Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums or mops come with an app that lets you save maps of your house and set up cleaning schedules and then select mopping mode. Certain models with dual rotating pads can also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dump dirty water.

If your model has reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You should also clean the tray that they sit on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops feature pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and then move across the floor, either by scrubbing or brushing to remove sticky spots and other marks. To stop bacteria from building up and keep them from smelling, the pads must be cleaned and removed between usage (if they are washable). Some models have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot. These brushes also require to be washed, rinsed or replaced every couple of cleaning cycles.

The most effective 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combos are easy-to-use and come with features that decrease the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. These include automatic vacuum cleaner and mop dustbin emptying docks, self-cleaning pads, 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 navigate and avoid obstacles, clean them with a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This will eliminate dust that can interfere with sensors and cause errors.

If you have carpets in your home, be sure to select a robot mop that is compatible with carpets. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, but those that also be used to scrub or vacuum floors may need to be reprogrammed to recognize or avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping features that can give you a real-time map of your room so you can see where your robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.

The majority of app-connected robot mops use sensors to move through the house and avoid obstacles but they can also become 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 the latest software versions. Before you purchase a robot, we suggest creating an obstacle course at your home to check its performance.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks. One for clean water and one for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be emptied and filled regularly. The tanks can be lifted off the base and made easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. The majority of models have drip tray that sits beneath the water tank that is dirty to collect any spilled liquid. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray at the end of each cleaning robot mop and vacuum cycle to prevent bacterial from developing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops, automatic vacuum and mop robot/mop combinations, and robot mops utilize an water reservoir to clean. Most manufacturers advise you to clean the tank frequently, depending on the frequency you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is important. Some brands, such as the top picks in our reviews, have a tanks that are washable and removable so you can remove dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the newer mop-vacs we tested can be used with an app that allows you to save your home's maps as well as set cleaning schedules and select cleaning options. This is something we look for when selecting a model, as it makes setting up and using your robot cleaner much simpler. If your choice doesn't have an app, you can still control the basics of the robot by pressing the dock or remote.

All of the newer models we've reviewed can vacuum dust and dirt off various surfaces, which is a huge improvement over previous iterations of robot cleaners that mostly simply pushed a pad of water across the floor. However they're not designed to deal with big spills, and they still need to be cleaned by hand. These machines can't move furniture and can get lost in rooms with lots of clutter.

Some modern bots have brushes on their sides and the bottom which can be removed and washed, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to do this (typically using use a damp microfiber cloth). Many bots also have sensors to help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles. To ensure that these sensors are working well, it's a good idea to wipe down the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles with a soft clean cloth, particularly the areas where the sensors are press-fit against the floor.

Finally, while it is possible to pour other cleaners into the robot's tank (for example, vinegar), we advise against using them unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This could cause damage to your robot and could void 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 periodically. The dock can collect dust, grit and other debris that needs to be removed and washed when the mop is finished. A lot of our picks come with an auto-cleaning cycle that you can use the app or a button on the mop itself. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew.

The area of the dock which washes the pads needs to be washed from time to time -- it can get slimy and smell unpleasant when left wet for a long time. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, make sure you are washing them according to the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. The same is true for models with a hybrid mop/vacuum which use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. Take the brushes out and clean them with a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

Some of the most advanced best robot vacuum vacuums and mops we've tested contain sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still essential to clean the sensor areas clean on a regular basis. This will stop dust and grime blocking the sensors, causing them to make incorrect judgments.

Although most robot vacuums and mop systems require some work they are an excellent alternative for busy homeowners. They will keep floors looking beautiful and reduce the necessity for heavy lifting, and give you the most valuable resource you have in a home -your time.

There are a few companies that are trying to develop better vacuum-mop machines but they're far from our standard. But we expect these robots to improve over time, just like the other robot vacuums in the past.

Brushes to be cleaned

Similar to vacuum cleaners it is important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum unit to ensure that it's working well. Wipe down sensors to improve navigation clean and empty the water tank, get rid of pet hair clogs off of brushes, keep charge ports clean and change the rollers and filter as recommended by the manufacturer. These suggestions will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum is efficient 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 providing recommendations for them for more than forty years.

Combinations of robot vacuums and mops are perfect for cleaning dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet spills. (spills and staining) without the need to change machines. These multitaskers will save you time and cleaning robot mop and vacuum effort and are a great choice for those with a busy life.

Some robots are operated by an app and include additional features. For instance this model features an obstacle course map that shows our course, which is a major selling feature. You can also schedule and modify cleaning sessions by using the app, alter mopping mode and check battery level. Certain models have voice activation to allow hands-free operation, such as the model that is compatible with Alexa.

When you are looking for a robot mop and vacuum, make sure that it comes with the features you need. While all models push a pad with water across floors, some models have a scrubber that can be used to clean grout, or rotating brushes for more vigorous scrubbing. Some models have filters that can be cleaned or replaced to reduce smells.

Some mopping machines dispose of their dirty pads, and drop them into a base that automatically empties into a waste drawer eliminating the need to wash the pads manually or refill the tank. Others, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between uses. If you choose a model with pads that are reusable, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash and dry them.