Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums and mops pair with an application that lets you save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules and select mopping options. Some models that have dual spinning pads also automatically return to their dock mid-cleaning to dump dirty water and clean their brushes.

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

Preparation

Many robot mops have pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to get rid of sticky marks and other spots. To stop the growth of bacteria up and keep them from smelling, the pads must be removed and washed between uses (if they are washable). Some models have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot. These brushes also need to be rinsed, washed or replaced after a few cleaning cycles.

The best 2-in-1 robotic mop and vacuum combos are simple to use and have features that cut down on cleaning maintenance after cleaning. They include automatic emptying of the dustbin docks that self-clean and self-cleaning pads that help keep your robot ready to mop immediately following a cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to be able to navigate around obstacles, clean them with a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This will remove dust that can interfere with 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 must be reprogrammed so they can avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners as well as mop cleaners are equipped with mapping capabilities. This allows you to observe the areas your robot has cleaned, as well as those it hasn't.

Most robots with apps use sensors to guide them through the home and steer clear of obstacles, but they may sometimes be confused or lost. Make sure to update the mopping application regularly with new software updates to ensure that your robot vacuum best is equipped with the most effective ability to navigate and avoid obstacles. We recommend testing a robot's performance at home by creating an obstacle course to test its capabilities before purchasing it.

Most robot mops come with two tanks one for clean water and another for dirty water. The dirty water tank has to be emptied and filled frequently. The tanks can be lifted from the base and made easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. The majority of models have a drip tray that sits beneath the water tank that is dirty to collect any spilled liquid. It is recommended to empty the drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to minimize the risk of bacteria growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops and vacuum/mop combination devices use a tank of water to wash. Most manufacturers advise you to clean the tank frequently, dependent on how often you use your robot vacuum with mop. This is crucial for bots that you want last for a long time. Certain brands, like the top picks of our ratings, come with tanks that are washable and removable so that you can wash away dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Many of the latest mop-vacs we have tested are compatible with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is something we look for when choosing the right model, since it makes the process of setting up and operating your robot cleaner much easier. If the robot you select does not come with an app, it is still possible to control the basic functions of the bot using the remote or button.

The latest models we've tested can clean dust and dirt off many surfaces, which is a huge improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners which mainly simply pushed a pad of water across the floor. However they're not designed to handle huge spills, which still need to be cleaned manually. They can't move furniture and could get lost in rooms with a lot of clutter.

Follow the instructions of the manufacturer to wash and remove the brushes that are located on the sides or on the bottom of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Many bots also have sensors to assist them in navigating floors and avoid obstacles. To ensure that the sensors function well, it's a good idea to wipe down the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles using a soft, clean cloth - especially the areas where the sensors are placed against the floor.

Additionally, although it is possible to add other cleaners in your robot's tank (for example vinegar, for example), we advise against doing this unless the manufacturer suggests it. This can damage the robot and may end the warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your mop and robot vacuum combination has docks that also double as water tank, you'll have to keep it clean regularly. The dock is prone to collecting dust, grit and other debris that must be cleared and cleaned when the mop is done. Many of our options come with a self-cleaning feature that you can access via the app or button on the mop. This keeps the tank clean and prevents mildew from developing.

It is also important to wash the area around the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If left wet, it can become slimy and even smell. If your model uses disposable or washable mop pads, make sure you are washing them according to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning cycles. Hybrid mop/vacuum units with brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. Every several cleaning cycles take the brushes off and clean them with the help of a rag or cloth.

It is essential to clean the sensor areas of a few of the more advanced robot mop vacuum combos we've tried. They come with sensors that allow you to navigate floors and keep out obstructions. This will keep dirt and grime from blocking the sensors, causing them make incorrect judgments.

While most robot vacuums and mop units require some effort they are an excellent alternative for busy homeowners. They can keep your floors looking great and reduce the need for heavy lifts. They also save time, which is the most valuable resource you have at home.

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

Brushes to be cleaned

Maintaining your robot vacuum and mop is crucial, just like maintaining a vacuum cleaner. Clean sensors to aid in navigation clear and rinse the water tank, remove pet hair clogs that block brushes Keep charge ports clean and change the rollers and filter as suggested by the manufacturer. These tips will make your robot vacuum and mop combo work efficiently for an extended period of time.

Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab is responsible for evaluating and tests cleaning devices in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum-mop combinations. Her team has been testing products and suggesting them for over 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. These multitaskers will save you time and effort and are ideal for those with a busy life.

Certain robots require an application to function and have more features than others, like the map this model designed of our obstacle course that's one of the main selling points. You can also schedule and alter cleaning sessions with the app, alter mopping mode, and check the battery level. Other models 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 choose a model that has the features that are important to you. While all models push a pad of water over floors, some models have scrubbers that can be used to clean grout, or a rotating brush roll to provide more vigorous scrubs. Some models have filters that can be cleaned or replaced to reduce smells.

Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads and place them into a base that automatically discharges into a waste bin eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Other models, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that can be washed and dry between use. If you choose one with reusable pads, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions about drying and washing them to keep them looking the best automatic vacuum cleaner.