Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums and mop models come with an app that lets you save maps of your house and create cleaning schedules and then select mopping mode. Some models that have dual spinning pads also automatically return to their dock mid-cleaning to empty the water of dirt and clean their brushes.
If your model has reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to avoid the buildup of bacteria. It is also recommended to clean the tray they rest on between cleanings.
Preparation
A lot of robot mops have pads with a cleaning solution that pass over the floor to soften the marks and sticky spots with scrubbing motions or a brush. These pads should be removed, washed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to avoid bacteria buildup and keep them from smelling unpleasant. Some models have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot that also require to be cleaned, rinsed or replaced every couple of cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1
robotic hoovers mop/vacuum combos are simple to use and have features that reduce cleaning maintenance after cleaning. They include self-cleaning pads, docks and
automatic vacuum cleaner and mop dustbin emptying. This helps keep your robot mopping immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors with towels or soft cloths every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that can hinder sensors and cause errors.
Choose a mop that is compatible with carpets if you have carpets. Most robot mops are able to work on hard surfaces, however those which can also be used to scrub or vacuum floors might require reprogramming to recognize carpets or avoid them. Some robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners are equipped with mapping features. This lets you see the areas that your robot has cleaned and also those that it hasn't.
The majority of robots with apps connected to mop use sensors to navigate through the home and avoid obstacles, however, they can become confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's navigation capabilities and obstacle-avoidance abilities are as good as possible, update the mopping app regularly with the latest software versions. Before you purchase a robot, we recommend creating an obstacle course at your home to test its performance.
Most robot mops come with two tanks, one for clean and the other for dirty water. The tank that is dirty needs 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. The majority of models have a drip tray that is placed under the water tank that has been contaminated to collect any spilled liquid. 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
Most robot mops and vacuum/mop combos have a water tank for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank regularly, depending on the frequency you use your robot. This is vital for bots that you want last for an extended period of time. Certain brands, like the top picks in our rating, come with a an easily washable tank that is removable, so that you can wash away dirty water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.
Most of the newer mop-vacs we tested are compatible with an app that lets you save maps of your home as well as set cleaning schedules and select cleaning modes. This is something we look for when selecting the best model, because it makes the process of setting up and using your robot cleaner much easier. If the robot you select does not have an app, it is still possible to control the fundamental functions of the robot with buttons or a remote.
The latest models we've tested are able to remove dirt and dust from a variety of surfaces. This is a big improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners, that mostly passed water-filled pads across the floor. However they're not designed to deal with big spills, which have to be cleaned manually. They also cannot handle furniture and can get confused in rooms with a lot of stuff on the floor, so be sure to straighten the area prior to mopping to ensure the machine can maneuver around it efficiently.
Some newer bots have brushes on their sides and bottom which can be removed and laundered Be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to do this (typically, a damp microfiber cloth). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate on the floor and avoid obstacles. To ensure that these sensors are working well, it's a good idea to clean the sensors after every few cleaning cycles using a soft, clean cloth - especially the areas where the sensors are placed against the floor.
In addition, it is possible to pour other cleaners into the robot's tank (for instance, vinegar), we advise against using them unless the manufacturer recommends it. This can damage the robot and can void its warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot mop and vacuum has a separate dock which doubles as a water tank, it will have to be cleaned on a regular basis. The dock is prone to collecting dirt, dust and grit that will need to be removed and cleaned after the mop is done. A majority of our choices have an auto-cleaning cycle that you can run using the app or a button on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and also prevents mildew.
It is also important to wash the area around the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If the area is left wet, it may be slimy and smell. If your model is equipped with 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 are also affected. Clean the brushes and clean them with a rag or cloth after each cleaning cycle.
It is essential to clean the sensor areas of a few of the more sophisticated
robot vacuum with mop mop vacuum combos we've tried. They have sensors that aid in navigating floors and keep out obstructions. This will prevent dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and leading to misjudgment.
While most robot vacuums and mop systems require some work they are an excellent alternative for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking beautiful and reduce the need for heavy lifting. They also save you time and energy, which is the most valuable resource at home.
There are a few companies working to build better vacuum-mop robots, but they are still far from our standard. We anticipate that these robots will improve over time, just as the previous robot vacuums did.
Cleaning the Brushes
Maintaining your robot's mop and vacuum is essential, just as maintaining your vacuum cleaner. Wipe down sensors to make it easier to navigate clean and empty the water tank, remove pet hair clogs from brushes and charge ports, clean the ports and replace the filter and rollers according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These tips will make your robot vacuum and mop work efficiently for longer.
Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the
good robot vacuum Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, evaluates and tests cleaning products in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum and mop combinations. Her team has been testing products and providing recommendations for them for more than forty years.
Robot vacuum and mop combos are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet messes (spills or staining) all in one cleaning session without the need to switch machines. Multitaskers can help you save time and energy and are convenient for anyone with a busy life.
Some robots are controlled by an app and have additional features. For example this model features a map of our obstacle course, which is a major selling point. You can also schedule and alter cleaning sessions with the app, alter mopping mode and check battery level. Others provide voice activation, for instance this model that integrates with Alexa, for hands-free control.
If you're looking for a robot mop and vacuum, make sure that it has the features you want. While all models push pads with water over floors, some include scrubbers that can be used to clean grout or rotating brushes to provide more intensive scrub. Some have filters which can be cleaned or replaced to eliminate the smell.
Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads, and drop them into a base that empties into a waste drawer, making it unnecessary to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Other models, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between uses. If you decide to purchase one with reusable pads, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions about drying and washing them to ensure they look the best.