Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums or mop models have an app that lets you save your home's maps, create cleaning schedules and select mopping mode. Some models that have dual spinning pads can also automatically return to their docks during cleaning to flush out dirty water and clean their brushes.

To avoid the accumulation of bacteria, remove the pads and clean them (if it's safe) after each cleaning cycle. Also, you'll want to clean the tray in which they rest between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops come with pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and pass over the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to get rid of sticky spots and other marks. These pads need to be cleaned, removed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to prevent the buildup of bacteria and keep them from smelling bad. Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, which must be cleaned and rinsed, or replaced every few cleaning cycles.

The most effective 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combos are easy-to-use and come with features that reduce the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. They include automatic emptying of the dustbin docks that self-clean and self-cleaning pads that ensure your robot is ready to mop immediately after a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot's sensors to be able to navigate around obstacles, clean them using a soft towel or cloth every couple of cycles. This will remove dust that can interfere with sensors and cause mistakes.

If you have carpets, make sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with carpets. Most robot mops are able to work on hard surfaces, but those that can also be used to scrub or vacuum floors may need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Some robotic mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping features that can show you a live map of the room so you can see exactly where your robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.

Most robots with apps use sensors to guide them around the home and steer clear of obstacles, but they may occasionally get confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's navigation capabilities and obstacle-avoidance abilities are as good as possible, update the mopping app regularly with new software releases. We recommend testing a robot's capabilities in your own home by constructing an obstacle course for it to race through prior to buying it.

The majority of robot vacuum cleaner best mops have two tanks one for clean water and another for dirty water. The dirty water tank must be filled and emptied frequently. The water tanks are easily removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and rinse them with warm water and mild soap. Most models come with drip tray which sits under the dirty water tank to collect any liquid spilled. It is recommended to empty your drip tray every cleaning cycle to prevent bacterial from developing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most best rated robot vacuum mops and vacuum/mop combos have a water tank to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank on a regular basis, dependent on how often you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is crucial. Some brands, including the top choices of our rating, come with a removable, washable tank to remove dirt water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.

Many of the latest mop-vacs we have tested can be paired with an app that lets you save maps of your home and set up cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is a feature we look for when choosing the right model, since it makes the process of setting up and using your robot cleaner much easier. If your choice doesn't have an application, you can manage the basic functions of the robot using the dock or remote.

All of the newer models we've reviewed can vacuum up dirt and dust on many surfaces, which is a huge improvement over previous iterations of robot cleaners that mostly just pushed a pad filled with water across the floor. However they're not designed to deal with big spills, and they still need to be cleaned by hand. They can't move furniture, and they can become lost in rooms that have a lot of clutter.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean and remove the brushes that are located on the sides or bottom of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Many bots also have sensors that assist them in navigating floors and avoid obstacles. It's important to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles, especially where they are pressed up against the floor.

Additionally, although it is possible to add other cleaners into your robot's tank (for instance, vinegar), we advise against using them unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This could damage the robot and invalidate its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum combo comes with a dock which doubles as a water tank, it will have to be cleaned on a regular basis. The dock can accumulate grit, dust and debris, which needs to be removed and cleaned when the mop has been cleaned. A majority of our choices have a self-cleaning cycle you can use the app or a button on the mop itself. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps to prevent mildew.

It is also essential to clean the area of the dock where the pads are washed. If the dock is left wet, it could become slimy and even smell. If your model is equipped with washable or disposable mop pads, be sure to wash them according to manufacturer's instructions in between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuums with brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit are also affected. After every cleaning cycle, take the brushes off and clean them using an abrasive or a cloth.

Some of the most sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested include sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still necessary to wipe down those sensor areas regularly. This will prevent dust and grime from blocking the sensors and leading to misjudgment.

While most robot mop and vacuums require a little work on an ongoing basis, they provide huge advantages to the busy homeowner. They will keep your floors looking great and eliminate the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save time which is the most valuable resource you have at home.

There are a few companies trying to build better vacuum-mop robots but they're a long way from our level of quality. We anticipate that these robots will improve over time, just as all the previous robot vacuums have.

Brushes to be cleaned

Just like vacuum cleaners, it's important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combo so it keeps functioning well. Wipe down sensors to make it easier to navigate, empty and rinse the water tank, remove pet hair clogs from brushes Keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and rollers as suggested by the manufacturer. These tips will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum is efficient for a long period of time.

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

Combinations of robot vacuums and mops are ideal to clean dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet mess. (spills and stains) without having to switch machines. Multitaskers can help you save time and effort and are ideal for those with a busy life.

Some robots require an app to function and have more features than others, like a map this model created of our obstacle course that's a big selling point. You can also schedule and alter cleaning sessions with the app, Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum change mopping mode and check the battery level. Some models allow voice activation to allow hands-free operation like the model that integrates with Alexa.

If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop make sure you choose models that have the features that are important to you. While all models push a pad of water over floors, some include scrubbers that can be used to clean grout or an inclined brush roll to provide more vigorous scrub. Some models have filters that can be cleaned or replaced in order to lessen odors.

Some mopping robots dispose of their dirty pads and place them into a base that automatically emptys into a garbage drawer, making it unnecessary to wash the pads manually or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry between uses. If you choose the model with reusable pads, be sure you read the instructions of the manufacturer on drying and washing them to ensure they look the best robot vacuum that mops.