Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums and mops come with an app that lets you save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules and robot cleaner choose mopping options. Some models with dual spinning pads will also automatically return to their dock mid-cleaning to flush out dirty water and clean their brushes.

If your model is using pads that are reusable, take them off and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to avoid the buildup of bacteria. You should also clean the tray that they rest on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops utilize pads with a cleaner that slide across the floor to soften the sticky marks and spots by using scrubbing movements or brushes. These pads need to be cleaned, removed (if they are washable) and dried between uses to prevent bacteria buildup and keep them from smelling bad. Some models have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot cleaner with mop. They also require to be washed, rinsed or replaced every few cleaning cycles.

The best 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combos are easy-to-use and come with features that cut down on the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. They include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the dustbin. This will keep your robot mopping immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to navigate and avoid obstacles, clean them with a soft towel or a cloth every few cycles. This will help get rid of dust that could hinder sensors and cause errors.

If you have carpets in your home, be sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with them. Robotic mops that are able to scrub or vacuum floors need to be reprogrammed so they can avoid carpets. Some robotic mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping capabilities that give you a live map of the room so you can see where your robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.

Most robots with apps use sensors to guide them around the house and steer clear of obstacles, but they may sometimes get confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as good as possible you should update the mopping application regularly with new software releases. We recommend testing the robot's performance in your home by constructing an obstacle course for it to race through prior to buying it.

Most robot mops come with two tanks one for clean water and another for dirty water. The tank that is dirty must be filled and emptied frequently. The water tanks can be removed from the base, making it easier to clean them and wash them with warm water and mild soap. Most models have a drip tray that sits beneath the dirty water tank to collect any liquid spilled. It is recommended to empty your drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to stop bacteria from developing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot mops, vacuum/mop combination and robot mops have a water reservoir for cleaning. 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 a long time, this is essential. Some brands, such as the top choices of our reviews, have a an easily washable tank that is removable, so you can remove dirty water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of the latest mop-vacs we have tested can be used with an app that allows you to save your home's maps and set up cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is a feature we look for when deciding on the right model, since it makes setting up and operating your robot cleaner, linked web page, much easier. If the model you choose doesn't come with an app, you'll be able to manage the basic functions of the robot hoover and mop by pressing the dock or via its remote.

All of the latest models we've tested can clean up dirt and dust on many surfaces this is a significant improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners that mostly just passed a pad with water across the floor. These machines aren't designed to handle large spills. They have to be cleaned manually. They also cannot handle large furniture pieces and can get confused in rooms with a lot of clutter on the floor, so be sure to straighten the space before mopping to ensure the machine can maneuver around it effectively.

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). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate on the floor and avoid obstacles. It is important to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles, particularly if they're pressed against the floor.

It is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the tank of the robot, we do not recommend it unless it has been recommended by the manufacturer. This can damage your robot and void the warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot vacuum and mop combination has docks that also double as a water tank, you'll have to keep it clean regularly. The dock can collect dust, grit and other debris, which must be cleared and cleaned when the mop is done. A lot of our picks come with an auto-cleaning cycle that you can run using the app or a button on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and helps prevent mildew.

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

It's essential to clean the sensor areas on some of the more advanced robot vacuums we've tried. They come with sensors that aid in navigating floors and keep out obstructions. This will keep dust and grime blocking the sensors, which can cause them to make incorrect judgments.

While the majority of robot mop and vacuums require a bit of work on a regular basis, they can provide significant advantages for busy homeowners. They can keep your floors looking beautiful and robot cleaner eliminate the need for heavy lifting. They also save time, which is the most valuable resource at home.

There are a few companies working to build better vacuum-mop robots however they are far from our standard. But we do expect these robots to improve over time, just like all other robot vacuums have in the past.

Brushes to be cleaned

Similar to vacuum cleaners it is important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combo so it keeps functioning properly. Wipe down the sensors to improve navigation. Clean and empty the water tanks, take out hairs from brushes, clean the charge ports and then replace the filter and rollers according to the instructions of the manufacturer. These suggestions will help your robot vacuum and mop be efficient for longer.

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

Robot vacuum and mop combos are great for cleaning dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet messes (spills, stains) all in one cleaning session without the need to switch machines. Multitaskers can save you time and effort and are convenient for anyone with a hectic schedule.

Certain robots require an app to function and have more features than others, such as the map this model made of our obstacle course that's a big selling point. You can also use the app to schedule and alter cleaning sessions as well as change mopping modes and check battery levels. Some models offer voice activation to allow hands-free operation such as the model that is compatible with Alexa.

If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combination, look for one that has the features that are most important to you. Each model uses pads to sweep floors, but some also have scrubbers for cleaning grout or a rotating roller brush for a more intensive scrubbing. Some models have a filter that can be washed or replaced to eliminate odors.

Some mopping machines dispose of their dirty pads and place them into a base that automatically empties into a waste drawer, making it unnecessary to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads which can be washed and dried in between uses. If you opt for the model that has reusable pads, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions for drying and washing them in order to ensure they look the best robotic mop and vacuum.