Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums or mop models come with an app that lets you save your home’s maps and organize cleaning schedules, and then select mopping mode. Some models that have dual spinning pads will also automatically return to their docks during cleaning to flush out dirty water and clean their brushes.

To prevent bacteria accumulation 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 resting 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, scrubbing or brushing to remove sticky spots and other marks. These pads need to be cleaned, removed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to avoid bacteria buildup and keep them from smelling unpleasant. Some models have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot. These brushes also require to be cleaned, rinsed or replaced after a few cleaning cycles.

The best 2-in-1 robot mop and vacuum combos are simple to use and have features that cut down on post-cleaning maintenance. They include automatic emptying of the dustbin docks that self-clean and self-cleaning pads which ensure that your robot is ready to mop immediately after a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, try wiping down its sensors using a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that could hinder sensors and cause errors.

If you have carpets, be sure to select a robot mop that is compatible with them. Robotic mops that are able to scrub or vacuum floors will need to be reprogrammed so they can avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners as well as mop cleaners are equipped with mapping functions. This lets you see the areas that the robot has cleaned as well as the areas that it hasn’t.

The majority of app-connected robot mop mops utilize sensors to guide them through the home and avoid obstacles, but they may occasionally get confused or lost. To ensure that your robot’s ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as good as possible, update the mopping app on a regular basis with new software releases. Before purchasing a robot, we suggest creating an obstacle course in your home to test its performance.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks, one for clean water and the other for dirty water. The dirty water tank needs to be filled and empty regularly. The water tanks can be removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and wash them with warm water and mild soap. Most models come with a drip tray underneath the dirty tank to catch any liquid that spills. It’s recommended that you empty the drip tray at the end of every cleaning cycle to lower the chance of bacterial growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot vacuums and mop combination devices use a tank of water for cleaning. Most manufacturers advise you to keep the tank clean dependent on how often you use your robot. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is important. Some brands, including the top picks in our ratings, have removable, washable tanks, allowing you to wash off the water that is dirty and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of the latest mop-vacs we tested are compatible with an app that allows you to save your home’s maps as well as set cleaning schedules and select cleaning modes. This is something we look for when selecting the best model, because it makes the process of setting up and using your robot cleaner much simpler. If the robot you pick doesn’t have an app, it’s still possible to control the basic functions of the bot using a button or remote.

All the newer models that we’ve tested have the ability to clean dirt and dust on a variety of surfaces. This is a big improvement over the earlier versions of robot cleaners, which mostly pushed water pads across the floor. They aren’t made to deal with large spills. They have to be cleaned manually. They can’t move furniture, and they can become lost in rooms with a lot of clutter.

Some of the latest bots come with brushes on the sides and the bottom which can be removed and laundered So, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to do this (typically using use a damp microfiber cloth). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate around the floor and avoid obstacles. It’s important to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles, especially where they’re pressed against the floor.

In addition, it is possible to put other cleaners into the robot’s tank (for instance vinegar, for example), we advise against using them unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This could cause damage to your robot and could void its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot vacuum and mop combination has a dock that also doubles as water tank, then you will need to clean it regularly. The dock is prone to collecting grit, dust and debris and will need to be removed and cleaned when the mop is finished. Many of our picks have self-cleaning cycles that you can use the app or on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and helps to prevent mildew.

It is also essential to clean the area of the dock where the pads are washed. If left wet, it can become slimy and even smell. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads, make sure to wash them in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. The same goes for hybrid vacuum models which use brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. After each cleaning cycle, take the brushes off and clean them using an abrasive or a cloth.

It’s essential to clean the sensor areas of a few of the more advanced robot mop-vacuum combos that we’ve test. They come with sensors that help navigate floors and keep out obstructions. This will stop dirt and grime from blocking sensors, which can cause them to make faulty judgements.

While many robot mops and vacuum cleaners require a little bit of work on every day basis, they offer big advantages for busy homeowners. They can keep your floors looking good and eliminate the need for heavy lifts. They also save you time which is the most valuable resource you have at home.

Although there are some new companies that are trying to build better robot vacuum-mop units however, they still have a long way to go before they get to our level of quality. We expect these machines to improve over time, just as the previous robot vacuums did.

Brushes to be cleaned

Just like a vacuum cleaner it is important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum combo so it keeps functioning well. Clean sensors to make it easier to navigate, empty and rinse the water tank, clean pet hair clogs off of brushes Keep charge ports clean and change the rollers and filter according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These tips will help your robot vacuum and mop combination be efficient for a long time.

Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, evaluates and tests cleaning devices in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuums and mops. Her team has been testing and recommending them for more than forty years.

Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are great for cleaning both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills and staining) in one clean-up session without the need to switch machines. These multitaskers are great for saving time and effort. They’re also great for busy schedule.

Certain robots are operated via an app and have more features. For instance this model comes with an outline of our obstacle course, which is a major selling feature. You can also make use of the app to plan and alter cleaning sessions, change mopping modes and check battery levels. Some models allow hands-free operation via voice, such as the model that works with Alexa.

If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop, look for one that has the features that are important to you. All models use a pad to sweep the floor, however some have a scrubber to clean grout or a rotating roller brush for more intense scrub. Some models have a filter that can be cleaned or replaced to eliminate odors.

Some mopping robots dump their dirty pads into an empty base that automatically dumps them into a garbage bin, removing the need to manually wash the pads or refill a tank. Some, like the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that can be washed and dry between use. If you choose one that has reusable pads, make sure you follow the instructions of the manufacturer on washing and drying them to ensure they look their best.