Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums and mops have an app that allows you to save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules and then select mopping mode. Certain models with dual spinning pads also automatically return to their dock mid-cleaning to flush out dirty water and clean their brushes.
To prevent the accumulation of bacteria To prevent the accumulation of bacteria, take them off and clean them (if it is safe) after each cleaning cycle. Also, you'll want to clean the tray that they are sitting on between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops have pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to get rid of sticky marks and other spots. To stop bacteria from building up and keep them from smelling, these pads must be cleaned and removed between uses (if they can be washed). 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 best 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop combos are easy to use and come with features that reduce cleaning maintenance after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads docks, and automatic emptying of the dustbin. This will keep your robot mopping immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to be able navigate and avoid obstacles, clean them with a soft cloth or a cloth every few cycles. This will help get rid of dust that can block sensors and cause mistakes.
If you have carpets, be certain to select a mop that is compatible with them. Robotic mops that are able to vacuum or scrub floors need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping features. This lets you see the areas that the robot has cleaned and also those that it hasn't.
The majority of robots with apps connected to mops use sensors to move through the home and avoid obstacles, but they can also become confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities 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 to race through prior to buying it.
The majority of robot mops have two tanks: one for clean water and the second for dirty water. The tank for dirty water has to be emptied and filled regularly. The tanks can be lifted from the base which makes it easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with a drip tray that sits under the water tank that has been contaminated to collect any liquid spilled. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray after every cleaning cycle to prevent bacterial from growing.
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 depending on the frequency you use your robot. This is vital if you want your bots last for an extended period of time. Certain brands, like the top picks in our reviews, have a removable, washable tank to remove dirt water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
Many of the latest mop-vacs we tested can be paired with an app that lets you save maps of your home and set up cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is a feature we look for when selecting a model, as it makes the process of setting up and operating the robot cleaner a lot easier. If the robot you pick does not have an app, it is still possible to control the basic functions of the bot using the remote or button.
All of the newer models we've examined can sweep up dust and dirt from various surfaces, which is a huge improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners that largely just passed a pad with water across the floor. However, these machines are not designed to deal with big spills, which have to be cleaned manually. They also can't handle large furniture pieces and can get confused in rooms that have lots of things on the floor, so make sure to straighten the area prior to mopping to ensure that the machine is able to move around it effectively.
Some newer bots come with brushes on the sides and bottom which can be cleaned and removed Be certain to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to do this (typically, use a damp microfiber cloth). Sensors are also used by most bots to navigate on the floor and avoid obstacles. To ensure that these sensors are working properly, it's recommended to wipe down the sensors every few cleaning cycles with a soft, clean cloth - especially the areas where sensors are placed against the floor.
Although it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the tank of the robot however, we don't recommend it unless it has been recommended by the manufacturer. This could damage the robot and can cause the warranty to be voided.
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 regularly. The dock may accumulate grit, dirt and debris that must be cleaned out and removed once the mop is done. A lot of our picks come with an auto-cleaning cycle that which you can control with the app or on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and prevents mildew.
The area of the dock which washes the pads needs to be washed from time to time -- it can get slimy or even smell bad when left wet for a long time. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads, ensure that you wash them in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. The same goes for hybrid mop/vacuum models that have brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. Remove the brushes and clean them with a rag or cloth after each cleaning cycle.
Some of the most advanced robot vacuums and mops we've tested have sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still necessary to wipe down those sensor areas on a regular basis. This will prevent dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and leading to misjudgment.
While most robot mop and vacuums require a little bit of work on an ongoing basis, they can provide significant advantages to the busy homeowner. They will keep your floors looking great and reduce the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save time, which is the most valuable resource at home.
While there are companies that are attempting to create better robot vacuum units but they still have still a long way to go before they get to our level of quality. We expect these robots will improve over time just as all previous robot vacuums did.
Brushes to be cleaned
Similar to a vacuum cleaner it is important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combo so it keeps working well. Wipe down sensors to aid in navigation clean and empty the water tank, clean pet hair clogs from brushes, keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and rollers as suggested by the manufacturer. 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 reviews and tests cleaning devices in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuums and mops. Her team has been testing products and providing recommendations for them for more than forty years.
Robot vacuums and mops are great for cleaning dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills, stains) in one cleaning session without having to switch machines. Multitaskers are great for making time and effort. They are also great for those with a hectic schedule.
Some robots are operated by an app and have additional features. For instance this model comes with an outline of our obstacle course, which is a major selling feature. You can also utilize the app to schedule and alter cleaning sessions as well as change mopping modes and check the level of battery. Some models also include voice activation, for instance this model that integrates with Alexa to allow hands-free control.
If you are in the market for a robot mop and vacuum, ensure that it has the features you want. While all models pass a pad with water over floors, some include a scrubber that can be used to clean grout, or a rotating brush roll for more vigorous scrub. Certain models come with a filter which can be cleaned or replaced to lessen odors.
Some mopping robots dispose of their dirty pads and place them into a base that automatically empties into a waste drawer, making it unnecessary to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, such as the Noesis Florio have reusable pads which can be washed and dried between uses. If you opt for one with reusable pads, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for drying and washing them in order to keep them looking the best.