Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums or mop models come with an app which allows you to save maps of your home and create cleaning schedules and select mopping mode. Some models that have dual rotating pads can also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dispose of dirty water.
If your model has pads that are reusable, take them off and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to prevent bacteria buildup. Also, you'll want to clean the resting tray that they are sitting on between cleanings.
Preparation
A lot of robot mops have pads with a cleaning solution that slide across the floor to soften the sticky marks and spots with scrubbing motions or brushes. These pads need to be cleaned, removed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to avoid the growth of bacteria and prevent them from smelling unpleasant. Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, which need to be washed and rinsed, or replaced every few cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop combos are easy to operate and include features that cut down on cleaning maintenance after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads docks, and automatic emptying of the dustbin. This keeps your robot mopping immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors with a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This will remove dust that could interfere with sensors and cause mistakes.
If you have carpets, be sure to select a robot mop that is compatible with carpets. Most robot mops are able to work on hard surfaces, however those which can also scrub or vacuum floors might need to be reprogrammed to recognize carpets or avoid them. Some robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping functions. This lets you observe the areas your robot has cleaned as well as the areas it hasn't.
The majority of apps-connected robots mops use sensors to move through the house and avoid obstacles, but can sometimes be lost or confused. To ensure that your robot's navigation capabilities and obstacle-avoidance abilities are as effective as they can and to ensure that the app is updated on a regular basis with the latest software versions. We suggest testing a robot's capabilities in your own home by constructing an obstacle course for it to run through before purchasing it.
Most robot mops have two tanks: one for clean water and the other for dirty water. The tank for dirty water has to be emptied and filled regularly. The water tanks can be easily removed from the base, making it easier to clean them and rinse with warm water and mild soap. Most models come with a drip tray under the dirty tank to collect any liquid spilled. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray after each cleaning cycle to reduce the chance of bacterial growth.
Cleaning the Water Tank
The majority of robot mop, vacuum combination and robot mops have a water reservoir for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you clean the tank frequently, according to how often you use your bot. This is crucial if you want your bots to last for an extended period of time. Certain brands, including the top picks in our rankings are washable, removable tanks that allow you to remove the soiled 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 cleaning modes. This is one of the features we look for when deciding on a model, as it makes the process of setting up and using your robot cleaner much easier. If robot vacuum hoover select doesn't have an app, it's still possible to control the fundamental functions of the robot using a button or remote.
The latest models we've tested can clean up dirt and dust on multiple surfaces this is a significant improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners that mostly simply pushed a pad of water across the floor. However they aren't designed to handle huge spills, and they still need to be cleaned by hand. They can't move furniture and can get lost in rooms with lots of clutter.
Follow the manufacturer's directions to clean and remove the brushes that are on the bottom or sides of the latest bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by most bots to navigate on the floor and avoid obstacles. To keep these sensors working well, it's helpful to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles using a soft, clean cloth - especially the areas where sensors are placed 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 has been suggested by the manufacturer. This can damage your robot and could void its warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot mop and vacuum combo has a dock on its own which doubles as a water tank, it will have to be cleaned regularly. The dock is prone to collecting grit, dust and debris and will need to be removed and washed when the mop has been cleaned. A majority of our choices have a self-cleaning feature that you can access via the app or the button on the mop. This keeps the tank clean and prevents mildew.
The dock's area that washes the pads also should be cleaned periodically -- it can get slimy or smell bad if left wet for a long time. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, ensure you're washing them according to the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. Hybrid mop/vacuum units that have brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. After every cleaning cycle take the brushes off and clean them using the help of a rag or cloth.
Some of the more advanced robot vacuum-mop combos we've tested have sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still essential to clean off the sensor areas on a regular basis. This will prevent dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and causing inaccurate readings.
Although the majority of robot vacuums and mop systems require some work they are an excellent alternative for busy homeowners. They can keep floors looking nice, eliminate the need for heavy lifting, and save you the most valuable resource in a home -- your free time.
There are a few companies that are trying to build better vacuum-mop robots however they are far from our level of quality. However, we expect these machines to improve in time, just as the other robot vacuums in the past.
Cleaning the Brushes
Maintaining your robot vacuum and mop is crucial, just like maintaining the vacuum cleaner. Clean the sensors to improve navigation. Clean and empty the water tanks, clean hairs from the brushes, clean the charge ports and change the rollers and filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. These steps will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum combo is efficient for a long period of time.
Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte evaluates and tests cleaning equipment in the Laboratory including robot vacuum-mop combos. Her team has been testing 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 and staining) all in one cleaning session without switching machines. These multitaskers are great at making time and effort. They're also convenient for those with a busy schedule.
Some robots are controlled by an app and have additional features. For example, this model has an obstacle course map that shows our course, which is a major selling feature. You can also utilize the app to schedule and modify cleaning sessions as well as change mopping modes and check the level of battery. Others include voice activation, for instance this model that works with Alexa, for hands-free control.
If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combo, look for one that has the features that are most important to you. While all models push a pad with water across floors, some have a scrubber that can be used to clean grout or a rotating brush roll to provide more intense scrubs. Certain models come with a filter which can be changed or cleaned to eliminate odors.
Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads and drop them into a base that automatically empties into a waste drawer eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Other models, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between usage. If you opt for a model that has reusable pads, make sure you read the instructions of the manufacturer on washing and drying them to keep them looking their best.