Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums and mops pair with an application that lets you save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules and select mopping modes. Certain models with dual rotating pads also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dump dirty water.

If your model uses disposable pads, take them off and wash them (if safe) every several cleaning cycles to avoid the buildup of bacteria. Also, you should clean the tray that they sit on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops use pads that contain a cleaning solution that are pushed across the floor to soften the marks and sticky spots by using scrubbing movements or a brush. To stop the growth of bacteria up and to prevent them from smelling, these pads must be cleaned and removed between usage (if they can be washed). Some models have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot that also need to be washed, rinsed or replaced every few cleaning cycles.

The most effective 2-in-1 robot vacuum that mops vacuum and mop combos are easy-to-use and come with features that reduce the amount of maintenance needed after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads docks, and automatic emptying of the trash bin. This helps keep your robot mopping immediately following a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot's sensors to be able to navigate around obstacles, clean them with a soft towel or cloth every couple of cycles. This will get rid of dust that could block sensors and lead to errors.

If you have carpets, be sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with carpets. Robotic mops that are able to clean or vacuum floors need to be reprogrammed so they can avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners are equipped with mapping functions. This lets you identify the areas that your robot has cleaned, as well as those it has not.

The majority of app-connected robot mop mops utilize sensors to guide them around the home and steer clear of obstacles, but they can sometimes get confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as good as possible and to ensure that the app is updated regularly with new software updates. Before purchasing a robot, we suggest that you create an obstacle course in your home to test its performance.

Most robot mops have two tanks, one for clean water and one for dirty water. The dirty water tank must be filled and emptied regularly. The water tanks can be easily removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and rinse with warm water and mild soap. Most models have drip tray that is placed under the water tank that is dirty to collect any spilled liquid. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray following each cleaning cycle to minimize the risk of growth of bacteria.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot vacuums and mop combination devices use a tank of water to clean. Most manufacturers advise you to keep the tank clean depending on the frequency you use your robot. This is vital for bots that you want to last for an extended period of time. Some brands, including the top picks of our rating, come with a tanks that are washable and removable to remove dirt water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of the mop-vacs we tested have an app that allows you to save maps of your house, set up cleaning schedules, or choose cleaning modes. This is an important feature to look out for when choosing a robot cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and using it much simpler. If the robot vacuum reviews you choose does not have an app, it is still possible to control the basic functions of the robot with a button or remote.

All of the latest models we've reviewed can vacuum up dirt and dust on various surfaces This is a major improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners which mainly simply pushed a pad of water across the floor. However they're not designed to handle large spills, which have to be cleaned by hand. They also can't handle large furniture pieces and could get confused in rooms that have lots of stuff on the floor, so make sure to straighten up the area prior to mopping to ensure the machine can move around it effectively.

Follow the instructions of the manufacturer to wash and remove the brushes on the bottom or sides of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by a majority of bots to navigate around the floor and avoid obstacles. To keep these sensors working well, it's a good idea to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles using a soft clean cloth, especially those areas where the sensors are press-fit against the floor.

Additionally, although it is possible to pour other cleaners in your robot's tank (for instance vinegar, for example) We do not recommend doing this unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This can damage 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 need to be cleaned periodically. The dock can accumulate dirt, grit and debris that needs to be cleaned and removed when the mop has finished. Many of our picks have a self-cleaning cycle you can run using the app or on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and prevents mildew from developing.

It is also crucial to wash the area of the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If the dock is left wet, it could become slimy and even smell. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads ensure you're washing them according to the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. This is also true for hybrid mop/vacuum models that use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. Remove the brushes and clean them with a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

It's important to clean the sensor areas of some of the more sophisticated robot mop-vacuum combos that we've tried. They are equipped with sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstructions. This will stop dirt and grime from blocking sensors, causing them make incorrect judgements.

While the majority of robot mop and vacuum units require a little bit of work on an ongoing basis, they offer big advantages to the busy homeowner. They can keep floors looking great, eliminate the need for heavy lifting, and help you save the most valuable resource of a home -- your free time.

While there are new companies that are trying to create better robot vacuum units however, they have still a long way to go before they can reach our standard of quality. We expect these robots will improve over time, just like all the previous robot vacuums have.

Brushes to be cleaned

Like a vacuum cleaner is essential to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum unit to ensure that it's working well. Clean the sensors to enhance navigation. Clean and empty the water tanks, take out pet hair from brushes, clean the charge ports and then replace the filter and rollers according to the instructions of the manufacturer. These tips will help your robot vacuum and mop combination work efficiently for a long time.

Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab reviews and tests cleaning devices in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum-mop combinations. Her team has been testing and recommending them for more than forty years.

Robot vacuums and mops are great for tackling dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills, staining) in one clean-up session without the need to switch machines. These multitaskers are great for making time and effort. They are also great for those with a busy schedule.

Some robots are operated by an app and include more features. For example this model comes with an outline of our obstacle course which is a key selling point. You can also plan and modify cleaning sessions by using the app, switch mopping modes and check battery level. Others offer voice activation, for instance this model that integrates with Alexa to allow hands-free control.

If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combination make sure you choose models that have the features that are important to you. While all models pass a pad with water across floors, some include a scrubber that can be used to clean grout or a rotating brush roll for more vigorous scrubs. Certain models come with a filter which can be cleaned or replaced to lessen odors.

Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads, and drop them into a base that automatically emptys into a garbage drawer making it unnecessary to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Other models, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that can be washed and dry between use. If you opt for the model with reusable pads, be sure you read the instructions of the manufacturer on drying and washing them in order to keep them looking the best rated robot vacuum.