Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums or mop models come with an app that lets you save maps of your house, set up cleaning schedules and then select mopping mode. Certain models with dual rotating pads will also return to the dock to clean their brushes and empty dirty water.
To prevent bacteria accumulation to prevent the build-up of bacteria, remove the pads and clean them (if it is safe) after each cleaning cycle. Also, you should clean the tray they rest on between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops utilize pads with a cleaner that slide across the floor to soften the sticky marks and spots using scrubbing motions or a brush. To stop the growth of bacteria up and to keep them from smelling, these pads must be cleaned and removed between use (if they can be washed). Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, which must be cleaned or rinsed after every few cleaning cycles.
The most effective 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combos are simple to use and have features that help reduce cleaning maintenance after cleaning. These include automatic emptying of the dustbin, self-cleaning pads and docks which ensure that your robot is ready to mop again almost immediately after a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot's sensors to to navigate around obstacles, clean them with a soft cloth or a cloth every few cycles. This can help get rid of dust that could interfere with sensors and lead to errors.
If you have carpets, make sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with them. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, however those that also be used to scrub or vacuum floors may need to be reprogrammed to recognize carpets or avoid them. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping capabilities that give you a live map of your room so you can see where the robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.
Most robots with apps use sensors to guide them through the house and avoid obstacles, but they may sometimes be confused or lost. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with the latest software releases to ensure your robot has the best ability to navigate and avoid obstacles. We recommend testing the robot's performance at home by constructing an obstacle course to test its capabilities before purchasing it.
The majority of robot mops have two tanks, one for clean and the other for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be filled and emptied on a regular basis. The water tanks can be lifted from the base and made easier to clean and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models have a drip tray that is placed under the water tank that is dirty to collect any liquid spilled. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray after each cleaning cycle to minimize the risk of growth of bacteria.
Cleaning the Water Tank
The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations, and robot mops utilize a water reservoir for cleaning. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank regularly, depending on how frequently you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is crucial. Certain brands, including the top choices in our rankings include washable, removable tanks, allowing you to wash off the soiled water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
The majority of the mop-vacs we tested have an app that allows you to save maps of your house, set up cleaning schedules, or choose cleaning modes. This is one of the features we look for when deciding on a model, as it makes the process of setting up and operating your robot cleaner much easier. If your chosen model doesn't have an application, you can manage the basic functions of the robot using the dock or remote.
All of the latest models we've reviewed can vacuum up dirt and dust on various surfaces This is a major improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners that mostly simply pushed a pad of water across the floor. They aren't made to deal with large spills. They need to be cleaned manually. They aren't able to move furniture, and they can become lost in rooms with a lot of clutter.
Some newer bots have brushes on their bottom and sides that can be removed and washed So, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions on how to do this (typically using you'll need a damp microfiber cloth). Most bots also have sensors to aid in navigation and avoid obstacles. To ensure that the sensors function properly, it's recommended to wipe down the sensors after every few cleaning cycles using a soft clean cloth, especially the areas where the sensors are placed against the floor.
Additionally, although it is possible to pour other cleaners into your robot's tank (for instance vinegar or acetic acid), we advise against using them unless the manufacturer suggests it. This could damage the robot and could cause the warranty to be voided.
Cleaning best rated robot vacuum robotvacuummops
If your robot mop and vacuum has a dock on its own which doubles as a water tank, it's going to need to be cleaned periodically. The dock can accumulate dirt, grit and other debris that needs to be cleaned and removed when the mop is done. Many of our picks have a self-cleaning cycle which you can control with 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 area which washes the pads must be cleaned from time to time -- it can get slimy or even smell bad if left wet for a long time. If your model comes with disposable or washable mop pads, be sure to wash them in accordance with manufacturer's instructions in between cleaning cycles. This is also true for hybrid vacuum models which use brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. Every several cleaning cycles, take the brushes off and clean them using an abrasive or a cloth.
Some of the more advanced robot vacuums and mops we've tested include sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still necessary to wipe the sensor areas clean regularly. This will prevent dust and grime blocking the sensors, causing them to make incorrect judgements.
While many robot mops and vacuum cleaners require a little work on every day basis, they provide huge benefits for the busy homeowner. They can keep floors looking great and reduce the need for heavy lifting and save you the most valuable resource of the home- your free time.
There are a few companies that are trying to develop better vacuum-mop machines however they are quite a ways from our level of quality. We anticipate that these robots will improve over time just as all the previous robot vacuums have.
Brushes to be cleaned
Similar to a vacuum cleaner it is important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combination to ensure it is working well. Wipe down sensors to aid in navigation, empty and rinse the water tank, get rid of pet hair clogs from brushes Keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and rollers as recommended by the manufacturer. These tips will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum combo is efficient for a long period of 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 and suggesting products for more than 40 years.
Robot vacuum and mop combos are ideal for dealing with dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills and stains) in one clean-up session without switching machines. These multitaskers are great at saving time and effort. They are also great for busy schedule.
Some robots require an app to function and have more features than others, for example, a the map this model designed of our obstacle course, which is a big selling point. You can also schedule and modify cleaning sessions using the app, change mopping modes and determine the battery's level. Some models allow voice activation to allow hands-free operation such as the model that integrates with Alexa.
If you are considering purchasing a robot vacuum and mop combo, look for a model that has the features that are most important to you. Each model uses a pad to sweep floors, however some have a scrubber to clean grout or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrub. Some models come with a filter that can be cleaned or replaced to eliminate the smell.
Some mopping robots dump their dirty pads into a base which automatically empties them into a waste bin, eliminating the need to manually clean the pads or refill a tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry between uses. If you decide to purchase the model with reusable pads, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions about drying and washing them to keep them looking their best.