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 select mopping modes. Some models that have dual spinning pads can also automatically return to their docks mid-cleaning to flush out dirty water and clean their brushes.

If your model is using reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent bacteria buildup. You'll also want to clean the resting tray in which they rest between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops feature pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to get rid of sticky marks and other spots. To prevent bacteria from building up and to prevent them from smelling, the pads must be cleaned and removed between uses (if they can be washed). Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, which must be cleaned, rinsed or replaced after every few cleaning cycles.

The best automatic vacuum 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop combos are easy to use and come with features that help reduce cleaning maintenance after cleaning. These include automatic dustbin emptying docks, self-cleaning pads, and self-cleaning pads that ensure your robot is ready to mop immediately following a cleaning. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors with a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This will remove dust that could block sensors and lead to errors.

Select a robot mop compatible with carpets if you already have carpets. The majority of robot mops work on hard surfaces, however those that also vacuum or scrub floors may need to be reprogrammed to recognize or avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping features that can give you a live map of the room so that you can see where the robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.

The majority of app-connected robot mop use sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles however, they can get confused or lost. Update the mopping app regularly with new software updates to ensure that your robot is equipped with the most effective navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. We recommend testing a robot's performance in your home by creating an obstacle course for it to run through before purchasing it.

The majority of robot vacuum cleaners best mops have two tanks, one for clean and another for dirty water. The tank that is dirty is required to be filled and empty regularly. The water tanks can be lifted off the base and made easier to clean and wash them with mild soap and warm water. Most models have drip tray which sits beneath the dirty water tank to catch any spilled liquid. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to prevent bacterial from growing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot vacuums and mop combos have a water tank to clean. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank regularly, depending on the frequency you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is essential. Certain brands, including the top picks in our ratings, have removable, washable tanks that allow you to remove the soiled water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of mop-vacs that we tested come with an app that lets you save maps of your house and organize cleaning schedules or choose different cleaning options. This is something we look for when deciding on a model, as it makes the process of setting up and using your robot cleaner much easier. If the robot you choose does not have an app, it's still possible to control the essential functions of the bot using the remote or button.

All of the newer models we've reviewed can vacuum up dirt and dust on multiple surfaces This is a major improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners that mostly just pushed a pad filled with water across the floor. However, these machines are not designed to handle large spills, which have to be cleaned by hand. They are also not able to handle a lot of furniture and may get lost in rooms with lots of things on the floor, so make sure to straighten the area prior to mopping to ensure the machine can move around it effectively.

Follow the manufacturer's directions to remove and wash the brushes on the sides or on the bottom of the latest bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). The majority of bots also have sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles. It is important to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles, especially where they are pressed up against the floor.

It is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot's tank, we do not recommend it unless it has been recommended by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot and may cause the warranty to be voided.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot vacuums with mop mop and vacuum has a dock on its own that doubles as its water tank, it's going to need to be cleaned periodically. The dock can collect dirt, grit and debris that will need to be cleaned and removed when the mop is finished. A lot of our picks come with a self-cleaning cycle you can run using the app or on the mop itself. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew.

It is also crucial to wash the area around the dock where the pads are cleaned. If the dock is left wet, it could turn slimy and even smell. If your model uses disposable or washable mop pads, ensure that you wash them according to the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. This is also true for hybrid mop/vacuum models that have brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. After every cleaning cycle take the brushes off and clean them with the help of a rag or cloth.

It's important to clean the sensor areas of some of the more sophisticated robot vacuums we've tried. They come with sensors that help navigate floors and avoid obstructions. This can prevent dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and leading to misjudgment.

Although most robot vacuums and mop machines require some effort they are an excellent alternative for busy homeowners. They can keep your floors looking great and reduce the need for heavy lifts. They also save time, which is the most valuable resource you have at home.

There are a few companies that are trying to build better vacuum-mop robots however they are a long way from our standard. However, we expect these machines to improve in time, just as all other robot vacuums in the past.

Cleaning the Brushes

Like a vacuum cleaner it is important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combo so it keeps working well. Clean sensors to improve navigation clear and rinse the water tank, remove pet hair clogs that block brushes Keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum rollers as suggested by the manufacturer. These tips will make your robot vacuum and mop be efficient for a long time.

Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab is responsible for evaluating and tests cleaning equipment in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum-mop combinations. Her team has been testing and recommending products for Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum more than 40 years.

Robot vacuum and mop combos are ideal for dealing with dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills and stains) in one cleaning session without switching machines. These multitaskers are great for making it easier to save time and effort. They're also convenient for those with a hectic schedule.

Some robots are operated by an app and come with more features. For example this model comes with a map of our obstacle course which is a major selling point. You can also utilize the app to schedule and modify cleaning sessions as well as change mopping modes and check the level of battery. Some models offer voice activation to allow hands-free operation like the model that is compatible with Alexa.

If you are in the market for a robot mop or vacuum, be sure it comes with the features you need. Each model uses a pad to sweep floors, however some have a scrubber for cleaning grout or a rotating roller brush for more intense scrub. Some models come with a filter which can be cleaned or replaced to reduce odors.

Some mopping robots dispose of their dirty pads and drop them into a base that automatically discharges into a waste bin making it unnecessary to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry in between uses. If you opt for one with reusable pads, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for drying and washing them in order to ensure they look the best.