Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums and mops come with an application that lets you save maps of your house, set cleaning schedules and select mopping options. auto vacuum cleaner with dual rotating pads also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dump dirty water.
To prevent bacteria accumulation, remove the pads and clean them (if it is safe) after each cleaning cycle. Also, you'll want to scrub down the resting tray where they sit between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops come with pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, scrubbing or brushing to get rid of the sticky spots and other marks. To prevent bacteria from building up and to keep them from smelling, the pads must be removed and washed between usage (if they can be washed). 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/vacuum combos are easy-to-use and come with features that reduce the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. These include automatic emptying of the dustbin docks that self-clean and self-cleaning pads that help keep your robot ready to mop again almost immediately following a cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to be able to navigate around obstacles, clean them using a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that could interfere with sensors and lead to errors.
Select a robot mop compatible with carpets if you have carpets. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, but those that can also be used to scrub or vacuum floors might need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping capabilities. This allows you to observe the areas the robot has cleaned as well as those that it hasn't.
The majority of robots with apps connected to mops use sensors to move through the house and avoid obstacles however, they can become confused or lost. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with the latest software updates to ensure that your robot has the best navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. Before you purchase a robot, we suggest creating an obstacle course at your home to check its performance.
Most robot mops come with two tanks one for clean water and the other for dirty water. The dirty water tank is required to be filled and empty frequently. The water tanks are easily removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and wash them with warm water and mild soap. The majority of models have a drip tray underneath the dirty tank to collect any liquid that spills. 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
The majority of robot mops and vacuum/mop combination devices use a tank of water for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you clean the tank frequently, depending on how often you use your robot. This is crucial if you want your bots to last for many years. Certain brands, including the top picks in our rating include washable, removable tanks so you can remove the soiled water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
The majority of mop-vacs that we tested come with an app which allows you to save your home's maps and organize cleaning schedules or choose different cleaning options. This is a feature we look for when choosing a model, as it makes setting up and operating your robot cleaner much easier. If your choice doesn't have an application, you can control the basics of the bot from the dock or via its remote.
All the newer models that we've tested can vacuum up dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is a huge improvement over the previous versions of robot cleaners which mainly passed water pads across the floor. These machines are not meant to handle large spills. They must be cleaned manually. They also can't handle a lot of furniture and can get confused in rooms with a lot of things on the floor, so be sure to straighten up the area prior to mopping it to ensure the machine is able to move around it effectively.
Some of the latest bots come with brushes on the sides and the bottom that can be removed and washed Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions on how to do this (typically use a damp microfiber cloth). Many bots also have sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles. To keep these sensors working 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 press-fit against the floor.
While it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the tank of the robot We do not recommend it unless it's been recommended by the manufacturer. This can damage the robot and invalidate the warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot mop and vacuum combo comes with a dock which doubles as a water tank, it will have to be cleaned periodically. auto vacuum may accumulate dirt, grit and debris that must be cleaned out and removed once the mop is done. A lot of our picks come with a self-cleaning cycle which you can control with the app or a button on the mop itself. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew from developing.
It is also essential to wash the area around the dock where the pads are washed. If left wet, it can turn slimy and even smell. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, ensure that you wash them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. Hybrid mop/vacuum units that have brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. After every cleaning cycle remove the brushes and clean them with an abrasive or a cloth.
Some of the more advanced robot vacuum-mop combos we've tested include sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still necessary to wipe the sensor areas clean on a regular basis. This can prevent dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and causing misjudgment.
While many robot mops and vacuums require a little bit of work on every day basis, they provide huge benefits for the busy homeowner. They can keep your floors looking great and reduce the need for heavy lifts. They also save time and energy, which is the most valuable resource you have at home.
While there are startups that are working to create better robot vacuum units but they have a long way to go before they get to our level of quality. We expect these robots will improve over time just as the previous robot vacuums did.
Cleaning the Brushes
Like a vacuum cleaner it is important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum combo so it keeps functioning well. Wipe down sensors to aid in navigation clean and empty the water tank, get rid of pet hair clogs off of brushes, keep charge ports clean and change the rollers and filter as recommended by the manufacturer. These tips will help your robot vacuum and mop be efficient for longer.
Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab is responsible for evaluating 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.
Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are great for tackling dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet messes (spills, stains) in one clean-up session without the need to switch machines. Multitaskers are great for making time and effort. They are also great for busy schedule.
Some robots are controlled by an app and include more features. For instance this model comes with an outline of our obstacle course which is a major selling feature. You can also plan and modify cleaning sessions with the app, change mopping mode and check the battery level. Others provide voice activation, like this model that integrates with Alexa to allow hands-free control.
If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combination, look for one that has the features that are most important to you. While all models push a pad with water over floors, some include a scrubber that can be used to clean grout or an inclined brush roll for more intensive scrubs. Some models have a filter that can be cleaned or replaced to eliminate odors.
Some mopping robots dispose of their dirty pads, and drop them into a base which automatically emptys into a garbage drawer making it unnecessary to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some, like the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between usage. If you decide to purchase a model that has reusable pads, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean and dry them.