Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules, and choose mopping options. Some models that have dual spinning pads also automatically return to their dock mid-cleaning to dump dirty water and clean their brushes.

To prevent bacteria accumulation, remove the pads and wash them (if it's safe) after each cleaning cycle. You'll also want to clean the resting tray where they sit between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops come with pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to remove the sticky spots and other marks. To stop the growth of bacteria up and to prevent them from smelling, the pads should be removed and washed between usage (if they can be washed). Some models have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot. They also need to be washed, rinsed or replaced every few cleaning cycles.

The most effective 2-in-1 robot mop and vacuum combos are simple to operate and include features that reduce post-cleaning maintenance. These include automatic dustbin emptying docks that self-clean and self-cleaning pads which ensure that your robot vacuum cleaner best is ready to mop again almost immediately after a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, try wiping down its sensors with a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that could block sensors and cause mistakes.

If you have carpets, make sure to select a robot mop that is compatible with them. Robot mops that can vacuum or scrub floors need to be reprogrammed so they can avoid carpets. Some robotic hoovers mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping features that can give you a live map of the room so you can track where the robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.

The majority of apps-connected robots mop use sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles but they can also be lost or confused. To ensure that your robot vacuums that mop's navigation capabilities and obstacle-avoidance abilities are as efficient as they can be and to ensure that the app is updated on a regular basis with the latest software versions. Before you buy a robot we suggest creating an obstacle course at home to test its capabilities.

Most robot mops have two tanks: one for clean water and one for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be filled and empty on a regular basis. The water tanks can be removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and rinse with warm water and mild soap. Most 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 following each cleaning cycle to reduce the risk of bacteria growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot mops and vacuum/mop combos use a water tank for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank regularly, dependent on how often you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is essential. Some brands, including the top picks in our rating, come with a removable, washable tank so you can remove dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the newer mop-vacs we have tested are compatible with an app that lets you save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is one of the features we look for when deciding on the right model, since it makes the process of setting up and operating your best robot vacuum that mops cleaner much easier. If the robot you select does not come with an app, it is still possible to control the basic functions of the bot using the remote or button.

All of the newer models we've tested can clean up dust and dirt from many surfaces this is a significant improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners which mainly simply pushed a pad of water across the floor. They aren't made to deal with large spills. They need to be cleaned manually. They are also not able to handle furniture and may get lost in rooms with lots of stuff on the floor, so be sure to straighten the area prior to mopping to ensure that the machine is able to move around it effectively.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean and remove the brushes that are located on the sides or bottom of the latest bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by most bots to navigate around the floor and avoid obstacles. To keep these sensors working well, it's helpful to wipe down the sensors after every few cleaning cycles using a soft, clean cloth - especially the areas where the sensors are press-fit against the floor.

In addition, it is possible to add other cleaners in your robot's tank (for example vinegar or acetic acid) We recommend against using them unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This could cause damage to the robot and could cause the warranty to be voided.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum comes with a dock that doubles as a water tank, it will have to be cleaned periodically. The dock can collect dirt, dust and grit, which needs to be removed and cleaned after the mop has been cleaned. A majority of our choices have self-cleaning cycles that which you can control with the app or a button on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and helps prevent mildew.

It is also crucial to clean the area of the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If the dock is left wet, it could turn slimy and even smell. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, be sure to wash them according to manufacturer's instructions in between cleaning cycles. The same goes for hybrid vacuum models which use brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. Take the brushes out and clean them using a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

Some of the most sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested have sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still necessary to wipe down those sensor areas regularly. This will prevent dust and grime blocking the sensors, which can cause them to make faulty judgements.

While most robot mop and vacuums require a little bit of work on a regular basis, they provide huge advantages to the busy homeowner. 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 trying to create better vacuum-mop robotics, but they are still quite a ways from the quality we have. We anticipate that these robots will improve over time, just like all the previous robot vacuums have.

Cleaning the Brushes

Like vacuum cleaners, it's important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum combination to ensure it is working well. Wipe down the sensors to enhance navigation. Empty and rinse the water tanks, clean hairs from the brushes and charge ports, clean them, and replace the rollers and filter according to the instructions of the manufacturer. These tips will make your robot vacuum with mop vacuum and mop be efficient 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 and suggesting products for more than 40 years.

Robot vacuums and mops are great for cleaning dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills or stains) in one clean-up session without switching machines. These multitaskers are great for saving time and effort. They are also great for those with a hectic schedule.

Some robots are controlled by an app and have additional features. For instance, this model has an obstacle course map that shows our course, which is a major selling point. You can also plan and modify cleaning sessions with the app, change mopping mode, and check battery level. Other models provide voice activation, such as this model that works with Alexa, for hands-free control.

If you are in the market for a robot mop and vacuum, be sure it comes with the features you need. All models utilize a pad to sweep the floor, however some have scrubbers for cleaning grout, or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrubbing. Certain models come with a filter which can be cleaned or replaced to eliminate smells.

Some mopping robots dump their dirty pads into the base, which then automatically empty them into a trash bin, eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill a tank. Other models, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between uses. If you choose a model with pads that can be reused, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash and dry them.