Cambridge Education

Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an application that lets you save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules, and choose mopping modes. Some models that have dual spinning pads also automatically return to their dock mid-cleaning to dump dirty water and clean their brushes.

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. You should also clean the resting tray that they are sitting on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops come with pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and pass over the floor, scrubbing or brushing to get rid of sticky marks and other spots. To stop bacteria from building up and to prevent them from smelling, the pads should be cleaned and removed between use (if they are washable). Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, that need to be washed or rinsed after every few cleaning cycles.

The most effective 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combination is easy to use and comes with features that reduce the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. They include automatic emptying of the dustbin docks that self-clean and self-cleaning pads that ensure your robot is ready to mop again almost immediately after a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors using a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This can help get rid of dust that could block sensors and cause mistakes.

If you have carpets, be certain to select a mop that is compatible with carpets. Robot mops that can scrub or vacuum floors must be reprogrammed in order to avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping features that can give you a real-time map of the room so that you can track where the robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.

The majority of apps-connected robots mops utilize sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles however, they can get confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as efficient as they can be, update the mopping app regularly with new software updates. Before you buy a robot we suggest that you create an obstacle course in your home to check its performance.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks, one for clean and the other for dirty water. The tank for dirty water is required to be filled and empty frequently. The water tanks can be removed from the base, making it easier to clean them and rinse with warm water and mild soap. The majority of models have an under-sink drip tray beneath the dirty tank to collect any liquid spilled. It is recommended to empty the drip tray following each cleaning cycle to reduce the risk of growth of bacteria.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations, and robot mops utilize an water reservoir to clean. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank regularly, depending on the frequency you use your robot. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is crucial. Certain brands, including the top choices in our ratings are washable, removable tanks that allow you to remove the soiled water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the mop-vacs we tested come with an app which lets you save maps of your house and organize cleaning schedules or choose cleaning modes. This is a feature we look for when deciding on the best robot vacuum that mops model, because it makes setting up and operating your robot cleaner much easier. If the model you choose doesn't come with an app, you'll be able to control the basics of the robot by pressing a button on its dock or via its remote.

The latest models we've tested can clean up dirt and dust on various surfaces this is a significant improvement over previous iterations of robot cleaners that mostly just passed a pad with water across the floor. However they aren't designed to handle huge spills, which have to be cleaned by hand. They are also not able to handle furniture and can get confused in rooms that have lots of clutter on the floor, so be sure to straighten up the area prior to mopping it to ensure the machine can move around it efficiently.

Some of the latest bots come with brushes on the sides and the bottom that can be removed and washed, so be certain to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to do this (typically using use a damp microfiber cloth). Sensors are also used by most bots to navigate on the floor and avoid obstacles. It is essential to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles, especially if they're pressed against the floor.

Although it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the tank of the robot, we do not recommend it unless it has been recommended by the manufacturer. This could damage the robot and can void its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your mop and robot vacuum combination has docks that also double as water tank, you will need to clean it regularly. The dock can collect grit, dirt and debris that will need to be cleaned and removed when the mop is finished. A majority of our choices have an auto-cleaning cycle that you can run using the app or a button on the mop itself. This helps keep the tank clean and also prevents mildew from developing.

It is also important to wash the area around the dock where the pads are cleaned. If the area is left wet, it may be slimy and smell. If your model has washable or disposable mop pads, be sure to wash them in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. The same goes for hybrid mop/vacuum models that have brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. Every several cleaning cycles take the brushes off and clean them with a cloth or rag.

Some of the most sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested include sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however 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 make incorrect judgements.

Although most robot vacuums and mop machines require some effort they are an excellent alternative for busy homeowners. They can keep your floors looking beautiful and eliminate the need for heavy lifting. They also save time, which is the most valuable resource you have at home.

While there are startups that are working to develop better robot vacuum-mop units however, they have some way to go before they can reach our level of quality. But we expect these robots to improve over time, just like all other robot vacuums have in the past.

Cleaning the Brushes

Maintaining your robot's vacuum and mop is essential, just as maintaining your vacuum cleaner. Wipe down the sensors to improve navigation. Empty and rinse the water tanks, remove pet hair from brushes Clean the charge ports, and replace the rollers and filter in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. These tips will make your robot vacuum and mop combo be efficient for longer.

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

Combinations of robot vacuums and mops are perfect for cleaning both dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet mess. (spills and staining) without having to switch machines. These multitaskers are great at making it easier to save time and effort. They're also convenient for busy schedule.

Certain robots that vacuum and mop are operated via an app and come with more features. For example this model features a map of our obstacle course which is a key selling feature. You can also make use of the app to plan and modify cleaning schedules, change mopping modes and check battery levels. Some models offer voice activation for hands-free operation, such as the model that is compatible with Alexa.

If you are considering purchasing a robot vacuum and mop make sure you choose models that have the features that are important to you. While all models use a pad with water over floors, some include scrubbers that can be used to clean grout or an inclined brush roll to provide more intense scrub. Some models have filters that can be cleaned or replaced in order to eliminate the odors.

Some mopping machines dispose of their dirty pads and place them into a base which automatically empties into a waste drawer making it unnecessary to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Others, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between usage. If you choose one with reusable pads, be sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions about drying and washing them in order to keep them looking their best robot cleaner.