Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums or mop cleaners come with an app which allows you to save maps of your house as well as create cleaning schedules and then select mopping mode. Some models that have dual spinning pads also automatically return to their docks mid-cleaning to flush out dirty water and clean their brushes.

If your model uses reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You should also clean the tray they rest on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops use pads that contain a cleaning solution that slide across the floor to soften the sticky marks and spots by using scrubbing movements or a brush. The pads must be cleaned, removed (if they are washable) and dried between uses to prevent the buildup of bacteria and keep them from smelling bad. Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, which need to be washed or rinsed after every few 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 needed after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads docks and automatic dustbin emptying. This helps keep your robot mopping almost immediately following a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot's sensors to navigate and avoid obstacles, clean them with a soft cloth or a cloth every few cycles. This will remove dust that can interfere with sensors and cause errors.

Select a robot mop that is compatible with carpets if you already have them. Robot mops that can vacuum or scrub floors will need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Some robotic mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping features that can give you a real-time map of the room so you can track where your robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.

The majority of app-connected robot mop mops utilize sensors to guide them through the house and avoid obstacles, but they can occasionally get confused or lost. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with the latest software releases to ensure your robot has the best ability to navigate and avoid obstacles. We recommend testing a robot's performance at home by creating an obstacle course to run through before buying it.

Most robot mops come with two tanks: one for clean water and the other for dirty water. The tank that is dirty needs to be emptied and filled regularly. The water tanks can be lifted off the base, making it easier to clean and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with an under-sink drip tray beneath the dirty tank to collect any liquid that spills. It is recommended to empty the drip tray following every cleaning cycle to lower the risk of bacteria growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations, and robot mops utilize a water reservoir for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you clean the tank frequently, depending on how often you use your bot. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is important. Some brands, including the top picks of our ratings, come with tanks that are washable and removable so that you can wash away dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Many of the latest mop-vacs we tested are compatible with an app that lets you save maps of your home as well as set cleaning schedules and select cleaning modes. This is an important feature to look for when choosing a robot cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and operating it a lot easier. If the model you choose doesn't come with an application, you can manage the basic functions of the robot using the dock or via its remote.

The latest models we've tested can vacuum up dirt and dust on a variety of surfaces. This is a huge improvement over the previous versions of robot cleaners, that mostly passed a pad of water across the floor. These machines aren't designed to deal with large spills. They have to be cleaned manually. They are also not able to handle large furniture pieces and may get lost in rooms that have lots of stuff on the floor, so be sure to straighten up the area prior to mopping it to ensure the machine can maneuver around it effectively.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove and wash the brushes that are on the sides or bottom of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate the floor and avoid obstacles. It is important to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles, especially if they're pressed against the floor.

Additionally, although it is possible to pour other cleaners into your robot's tank (for instance vinegar or acetic acid), we advise against doing this unless the manufacturer recommends it. This can damage the robot and could cause the warranty to be voided.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your mop and robot vacuum combination comes with docks that double as water tank, you'll need to clean it periodically. The dock can accumulate dirt, grit and debris that needs to be cleaned and removed after the mop is done. Many of our picks have self-cleaning cycles that you can run using the app or a button on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and prevents mildew.

The area of the dock that is used to wash the pads needs to be washed every now and then- it can get slimy or smell bad if left wet for a long time. If your model is equipped with washable or disposable mop pads, make sure to wash them in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuum and mop units with brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. Take the brushes out and clean them using a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

It's important to clean the sensor areas on some of the most advanced robot mop-vacuum combos that we've test. They have sensors that aid in navigating floors and stay clear of obstructions. This can keep dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and causing inaccurate readings.

While the majority of robot mop and vacuum cleaners require a little bit of work on every day basis, they offer big advantages to the busy homeowner. They can keep your floors looking great and eliminate the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save you time and energy, which is the most valuable resource at home.


There are a few companies trying to build better vacuum-mop robots, but they are still quite a ways from our level of quality. We expect these robots will improve over time, just as all previous robot vacuums did.

Cleaning the Brushes

Just like a vacuum cleaner is essential to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum unit to ensure that it's working well. Wipe down the sensors to enhance navigation. Clean and empty the water tanks, clean hairs from the brushes, clean the charge ports and change the rollers and filter in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. These suggestions will help your robot vacuum and mop work efficiently for an extended 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 suggesting products for more than 40 years.

Combinations of robot vacuums and mops work for cleaning both dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet spills. (spills and staining) without the need to change machines. These multitaskers are great at saving time and effort. They're also convenient 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 one of the main selling points. You can also make use of the app to plan and modify cleaning schedules, change mopping modes and check battery levels. automatic vacuum cleaner offer hands-free operation via voice such as the model that works with Alexa.

If you are in the market for a robot mop or vacuum, ensure that it comes with the features you need. While all models use a pad of water over floors, some have a scrubber that can be used to clean grout, or rotating brushes to provide more intensive scrub. Some models have a filter which can be cleaned or replaced in order to eliminate the odors.

Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads and drop them into a base that automatically emptys into a garbage drawer, eliminating the need 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 choose one that has reusable pads, make sure you follow the instructions of the manufacturer on washing and drying them to keep them looking the best.