that self-clean and self-cleaning pads that ensure your robot is ready to mop again almost immediately after a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot to be capable of navigating and avoiding obstacles, try wiping down its sensors using towels or soft cloths every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that can interfere with sensors and lead to errors.
Choose a mop that is compatible with carpets if you already have them. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, but those which can also scrub or vacuum floors may need to be reprogrammed to recognize or avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners as well as mop cleaners are equipped with mapping capabilities. This allows you to see the areas that your robot has cleaned, as well as those it has not.
robot vacuum cleaners of app-connected robot mop use sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles but can sometimes be lost or confused. Make sure to update the mopping application regularly with new software updates to ensure that your robot is equipped with the most effective ability to navigate and avoid obstacles. We recommend testing a robot's capabilities in your own home by creating an obstacle course for it to run through before buying it.
The majority of robot mops have two tanks. One for clean water and the second for dirty water. The dirty water tank is required to be filled and empty frequently. The tanks can be lifted from the base and made easier to clean and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with an under-sink drip tray beneath the tank that collects any liquid that spills. It is recommended to empty the drip tray following each cleaning cycle to reduce the risk of bacteria growth.
Cleaning the Water Tank
The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combination and robot mops have a water reservoir for cleaning. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank on a regular basis, depending on the frequency you use your robot. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is important. Some brands, including the top picks in our rating, come with a an easily washable tank that is removable, so you can remove dirty water and let the tank 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 as well as set cleaning schedules and select cleaning modes. This is a feature we look for when selecting the best model, because it makes setting up and operating the robot cleaner a lot easier. If the robot you pick does not have an app, it is still possible to control the fundamental functions of the bot using a button or remote.
The latest models we've tested can clean up dirt and dust on many surfaces, which is a huge improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners that largely simply pushed a pad of water across the floor. However they're not designed to handle large spills, which have to be cleaned by hand. They aren't able to move furniture and can get lost in rooms with a lot of clutter.
Some newer bots come with brushes on the sides and bottom which can be cleaned and removed Be certain to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to do this (typically you'll need a damp microfiber cloth). Most bots also come with sensors that assist them in navigating 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 pressed 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 suggested by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot and invalidate the warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your mop and robot vacuum combination comes with docks that also double as water tank, then you will have to keep it clean regularly. The dock can collect dust, grit and other debris and will need to be removed and cleaned after the mop has been cleaned. A majority of our choices have a self-cleaning feature that you can use via the app or on the mop. This helps keep the tank clean and prevents mildew.
The dock area which washes the pads needs to be washed periodically -it could become slimy or smell bad if left wet for too long. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads, be sure to wash them in accordance with manufacturer's instructions in between cleaning cycles. Hybrid mop/vacuum units that have brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit are also affected. Remove the brushes and clean them using a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.
Some of the more advanced robot vacuums and mops we've tested include sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still essential to clean the sensor areas clean on a regular basis. This can keep dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and causing misjudgment.
Although the majority of robot vacuums and mop systems require some work however, they're a great alternative for busy homeowners. They can keep floors looking nice, eliminate the need for heavy lifting and save you the most valuable resource you have in a home -- your free time.
There are a few companies working to build better vacuum-mop robots, but they are still far from our level of quality. But we do expect these robots to improve in time, just as all other robot vacuums have in the past.
Brushes to be cleaned
Maintaining your robot's mop and vacuum is essential, just as maintaining your vacuum cleaner. Wipe down sensors to make it easier to navigate clear and rinse the water tank, remove pet hair clogs off of brushes, keep charge ports clean and change the rollers and filter as suggested by the manufacturer. These tips will make your robot vacuum and mop combination be efficient for longer.
Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, evaluates and tests cleaning products in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuums and mops. Her team has been testing and suggesting them for over forty years.
Robot vacuums and mops are great for cleaning dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills and stains) in one clean-up session without the need to switch machines. These multitaskers are great for making it easier to save time and effort. They're also convenient for those with a busy schedule.
Certain robots require an app to function and have more features than others, like the map this model designed of our obstacle course, which is one of the main selling points. You can also plan and modify cleaning sessions with the app, alter mopping modes and determine the battery's level. Some models allow voice activation for hands-free operation such as the model that is compatible with Alexa.
If you are in the market for a robot mop or vacuum, be sure it has the features you want. While all models push a pad with water over floors, some models have scrubbers that can be used to clean grout, or an inclined brush roll to provide more vigorous scrubbing. Certain models come with filters that can be changed or cleaned to reduce smells.
Some mopping robots dump their dirty pads into a base which automatically empties them into a garbage bin, removing the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Others, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between uses. If you opt for one with pads that can be reused, make sure to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.