Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums or mop cleaners come with an app that allows you to save your home's maps and organize cleaning schedules, and then select mopping mode. Some models with dual rotating pads will also return to the dock to clean their brushes and empty dirty water.
To prevent the accumulation of bacteria, remove the pads and clean them (if it's safe) after each cleaning cycle. You should also clean the tray that they sit on between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops come with pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and then move across the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to remove sticky marks and other spots. To stop the growth of bacteria up and to keep them from smelling, the pads should be removed and washed between usage (if they are washable). Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, that need to be washed, rinsed or replaced after every few cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robot mop and vacuum combos are simple to use and have features that reduce cleaning maintenance after cleaning. They include self-cleaning pads, docks and automatic dustbin emptying. This will keep your robot mopping again almost immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to to navigate around obstacles, wipe them down with a soft towel or cloth every couple of cycles. This can help get rid of dust that can hinder sensors and cause errors.
If you have carpets, make certain to select a mop that is compatible with carpets. Robotic mops that are able to clean or vacuum floors need to be reprogrammed in order to avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping features that can show you a real-time 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 through the house and steer clear of obstacles, but they may occasionally get lost or confused. To ensure that your robot's navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities are as good as possible you should update the mopping application regularly with new software releases. Before you buy a robot we suggest that you create an obstacle course at home to test its performance.
Most robot mops have two tanks: one for clean water and one for dirty water. The tank for dirty water has to be emptied and filled regularly. The tanks can be lifted off the base, making it easier to clean and wash them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with drip tray that is placed under the dirty water tank to collect any spilled liquid. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray after every cleaning cycle to stop bacteria from growing.
Cleaning the Water Tank
Most robot mops and vacuum/mop combination devices use a tank of water for cleaning. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank regularly, depending on the frequency you use your robot. This is crucial if you want your bots to last for a long time. Some brands, such as the top picks in our ratings, come with tanks that are washable and removable so you can remove dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
The majority of mop-vacs that we tested come with an app that allows you to save maps of your home and create cleaning schedules, or choose cleaning modes. This is something we look for when deciding on a model, as it makes the process of setting up and using the robot cleaner a lot easier. If your choice doesn't have an app, you'll be able to control the basics of the robot using a button on its dock or via its remote.
The latest models we've tested can vacuum up dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is an enormous improvement over the previous versions of robot cleaners which mainly passed a pad of water across the floor. These machines are not meant to handle large spills. They must be cleaned manually. They can't move furniture, and they can become lost in rooms that have a lot of clutter.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to wash and remove the brushes that are on the sides or on the bottom of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). The majority of bots also have sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles. To ensure that these sensors are working properly, it's recommended to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles with a soft, clean cloth - especially those areas where the sensors are pressed against the floor.
Finally, while it is possible to put other cleaners in your robot's tank (for instance, vinegar), we advise against doing this unless the manufacturer recommends it. This could damage the robot and could end the warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot vacuum and mop combination comes with docks that also double as water tank, you will need to clean it regularly. The dock can collect dirt, dust and grit and must be cleared and cleaned after the mop is finished. A lot of our picks come with an auto-cleaning cycle that you can run using the app or a button on the mop itself. This helps keep the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew from developing.
The dock's area that is used to wash the pads needs to be washed periodically -- it can get slimy and smell unpleasant when left wet for too long. If your model comes with disposable or washable mop pads, make sure to wash them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. The same is true for hybrid mop/vacuum models that have brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. Clean the brushes and clean them with a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.
Some of the more sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested include sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still important to wipe the sensor areas clean on a regular basis. This can keep dust and grime from blocking the sensors and causing inaccurate readings.
While most robot vacuums and mop machines require some work they are an excellent option for busy homeowners. They can keep your floors looking good and reduce the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save time and energy, which is the most valuable resource you have at home.
There are a few companies working to develop better vacuum-mop machines but they're far from our standard. We anticipate that these robots will improve over time just as all the previous robot vacuums have.
Cleaning the Brushes
Maintaining your robot's mop and vacuum is essential, just as maintaining your vacuum cleaner. Wipe down sensors to aid in navigation clear and rinse the water tank, remove pet hair clogs that block brushes, keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and rollers as suggested by the manufacturer. These steps will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum is efficient for a long period of time.
Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte evaluates and tests cleaning equipment in the Laboratory which includes robot vacuum and mop combos. Her team has been testing and recommending products for more than 40 years.
Robot vacuums and mops are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills, staining) all in one cleaning session without the need to switch machines. Multitaskers are great for saving time and effort. They're also great for busy schedule.
Certain robots are operated via an app and have additional features. For instance this model features an outline of our obstacle course, which is a major selling feature. You can also use the app to schedule and modify cleaning sessions modify mopping settings and check battery levels. Others provide voice activation, for instance this model that works with Alexa, for hands-free control.
If you're looking for a robot mop or vacuum, ensure that it has the features you are looking for. While robot vacuum cleaner cheap use pads with water over floors, some have a scrubber that can be used to clean grout, or an inclined brush roll for more intensive scrub. Some models come with filters which can be cleaned or replaced to lessen the odor.
Some mopping robots dump their dirty pads into an empty base that automatically dumps them into a waste bin, removing the need to manually clean the pads or refill a tank. Certain mopping machines, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads you can wash and dry between uses. If you opt for a model with reusable pads, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean and dry them.