Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums and mops come with an app that lets you save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules and select mopping settings. Certain models with dual spinning pads can also automatically return to their dock mid-cleaning to empty the water of dirt and clean their brushes.
If your model uses reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent bacteria buildup. Also, you'll want to scrub down the resting tray in which they rest between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops use pads with a cleaner that are pushed across the floor to soften sticky spots and other marks by using scrubbing movements or a brush. 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 sides and bottom of the robot. These brushes also need to be cleaned, rinsed or replaced after a few cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop combos are easy to use and come with features that help reduce cleaning maintenance after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads docks, and automatic emptying of the dustbin. This keeps your robot mopping almost immediately following a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, consider wiping down its sensors with towels or soft cloths every few cycles. This will help get rid of dust that could block sensors and cause mistakes.
Choose a mop that is that is compatible with carpets if you have carpets. Most robot mops are able to work on hard surfaces, but those which can also vacuum or scrub floors might need to be reprogrammed to recognize or avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners as well as mop cleaners come with mapping capabilities. This lets you observe the areas your robot has cleaned as well as the areas that it hasn't.
The majority of app-connected robot mops utilize sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles but they can also be lost or confused. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with new software releases to ensure your robot has the best ability to navigate and avoid obstacles. Before you purchase a robot, we suggest that you create an obstacle course at home to test its capabilities.
best budget robot vacuum have two tanks. One for clean water and one for dirty water. The tank that is dirty needs to be filled and emptied regularly. The tanks can be lifted out of the base and made easier to clean and wash them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with a drip tray that sits beneath the dirty water tank to collect any spilled liquid. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray following each cleaning cycle to minimize the risk of growth of bacteria.
Cleaning the Water Tank
Most robot vacuums and mop combination devices use a tank of water to wash. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you clean this tank regularly, dependent on the frequency you use your robot. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is crucial. Some brands, including the top picks in our reviews, have a removable, washable tank so that you can wash away dirty water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.
Most of the newer mop-vacs we have tested can be paired with an app that lets you save your home's maps and set up cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is an important feature to look for when choosing a robotic cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and operating it a lot easier. If the model you choose doesn't come with an app, you can still manage the basic functions of the bot from the dock or remote.
The latest models we've tested can vacuum up dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is an enormous improvement over the earlier versions of robot cleaners that mostly passed a pad of water across the floor. However they aren't designed to deal with big spills, which still need 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 instructions to remove and wash the brushes that are located on the sides or on the bottom of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). The majority of bots also have sensors to aid in navigation and avoid obstacles. To keep these sensors working well, it's helpful to clean the sensors after every few cleaning cycles using a soft clean cloth, especially the areas where sensors are pressed against the floor.
It is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot's tank however, we don't recommend it unless it's been approved by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to your robot and void its warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot vacuum and mop combination has docks that also double as a water tank, you will need to clean it periodically. The dock can collect grit, dirt and debris that must be cleaned and removed after the mop is finished. Many of our picks have self-cleaning cycles that you can run using the app or on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and also prevents mildew from developing.
The dock's area which washes the pads needs to be washed periodically -it can become slimy and smell unpleasant when left wet for a long time. If your model has washable or disposable mop pads, be sure to wash them according to the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. Hybrid mop/vacuum units that have brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit are also affected. Remove the brushes and clean them with a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.
It is essential to clean the sensor areas on some of the more advanced robot mop vacuum combos we've tried. They have sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstructions. This will keep dirt and grime from blocking the sensors, which can cause them to make inaccurate judgements.
While the majority of robot mop and vacuum units require a bit of work on an ongoing basis, they provide huge advantages for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking good and eliminate the need for heavy lifts. They also save time which is the most valuable resource at home.
While there are a few companies that are attempting to build better robot vacuum-mop units however, they still 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 all other robot vacuums in the past.
Brushes to be cleaned
Like vacuum cleaners, it's important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum combination to ensure it is functioning properly. Clean sensors to improve navigation clean and empty the water tank, clean pet hair clogs from brushes Keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and rollers according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These tips will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum works efficiently for a long period of time.
Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, evaluates and tests cleaning devices in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum-mop combinations. Her team has been testing and suggesting products for more than 40 years.
Robot vacuum and mop combos are ideal for dealing with dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills and stains) all in one cleaning session without the need to switch machines. These multitaskers will save you time and effort and are a great choice for those with a hectic schedule.
Certain robots require an application to function and have more features than others, like a map this model created of our obstacle course that's a big selling point. You can also schedule and alter cleaning sessions with the app, change mopping mode and check the battery level. Some models also provide voice activation, such as this model that works with Alexa, for hands-free control.
If you are considering purchasing a robot vacuum and mop combination make sure you choose one that has the features that are most important to you. While all models push a pad with water across floors, some have scrubbers that can be used to clean grout, or rotating brushes for more intensive scrub. Some models have a filter which can be cleaned or replaced in order to reduce odors.
Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads into a base which automatically empties 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 you can wash and dry between uses. If you decide to purchase one with reusable pads, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer on washing and drying them to keep them looking the best.