Robot Vacuum Reviews - How to Keep Your Robot Vacuum Clean

Many robot vacuums can be used with apps that allow you to control the device without holding it. These apps can help you schedule cleaning sessions, define boundaries and establish no-go zones.

A few of the robots we reviewed can be programmed to return to their base and recharge during a cleaning time, which is useful if you have a large home. Certain robots come with an water tank as well as a dust bin that can be emptied to ensure they are clean and reduce allergens.

Battery Life

If you have a large house, consider a robot that can last for an hour or more in regular operation. Many models also have an "eco" or lower-power cleaning mode which saves battery life but still does a great job of removing dirt and debris from carpets and floors.

If your space is a small space, you can still find plenty of options to keep the place neat. For example our top choice for homes with small spaces, the Neato Botvac 11S Max, can run for about 60 minutes on floors that are unfinished in normal mode, and up to 90 minutes when using Eco mode. It's smaller than many of the robots we tested so it can fit under furniture and into corners.

It is a good idea to choose a model with smart features that let you customize your robot's cleaning preferences according to the amount of traffic certain areas get. You can create zones that receive a lot of traffic to have stronger suction, or higher levels of water. Some apps allow you to adjust settings by room or floor.

Apart from selecting a smart robot that meets your specific cleaning needs, it's important to stay on top of routine maintenance tasks like emptying and refilling the dust bin, checking brushes for hair tangles and draining and rinsing the tank of water. It is also recommended to use the software updates that your manufacturer provides. These updates can improve navigation algorithms, decrease unnecessary power consumption, and aid in extending your robot's battery life.

Depending on the amount of work your family does and how busy your household is, it might be required to run your robot three or four times per week. Emily Rairdin, a vacuum expert at University Vacuum & Sewing, states that a typical robot will last between three and five years, however the life expectancy of yours will be contingent on how well you take care of it and how often you use it.

Some of the more recent models, which are more advanced, in our top robot vac reviews are able to connect to smart speakers such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant and operate entirely hands-free. While this is a wonderful convenience, be aware that you'll have to hand over some of your personal information.

App Control

Many robots come with a wide variety of app control options that let you create specific cleaning tasks or preferences, as well as schedule sessions. Certain robots also integrate with digital assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other voice-controlled home systems.

Robots navigate using a combination of sensors, cameras and lasers. They are designed to vacuum out pet hair dirt, dust and other particles on floors made of hard materials like wood, tile, laminate, as well as low-pile carpets and area rug. They are also designed to prevent obstacles such as furniture legs or pet food bowls as they travel around your area.

It's important that you maintain your robot, just like any other electronic device. This will ensure that it functions effectively. If you keep your rotating brushes clean (they could get caught up with dust and pet hair) Follow the manufacturer's instructions on using and maintaining your robot. Replace the batteries, filters and wheels, most models last as long as a conventional full-size vacuum.

The majority of robots can map and learn your surroundings using sensors. This lets them design an efficient cleaning route. Some models let you define 'no-go zones' for areas that you don't want your robot to clean, for example pet food bowls and expensive carpets.

A growing number of robots also feature 'targeted rooms' which allows you to tell the robot to concentrate on one or more specific areas of your home. This is a great feature for homes with lots of clutter and you're looking to clear it, or if a certain room requires more attention, for example, a guest bedroom.

In addition to letting you customize your robot's map and cleaning preferences, the majority of robots that are controlled via apps also have various automated features to help with maintenance tasks. For example, some have self-emptying bins that return to their docks and empty themselves automatically once they're full.

While the app-controlled Dreametech L10s Ultra did a fantastic job in getting around our test courses however, it was unable to see obstacles that were obstructing its path and couldn't handle clogged up rug tassels. It's still a great option to keep a small home or studio tidy.

Cleaning Options

When the wheels of your robot vacuum become dirty or caked with dust, hair or other debris, they can't move smoothly. This may cause it to slow or even become stuck. Clean them up regularly with a soft, clean cloth, to keep them working well. For robots that mop also, it's important to take the mopping pads off after every cleaning session, then wash them in water and let them dry before re-installing them. If you're concerned about maintaining this routine, look for a model that is able to wash and dry its own mopping pads during every cleaning session.

Some robots can empty their trash bins automatically when they're full. This is a great feature if you have children or pets. For most models, it is best to empty the dustbin by hand to ensure it is ready to receive another load. Select a model that has a large bin, which is easy to empty and empty. Also, make sure that the base can support the bin in a comfortable manner without becoming obstructional.

Another aspect that could affect the life span of your robot is the quality of its sensors. They detect furniture, walls and other obstacles in your home and guide the robot around them. Look for robotvacuummops with high-quality sensors that can quickly respond to changes in the floor's surface and are precise enough to avoid getting stuck in tight spaces like the space between the toilet and bathtub or under your desk chair legs.

It is worth investing in a robot that can charge itself and continue cleaning where it left off if the battery runs out. This is particularly beneficial for larger homes, and helps keep a consistent and clean look throughout the house.

Noise Levels

The models vary in their noise levels, and other factors can influence the sound quality. Some manufacturers may list an unobtrusive mode or a low-noise operating speed but you'll need know how the device is rated to understand what these numbers really mean. Generally, any sounds above 85 decibels is considered to be extremely loud and can damage hearing over time.

Find models that incorporate advanced noise reduction technologies or have a low-noise option. These features can reduce the noise levels and let you chat or sleep during cleaning sessions.

Certain models are also constructed with sound-absorbing or insulated materials to reduce operational noise. These features are essential for people who live in noisy areas or have children living at home.

Other factors that affect noise levels include the navigation system and obstacle detection capabilities of a robot vacuum cleaner. Some robots employ cameras or laser-based mapping technology to avoid bumping into walls and furniture while cleaning. These technologies can cut down on the amount noise that robot cleaners make during its cleaning cycle. They accomplish this by avoiding unnecessary collisions and bumps.


Although modern robot vacuums are getting quieter, they still create significant amounts of noise in normal operation. The noise they generate can be distracting to those who have children or work from home, in particular. Continuous exposure to high-frequency sounds is known to cause stress, and to increase blood pressure.

You may try a few options before contacting the customer service of your robot vacuum if that it is making a lot of noise. Look over the machine for obvious damages. A damaged housing or loose component can increase the noise, making it sound like a freight-train. You should also regularly clean and replace your filters, as these can become filled with dust and dirt which can increase the noise level.

Another reason for unusual noise is a damaged or dirty sensor. A damaged or dirty sensor can send a robotic vacuum on a bumpy and confused trip across your floor, which could result in it bumping into objects and causing a sound. If this happens, clean or replace the sensors, and then reconnect to Wi-Fi, if needed.