Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums and mops come with an app which allows you to save maps of your home and set up cleaning schedules and choose mopping mode. Certain models with dual spinning pads also automatically return to their docks mid-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) every few cleaning cycles to avoid the buildup of bacteria. You should also clean the tray that they sit on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops come with pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to remove sticky marks and other spots. The pads must be removed, washed (if they are washable) and dried between uses to prevent the growth of bacteria and prevent them from smelling unpleasant. Some models also have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the robot which need to be washed or rinsed after every few cleaning cycles.

The most effective 2-in-1 robot mop and vacuum combos are simple to use and come with features that help reduce post-cleaning maintenance. These include automatic emptying of the dustbin docks, self-cleaning pads, and self-cleaning pads that ensure your robot is ready to mop again almost immediately after a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot’s sensors to to navigate around obstacles, clean them with a soft cloth or cloth every couple of cycles. This will help get rid of dust that can interfere with sensors and lead to errors.

If you have carpets in your home, be certain to select a mop that is compatible with carpets. The majority of robot mops work on hard surfaces, however those that also vacuum or scrub floors may need to be reprogrammed to recognize carpets or avoid them. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping features that can give you a live map of the room so you can see exactly where your robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn’t.

The majority of apps-connected robots mops utilize sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles however, they can be lost or confused. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with new software releases to ensure your robot has the best navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. We recommend testing the robot’s capabilities in your own home by constructing an obstacle course for it to run through before purchasing it.

Most robot mops come with two tanks: one for clean water and one for dirty water. The tank for dirty water is required to be filled and empty frequently. The water tanks can be lifted off the base which makes it easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with an under-sink drip tray beneath the dirty tank to collect any liquid spilled. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray every cleaning cycle to stop bacteria from growing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combination and robot mops have an water reservoir to clean. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank on a regular basis dependent on how often you use your robot. This is vital to ensure that your bots last for an extended period of time. Some brands, including the top picks in our ratings include washable, removable tanks, allowing you to wash off the soiled water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the newer mop-vacs that we tested can be used with an app that allows you to save maps of your home as well as set cleaning schedules and select cleaning modes. This is an important feature to consider when choosing a robot cleaner. It makes setting it up and using it much easier. If the robot you select does not come with an app, it is still possible to control the essential functions of the bot using buttons or a remote.

All of the latest models we’ve tested can clean up dirt and dust on many surfaces this is a significant improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners that largely just passed a pad with water across the floor. These machines aren’t designed to handle large spills. They must be cleaned manually. They also can’t handle a lot of furniture and may get lost in rooms with lots of things on the floor, so be sure to straighten the space before mopping to ensure the machine can maneuver around it effectively.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove and wash the brushes that are located on the bottom or sides of the latest bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Many bots also have sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles. It is important to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles, especially where they’re pressed against the floor.

Although it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot’s tank We do not recommend it unless it’s been suggested by the manufacturer. This could damage the robot and invalidate its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot vacuum and mop combination comes with a dock that also doubles as a water tank, then you will need to clean it regularly. The dock may accumulate dirt, grit and debris that needs to be cleaned out and removed once the mop is done. Many of our picks come with a self-cleaning feature that you can use via the app or the button on the mop. This keeps the tank clean and also prevents mildew.

It is also crucial to clean the area of the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If the area is left wet, it may turn slimy and even smell. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, be sure to wash them in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions in between cleaning cycles. The same goes for models with a hybrid mop/vacuum which use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. After each cleaning cycle, take the brushes off and clean them with a cloth or rag.

Some of the most sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we’ve tested contain sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it’s still important to wipe off the sensor areas regularly. This will stop dirt and grime from blocking sensors, causing them make incorrect judgments.

While the majority of robot mop and vacuum units require a little bit of work on every day basis, they can provide significant advantages for busy homeowners. They will keep floors looking beautiful, eliminate the necessity for heavy lifting, and help you save the most valuable resource in a home -- your free time.

While there are new companies that are trying to build better robot vacuum-mop units but they have still a long way to go before they can reach our level of quality. But we expect these robots to improve over time, just like the other robot vacuums in the past.

Brushes to be cleaned

Just like vacuum cleaners, it’s important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combo so it keeps functioning properly. Clean sensors to aid in navigation clear and rinse the water tank, clean pet hair clogs that block brushes, keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and rollers as recommended by the manufacturer. These tips will make your robot vacuum and mop combination perform efficiently for an extended period of time.

Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care &amp