A Step-By-Step Guide To Cleaning Robot Mop And Vacuum From Start To Finish
Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums and mops come with an application that lets you save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules and select mopping modes. Certain models with dual rotating pads will also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dump dirty water.
If your model uses disposable pads, take them off and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to avoid the buildup of bacteria. You'll also want to scrub down the resting tray that they are sitting on between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops come with pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and pass over the floor, either by scrubbing or brushing to remove sticky spots and other marks. To stop bacteria from building up and to keep them from smelling, these pads should be cleaned and removed between use (if they are washable). Some models have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot that also require to be washed, rinsed or replaced every few cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop combos are easy to use and come with features that reduce post-cleaning maintenance. They include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the trash bin. This will keep your robot mopping again almost immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot to be capable of navigating and avoiding obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors with a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that could hinder sensors and cause errors.
If you have carpets in your home, be sure to select a robot mop that is compatible with them. Robot mops that can scrub or vacuum floors need to be reprogrammed so they can avoid carpets. Some robotic mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping features that can give you a live map of the room so you can see exactly where the robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.
Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to guide them around the home and avoid obstacles, but they may sometimes be lost or confused. To ensure that your robot's ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as efficient as they can be, update the mopping app regularly with the latest software versions. We recommend testing the robot's capabilities in your own home by constructing an obstacle course to race through prior to buying it.
The majority of robot mops have two tanks, one for clean and one for dirty water. The tank that is dirty has to be emptied and filled regularly. The tanks can be lifted off the base and made easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. The majority of models have an under-sink drip tray beneath the dirty tank to catch any liquid that spills. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray after every cleaning cycle to stop bacteria from growing.
Cleaning the Water Tank
The majority of robot mops and vacuum/mop combos use a water tank to clean. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank on a regular basis, depending on how frequently you use your robot. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is crucial. Some brands, such as the top picks in our reviews, have a removable, washable tank so that you can wash away dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
The majority of the latest mop-vacs that we tested can be paired with an app that lets you save your home's maps, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is a feature we look for when selecting the best model, because it makes setting up and using your robot cleaner much simpler. If the model you choose doesn't come with an app, you'll be able to control the basics of the robot by pressing the dock or remote.
All of the latest models we've reviewed can vacuum up dirt and dust on multiple surfaces, which is a huge improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners that largely just passed a pad with water across the floor. They aren't made to take on large spills. They have to be cleaned manually. They are also not able to handle large furniture pieces and can get confused in rooms with a lot of things on the floor, so make sure to straighten the area prior to mopping it to ensure that the machine can maneuver around it efficiently.
Some of the latest bots have brushes on their sides and the bottom which can be removed and laundered Be certain to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to do this (typically using use a damp microfiber cloth). The majority of bots also have sensors that aid in navigation and avoid obstacles. It's important to wipe the sensors down every couple of cleaning cycles, especially if they are pressed up against the floor.
In addition, it is possible to put other cleaners in your robot's tank (for example vinegar or acetic acid), we advise against doing this unless the manufacturer recommends it. This can damage the robot and could end the warranty.
Cleaning vacuum bot
If your robot vacuum and mop combo has docks that double as a water tank, then you will need to clean it regularly. The dock is prone to collecting dust, grit and other debris and will need to be removed and cleaned after the mop is finished. Many of our picks include a self-cleaning function which you can access through the app or the button on the mop. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew.
The dock's area which washes the pads needs to be washed periodically -it could become slimy or even smell bad if left wet for a long time. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, make sure you are washing them according to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning cycles. Hybrid mop/vacuum units that have brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. After every cleaning cycle, take the brushes off and clean them with the help of a rag or cloth.
Some of the more advanced robot vacuums and mops we've tested have sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still important to wipe off the sensor areas on a regular basis. This will prevent dust and grime blocking the sensors, which can cause them to make incorrect judgements.
While most robot mop and vacuum units require a little bit of work on every day basis, they offer big advantages for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking beautiful and reduce the need for heavy lifts. They also save time, which is the most valuable resource at home.
There are a few companies working to develop better vacuum-mop machines, but they are still far from our standard. We expect these robots will improve over time, just as the previous robot vacuums did.
Brushes to be cleaned
Maintaining your robot's mop and vacuum is important, just like maintaining the vacuum cleaner. Clean sensors to aid in navigation clean and empty the water tank, remove pet hair clogs off of brushes and charge ports, clean the ports and replace filter and rollers according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These tips will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum combo works efficiently for a long period of time.
Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab reviews and tests cleaning devices in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuums and mops. Her team has been testing and suggesting them for over forty years.
Robot vacuum and mop combos are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills, stains) in one clean-up session without switching machines. These multitaskers will help you save time and effort and are ideal for those with a busy life.
Some robots are controlled by an app and have additional features. For robot vacuum cleaner reviews features an obstacle course map that shows our course which is a key selling point. You can also use the app to schedule and alter cleaning sessions modify mopping settings and check the battery level. Other models provide voice activation, such as this model that integrates with Alexa for hands-free control.
If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combo make sure you choose one that has the features that are important to you. While all models pass a pad of water across floors, some include scrubbers that can be used to clean grout or an inclined brush roll for more vigorous scrubbing. Some models come with a filter that can be washed or replaced to eliminate the smell.
Some mopping robots dispose of their dirty pads and place them into a base that empties into a waste drawer, making it unnecessary to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads you can wash and dry between uses. If you decide to purchase one with reusable pads, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions for drying and washing them in order to ensure they look their best.