Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

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

If your model is using reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You'll also want to clean the tray that they are sitting on between cleanings.

Preparation

A lot of robot mops have pads that contain a cleaning solution that pass over the floor to soften the sticky marks and spots with scrubbing motions or brushes. The pads must be removed, washed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to avoid bacteria buildup and keep them from smelling unpleasant. Some models have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot. They also need to be rinsed, washed or replaced after a few cleaning cycles.

The best 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combos are simple to use and come with features that decrease the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. They include automatic vacuum and mop robot emptying of the dustbin, self-cleaning pads and docks which ensure that your robot is 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 cloth or cloth every couple of cycles. This will help get rid of dust that can interfere with sensors and lead to errors.

Choose a mop for your robot that is suitable for carpets if have them. Most robot mops are able to work on hard surfaces, but those that can also be used to scrub or vacuum floors might require reprogramming to recognize carpets or avoid them. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping capabilities that give you a live map of your room so you can see exactly where the robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.

The majority of app-connected robot mops utilize sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles but can sometimes become confused or lost. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with new software updates to ensure that your robot is equipped with the most effective navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. Before purchasing a robot, we suggest creating an obstacle course at home to check its performance.

Most robot mops come with two tanks, one for clean and another for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be filled and emptied regularly. The water tanks are easily removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and wash them with warm water and mild soap. The majority of models have drip tray that is placed under the water tank that has been contaminated to catch any spilled liquid. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray after each cleaning cycle to reduce the risk of growth of bacteria.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations and robot mops use an water reservoir to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank regularly, depending on how frequently you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is important. Some brands, such as the top picks of our rating, come with 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 mop-vacs we tested have an app that allows you to save maps of your house and organize cleaning schedules or choose different cleaning options. This is a feature we look for when choosing a model, as it makes setting up and using your robot cleaner much simpler. If the model you choose doesn't come with an app, you can still control the basics of the robot using a button on its dock or via its remote.

The newer models we've tested can vacuum up dirt and dust on a variety of surfaces. This is a huge improvement over the previous versions of robot vacuums with mop cleaners which mainly passed water pads across the floor. However they're not designed to handle huge spills, which have to be cleaned by hand. They also cannot handle furniture and may get lost in rooms with lots of things on the floor, so make sure to straighten up the space before mopping to make sure the machine can maneuver around it effectively.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to wash and remove the brushes on the sides or on the bottom of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). The majority of bots also have sensors to aid in navigation and avoid obstacles. To ensure that the sensors function properly, it's recommended to wipe down the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles using a soft clean cloth, especially the areas where sensors are press-fit against the floor.

It is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot's tank We do not recommend it unless it's been approved by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot and invalidate the warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot vacuum and mop combo has docks that also double as water tank, then you will need to clean it periodically. The dock may accumulate dirt, grit and other debris that needs to be cleaned and removed after the mop is finished. A lot of our picks come with self-cleaning cycles that you can run using the app or on the mop itself. This keeps the tank in good condition and prevents mildew.

The area of the dock that washes the pads also should be cleaned from time to time -it could become slimy or smell bad if left wet for a long time. If your model uses disposable or washable mop pads make sure you are washing them according to the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuums with brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. Clean the brushes and clean them using a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

Some of the more advanced robot vacuum-mop combos we've tested contain sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still important to wipe down those sensor areas on a regular basis. This can keep dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and causing misjudgment.

While the majority of robot mop and vacuum units require a little bit of work on an ongoing basis, they offer big advantages to the busy homeowner. They will keep floors looking beautiful and eliminate the need for heavy lifting and give you the most valuable resource you have in a home -- your free time.

While there are new companies that are trying to develop better robot vacuum-mop units, they have a long way to go before they get to our level of quality. But we do expect these robots to improve with time, just as all other robot vacuums have in the past.

Cleaning the Brushes

Like vacuum cleaners is essential to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum unit to ensure that it's working well. Wipe down the sensors to improve navigation. Empty and rinse the water tanks, clean hairs from the brushes Clean the charge ports and then replace the filter and rollers according to the instructions of the manufacturer. These suggestions will help your robot vacuum that vacuums and mops vacuum and mop be efficient for a long time.

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

Combinations of robot vacuums and mops are perfect to clean dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet messes. (spills and staining) without changing machines. These multitaskers are great for making time and effort. They are also great for those with a hectic schedule.

Certain robots require an application to operate and offer more features than others, for example, a the map this model made of our obstacle course, which is one of the main selling points. You can also schedule and alter cleaning sessions with the app, change mopping mode and check the battery level. Some models allow hands-free operation via voice such as the model that is compatible with Alexa.

If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combo, look for one that has the features that are important to you. While all models push a pad with water over floors, some models have a scrubber that can be used to clean grout or rotating brushes to provide more intense scrubbing. Certain models come with a filter which can be cleaned or replaced in order to eliminate the odors.

Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads into the base, which then automatically empty them into a trash bin, removing the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads which can be washed and dried between uses. If you decide to purchase the model that has reusable pads, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions about washing and drying them to ensure they look the best.