Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums and mops come with an application that lets you save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules and select mopping options. Some models with dual spinning pads also automatically return to their dock mid-cleaning to empty the water of dirt and clean their brushes.

If your model uses reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You'll also want to clean the tray that they are sitting on between cleanings.

Preparation

A lot of robot mops have pads with a cleaning solution that pass over the floor to soften the sticky marks and spots using scrubbing motions or brushes. The pads must be cleaned, removed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to avoid bacteria buildup and keep them from smelling unpleasant. Some models also have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the robot that need to be washed or rinsed after every few cleaning cycles.

The most efficient 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop combos are simple to use and come with features that reduce the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. They include automatic emptying of the dustbin, self-cleaning pads and docks which ensure that your robot is ready to mop again almost immediately following a cleaning. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, try wiping down its sensors with a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that could block sensors and cause mistakes.

If you have carpets, make sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with them. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, however those which can also vacuum or scrub floors might require reprogramming to avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners are equipped with mapping functions. This allows you to observe the areas your robot has cleaned as well as the areas it hasn't.

Most robots with apps use sensors to guide them around the house and steer clear of obstacles, but they can sometimes get confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's navigation capabilities and obstacle-avoidance abilities are as good as possible and to ensure that the app is updated on a regular basis with the latest software versions. We recommend testing a robot vacuum cleaner reviews's performance in your home by constructing an obstacle course to race through prior to buying it.

Most robot mops come with two tanks, one for clean and one for dirty water. The tank that is dirty must be filled and emptied regularly. The tanks can be lifted out of the base and made easier to clean them and cleaning robot mop and vacuum rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with a drip tray underneath the tank that collects any liquid that spills. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray following every cleaning cycle to lower the risk of bacteria growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot vacuums and mop combination devices use a tank of water for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank on a regular basis depending on the frequency you use your robot. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is essential. Some brands, including the top picks in our ratings are washable, Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum removable tanks that allow you to remove the dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of mop-vacs that we tested come with an app that allows you to save maps of your home as well as organize cleaning schedules or choose cleaning modes. This is something we look for when choosing a model, as it makes the process of setting up and operating the robot cleaner a lot easier. If your choice doesn't have an app, you can still control the basics of the robot using the dock or via its remote.

The latest models we've tested have the ability to clean dirt and dust on a variety of surfaces. This is a huge improvement over the earlier versions of robot cleaners, which mainly passed water-filled pads across the floor. These machines are not meant to take on large spills. They have to be cleaned manually. They can't move furniture and could get lost in rooms that have a lot of clutter.

Some newer bots come with brushes on the sides and bottom which can be removed and washed Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions on how to do this (typically, a damp microfiber cloth). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate around the floor and avoid obstacles. To ensure that the sensors function well, it's helpful to wipe down the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles with a soft clean cloth, especially those areas where the sensors are pressed against the floor.

Finally, while it is possible to pour other cleaners in your robot's tank (for instance, vinegar), we advise against doing so unless the manufacturer recommends it. This can damage the robot vacuum cleaner and invalidate its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your mop and robot vacuum combination comes with docks that also double as water tank, you will need to clean it regularly. The dock can collect grit, dust and debris that must be cleared and cleaned after the mop has been cleaned. A majority of our choices come with a self-cleaning feature which you can access through the app or button on the mop. This keeps the tank clean and helps to prevent mildew.

It is also important to clean the area of the dock where the pads are washed. If the dock is left wet, it could be slimy and smell. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads, ensure that you wash them according to the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. The same is true for models with a hybrid mop/vacuum that use brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. Every several cleaning cycles remove the brushes and clean them using an abrasive or a cloth.

Some of the more advanced robot vacuum-mop combos we've tested contain sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still important to wipe down those sensor areas regularly. This will prevent dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and causing misjudgment.

While most robot hoover mop and vacuums require a little work on every day basis, they provide huge advantages for busy homeowners. They will keep floors looking beautiful and reduce the necessity for heavy lifting, and help you save the most valuable resource in a home -your time.

Although there are some companies that are attempting to develop better robot vacuum-mop units but they have some way to go before they get to our level of quality. But we expect these robots to improve in time, just as all other robot vacuums in the past.

Brushes to be cleaned

Like vacuum cleaners, it's important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum unit to ensure that it's working well. Clean sensors to improve navigation clean and empty the water tank, remove pet hair clogs that block brushes, keep charge ports clean and replace filter and rollers according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These tips will help your robot vacuum and mop combination be efficient for an extended 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 both dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet messes. (spills and staining) without having to switch machines. These multitaskers are great at making it easier to save time and effort. They're also convenient for those with a busy schedule.

Certain robots require an app to operate and offer more features than others, like the map this model made of our obstacle course which is one of the main selling points. You can also schedule and alter cleaning sessions with the app, change mopping mode, and check the battery level. Others provide voice activation, such as this model that works with Alexa, for hands-free control.

If you are considering purchasing a robot vacuum and mop combo choose one that has the features that are important to you. All models utilize a pad to sweep floors, but some also have scrubbers for cleaning grout or a rotating roller brush for a more intensive scrub. Some models have a filter that can be washed or replaced to reduce the smell.

Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads onto an empty base that automatically dumps them into a garbage bin, eliminating the need to manually clean the pads or refill a tank. Others, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that can be washed and dry between uses. If you decide to purchase the model with reusable pads, make sure you follow the instructions of the manufacturer on drying and washing them to keep them looking the best.