Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums or mop cleaners come with an app that allows you to save maps of your house, 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 dump dirty water.
If your model is using pads that are reusable, take them off and wash them (if safe) every several cleaning cycles to prevent the buildup of bacteria. Also, you'll want to clean the resting tray where they sit between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops feature pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and then move across the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to remove sticky marks and other spots. These pads need to be removed, washed (if they are washable) and dried between uses to prevent the growth of bacteria and prevent them from smelling bad. 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 most efficient 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop combination is easy to use and comes with features that cut down on the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. They include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the dustbin. This keeps your robot mopping almost immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot to be capable of navigating and avoiding obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors using a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This will eliminate dust that could block sensors and lead to mistakes.
Choose a mop that is suitable for carpets if have carpets. The majority of robot mops work on hard surfaces, but those which can also vacuum or scrub floors might need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping capabilities. This allows you to observe the areas your robot has cleaned, and also those it has not.
The majority of apps-connected robots mops use sensors to move through the house and avoid obstacles, however, they can be lost or confused. To ensure that your robot's navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities are as good as possible, update the mopping app on a regular basis with new software updates. We recommend testing the robot's capabilities in your own home by creating an obstacle course to race through prior to buying it.
The majority of robot mops have two tanks, one for clean and the other for dirty water. The tank that is dirty must be filled and emptied regularly. The water tanks can be removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and rinse them with warm water and mild soap. Most models come with an under-sink drip tray beneath the tank that collects any liquid spilled. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray after every cleaning cycle to stop bacteria from growing.
Cleaning the Water Tank
The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combination and robot mops have a water reservoir for cleaning. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank regularly, depending on how frequently you use your robot. This is crucial for bots that you want last for many years. Some brands, including the top picks of our reviews, have a tanks that are washable and removable to remove dirt water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
good robot vacuum of the latest mop-vacs we have tested can be used with an app that lets you save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is a feature we look for when deciding on the right model, since it makes setting up and using your robot cleaner much simpler. If the robot you select does not have an app, it is still possible to control the basic functions of the bot using buttons or a 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 huge improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners which mostly pushed water pads across the floor. However they aren't designed to handle large spills, which have to be cleaned manually. They can't move furniture and can get lost in rooms that have a lot of clutter.
robot vacuum cleaners best have brushes on the bottom and sides that can be removed and laundered, so be certain to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to do this (typically you'll need a damp microfiber cloth). Most bots also have sensors to assist them in navigating floors and avoid obstacles. It is essential to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles, especially if they're pressed against the floor.
Additionally, although it is possible to put other cleaners into the robot's tank (for instance vinegar or acetic acid) We recommend against doing this unless the manufacturer recommends it. This can damage the robot and invalidate the warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot vacuum and mop combination comes with a dock that also doubles as water tank, you'll have to keep it clean regularly. The dock can collect dirt, dust and grit and must be cleared and washed when the mop has been cleaned. A lot of our picks come with self-cleaning cycles that which you can control with the app or a button on the mop itself. This helps keep the tank clean and prevents mildew.
It is also essential to wash the area around the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If the dock is left wet, it could be slimy and smell. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads ensure that you wash them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning cycles. This is also true for models with a hybrid mop/vacuum which use brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. Every several cleaning cycles remove the brushes and clean them with 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, but it's still necessary to wipe down those sensor areas regularly. This can prevent dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and causing misjudgment.
While the majority of robot mop and vacuum cleaners require a little work on an ongoing basis, they offer big benefits for the busy homeowner. They can keep floors looking great and reduce the necessity for heavy lifting, and give you the most valuable resource you have in a home -your time.
Although there are some new companies that are trying to develop better robot vacuum-mop units, they still have a long way to go before they get to our standard of quality. However, we expect these machines to improve in time, just as all other robot vacuums in the past.
Cleaning the Brushes
Maintaining your robot vacuum and mop is important, just like maintaining the vacuum cleaner. Clean the sensors to improve navigation. Clean and empty the water tanks, remove pet hair from brushes, clean the charge ports and change the rollers and filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. These suggestions will help your robot vacuum and mop be efficient for a long 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 products for more than 40 years.
Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills or staining) all in one cleaning session without switching machines. These multitaskers are great for making time and effort. They're also great for those with a busy schedule.
Some robots require an app to operate and offer more features than others, for example, a the map this model made of our obstacle course, which is a big selling point. You can also make use of the app to plan and modify cleaning sessions, change mopping modes and check the battery level. Other models include voice activation, for instance this model, which works with Alexa for hands-free control.
If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combination make sure you choose one that has the features that are most important to you. While all models pass pads with water over floors, some models have a scrubber that can be used to clean grout, or an inclined brush roll for more intense scrubs. Some models have filters that can be cleaned or replaced to eliminate smells.
Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads onto an empty base that automatically dumps them into a garbage bin, eliminating the need to manually clean the pads or refill a tank. Other models, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between uses. If you decide to purchase a model that has pads that are reusable, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to clean and dry them.
