Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums or mops come with an app which lets you save maps of your house and create cleaning schedules and then select mopping mode. Some models that have dual rotating pads will also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dispose of dirty water.

If your model is using reusable pads, remove them and cleaning robot mop and vacuum wash them (if safe) every several cleaning cycles to avoid the buildup of bacteria. You should also clean the tray they rest on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops have pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, either by scrubbing or brushing to get rid of sticky marks and other spots. The pads must be removed, washed (if they are washable) and dried between uses to avoid bacteria buildup and keep them from smelling unpleasant. Some models have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot that also need to be cleaned, rinsed or replaced after a few cleaning cycles.

The best robotic mop and vacuum 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop combos are easy to operate and include features that help reduce cleaning maintenance after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads docks and best automatic vacuum dustbin emptying. This keeps your robot mopping immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot to be capable of navigating and avoiding obstacles, try wiping down its sensors with towels or soft cloths every few cycles. This will eliminate dust that could hinder sensors and cause errors.

Select a robot mop suitable for carpets if have carpets. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, however those which can also be used to scrub or vacuum floors might require reprogramming to recognize carpets or avoid them. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping features that can give you a live map of the room so you can track where the robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.

The majority of apps-connected robots mops use sensors to move through the home 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, update the mopping app on a regular basis with the latest software versions. We recommend testing the robot's performance in your home by constructing an obstacle course for it to test its capabilities before purchasing it.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks, one for clean water and the second for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be filled and empty on a regular basis. The water tanks can be removed from the base, making it easier to clean them and rinse with warm water and mild soap. Most models have drip tray that is placed under the water tank that has been contaminated to collect any spilled liquid. It is recommended to empty your drip tray every cleaning cycle to prevent bacteria from growing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot vacuums and mop combination devices use a tank of water for cleaning. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank regularly, depending on how frequently you use your robot. This is crucial to ensure that your bots last for a long time. Some brands, including the top choices in our rating are washable, removable tanks so you can remove the soiled water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of the latest mop-vacs that we tested are compatible with an app that lets you save maps of your home as well as set cleaning schedules and cleaning robot mop and vacuum select cleaning modes. This is an important feature to consider when selecting a robot cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and operating it much simpler. If your choice doesn't have an application, you can control the basics of the robot by pressing a button on its dock or remote.

The latest models we've tested can clean up dirt and dust on many surfaces, which is a huge improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners which mainly just pushed a pad filled with water across the floor. However they're not designed to handle large spills, which have to be cleaned by hand. They also can't handle large furniture pieces and could get confused in rooms that have lots of stuff on the floor, so be sure to straighten the area prior to mopping to make sure the machine can maneuver around it easily.

Follow the manufacturer's directions to remove and wash the brushes that are on the bottom or sides of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by most bots to navigate the floor and avoid obstacles. To ensure that the sensors function properly, it's recommended to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles using a soft, clean cloth - especially those areas where the sensors are pressed against the floor.

Although it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot's tank however, we don't recommend it unless it has been suggested by the manufacturer. This could damage the robot and invalidate the warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot vacuum and mop combination has a dock that also doubles as a water tank, you'll need to clean it regularly. The dock can accumulate grit, dust and debris, which needs to be removed and cleaned when the mop is done. Many of our picks have a self-cleaning cycle you can use the app or a button on the mop itself. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew.

It is also important to wash the area of the dock where the pads are cleaned. If left wet, it can be slimy and smell. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, make sure to wash them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuums with brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. Remove the brushes and clean them with a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

It's important to clean the sensor areas of some of the more sophisticated robot mop-vacuum combos that we've tried. They come with sensors that aid in navigating floors and keep out obstructions. This can prevent dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and leading to misjudgment.

While most robot mop and vacuum units require a little bit of work on a regular basis, they offer big benefits for the busy homeowner. They will keep your floors looking beautiful and eliminate the need for heavy lifts. They also save time and energy, which is the most valuable resource at home.

There are a few companies that are trying to develop better vacuum-mop machines but they're a long way from our standard. But we expect these robots to improve over time, just like all other robot vacuums in the past.

Cleaning the Brushes

Maintaining your robot vacuum and mop is important, just like maintaining the vacuum cleaner. Clean the sensors to enhance navigation. Clean and empty the water tanks, remove pet hair from brushes, clean the charge ports, and replace the filter and rollers according to the manufacturer's instructions. These tips will make your robot vacuums that mop vacuum and mop combination perform efficiently for longer.

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 vacuums and mops. Her team has been testing products and recommending them for more than forty years.

Robot vacuums and mops are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills or stains) all in one cleaning session without having to switch machines. These multitaskers can help you save time and effort and are a great choice for those with a hectic schedule.

Certain robots require an app to operate and offer more features than others, like the map this model designed of our obstacle course, which is a big selling point. You can also utilize the app to schedule and modify cleaning schedules modify mopping settings and check the battery level. Some models also offer voice activation, for instance this model, which works with Alexa for hands-free control.

If you're looking for a robot mop or vacuum, ensure that it comes with the features you need. All models use a pad to sweep floors, but some also have a scrubber for cleaning grout or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrub. Some models come with filters which can be cleaned or replaced to eliminate the odor.

Some mopping robots dump their dirty pads into a base which automatically empties them into a waste bin, removing the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Certain mopping machines, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry between uses. If you choose a model with pads that can be reused, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean and dry them.