Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an application that lets you save maps of your house, set cleaning schedules, and choose mopping modes. Some models with dual rotating pads will also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dispose of dirty water.

To prevent bacteria accumulation to prevent the build-up of bacteria, remove the pads and clean them (if it's safe) after each cleaning cycle. Also, you should clean the tray they sit on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops use pads with a cleaner that slide across the floor to soften the marks and sticky spots using scrubbing motions or brushes. These pads should be cleaned, removed (if they are washable) and dried between uses to prevent bacteria buildup and keep them from smelling unpleasant. Some models also have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the robot which need to be washed, rinsed or replaced after every few cleaning cycles.

The most efficient 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop combination is easy to use and comes with features that reduce the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. They include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the trash bin. This helps keep your robot mopping again almost immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to navigate and avoid obstacles, clean them with a soft towel or a cloth every few cycles. This will eliminate dust that could block sensors and lead to mistakes.

Select a robot mop that is compatible with carpets if you already have carpets. Robot mops that can scrub or vacuum floors need to be reprogrammed in order to avoid carpets. Some robotic mop/vacuum mop cleaner robot cleaners have mapping features that can give you a live map of your room so you can see exactly where the robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.

Most robots with apps use sensors to guide them around the home and steer clear of obstacles, but they can 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 creating an obstacle course in your home to test its capabilities.

Most robot vacuums with mop mops have two tanks. One for clean water and the second for dirty water. The tank that is dirty is required to be filled and empty regularly. 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 under the dirty tank to catch any liquid that spills. It is recommended to empty the drip tray at the end of every cleaning cycle to lower the risk of growth of bacteria.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot mops and vacuum/mop combos have a water tank to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank on a regular basis dependent on how often you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is crucial. Some brands, such as the top picks of our reviews, have a an easily washable tank that is removable, to remove dirt water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the mop-vacs we tested come with an app that allows you to save maps of your house as well as organize cleaning schedules or choose different cleaning options. This is something we look for when deciding on the right model, since it makes setting up and operating your robot cleaner much simpler. If your choice doesn't have an application, you can manage the basic functions of the bot from the dock or via its remote.

All of the latest models we've tested can clean up dirt and dust on multiple surfaces, which is a huge improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners that largely simply pushed a pad of water across the floor. These machines aren't designed to handle large spills. They must be cleaned manually. They also cannot handle large furniture pieces and could get confused in rooms with a lot of things on the floor, so make sure to straighten the space before mopping to ensure the machine can move around it efficiently.

Follow the manufacturer's directions to wash and remove the brushes on the sides or bottom of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Many bots also come with sensors that aid in navigation and avoid obstacles. To ensure that the sensors function well, it's a good idea to wipe down the sensors every few cleaning cycles using a soft clean cloth, particularly the areas where the sensors are placed against the floor.

It is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the tank of the robot however, we don't recommend it unless it has been suggested by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to your robot and void its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum comes with a dock which doubles as a water tank, it's going to need to be cleaned regularly. The dock can accumulate grit, dirt and debris that needs to be cleaned out and removed once 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 area that washes the pads also needs to be washed periodically -- it can get slimy or even smell bad if left wet for a long time. If your model comes with washable or disposable mop pads, make sure to wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. This is also true for models with a hybrid mop/vacuum that use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. Remove the brushes and clean them using a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

Some of the most advanced robot vacuum-mop combos we've tested include sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still essential to clean off the sensor areas regularly. This can keep dust and grime from blocking the sensors and leading to misjudgment.

While the majority of robot mop and vacuum units require a little bit of work on a regular basis, they can provide significant benefits for the busy homeowner. They will keep your floors looking beautiful and eliminate the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save time which is the most valuable resource at home.

Although there are some new companies that are trying to develop better robot vacuum-mop units but they still have a long way to go before they can reach our level of quality. But we expect these robots to improve with time, just as all other robot vacuum cleaners best vacuums in the past.

Cleaning the Brushes

Like vacuum cleaners is essential to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combo so it keeps functioning well. Wipe down the sensors to enhance navigation. Empty and wash the water tanks, remove hairs from the brushes Clean the charge ports and then replace the rollers and filter according to the instructions of the manufacturer. These tips will make your robot vacuum and mop combo perform efficiently for longer.

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.

Robot vacuum and mop combos are great for tackling both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills, stains) in one clean-up session without switching machines. Multitaskers are great for saving time and effort. They're also convenient for busy schedule.

Certain robots are operated via an app and come with additional features. For instance this model features an obstacle course map that shows our course, which is a major selling point. You can also schedule and modify cleaning sessions using the app, change mopping mode and check battery level. Some models offer voice activation for hands-free operation like the model that works with Alexa.

If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop make sure you choose one that has the features that are important to you. All models use pads to sweep the floor however some have a scrubber for cleaning grout or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrub. Some models come with a filter which can be cleaned or replaced to lessen the odor.

Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads into a base which automatically empties them into a garbage bin, removing the need to manually clean the pads or refill a tank. Other models, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that can be washed and dry between uses. If you opt for the model with reusable pads, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions about drying and washing them in order to ensure they look the best.