Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums or mops have an app that lets you save maps of your house as well as set up cleaning schedules and select mopping mode. Some models that have dual spinning pads will also automatically return to their docks during cleaning to empty the water of dirt and clean their brushes.
If your model has pads that are reusable, take them off and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You should also clean the tray that they rest on between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops feature pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and then move across the floor, either by scrubbing or brushing to remove the sticky spots and other marks. To prevent bacteria from building up and to keep them from smelling, these pads should be removed and washed between usage (if they can be washed). Some models have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot that also need to be rinsed, washed or replaced every couple of cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robotic mop/vacuum combos are simple to use and have features that cut down on cleaning maintenance after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the trash bin. This helps keep your robot mopping again almost immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, try wiping down its sensors using a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This will help get rid of dust that could block sensors and cause mistakes.
Choose a mop that is compatible with carpets if you already have them. Robot mops that can scrub or vacuum floors must be reprogrammed so they can avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping capabilities that give you a live map of the room so you can see where your robot has cleaned and which areas 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 be lost or confused. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with new software releases to ensure your robot is equipped with the most effective navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. We recommend testing the robot's capabilities in your own home by constructing an obstacle course to test its capabilities before purchasing it.
Most robot mops have two tanks. One for clean water and one for dirty water. The tank that is dirty is required to be filled and empty frequently. The tanks can be lifted off the base which makes it easier to clean and wash 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 minimize the risk of growth of bacteria.
Cleaning the Water Tank
Most robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations and robot mops use an water reservoir to clean. Most manufacturers advise you to clean the tank frequently, dependent on how often you use your bot. This is crucial for bots that you want to last for many years. Some brands, including the top picks of our ratings, come with tanks that are washable and removable so you can remove dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
Most of the mop-vacs we tested have an app that allows you to save maps of your home and organize cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is an important feature to look for when choosing a robot cleaner. It makes setting it up and operating it a lot easier. If your choice doesn't have an app, you can still manage the basic functions of the robot by pressing a button on its dock or remote.
All of the latest models we've examined can sweep up dirt and dust on many surfaces This is a major improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners which mainly simply pushed a pad of water across the floor. These machines are not meant to deal with large spills. They need to be cleaned manually. They aren't able to move furniture, and they can become lost in rooms with a lot of clutter.
Follow the manufacturer's directions to clean and remove the brushes that are on the sides or on the bottom of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate the floor and avoid obstacles. robot vacuums best is essential to wipe the sensors down every couple of cleaning cycles, particularly if they're pressed against the floor.
In addition, it is possible to pour other cleaners in your robot's tank (for example vinegar or acetic acid), we advise against doing so unless the manufacturer recommends it. This could cause damage to the robot and may cause the warranty to be voided.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot vacuum and mop combination has docks that double as water tank, you'll need to clean it periodically. The dock can collect dirt, grit and debris that needs to be cleaned and removed after the mop is finished. Many of our picks have self-cleaning cycles that you can use the app or a button on the mop itself. This helps keep the tank clean and also prevents mildew.
It is also important to clean the area of the dock where the pads are cleaned. If the dock is left wet, it could become slimy and even smell. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads, ensure that you wash them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions between 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 cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.
Some of the most advanced robot vacuums and mops we've tested contain sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still necessary to wipe off the sensor areas regularly. This can prevent dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and leading to misjudgment.
While many robot mops and vacuum cleaners require a little work on every day 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 in the home- your free time.
While there are a few companies that are attempting to build better robot vacuum-mop units, they have some way to go before they can reach the level of our quality. However, we expect these machines to improve over time, just like all other robot vacuums have in the past.
Cleaning the Brushes
Like a vacuum cleaner is essential to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combination to ensure it is functioning properly. Clean the sensors to improve navigation. Empty and rinse the water tanks, clean hairs from the brushes, clean the charge ports and change the filter and rollers according to the instructions of the manufacturer. These suggestions will help your robot vacuum and mop combination work efficiently for an extended 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 vacuum-mop combinations. Her team has been testing and recommending products for more than 40 years.
Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills and staining) in one cleaning session without the need to switch machines. These multitaskers are great at making time and effort. They're also great for those with a busy schedule.
Some robots are operated by an app and come with more features. For example this model features an outline of our obstacle course which is a key selling point. You can also schedule and alter cleaning sessions by using the app, alter mopping mode and check battery level. Some models allow voice activation for hands-free operation like the model that works with Alexa.
If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop choose one that has the features that are most important to you. All models utilize pads to sweep the floor but some also have a scrubber to clean grout or a rotating brush for more intense scrub. Some models come with filters that can be washed or replaced to reduce the smell.
Some mopping robots dump their dirty pads into a base which automatically empties them into a waste bin, eliminating the need to manually clean the pads or refill a tank. Some mopping robots, such as the Noesis Florio have reusable pads which can be washed and dried in between uses. If you opt for a model with reusable pads, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for drying and washing them to ensure they look their best.