Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuum that mops vacuums and mops come with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules, and choose mopping options. 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 uses disposable pads, take them off and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent bacteria buildup. Also, you'll want to clean the tray where they sit between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops feature pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, scrubbing or brushing to get rid of sticky spots and other marks. To stop bacteria from building up and to keep them from smelling, these pads should 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 best robot vacuum that mops 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combos are easy-to-use and come with features that decrease the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic vacuum cleaner and mop emptying of the dustbin. This keeps your robot mopping immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to be able navigate and avoid obstacles, wipe them down using a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that could interfere with sensors and lead to errors.

Choose a mop that is that is compatible with carpets if you already have carpets. Robot mops that can vacuum or scrub floors need to be reprogrammed so they can avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners as well as mop cleaners are equipped with mapping features. This lets you observe the areas your robot has cleaned as well as those it hasn't.

Most robots with apps use sensors to help them navigate the home and avoid obstacles, but they can occasionally get lost or confused. To ensure that your robot's ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as good as possible you should update the mopping application on a regular basis with the latest software versions. We suggest testing a robot's capabilities in your own home by constructing an obstacle course to test its capabilities before purchasing it.

Most robot mops come with two tanks, one for clean and another for dirty water. The tank that is dirty must be filled and emptied regularly. The 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 dirty water tank to catch any spilled liquid. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray after each cleaning cycle to minimize the risk of bacteria growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot vacuums and mop combination devices use a tank of water to clean. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank on a regular basis depending on the frequency you use your robot. This is crucial for bots that you want last for many years. Certain brands, including the top picks in our rating, have removable, washable tanks so you can remove the dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of the mop-vacs we tested have an app which allows you to save maps of your home as well as create 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 using your robot cleaner much easier. If the robot you select does not come with an app, it's still possible to control the basic functions of the robot with buttons or a remote.

The latest models we've examined can sweep up dust and dirt from multiple surfaces this is a significant improvement over previous versions of robot cleaner with mop cleaners which mainly just pushed a pad filled with water across the floor. However, these machines are not designed to handle huge spills, which have to be cleaned by hand. They also can't handle furniture and could get confused in rooms with lots of stuff on the floor, so be sure to straighten up the area prior to mopping to make sure the machine can move around it effectively.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to wash and remove the brushes on the sides or on the bottom of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Many bots also come with sensors that assist them in navigating floors and avoid obstacles. To ensure that the sensors function well, it's helpful to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles with a soft clean cloth, particularly those areas where the sensors are placed against the floor.

While it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot's tank, we do not recommend it unless it has been approved by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot and could void its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum combo has a dock on its own that doubles as its water tank, it will have to be cleaned regularly. The dock can accumulate grit, dirt and debris that must be cleaned and removed when the mop has finished. A majority of our choices have a self-cleaning cycle which you can control with the app or a button on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and helps to prevent mildew.

The dock area that washes the pads also needs to be washed every now and thenit could become slimy and smell unpleasant if left wet for a long time. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, ensure you're washing them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning cycles. Hybrid mop/vacuum units with 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 sophisticated robot vacuums we've test. They come with sensors that help navigate floors and avoid obstructions. This can prevent dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and leading to misjudgment.

Although the majority of robot vacuums and mop units require some work, they are a great option for busy homeowners. They can keep floors looking nice and eliminate the need for heavy lifting and save you the most valuable resource of a home -your time.

There are a few companies that are trying to develop better vacuum-mop machines however they are a long way from our level of quality. But we expect these robots to improve over time, just like all other robot vacuums have in the past.

Cleaning the Brushes

Maintaining your robot's mop and vacuum is essential, just as maintaining a vacuum cleaner. Clean sensors to make it easier to navigate clean and empty the water tank, get rid of pet hair clogs that block brushes Keep charge ports clean and change the rollers and filter as recommended by the manufacturer. These tips will help your robot autonomous vacuum and mop combination be efficient for longer.

Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab reviews and tests cleaning devices in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuums and mops. Her team has been testing and suggesting products for more than 40 years.

Combinations of robot vacuums and mops work for cleaning both dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet messes. (spills and staining) without having to switch machines. These multitaskers are great at making time and effort. They're also convenient for busy schedule.

Some robots are controlled by an app and have more features. For example this model comes with an outline of our obstacle course which is a key selling feature. You can also make use of the app to plan and alter cleaning sessions, change mopping modes and check battery levels. Some models also include voice activation, such as this model that works with Alexa to allow hands-free control.

If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combination make sure you choose a model that has the features that are most important to you. All models use pads to sweep the floor, but some also have a scrubber for cleaning grout or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrubbing. Certain models come with filters that can be cleaned or replaced in order to lessen the odors.

Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads into a base which automatically empties them into a trash bin, eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, such as the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry in between uses. If you decide to purchase one with pads that are reusable, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash and dry them.