Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an application that lets you save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules, and choose mopping modes. Some models with dual rotating pads can also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dump dirty water.

If your model has disposable pads, take them off and wash them (if safe) every several cleaning cycles to prevent bacteria buildup. Also, you should clean the tray that they rest on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops feature pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to remove sticky marks and other spots. The pads must be removed, washed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to avoid the buildup of bacteria and keep them from smelling unpleasant. Some models also have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the robot which must be cleaned, rinsed or replaced after every few cleaning cycles.

The most efficient 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop combos are easy-to-use and come with features that reduce the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. These include automatic dustbin emptying docks, self-cleaning pads, and self-cleaning pads which ensure that your robot is ready to mop again almost immediately after a cleaning cycle. 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 will help get rid of dust that can hinder sensors and cause errors.

If you have carpets, make sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with them. Robot mops that can clean or vacuum floors will need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Certain robotic cleaner and mop vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping capabilities that give you a live map of the room so you can see where the robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.

Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to guide them through the house and avoid obstacles, but they may sometimes be lost or confused. Update the mopping app regularly with new software updates to ensure that your robot has the best robot cleaner navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. Before you buy a robot we recommend creating an obstacle course at home to test its performance.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks, one for clean and another for dirty water. The tank that is dirty needs to be filled and emptied on a regular basis. The tanks can be lifted from the base, making it easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with an under-sink drip tray beneath the tank that collects any liquid that spills. It is recommended to empty your drip tray every cleaning cycle to prevent bacteria from growing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations, and robot mops utilize a reservoir of water for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank on a regular basis depending on how frequently you use your robot. This is essential to ensure that your bots last for a long time. Some brands, including the top picks of our reviews, have a an easily washable tank that is removable, so you can remove dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of the latest mop-vacs we tested can be used with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is an important feature to look out for when choosing a robotic cleaner. It makes setting it up and operating it a lot easier. If the model you choose doesn't come with an application, you can control the basics of the bot from the dock or via its remote.

All the newer models that we've tested have the ability to clean dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is an enormous improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners, which mainly passed water-filled pads across the floor. However, these machines are not designed to handle large spills, which still need to be cleaned manually. They are also not able to handle a lot of furniture and may get lost in rooms with a lot of clutter on the floor, so be sure to straighten the area prior to mopping it to ensure that the machine can maneuver around it efficiently.

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

Finally, while it is possible to put other cleaners in your robot's tank (for instance, vinegar) We do not recommend using them unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This can damage the robot and could cause the warranty to be voided.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot vacuum and mop combo has a dock that also doubles as a water tank, you'll have to keep it clean regularly. The dock is prone to collecting grit, dust and debris and will need to be removed and cleaned after the mop is done. A majority of our choices include a self-cleaning function that you can use via the app or button on the mop. This keeps the tank clean and helps to prevent mildew.

The dock area that is used to wash the pads needs to be washed periodically -- it can get slimy or even smell bad if left wet for a long time. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, ensure you're washing them according to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning cycles. The same goes for models with a hybrid mop/vacuum that have brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. Every several cleaning cycles take the brushes off and clean them using the help of a rag or cloth.

Some of the most sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested contain sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still essential to clean off the sensor areas on a regular basis. This will prevent dust and grime from blocking the sensors and causing inaccurate readings.

While most robot vacuums and mop machines require some effort, they are a great option for busy homeowners. They will keep floors looking beautiful and eliminate the need for heavy lifting, and help you save the most valuable resource of the home- your free time.

There are a few companies trying to build better vacuum-mop robots but they're far from our standard. 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 essential, just as maintaining the vacuum cleaner. Wipe down the sensors to improve navigation. Empty and wash the water tanks, clean hairs from brushes Clean the charge ports and then replace the filter and rollers according to the manufacturer's instructions. These suggestions will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum works efficiently for a long period of time.

Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, evaluates and tests cleaning products in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum and mop combinations. Her team has been testing products and providing recommendations for them for more than forty years.

Combinations of robot vacuums and mops work for cleaning both dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet messes. (spills and stains) without having to switch machines. Multitaskers can save you time and effort and are ideal for those with a busy life.

Certain robots require an application to operate and provide more features than others, like the map this model made of our obstacle course that's an important selling point. You can also make use of the app to plan and modify cleaning schedules, change mopping modes and check the battery level. Some models allow voice activation to allow hands-free operation such as the model that integrates with Alexa.

If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop choose a model that has the features that are important to you. All models use pads to sweep the floor but some also have scrubbers for cleaning grout or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrub. Some models have a filter which can be cleaned or replaced to eliminate the odors.

Some mopping robots dump their dirty pads into a base which automatically empties them into a waste bin, removing the need to manually clean the pads or refill the tank. Others, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between uses. If you opt for the model that has reusable pads, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for washing and drying them to ensure they look the best automatic vacuum and mop.