Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums and mops come with an app that lets you save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules, and choose mopping modes. Some models that have dual rotating pads can also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dispose of dirty water.

If your model is using pads that are reusable, take them off and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent bacteria buildup. You should also clean the tray that they rest on between cleanings.

Preparation

A lot of robot mops have pads that contain a cleaning solution that are pushed across the floor to soften sticky spots and other marks using scrubbing motions or brushes. To prevent bacteria from building up and to keep them from smelling, the pads must be removed and washed between use (if they can be washed). Some models have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot. They also need to be washed, 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 decrease the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. These include automatic vacuum cleaner and mop emptying of the dustbin, self-cleaning pads and docks which ensure that your robot is ready to mop again almost immediately after a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot's sensors to be able navigate and avoid obstacles, clean them with a soft cloth or a cloth every few cycles. This will get rid of dust that can block sensors and lead to mistakes.

If you have carpets, be sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with carpets. Robotic mops that are able to scrub or vacuum floors will need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners as well as mop cleaners come with mapping functions. This lets you see the areas that your robot has cleaned, as well as the areas that it hasn't.

The majority of app-connected robot mop mops utilize sensors to help them navigate the home and avoid obstacles, but they may occasionally get lost or confused. To ensure that your robot's navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities are as good as possible, update the mopping app on a regular basis with new software releases. We recommend testing a robot's performance at home by constructing an obstacle course for it to run through before purchasing it.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks: one for clean water and the second for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be emptied and filled on a regular basis. The water tanks can be lifted from the base, making it easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models have drip tray that sits beneath the water tank that has been contaminated to collect any liquid spilled. It is recommended to empty the drip tray after each cleaning cycle to reduce the risk of growth of bacteria.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mop, vacuum combinations, and robot mops utilize an water reservoir to clean. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank on a regular basis dependent on how often you use your robot. This is essential for bots that you want last for many years. Some brands, such as the top picks in our rating, come with a removable, washable tank so you can remove dirty water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the newer mop-vacs we have tested can be used with an app that lets you save maps of your home and set up cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is a crucial feature to look out for when choosing a robot cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and operating it much simpler. If the robot you select doesn't have an app, it is still possible to control the basic functions of the bot using the remote or button.

All of the newer models we've examined can sweep dust and dirt off various surfaces, which is a huge improvement over previous iterations of robot cleaners which mainly just passed a pad with water across the floor. These machines are not meant to take on large spills. They must be cleaned manually. They are also not able to handle furniture and can get confused in rooms with lots of stuff on the floor, so make sure to straighten up the area prior to mopping it to ensure that the machine can move around it efficiently.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean and remove the brushes that are on the sides or on the bottom of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by most bots to navigate the floor and avoid obstacles. To ensure that the sensors function well, it's helpful to clean the sensors after every few cleaning cycles using a soft clean cloth, particularly the areas where the sensors are press-fit against the floor.

Although it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot's tank, we do not recommend it unless it's been recommended by the manufacturer. This can damage the robot and invalidate its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your mop and robot vacuum combination comes with docks that also double as a water tank, you'll need to clean it regularly. The dock can accumulate dust, grit and other debris and must be cleared and cleaned after the mop is done. A majority of our choices come with a self-cleaning feature which you can access through the app or the button on the mop. This helps keep the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew from developing.

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

Some of the more advanced robot vacuum-mop combos we've tested have sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still important to wipe down those sensor areas on a regular basis. This will stop dust and grime blocking the sensors, causing them make incorrect judgements.

Although most robot vacuums and mop systems require some effort, they are a great option for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking good and reduce the need for heavy lifting. They also save you time which is the most valuable resource at home.

There are a few companies working to develop better vacuum-mop machines but they're quite a ways from our standard. But we do expect these robots to improve with time, just as the other robot vacuums in the past.

Cleaning the Brushes

Maintaining your robot's mop and vacuum is essential, just as maintaining your vacuum cleaner. Clean sensors to improve navigation clean and empty the water tank, remove pet hair clogs off of brushes and charge ports, clean the ports and change the rollers and filter according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These tips will help your robot vacuum and mop combo be efficient for longer.

Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte evaluates and tests cleaning appliances in the Laboratory including robot vacuum-mop combos. Her team has been testing and offering products for over 40 years.

Robot vacuum and mop combos are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills and stains) all in one cleaning session without having to switch machines. These multitaskers are great at making time and effort. They're also great for busy schedule.

Some robots are operated by an app and include more features. For example this model features an outline of our obstacle course which is a key selling point. You can also use the app to schedule and alter cleaning sessions, change mopping modes and check the battery level. Other models include voice activation, such as this model, which works with Alexa for hands-free control.

If you're looking for a robot vacuum cleaner uk mop and vacuum, make sure that it comes with the features you need. All models use pads to sweep the floor, but some also have a scrubber to clean grout or a rotating roller brush for more intense scrub. Some have a filter that can be cleaned or replaced to eliminate the odor.

Some mopping robots dispose of their dirty pads and drop them into a base that discharges into a waste bin eliminating the need to wash the pads manually or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, such as the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry between uses. If you opt for one with pads that can be reused, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.