Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums or mop models come with an app that lets you save maps of your house, create cleaning schedules and select mopping mode. Some models that have dual spinning pads can also automatically return to their docks mid-cleaning to flush out dirty water and clean their brushes.
To prevent bacteria accumulation, remove the pads and wash them (if it's safe) after each cleaning cycle. Also, you'll want to clean the tray where they sit between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops have pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and pass over the floor, either by scrubbing or brushing to remove sticky spots and other marks. The pads must be removed, washed (if they are washable) and dried between uses to avoid bacteria buildup and keep them from smelling bad. Some models have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot. These brushes also require to be washed, rinsed or replaced every couple of cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combos are simple to use and come 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 almost immediately following a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, try wiping down its sensors with a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This will eliminate dust that could block sensors and lead to mistakes.
Choose a mop that is that is compatible with carpets if you have carpets. Most robot mops are able to work on hard surfaces, however those that also scrub or vacuum floors may require reprogramming to recognize or avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping capabilities that give you a real-time map of your room so you can see exactly where the robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.
The majority of app-connected robot mops utilize sensors to navigate through the home and avoid obstacles, but can sometimes get confused or lost. Make sure to update the mopping application regularly with new software releases to ensure your robot has the best navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. We suggest testing a robot's performance in your home by constructing an obstacle course for it to race through prior to purchasing it.
Most robot mops come with two tanks. One for clean water and one for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be filled and empty regularly. The tanks can be lifted from the base, making it easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. The majority of models have an under-sink drip tray beneath the dirty tank to collect any liquid spilled. It is recommended to empty your drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to prevent bacterial from growing.
Cleaning the Water Tank
Most robot mops and vacuum/mop combination devices use a tank of water to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you clean this tank regularly, dependent on the frequency you use your robot. This is essential if you want your bots to last for many years. Certain brands, including the top choices in our rating are washable, removable tanks, allowing you to wash off the dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
Most of the newer mop-vacs we tested are compatible with an app that lets you save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is one of the features we look for when deciding on a model, as it makes setting up and operating the robot cleaner a lot easier. 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.
The newer models we've tested can vacuum up dirt and dust on a variety of surfaces. This is a big improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners, which mostly pushed a pad of water across the floor. These machines aren't designed to deal with large spills. They need to be cleaned manually. They also cannot handle a lot of furniture and may get lost in rooms with lots of things on the floor, so make sure to straighten up the area prior to mopping it to make sure the machine can move around it easily.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean and remove the brushes that are located on the sides or bottom of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate on the floor and avoid obstacles. It is essential to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles, particularly if they're pressed against the floor.
Finally, while it is possible to put other cleaners into the robot's tank (for example vinegar or acetic acid) We do not recommend using them unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This can damage the robot and can end the warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your mop and robot vacuum combination comes with docks that double as water tank, you'll 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 done. auto vacuum of our options include a self-cleaning function that you can use via the app or the button on the mop. This helps keep the tank clean and prevents mildew from developing.
The dock's area that is used to wash the pads needs to be washed from time to time -it can become slimy or even smell bad when left wet for a long time. If your model comes with washable or disposable mop pads, make sure to wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. The same goes for hybrid vacuum models that use brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. Remove the brushes and clean them with a rag or cloth after each cleaning cycle.
Some of the most advanced robot vacuum-mop combos we've tested include sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still essential to clean off the sensor areas on a regular basis. This will keep dirt and grime from blocking the sensors, causing them to make incorrect judgments.
While most robot mop and vacuums require a bit of work on a regular basis, they provide huge advantages for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking beautiful and reduce the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save time which is the most valuable resource at home.
While there are startups that are working to build better robot vacuum-mop units however, they have a long way to go before they reach the level of our quality. However, we expect these machines to improve in time, just as the other robot vacuums in the past.
Brushes to be cleaned
Maintaining your robot's vacuum and mop is important, just like maintaining a vacuum cleaner. Clean sensors to improve navigation, empty and rinse the water tank, clean pet hair clogs off of brushes and charge ports, clean the ports and replace the filter and rollers as recommended by the manufacturer. These suggestions will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum combo performs well for a lengthy period of time.
Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte evaluates and tests cleaning appliances in the Laboratory, including robot vacuum-mop combos. Her team has been testing and recommending them for more than forty years.
Robot vacuums and mops are great for cleaning dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills, staining) in one cleaning session without having to switch machines. These multitaskers are great at making it easier to save time and effort. They are also great for those with a hectic schedule.
Some robots are controlled by an app and include additional features. For instance this model features a map of our obstacle course which is a key selling point. You can also utilize the app to schedule and alter cleaning sessions, change mopping modes and check battery levels. Some models offer hands-free operation via voice such as the model that integrates with Alexa.
If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop choose a model that has the features that are most important to you. While all models pass a pad of water across floors, some models have a scrubber that can be used to clean grout, or a rotating brush roll for more intense scrub. Certain models come with a filter which can be cleaned or replaced in order to reduce the odors.
Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads and drop them into a base which automatically empties into a waste drawer, making it unnecessary to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Certain mopping machines, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry between uses. If you opt for a model that has pads that are reusable, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.