Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that allows you to save maps of your house, set cleaning schedules and choose mopping settings. Some models that have 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) every several cleaning cycles to prevent the buildup of bacteria. It is also recommended to clean the tray that they rest on between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops utilize pads that contain a cleaning solution that pass over the floor to soften the sticky marks and spots using scrubbing motions or a brush. To stop bacteria from building up and to keep them from smelling, the pads must be removed and washed between use (if they can be washed). Some models have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot. They also need to be cleaned, rinsed or replaced after a few cleaning cycles.
The most effective 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combos are simple to use and come with features that cut down on the amount of maintenance needed after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the trash bin. This helps keep your robot mopping immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to to navigate around obstacles, wipe them down using a soft towel or cloth every couple of cycles. This step will help remove dust that could hinder sensors and cause errors.
If you have carpets, be sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with them. robot vacuum reviews that are able to vacuum or scrub floors must be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping features that can give you a real-time map of your room so you can track where your robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.
The majority of app-connected robot mop mops utilize sensors to guide them through the home and steer clear of obstacles, but they can occasionally get lost or confused. Make sure to update the mopping application regularly with new software releases to ensure your robot has the best navigation and obstacle-avoidance abilities. Before you purchase a robot, we recommend creating an obstacle course in your home to test its performance.
Most robot mops come with two tanks: one for clean water and the second for dirty water. The dirty water tank needs to be emptied and filled on a regular basis. The tanks can be lifted off the base and made easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models have drip tray that sits under the water tank that is dirty to collect any liquid spilled. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray every cleaning cycle to prevent bacterial from developing.
Cleaning the Water Tank
Most robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations and robot mops use an water reservoir to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you keep the tank clean according to how often you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is important. Certain brands, like the top picks of our rating, come with a an easily washable tank that is removable, so that you can wash away dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
Most of the newer mop-vacs we have 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 something we look for when selecting the best model, because it makes setting up and operating the robot cleaner a lot easier. If the model you choose doesn't come with an application, you can control the basics of the robot using the dock or remote.
All of the newer models we've tested can clean up dust and dirt from multiple surfaces, which is a huge improvement over previous iterations of robot cleaners which mainly just pushed a pad filled with water across the floor. However they're not designed to deal with big spills, which have to be cleaned manually. These machines can't move furniture and can get lost in rooms that have a lot of clutter.
Follow the manufacturer's directions to remove and wash the brushes that are located on the bottom or sides of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate around the floor and avoid obstacles. It's important to wipe the sensors down every few cleaning cycles, particularly if they are pressed up against the floor.
Although 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 recommended by the manufacturer. This can damage the robot and may cause the warranty to be voided.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot mop and vacuum has a separate dock that doubles as a water tank, it will have to be cleaned regularly. The dock can collect dirt, grit and debris that will need to be cleaned out and removed once the mop has finished. Many of our picks have a self-cleaning feature which you can access through the app or button on the mop. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew from developing.
It is also important to wash the area of the dock where the pads are cleaned. If the area is left wet, it may become slimy and even smell. If your model comes with disposable or washable mop pads, be sure to wash them according to the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. The same is true for hybrid vacuum models that have brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. Take the brushes out and clean them with a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.
Some of the most advanced robot vacuum-mop combos we've tested have sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still important to wipe down those sensor areas on a regular basis. This can prevent dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and causing misjudgment.
While most robot mop and vacuum cleaners require a bit of work on every day basis, they offer big advantages for busy homeowners. They can keep floors looking nice, eliminate the need for heavy lifting, and give you the most valuable resource of the home- your free time.
There are a few companies trying to develop better vacuum-mop machines but they're quite a ways from our level of quality. We expect these robots will improve over time, just as all previous robot vacuums did.
Cleaning the Brushes
Similar to vacuum cleaners it is important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combination to ensure it is working well. Wipe down sensors to improve navigation clean and empty the water tank, get rid of pet hair clogs that block brushes and charge ports, clean the ports and change the rollers and filter according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These tips will help your robot vacuum and mop combo work efficiently for a long time.
Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte evaluates and tests cleaning appliances in the Laboratory including robot vacuum-mop combos. Her team has been testing products and providing recommendations for them for more than forty years.
Robot vacuums and mops are great for tackling dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills and stains) in one cleaning session without switching machines. These multitaskers are great at making time and effort. They're also great for those with a busy schedule.
Certain robots are operated via an app and come with additional features. For instance this model comes with an obstacle course map that shows our course, which is a major selling point. You can also schedule and alter cleaning sessions by using the app, alter mopping mode and check battery level. Some models allow voice activation to allow hands-free operation like the model that integrates with Alexa.
If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combination choose a model that has the features that are important to you. While all models use a pad with water across floors, some include scrubbers that can be used to clean grout or an inclined brush roll to provide more vigorous scrubbing. Some models come with filters that can be cleaned or replaced to lessen the smell.
Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads onto an empty base that automatically dumps them into a waste bin, eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill a tank. Some mopping robots, such as the Noesis Florio have reusable pads you can wash and dry between uses. If you opt for the model that has reusable pads, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer on washing and drying them to ensure they look their best.