Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums or mops have an app that lets you save maps of your house, organize cleaning schedules, and select mopping mode. Some models with dual rotating pads can also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dump dirty water.
To prevent bacteria accumulation, remove the pads and clean them (if it is safe) after each cleaning cycle. Also, you should clean the tray they rest on between cleanings.
Preparation
A lot of robot mops have pads that contain a cleaning solution that are pushed across the floor to soften sticky spots and other marks with scrubbing motions or brushes. These pads need to be removed, washed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to prevent the buildup of bacteria and keep them from smelling unpleasant. Some models have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot. These brushes also require to be rinsed, washed or replaced after a few cleaning cycles.
The most efficient 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop 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 dustbin emptying. This keeps your robot mopping immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, try wiping down its sensors with a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This will eliminate dust that could hinder sensors and cause mistakes.
If you have carpets, make sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with carpets. Most robot mops are able to work on hard surfaces, however those that also vacuum or scrub floors may need to be reprogrammed to recognize carpets or avoid them. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners come with mapping features. This allows you to observe the areas the robot has cleaned as well as those it has not.
The majority of apps-connected robots mop use sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles, however, they can get confused or lost. Update the mopping app regularly with the latest software updates to ensure that your robot has the best navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. We recommend testing the robot's capabilities in your own home by creating an obstacle course for it to run through before buying it.
Most robot mops have two tanks, one for clean water and the second for dirty water. The dirty water tank needs to be filled and empty regularly. The tanks can be lifted from the base which makes it easier to clean and wash them with mild soap and warm water. The majority of models have a drip tray underneath the tank that collects any liquid that spills. It is recommended to empty the drip tray after each cleaning cycle to minimize the chance of bacterial growth.
Cleaning the Water Tank
Most robot vacuums and mop combos have a water tank to clean. Most manufacturers advise you to keep the tank clean depending on the frequency you use your robot. This is essential if you want your bots last for an extended period of time. Some brands, including the top picks in our ratings, come with tanks that are washable and removable so that you can wash away dirty water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.
The majority of mop-vacs that we tested come with an app that lets you save your home's maps and create cleaning schedules, or choose cleaning modes. This is a crucial feature to look for when selecting a robot cleaner. It makes setting it up and using it a lot easier. If your chosen model doesn't have an app, you can still manage the basic functions of the robot by pressing the dock or 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 cleaner s, which mainly passed water pads across the floor. However they're not designed to deal with big spills, which have to be cleaned by hand. They also cannot handle furniture and could get confused in rooms with a lot of things on the floor, so make sure to straighten the area prior to mopping it to ensure that the machine can maneuver around it efficiently.
Some of the latest bots come with brushes on the sides and bottom that can be removed and washed Be certain to follow the manufacturer's directions on how to do this (typically using use a damp microfiber cloth). Most bots also have sensors to assist them in navigating floors and avoid obstacles. To ensure that these sensors are working properly, it's recommended to clean the sensors after every few cleaning cycles with a soft, clean cloth - especially the areas where sensors are pressed against the floor.
Additionally, although it is possible to pour other cleaners into the robot's tank (for example vinegar or acetic acid) We recommend against using them unless the manufacturer suggests it. This could cause damage to the robot and could cause the warranty to be voided.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your mop and robot vacuum combination comes with a dock that also doubles as water tank, then you will have to keep it clean regularly. The dock can collect dirt, grit and other debris that must be cleaned and removed when the mop is finished. A lot of our picks come with a self-cleaning cycle you can use the app or a button on the mop itself. This helps keep the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew.
The area of the dock that washes the pads also needs to be washed from time to time -- it can get slimy or smell bad if left wet for too long. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads, make sure you are washing them according to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuum and mop units that have brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit are also affected. Take the brushes out and clean them with a rag or cloth after each cleaning cycle.
Some of the more sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested have sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still important to wipe the sensor areas clean on a regular basis. This can prevent dust and grime from blocking the sensors and causing misjudgment.
While the majority of robot mop and vacuum cleaners require a little bit of work on an ongoing basis, they can provide significant advantages to the busy homeowner. They will keep floors looking beautiful and reduce the need for heavy lifting and give you the most valuable resource in a home -- your free time.
There are a few companies working to develop better vacuum-mop machines, but they are still a long way from our level of quality. We anticipate that these robots will improve over time just as all the previous robot vacuums have.
Brushes to be cleaned
Like a vacuum cleaner, it's important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum unit to ensure that it's functioning properly. Clean sensors to improve navigation clear and rinse the water tank, remove pet hair clogs from brushes and charge ports, clean the ports and replace the filter and rollers as suggested by the manufacturer. These tips will help your robot vacuum and mop combination work efficiently for an extended period of time.
Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte evaluates and tests cleaning appliances in the Laboratory which includes robot vacuum and mop combos. Her team has been testing and suggesting products for more than 40 years.
Robot vacuums and mops are great for cleaning both dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills or stains) in one cleaning session without the need to switch machines. These multitaskers will help you save time and effort and are ideal for those with a hectic schedule.
Some robots are controlled by an app and include more features. For instance this model features a map of our obstacle course which is a major selling point. You can also utilize the app to schedule and alter cleaning sessions, change mopping modes and check the battery level. Some models also offer voice activation, such as this model that integrates with Alexa for hands-free control.
If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop, look for models that have the features that are most important to you. Each model uses pads to sweep the floor but some also have a scrubber to clean grout, or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrub. Some models come with a filter that can be cleaned or replaced to reduce the smell.
Some mopping robots dispose of their dirty pads and drop them into a base which automatically discharges into a waste bin, eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads you can wash and dry between uses. If you decide to purchase one with pads that can be reused, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash and dry them.