Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums and mops have an app that lets you save maps of your home, organize cleaning schedules, and choose mopping mode. Certain models with dual rotating pads can also return to the dock to clean their brushes and empty dirty water.

If your model is using pads that are reusable, take them off and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to prevent bacteria buildup. You'll also want to clean the resting tray where they sit between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops use pads with 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 should be cleaned and removed between uses (if they can be washed). Some models have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot. They also require to be rinsed, washed or replaced after a few cleaning cycles.

The best 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combination is easy to use and comes with features that reduce the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads docks, and automatic emptying of the trash bin. This keeps your robot mopping again almost immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors using a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that can interfere with sensors and lead to errors.

Select a robot mop compatible with carpets if you already have carpets. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, but those that can also scrub or vacuum floors may require reprogramming to avoid carpets. Some robotic mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping features that can give you a live map of the room so you can see exactly where the robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.

Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to guide them around the house and steer clear of obstacles, but they can sometimes be lost or confused. To ensure that your robot's navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities are as effective as they can and to ensure that the app is updated regularly with new software releases. Before you purchase a robot, we suggest creating an obstacle course in your home to test its capabilities.

Most robot mops have two tanks, one for clean water and one for dirty water. The dirty water tank needs to be filled and empty on a regular basis. The water tanks can be lifted out of the base which makes it easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with an under-sink drip tray beneath the tank that collects any liquid that spills. It is recommended to empty the drip tray following every cleaning cycle to lower the chance of bacterial growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot mops and vacuum/mop combos use a water tank for cleaning. Most manufacturers advise you to clean this tank regularly, dependent on the frequency you use your bot. This is essential for bots that you want last for a long time. Some brands, robot mop including the top choices of our rating, come with a removable, washable tank to remove dirt water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the mop-vacs we tested have an app which lets you save your home's maps as well as create cleaning schedules, or choose cleaning modes. This is an important feature to look out for when selecting a robot cleaner. It makes setting it up and operating it much easier. If the model you choose doesn't come with an application, you can control the basics of the bot from a button on its dock or remote.

The latest models we've examined can sweep dust and dirt off various surfaces, which is a huge improvement over previous iterations of robot cleaners that mostly just pushed a pad filled with water across the floor. These machines are not meant to take on large spills. They must be cleaned manually. They are also not able to handle furniture and may get lost in rooms with a lot of stuff on the floor, so make sure to straighten up the space before mopping to ensure the machine is able to move around it efficiently.

Some newer bots have brushes on their sides and the bottom that can be removed and laundered So, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions on how to do this (typically using use a damp microfiber cloth). Many bots also have sensors that aid in navigation and avoid obstacles. It is important to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles, especially where they are pressed up against the floor.

Additionally, although it is possible to add other cleaners into the robot's tank (for instance vinegar or acetic acid) We recommend against doing this unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This could damage the robot and could cause the warranty to be voided.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum combo comes with a dock that doubles as a water tank, it will need to be cleaned on a regular basis. The dock is prone to collecting dirt, dust and grit that must be cleared and washed when the mop is done. Many of our options include a self-cleaning function which you can access through the app or button on the mop. This keeps the tank clean and helps prevent mildew.

The area of the dock that washes the pads also should be cleaned periodically -- it can get slimy or smell bad when 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 between cleaning cycles. Hybrid mop/vacuum units with brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. Clean the brushes and clean them with a rag or cloth after each cleaning cycle.

It's important to clean the sensor areas of some of the more sophisticated robot mop vacuum combos we've test. They have sensors that allow you to navigate floors and keep out obstructions. This will prevent dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and leading to misjudgment.

While most robot mop and vacuum cleaners require a little work on every day basis, they provide huge advantages to the busy homeowner. They will keep floors looking beautiful, eliminate the need for heavy lifting and help you save the most valuable resource of the home- your free time.

There are a few companies trying to develop better vacuum-mop machines, but they are still quite a ways from our standard. However, we expect these machines to improve over time, just like all other robot vacuums have in the past.

Brushes to be cleaned

Similar to a vacuum cleaner is essential to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum unit to ensure that it's functioning properly. Clean sensors to improve navigation, empty and rinse the water tank, clean pet hair clogs off of brushes and charge ports, clean the ports and replace filter and rollers according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. 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 reviews and tests cleaning devices in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum best vacuum-mop combinations. Her team has been testing and suggesting products for more than 40 years.

Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are great for cleaning both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills or stains) all in one cleaning session without the need to switch machines. Multitaskers are great for making it easier to save time and effort. They are also great for those with a hectic schedule.

Some robots are controlled by an app and include additional features. For instance this model comes with an obstacle course map that shows our course which is a major selling point. You can also plan and modify cleaning sessions using the app, change mopping mode, and determine the battery's level. Certain models have voice activation for hands-free operation like the model that is compatible with Alexa.

If you are in the market for a robot mop or vacuum, make sure that it has the features you are looking for. All models utilize pads to sweep floors, but some include scrubbers for cleaning grout or a rotating brush for more intense scrubbing. Some models come with a filter that can be cleaned or replaced to lessen odors.

Some mopping machines dispose of their dirty pads and place them into a base that automatically emptys into a garbage drawer making it unnecessary to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Certain mopping machines, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads you can wash and dry in between uses. If you opt for the model with reusable pads, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions about drying and washing them in order to ensure they look the best robot vacuum cleaner and mop.