Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot 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 with dual rotating pads also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dump dirty water.

To avoid the accumulation of bacteria, remove the pads and wash them (if it is safe) after each cleaning cycle. You should also clean the tray where they sit between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops have pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and then move across the floor, either by scrubbing or brushing to get rid of sticky marks and other spots. These pads should be cleaned, removed (if they are washable) and dried between uses to avoid the buildup of bacteria and keep them from smelling bad. Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, that need to be washed and rinsed, or replaced every few cleaning cycles.

The most effective 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop combos are easy to operate and include features that cut down on post-cleaning maintenance. These include automatic emptying of the dustbin, self-cleaning pads and docks which ensure that your robot is ready to mop again almost immediately following a cleaning. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, try wiping down its sensors with a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This can help get rid of dust that can interfere with sensors and lead to errors.

Choose a mop for your robot that is that is compatible with carpets if you already have them. Robot mops that can scrub or vacuum floors must be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners as well as mop cleaners have mapping functions. This lets you identify the areas that the robot has cleaned and also those that it hasn't.

The majority of app-connected robot mop use sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles, however, they can be lost or confused. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with new software releases to ensure 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 test its capabilities.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks, one for clean and one for dirty water. The dirty water tank needs to be filled and emptied on a regular basis. The tanks can be lifted from the base and made easier to clean and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with an under-sink drip tray beneath the dirty tank to catch any liquid that spills. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray after every cleaning cycle to lower the risk of bacteria growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops, autonomous vacuum/mop combinations, and robot mops utilize a water reservoir for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you keep the tank clean dependent on how often you use your bot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is important. Some brands, including the top choices of our reviews, have a removable, washable tank so you can remove dirty water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of mop-vacs that we tested have an app which allows you to save your home's maps and organize cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is an important feature to consider when choosing a robot cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and using it much simpler. If the model you choose doesn't come with an app, you can still manage the basic functions of the bot from the dock or remote.

All of the latest models we've reviewed can vacuum up dust and dirt from various surfaces This is a major improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners that largely just pushed a pad filled with water across the floor. However, these machines are not designed to deal with big spills, which still need to be cleaned manually. They also cannot handle large furniture pieces and can get confused in rooms that have lots of clutter on the floor, so make sure to straighten up the space before mopping to ensure that the machine can maneuver around it efficiently.

Some of the latest bots have brushes on their bottom and sides which can be cleaned and removed, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to do this (typically a damp microfiber cloth). The majority of bots also have sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles. It is important to wipe the sensors down every few cleaning cycles, particularly if they're pressed against the floor.

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

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum combo comes with a dock that doubles as a water tank, it will have to be cleaned periodically. The dock can accumulate dirt, grit and debris that needs to be cleaned and removed when the mop is done. A lot of our picks come with a self-cleaning cycle you can use the app or on the mop itself. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew.

The area of the dock that washes the pads also must be cleaned periodically -it can become slimy or smell bad when left wet for too long. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads, make sure you are washing them in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuum and mop units that have brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. Every several cleaning cycles take the brushes off and clean them using the help of a rag or cloth.

It is essential to clean the sensor areas of a few of the more advanced robot mop-auto vacuum and mop combos that we've tested. They are equipped with sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstructions. This will prevent dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and causing inaccurate readings.

While many robot mops and vacuums require a little work on every day basis, they provide huge benefits for the busy homeowner. They can keep floors looking nice, eliminate the necessity for heavy lifting, and save you the most valuable resource of the home- your free time.

There are a few companies trying to create better vacuum-mop robotics but they're a long way from our level of quality. However, we expect these machines to improve over time, just like all other robot vacuums have in the past.

Cleaning the Brushes

Similar to vacuum mop cleaner robot cleaners is essential to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum unit to ensure that it's functioning well. Clean the sensors to enhance navigation. Empty and rinse the water tanks, remove pet hair from brushes, clean the charge ports and change the rollers and filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. These tips will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum combo is efficient for a long period of time.

Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab is responsible for evaluating 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.

Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are great for cleaning both dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills, staining) in one cleaning session without switching machines. These multitaskers are great at making it easier to save time and effort. They are also great for those with a hectic schedule.

Certain robots are operated via an app and come with more features. For instance, this model has a map of our obstacle course which is a major selling point. You can also make use of the app to plan and modify cleaning schedules as well as change mopping modes and check the level of battery. Others offer voice activation, like this model, which works with Alexa to allow hands-free control.

If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combination, look for one that has the features that are most important to you. While all models use a pad with water over floors, some have a scrubber that can be used to clean grout, or rotating brushes to provide more intensive scrub. Some models have filters which can be cleaned or replaced to reduce the smell.

Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads and place them into a base that emptys into a garbage drawer eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Certain mopping machines, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry in between uses. If you choose one with reusable pads, be sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to clean and dry them.