Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that allows you to save maps of your house, set cleaning schedules, and choose mopping modes. Some models with dual spinning pads will also automatically return to their dock mid-cleaning to empty the water of dirt and clean their brushes.

If your model is using disposable pads, take them off and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to prevent bacteria buildup. Also, you'll want to clean the tray in which they rest between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops come with 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. The pads must be cleaned, removed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to prevent the growth of bacteria and prevent them from smelling bad. Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, that need to be washed, rinsed or replaced after every few cleaning cycles.

The best 2-in-1 robotic hoovers mop/vacuum combos are simple to use and have features that cut down on post-cleaning maintenance. These include self-cleaning pads docks and automatic dustbin emptying. This will keep your robot mopping immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to to navigate around obstacles, clean them with a soft towel or a cloth every few cycles. This will remove dust that could interfere with sensors and cause mistakes.

If you have carpets, be certain to select a mop that is compatible with carpets. The majority of robot mops work on hard surfaces, but those that can also scrub or vacuum floors might need to be reprogrammed to recognize or avoid carpets. Some robotic hoovers vacuum cleaners as well as mop cleaners come with mapping capabilities. This lets you identify the areas that your robot has cleaned, as well as those it has not.

Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to help them navigate the house and steer clear of obstacles, but they may sometimes be confused or lost. Update the mopping app regularly with the latest software updates to ensure that your robot has the best robot vacuum that mops ability to navigate and avoid obstacles. Before you buy a robot we recommend creating an obstacle course at your home to test its capabilities.

Most robot mops come with two tanks: one for clean water and the second for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be filled and empty regularly. The tanks can be lifted off the base which makes it easier to clean and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. The majority of models have drip tray which sits beneath the water tank that has been contaminated to catch any spilled liquid. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray every cleaning cycle to prevent bacteria from developing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot vacuums and mop combination devices use a tank of water to clean. Most manufacturers advise you to clean this tank regularly, according to how often you use your bot. This is crucial for bots that you want last for a long time. Certain brands, like the top picks of our ratings, come with tanks that are washable and removable to remove dirt water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.

Many of the latest mop-vacs that we tested are compatible with an app that allows you to save maps of your home as well as set cleaning schedules and select cleaning modes. This is a crucial feature to look out for when selecting a robot cleaner. It makes setting it up and using it much simpler. If your choice doesn't have an app, you'll be able to manage the basic functions of the robot by pressing the dock or remote.

All the newer models that we've tested can vacuum up dirt and dust from a variety of surfaces. This is a huge improvement over the previous versions of robot cleaners which mainly passed water-filled pads across the floor. However they aren't designed to handle large spills, and they still need to be cleaned manually. They can't move furniture, and they can become lost in rooms that have a lot of clutter.

Some of the latest bots have brushes on their sides and the bottom which can be removed and washed So, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions on how to do this (typically you'll need a damp microfiber cloth). Sensors are also used by a majority of bots to navigate on the floor and avoid obstacles. To keep these sensors working well, it's a good idea to wipe down the sensors after every few cleaning cycles using a soft, clean cloth - especially the areas where 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's been approved by the manufacturer. This could damage the robot and may cause the warranty to be voided.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot vacuum and mop combination comes with docks that also double as water tank, you'll need to clean it regularly. The dock can collect dirt, grit and debris that will need to be cleaned and removed after the mop is done. A lot of our picks come with an auto vacuum and mop-cleaning cycle that which you can control with 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 of the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If left wet, it can turn slimy and even smell. If your model is equipped with washable or disposable mop pads, make sure to wash them in accordance with manufacturer's instructions in between cleaning cycles. This is also true for hybrid vacuum models that use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. 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 vacuum combos we've tried. They are equipped with sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstructions. This will prevent dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and leading to misjudgment.

While the majority of robot vacuums that mop mop and vacuums require a bit of work on every day basis, they provide huge advantages for busy homeowners. They can keep floors looking great, eliminate the need for heavy lifting and help you save the most valuable resource you have in a home -your time.

There are a few companies trying to create better vacuum-mop robotics, but they are still quite a ways from our standard. We expect these robots will improve over time, just as the previous robot vacuums did.

Brushes to be cleaned

Similar to a vacuum cleaner is essential to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum combo so it keeps functioning properly. Clean the sensors to improve navigation. Empty and wash the water tanks, remove hairs from brushes and charge ports, clean them and then replace the filter and rollers according to the manufacturer's instructions. These suggestions will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum combo works efficiently for a long period of time.

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 recommending products for more than 40 years.

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

Some robots are controlled by an app and have additional features. For example this model features an obstacle course map that shows our course which is a key 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 such as the model that is compatible with Alexa.

When you are looking for a robot mop or vacuum, be sure it has the features you want. All models utilize pads to sweep floors, but some also have scrubbers for cleaning grout or a rotating roller brush for more intense scrub. Some models have filters that can be cleaned or replaced to eliminate the odors.

Some mopping machines dispose of their dirty pads and place them into a base that discharges into a waste bin eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Others, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between use. If you opt for a model with pads that can be reused, make sure to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.