Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

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

If your model has disposable pads, take them off and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to prevent bacteria buildup. You'll also want to clean the resting tray in which they rest between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops use pads with a cleaning solution that are pushed across the floor to soften the sticky marks and spots by using scrubbing movements or a brush. These pads should be cleaned, removed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to prevent the buildup of bacteria and keep them from smelling bad. Some models have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot that also need to be cleaned, rinsed or replaced every couple of cleaning cycles.

The best robot hoover 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combination is easy to use and comes with features that decrease the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads docks, and automatic vacuum and mop emptying of the dustbin. This helps keep your robot mopping immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to be able navigate and avoid obstacles, wipe them down with a soft towel or cloth every couple of cycles. This will remove dust that could hinder sensors and cause mistakes.

Select a robot mop that is compatible with carpets if you have them. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, however those that also be used to scrub or vacuum floors may need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping capabilities. This allows you to identify the areas that the robot has cleaned as well as those it has not.

Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to guide them around the home and steer clear of obstacles, but they may occasionally get lost or confused. To ensure that your robot's ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as good as possible you should update the mopping application on a regular basis with new software updates. We recommend testing a robot's performance in your home by constructing an obstacle course for it to test its capabilities before purchasing it.

Most robot mops have two tanks: one for clean water and the second for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be filled and empty regularly. The water tanks can be lifted off the base which makes it easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. The majority of models have an under-sink drip tray beneath the tank that collects any liquid spilled. It is recommended to empty the drip tray following each cleaning cycle to reduce the risk of growth of bacteria.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot mops and vacuum/mop combos have a water tank for cleaning. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank on a regular basis dependent on how often you use your robot hoover and mop. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is essential. Some brands, such as the top picks in our rating, come with a tanks that are washable and removable so you can remove dirty water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the newer mop-vacs we tested can be paired with an app that lets you save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is one of the features we look for when selecting a model, as it makes the process of setting up and operating the robot cleaner a lot easier. If your chosen model doesn't have an app, you'll be able to manage the basic functions of the bot from a button on its dock or via its remote.

The newer models we've tested have the ability to clean dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is a huge improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners, which mostly pushed water-filled pads across the floor. These machines are not meant to handle large spills. They must be cleaned manually. They are also not able to handle a lot of furniture and can get confused in rooms that have lots of stuff on the floor, so make sure to straighten the space before mopping to make sure the machine can maneuver around it efficiently.

Some of the latest bots have brushes on their bottom and sides that can be removed and washed, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions on how to do this (typically, use a damp microfiber cloth). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate on the floor and avoid obstacles. To ensure that these sensors are working well, it's helpful to wipe down the sensors every few cleaning cycles using a soft clean cloth, especially those areas where the sensors are press-fit against the floor.

Additionally, although it is possible to put other cleaners into the robot vacuum cleaners best's tank (for instance vinegar, for example), we advise against doing this unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This could cause damage to your robot and void the warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum has a dock on its own that doubles as its water tank, it's going to need to be cleaned on a regular basis. The dock can accumulate dirt, grit and debris that will need to be cleaned and removed when the mop has finished. Many of our options come with a self-cleaning feature that you can use via the app or the button on the mop. This keeps the tank in good condition and prevents mildew.

The dock area which washes the pads must be cleaned every now and thenit could become slimy or even smell bad when left wet for a long time. If your model is equipped with washable or disposable mop pads, be sure to wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. The same goes for hybrid vacuum models which use brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. Every several cleaning cycles, take the brushes off and clean them with a cloth or rag.

Some of the most advanced robot vacuums and mops we've tested include sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still essential to clean the sensor areas clean on a regular basis. This can prevent dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and causing inaccurate readings.

While most robot mop and vacuums require a bit of work on an ongoing basis, they provide huge advantages to the busy homeowner. They can keep floors looking nice, eliminate the necessity for heavy lifting, and save you the most valuable resource of the homeyour time.

While there are startups that are working to develop better robot vacuum-mop units, they still have a long way to go before they reach our standard of quality. But we expect these robots to improve with time, just as the other robot cleaner with mop vacuums in the past.

Cleaning the Brushes

Similar to vacuum cleaners is essential to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum combination to ensure it is working well. Wipe down sensors to improve navigation clean and empty the water tank, get rid of pet hair clogs off of brushes and charge ports, clean the ports and change the rollers and filter as recommended by the manufacturer. These tips 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 equipment in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuums and mops. Her team has been testing and recommending products for more than 40 years.

Robot vacuums and mops are great for tackling both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills, stains) in one clean-up session without the need to switch machines. These multitaskers can save you time and effort and are ideal for those with a hectic schedule.

Certain robots require an app to operate and offer more features than others, like the map this model made of our obstacle course that's one of the main selling points. You can also schedule and modify cleaning sessions using the app, change mopping modes and check battery level. Other models offer voice activation, such as this model that integrates with Alexa, for hands-free control.

If you're looking for a robot mop or vacuum, make sure that it has the features you are looking for. While all models push a pad with water across floors, some include scrubbers that can be used to clean grout or an inclined brush roll to provide more vigorous scrub. Some models have filters that can be cleaned or replaced in order to eliminate smells.

Some mopping robots dump their dirty pads into a base which automatically empties them into a waste bin, removing the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Others, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that can be washed and dry between use. If you choose one with pads that can be reused, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash and dry them.