How to Keep a Robot Vacuum Clean

Robot vacuums can help keep your floors clean. Depending on the model, they can also sweep, mop and even vacuum staircases.

Look for models with advanced features, such as remote access and app control. Apps can be used to plan cleaning sessions and keep track of progress. Some apps allow you to stop and recharge, then resume where they were when they left.

1. Battery Life

With cars that drive themselves, drones that navigate the skies and robot vacuums that swiftly move around furniture, it's safe to say that the future of cleaning is now here. As with any technology, some maintenance is required to keep it running smoothly.

The most important aspect in the longevity of your robot is the cycle of discharge and charge. Keep the dustbin full and empty. Be sure to check for furs that have become tangled and keep the brushes from clogging.

The environment in which your robot is stored may affect the performance of your battery. Extreme heat and cold could affect the battery's performance. You can extend the lifespan of your robot's battery by charging it up to 50% and storing it in a cool place. Also, take it away from the power source when it is not using it. In addition, the majority of smart devices are equipped with periodic firmware updates that can optimize performance, including battery optimization, so make sure to check the app for updates.

A robot vacuum is a great option for those who have lots of hard flooring. It is able to take away dirt and debris quickly and efficiently and leave your floors sparkling. If you're looking for more than just a quick cleanup, you'll want to choose a model that has superior navigation and obstacle avoidance.

Our top-rated robot The Ecovacs Deebot T20, blends advanced navigation with strong suction and a wide range of mopping functions to provide a thorough, deep clean of your floors. It uses LiDAR sensors and cameras to create precise maps of your home. This assists it in staying on track and avoid getting stuck on furniture legs or power cords. It also can detect objects like clutter and shoes, and then automatically clean around them. It also self-empties, meaning that you don't have to return the vacuum back to its base station to empty its bin after each cleaning session.

2. Dust Bin

Robots are great for quick midweek cleanups however, they lack the suction power to replace an electric vacuum cleaner when it comes to deep cleaning. Moreover, even the best robotic mop and vacuum robotic vacuums can get tangled with toys and cords and snooze on piles of dirt that are close to the baseboards, or struggle with crumbs on furniture. Their dustbins onboard fill up quickly that they need return to their charging stations to empty themselves. This can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes for some models.

As such, it's important to look for a robot vacuums with mop vacuum that has a large dustbin and can empty into its dock without returning to finish the job. You'll need to decide if you prefer a bagged model or a bagless one. If you opt for the bagless version you'll need to know how much dust it will hold before you have to empty it.

In our tests, we placed 100 grams of sand onto a medium-pile carpet surface and used a robot vacuum to remove the sand. Weighing the amount of sand in the vacuum's dust bin onboard allows us to measure the amount dirt that has been collected. A high amount means that the bin onboard may fill up faster and force your robot to stop cleaning.

The good news is that a lot of high-end robot vacuums have an enormous dust bin that can easily be emptied, and you can schedule them to empty their bases at least once a day or more. It's also a good idea to keep a container of compressed air in your bag to blow hairs out that are tangled in the rotating brush. You can also clean any filters according to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

3. Wi-Fi Connectivity

The best robot vacuums offer a variety options for connecting to your home's WiFi. This lets the robot download and install updates to its software, and gives you the option to monitor your robot using an app or voice-activated commands. This feature isn't essential, however it provides convenience and customization options that can improve the overall robot vacuuming experience.

The majority of models require some form of regular maintenance, like emptying the dust bin or cleaning the brush roll to ensure that they function at top performance. Regularly cleaning, detaching and checking consumable parts can also prolong their lifespan. Vacuum expert Emily Rairdin at University Vacuum & Sewing says that three to five years is the average life expectancy for the robot vacuum, but it can differ significantly based on the frequency you use it and whether you maintain it in a proper manner.

A robot vacuum must be able navigate obstacles and map your floor in order to work. Advanced navigation systems incorporate sensors for cliffs, which warn the bot of steep drops. They also have laser and optical sensors that help "see" the layout of rooms. Certain robots also have a specialized mopping function that can be helpful for keeping floors clean between deep cleanings using the use of a stand-up vacuum.

The most effective 2-in-1 vacuums also mop. This means you don't need to switch between the robot vacuum and manual vacuum. A prime example is the iRobot Roomba 690, which is a powerful and efficient robot vacuum that is able to clean up surfaces using its water tank and wash its mop pad in a way that is automatic hoover. Its obstacle avoidance and mapping capabilities were so impressive that it won CR's best robot cleaner Robot Vacuum Award, along with an AVTech Editors' Choice Award.

4. Cleaning Patterns

The best robot vacuums that we tested had impressive pick-up scores on hard floors and low pile carpets. They remove dirt, dust and pet hair. They also remove debris and crumbs from the baseboards as well as at the edges of rooms. They cannot remove deep-seated dirt or tangles of shag fibers such as canisters or uprights. They can't pick-up spilled liquids, food, or the weight of metal screws. They can also overlook certain areas (including under furniture).

Many models come with sophisticated features that make them more user-friendly. The majority of models include an app that lets you schedule cleaning sessions and remotely control the robot. They can be connected to your smart-home system so that you can make voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models have multiple modes that let you select between mopping, sweeping and vacuuming. They can return to their docks for a recharge and continue cleaning where they left off.

Obstacle-avoidance technology has advanced in recent years, but you must still clear out toys, cords, and pet messes prior operating the robot. Before you can map out your space, it is recommended to cover all floor-to-ceiling mirrors with cardboard. The lasers used by certain models could bounce off reflective surfaces causing the robot to crash against the wall or floor.

Some premium models use lidar to create 3D maps of your space. This helps the robot recognize obstacles and design the most efficient route to avoid them. Some models also let you create no-go zones so that the robot will not be able to enter certain areas, like your pet's food bowls or an expensive rug.

5. App Control

Many robots allow you to set a timer to clean and operate them without hands using an app, meaning you can clean your home while you're working or away. Certain robots also have the ability to self-empty into a larger container at their base, which reduces dust release and is a wonderful feature for allergy sufferers.

Some robots, such as the pricier Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, can even detect objects on the floor and use a camera to teach them to avoid obstacles such as power cords, furniture legs or pet toys. This is a remarkable feature, and it's even available in less expensive models. However, it's important to clean your robot's dustbin and check for hairs that have become tangled as they build up.

A top-quality model can also store multiple floor maps, which can be helpful if you live on more than one floor and some models can even create 3D models of your house. You can then select specific rooms and set up digital zones for keeping out to ensure that your Robot Vacuum Best is focused on what you want it to focus on, instead of wandering around in areas that you don't need to clean.

Robots are great for routine midweek cleaning however they aren't able to substitute for a large-sized vacuum, particularly for carpets. They're better at picking up dirt that's embedded in carpet than floors that are unfinished, but they're not able to spot piles of debris that are close to thresholds and baseboards and cords and socks that are tangled. To get the most out of your robot, choose a model with spots and zone cleaning options to focus on particular areas and prevent unnecessary cleaning. You'll also find a model that recharges and picks up where it left off which is a huge advantage in a big house.