Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums and mops come with an app that allows you to save maps of your house, set cleaning schedules, and choose mopping modes. Some models that have dual spinning pads also automatically return to their docks during cleaning to flush out dirty water and clean their brushes.
To prevent bacteria accumulation to prevent the build-up of bacteria, remove the pads and wash them (if it's safe) after each cleaning cycle. You'll also want to clean the resting tray in which they rest between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops feature pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and pass over the floor, scrubbing or brushing to remove sticky spots and other marks. The pads must be removed, washed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to prevent the buildup of bacteria and keep them from smelling bad. Some models have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot. These brushes also require to be washed, rinsed or replaced after a few cleaning cycles.
The most effective 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combos are easy-to-use and come with features that decrease the amount of maintenance needed after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads docks, and automatic emptying of the dustbin. This will keep your robot mopping almost immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, consider wiping down its sensors with towels or soft cloths every few cycles. This will help get rid of dust that can block sensors and cause mistakes.
Select a robot mop compatible with carpets if you already have them. Robot mops that can scrub or vacuum floors will need to be reprogrammed in order to avoid carpets. Some robotic mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping features that can show you a live map of the room so that you can see where your robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.
Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to help them navigate the house and avoid obstacles, but they can sometimes get confused or lost. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with new software releases to ensure that your robot has the best navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. Before purchasing a robot, we recommend creating an obstacle course at your home to test its performance.
The majority of robot mops have two tanks. One for clean water and the second for dirty water. The dirty water tank needs to be filled and emptied on a regular basis. The tanks can be lifted out of the base and made easier to clean them 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 at the end of each cleaning cycle to minimize the risk of bacteria growth.
Cleaning the Water Tank
Most robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations, and robot mops utilize a water reservoir for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank on a regular basis depending on the frequency you use your robot. This is crucial to ensure that your bots to last for an extended period of time. Some brands, such as the top picks in our rating, come with a tanks that are washable and removable to remove dirt water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
Most of the newer mop-vacs that we tested can be paired with an app that lets you save maps of your home as well as set cleaning schedules and select cleaning options. This is a crucial feature to look for when choosing a robotic cleaner. It makes setting it up and using it much easier. If the robot you choose doesn't have an app, it's still possible to control the fundamental functions of the bot using a button or remote.
All the newer models that we've tested can vacuum up dirt and dust from a variety of surfaces. This is a big improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners that mostly passed water pads across the floor. These machines are not meant to deal with large spills. They need to be cleaned manually. They are also not able to handle a lot of furniture and can get confused in rooms with a lot of things on the floor, so make sure to straighten the space before mopping to make sure the machine can maneuver around it efficiently.
Some modern bots have brushes on the bottom and sides which can be removed and washed Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions on how to do this (typically using a damp microfiber cloth). Most bots also have sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles. It's important to wipe the sensors down every couple of cleaning cycles, especially where they're pressed against the floor.
Although robot hoover is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the tank of the robot, we do not recommend it unless it has been recommended by the manufacturer. This could damage your robot and void its warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot mop and vacuum combo has a separate dock that doubles as its water tank, it's going to need to be cleaned on a regular basis. The dock can collect grit, dirt and debris that must be cleaned out and removed once the mop is done. Many of our picks come with a self-cleaning feature which you can access through the app or the button on the mop. This keeps the tank in good condition and prevents mildew.
It is also crucial to wash the area of the dock where the pads are washed. If the dock is left wet, it could become slimy and even smell. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads make sure you are washing them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuums 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 most sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested include sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still essential to clean down those sensor areas regularly. This will prevent dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and causing misjudgment.
While many robot mops and vacuums require a bit of work on an ongoing basis, they can provide significant benefits for the busy homeowner. They will keep your floors looking great and reduce the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save time, which is the most valuable resource you have at home.
Although there are some startups that are working to build better robot vacuum-mop units, they have still a long way to go before they get to our level of quality. However, we expect these machines to improve over time, just like the other robot vacuums in the past.
Brushes to be cleaned
Just like a vacuum cleaner is essential to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum unit to ensure that it's functioning properly. Clean sensors to aid in navigation clean and empty the water tank, clean pet hair clogs off of brushes, keep charge ports clean and replace filter and rollers as suggested by the manufacturer. These suggestions will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum works efficiently for a long 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 suggesting products for more than 40 years.
Robot vacuums and mops are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills, staining) all in one cleaning session without having to switch machines. Multitaskers are great for making time and effort. They're also convenient for those with a hectic schedule.
Some robots are controlled by an app and have more features. For instance, 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, switch mopping mode, and check battery level. Some models offer voice activation to allow hands-free operation such as the model that integrates with Alexa.
If you are in the market for a robot mop or vacuum, ensure that it has the features you want. All models use a pad to sweep the floor but some also have scrubbers for cleaning grout or a rotating roller brush for more intense scrub. Some models have a filter which can be cleaned or replaced to lessen smells.
Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads onto a base which automatically empties them into a trash bin, removing the need to manually clean the pads or refill the tank. Others, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that can be washed and dry between uses. If you decide to purchase a model that has reusable pads, be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.