Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums and mops pair with an application that lets you save maps of your house, set cleaning schedules and choose mopping settings. Certain models with dual rotating pads will also return to the dock to clean their brushes and empty dirty water.
If your model uses reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You should also clean the tray that they sit on between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops feature pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, either by scrubbing or brushing to get rid of sticky spots and other marks. These pads need to be removed, washed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to prevent bacteria buildup and keep them from smelling bad. robot vacuum cleaners have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, which must be cleaned or rinsed after every few cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop combos are easy to use and have features that cut down on cleaning maintenance after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the dustbin. This will keep your robot mopping almost immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors with towels or soft cloths every few cycles. This will eliminate dust that could interfere with sensors and cause errors.
Choose best robot vacuum cleaner for your robot that is compatible with carpets if you have them. Most robot mops are able to work on hard surfaces, but those which can also vacuum or scrub floors may require reprogramming to recognize or avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping features that can show you a real-time map of the room so you can see where your robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.
The majority of app-connected robot mops use sensors to move through the house and avoid obstacles, but they can also get confused or lost. Update the mopping app regularly with new software updates to ensure that your robot is equipped with the most effective navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. Before purchasing a robot, we suggest creating an obstacle course at home to test its capabilities.
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 regularly. The water tanks can be lifted off the base which makes it easier to clean and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models have a drip tray that is placed under the dirty water tank to collect any liquid spilled. It is recommended to empty your drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to prevent bacteria from developing.
Cleaning the Water Tank
Most robot vacuums and mop combination devices use a tank of water to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank regularly, depending on the frequency you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is important. Certain brands, including the top choices in our ratings include washable, removable tanks, allowing you to wash off the water that is dirty and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
budget robot vacuum of mop-vacs that we tested have an app which allows you to save maps of your home as well as create cleaning schedules, or choose different cleaning options. This is one of the features we look for when selecting the right model, since it makes setting up and operating your robot cleaner much easier. If the robot you pick does not have an app, it is still possible to control the fundamental functions of the robot using the remote or button.
All the newer models that we've tested can vacuum up dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is an enormous improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners which mainly passed water pads across the floor. These machines are not meant to deal with large spills. They have to be cleaned manually. They are also not able to handle furniture and may get lost in rooms with lots of stuff on the floor, so make sure to straighten the space before mopping to ensure that the machine is able to move around it effectively.
Some modern bots have brushes on the sides and bottom which can be cleaned and removed Be certain to follow the manufacturer's directions on how to do this (typically use a damp microfiber cloth). The majority of bots also have sensors to assist them in navigating floors and avoid obstacles. To ensure that the sensors function well, it's a good idea to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles with a soft clean cloth, particularly the areas where the sensors are pressed against the floor.
Additionally, although it is possible to pour other cleaners in your robot's tank (for instance, vinegar), we advise against doing this unless the manufacturer suggests it. This could cause damage to the robot and invalidate the warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot mop and vacuum comes with a dock that doubles as a water tank, it will need to be cleaned periodically. The dock can accumulate dirt, dust and grit, which will need to be removed and cleaned after the mop is finished. Many of our picks have a self-cleaning feature which you can access through the app or on the mop. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew from developing.
The area of the dock which washes the pads should be cleaned from time to time -- it can get slimy or even smell bad when left wet for a long time. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads ensure you're washing them according to the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. This is also true for hybrid mop/vacuum models that have brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. After every cleaning cycle remove the brushes and clean them using a cloth or rag.
It is essential to clean the sensor areas of a few of the more advanced robot mop-vacuum combos that we've tested. They are equipped with sensors that allow you to navigate floors and keep out obstructions. This will keep dust and grime blocking the sensors, causing them make incorrect judgements.
Although the majority of robot vacuums and mop systems require some effort however, they're a great alternative for busy homeowners. They will keep floors looking beautiful and eliminate the need for heavy lifting and give you the most valuable resource you have in the home- your free time.
While there are a few companies that are attempting to create better robot vacuum units but they still have some way to go before they get to our standard of quality. However, we expect these machines to improve over time, just like all other robot vacuums in the past.
Cleaning the Brushes
Maintaining your robot's vacuum and mop is essential, just as maintaining your vacuum cleaner. Wipe down the sensors to enhance navigation. Empty and rinse the water tanks, remove hairs from brushes Clean the charge ports and then replace the filter and rollers according to the manufacturer's instructions. These tips will make your robot vacuum and mop combo be efficient for a long 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 products and providing recommendations for them for more than forty years.
Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are great for cleaning dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet messes (spills or staining) in one clean-up session without the need to switch machines. These multitaskers will help you save time and effort and are a great choice for those with a hectic schedule.
Some robots are operated by an app and come with additional features. For example this model comes with an outline of our obstacle course which is a key selling point. You can also schedule and alter cleaning sessions with the app, switch mopping modes and check the battery level. Others offer voice activation, such as this model that integrates with Alexa for hands-free control.
If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combo, look for models that have the features that are most important to you. While all models use pads with water across floors, some have scrubbers that can be used to clean grout, or a rotating brush roll for more intensive scrubbing. Certain models come with a filter which can be cleaned or replaced to reduce odors.
Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads onto an empty base that automatically dumps them into a trash bin, eliminating the need to manually clean the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, such as the Noesis Florio have reusable pads which can be washed and dried in between uses. If you choose a model with pads that can be reused, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash and dry them.