How to Keep a Robot Vacuum Clean

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

Find models that have smart features such as remote control of apps and remote access. You can use apps to schedule cleaning sessions or keep track of progress. Some apps allow you to stop, recharge and then pick up where they stopped.

1. Battery Life

It's safe to say that the future of cleaning has arrived. With cars that can drive by themselves drones that fly through the air and robot vacuums that can maneuver through furniture effortlessly, it is safe to say that the future is now upon us. As with all technology, some maintenance is required to ensure it's running smoothly.

The cycle of charging and discharging the battery is the most important aspect for the longevity of your robotic device. Keep the dust bin filled and empty, checking for hairs that are tangled regularly, and preventing the brushes from becoming jammed will all make your robot run more efficiently.

Another factor is the environment in which your robot is stored as extreme cold and heat can affect the battery's performance. You can extend the lifespan of your robot's battery by charging it to 50% and storing it in a cool area. Also, disconnect it 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 improve performance, such as battery optimization, so be sure to check your app for any available updates.

A robot vacuum is a fantastic option for those who have lots of hard flooring. It can get rid of dirt and debris fast and efficiently, leaving your floors sparkling. But if you're looking for more than just a quick cleanup, you'll want to consider a model that offers superior navigation and obstacle avoidance.

Our top-rated robot, the Ecovacs Deebot T20, combines advanced navigation and an impressive suction system and a range of mopping features to offer an efficient, deep cleaning of your hard floors. It uses LiDAR cameras and sensors to create precise maps of your home. This allows it to stay on track and avoid getting caught in furniture legs or power cables. It can also identify things like shoes and clutter to automatically clean them. It also self-empties, meaning you won't have to return the vacuum back to its base station to empty its bin after every cleaning session.

2. Dust Bin

Robots are excellent for quick midweek cleaning however they don't have the suction power to substitute for an electric vacuum cleaner for deep cleaning. Even the top robot vacuums are susceptible to getting tangled in cords and toys. They can also miss dirt piles near the baseboards, and struggle to eliminate crumbs from under furniture. The dust bins on their own get so full that they have to return to their charging docks to self-empty--a process that can take up to half an hour for some models.

As such, it's important to select a vacuum that has a large dustbin that can be empty into its dock without returning to finish the job. It is also important to think about whether you'd prefer bagged or unbagged models, and if you do choose a bagless model the amount of dust be able to hold before needing to be empty.

In our tests we apply 100 grams of sand on an area of medium-pile carpet and use a robot vacuum to sweep it across the carpet. Weighing the amount of sand in the bin of dust onboard allows us to measure the amount of dirt that has been accumulated. A high volume of dirt suggests that the bin onboard could fill up more quickly and could force the robot to stop its cleaning cycle or even cease working completely.

It's important to know that many robot vacuums come with an enormous dust bin that can be easily empty. You can also set up them to empty their bases at least two times per day. It is important to keep a can of compressed air handy to blow hairs out that are tangled in the rotating brush. Also, clean any filters according to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

3. Wi-Fi Connectivity

The top robot vacuums have many connectivity options to connect with your home's Wi-Fi network. This lets the robot download and install updates to its software, and allows you to monitor your robot via an app or via voice-activated commands. This feature is not essential but it offers the convenience of customization and can enhance your robot's overall vacuuming experience.

To keep them running at their best, most models require a certain level of maintenance. For instance emptying the dustbin and cleaning the brushroll. Regularly cleaning, detaching and examining consumable parts can also prolong the life of their components. Emily Rairdin, a vacuum expert at University Vacuum & Sewing, states that a robot's life is typically between three and five years. However, this can differ based on how often you use it, and also if you maintain it properly.

A robot vacuum must be able to navigate around obstacles and determine the floor's layout in order to work. Advanced navigation systems typically have cliff sensors that alert the robot to steep slopes as well as laser and optical sensors that allow it to "see" the layout of a room. Some robots have a mopping function that can be used to keep floors between deep cleanings by using the use of a vacuum.

The Best robot vacuum cleaner UK 2-in-1 robots can mop and automatic vacuum cleaner, allowing you to skip the step of having to switch between a robot and a manual vacuum. The iRobot Roomba 690 is a powerful, highly efficient vacuum cleaner that can clean its mop pad and clean up surfaces with its water tank. Its high-quality mapping and obstacle-avoidance capabilities made it the best robot vacuum award, as well as an AVTech Editors choice award.

4. Cleaning Patterns

The top robot vacuums we test have excellent pickup scores on hard floors and carpets with a low pile. They remove dirt, dust and pet hair. They also remove dust and crumbs from the edges of rooms and along baseboards. However, they are unable to remove deep-down dirt or tangles of plush shag carpet fibers as well as canister or upright vacuums. They also aren't able to remove spilled liquids and food particles, or heavy screws, and they may leave a few spots in the house (including under furniture).

Many models come with smart features that make them more user-friendly. They typically have an app allowing you to schedule cleaning sessions and manage the robot remotely. They can be integrated into your smart home system so that you can use voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models come with different modes that allow you to choose between sweeping and mopping or vacuuming. They can also return to their docks for a recharge and continue cleaning the area they left.

Obstacle-avoidance technology has advanced in recent years, however you must still clear out cords, toys, and pet messes before running the robot vacuum cleaner. You should also cover any mirrors from floor to ceiling with cardboard before mapping out the space for the first time as the laser used by some models can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to hit a 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 around them. Some models also let you set no-go zones, so the robot is able to avoid certain areas like your pet's food bowls, or an expensive rug.

5. App Control

Many robots allow you to set a schedule for cleaning and manage them hands-free using an app, so you can clean your home while you're working or away. Some robots also have the capability to self-empty to a larger bin in their base, which reduces dust release and is an excellent 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 coach them to avoid obstacles like power cords, furniture legs or pet toys. This feature is available on cheaper models. It is essential to regularly empty the dust bin of your robot and also look for fur that is tangled as it gets accumulated.

Some models also have the ability to create 3D representations. This is useful when you have more than one floor. You can select specific rooms and set digital "keep-out" zones to ensure that your robot vacuum and mop only is cleaning the areas you want.

Robots are good for midweek cleaning, but they aren't able to replace a plug-in vacuum cleaner particularly when it comes to rugs. They're better at removing dirt embedded in carpets than floors that are unfinished, but they're still unable to pick up piles of debris near baseboards and thresholds, and cords and socks that have become tangled. To get the most value from your robot, look for models that have spots and zone cleaning modes to focus on specific areas and reduce the need for cleaning. You can also find a model that recharges and then resumes where it left off, which is a major benefit for a house with a lot of rooms.