Robot Vacuum Reviews - How to Keep Your Robot Vacuum Clean

Many robot vacuums connect to apps that let you control the device with no hands. These apps let you schedule cleaning sessions, and create boundaries and zones that are not allowed to enter.

A few of the robots we tested can automatically return to their base and recharge during a cleaning time, which is useful if you have a large house. Many also have an automatic emptying of the dust bin and water tank to keep the robot clean and help reduce the amount of allergens that can be found in your home.

Battery Life

If you have a large home, you should consider the best robot that can run for an hour or more during regular operation. A majority of models also come with an "eco" or lower-power cleaning option that saves battery life but still does a great job of removing dirt and other debris from floors and carpets.

If your space is little smaller but you'll still have plenty of options to keep the place neat. Our top pick for small houses is the Neato Botvac 11S Max can be used on floors that are unfinished for up to 90 minutes in Eco mode. It's smaller than most of the robots we tested, so it can be tucked under furniture and in corners.

It's a good idea choose a model with smart features that allow you to personalize your robot's cleaning preferences in accordance with the amount of traffic certain areas receive. You can set zones with high traffic to ensure better suction and higher water levels for instance. Some apps allow you to modify settings based on the room or floor.

In addition to choosing an appropriate robot to your needs for cleaning, you should also perform routine maintenance, such as emptying and filling up the dustbin, examining brushes for hair knots, as well as draining and washing the water tank. It is also recommended to use the software updates that your manufacturer provides. These updates can enhance navigation algorithms and decrease unnecessary power consumption, which can extend the life of your battery robot.

Depending on the amount of work your family does depending on how busy your family is, it could be required to run your robot as often as three to every week. Emily Rairdin, a vacuum expert at University Vacuum & Sewing, says that a typical robot will last between three to five years, but the longevity of yours will depend on how well you take care of it and how often you use it.

cheap robot vacuum of the latest, more advanced models in our best robot vac reviews can be connected to smart speakers like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant and operate hands-free. This is a wonderful convenience, but you will need to give up some personal data.

App Control

Many robots come with an array of apps control options that let you set specific cleaning jobs or preferences, as well as schedule your sessions. Certain robots also integrate with digital assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and other home automation systems.

Robots employ a mix of sensors, lasers and cameras to navigate your space. They're designed to search for and vacuum pet hair dirt, crumbs, and other particles from floors made of laminate, wood, and tile as in carpets with low piles and area rug. They are also designed to avoid obstacles such as furniture legs or pet food bowls when they travel around your space.

It is crucial to keep up with your robot just like any other electronic device. This will ensure that it continues to work effectively. So long as you keep your rotating brushes clean (they are prone to getting caught in pet hair and dust), follow manufacturer instructions regarding the use and maintenance of your robot. You should also replace the batteries, filters and wheels. The majority of models will last for the same amount of time as a traditional full-size vacuum.

Most robots are able to map and learn your surroundings using sensors. This allows them to design the most efficient route to clean. Certain models with higher end features let you define 'no-go zones' in case there are areas you want the robot to avoid, such as your pet's food bowls, or expensive carpets.

A growing number of robots also have 'targeted rooms' that lets you instruct the robot to focus on a particular or a couple of areas of your home. This is a great feature if your home has lots of clutter and you want to eliminate it, or if you feel that a certain room requires more attention, for example, the guest bedroom.

The majority of robots controlled by apps offer various automated features that make daily maintenance easier. For instance, some models have self-emptying bins that go back to their docks and empty themselves automatically once they're full.

While the app-controlled Dreametech L10s Ultra did a excellent job at managing our test course but it struggled to spot obstacles that were blocking its way and struggled with clogged rug tassels. It's still a good choice for keeping a small apartment or studio tidy.

Cleaning Options

When your robot vac's wheels become soiled or covered in hair, dust, or other debris they are unable to be smooth and cause the robot to slow down or even become stuck. To ensure they are in good working order, wipe them down with a soft cloth regularly. It's important for mopping robots to take the pads off after each cleaning. Wash them with water, and let them dry before reinstalling them. If you're concerned about maintaining this routine, look for a model that is able to wash and dries its own mopping pads during each cleaning session.

Some robots are able to empty their dustbins automatically when they're full. This is a great feature if you have children or pets. But for the majority of models the best way to make sure that the bin is prepared for an additional load of dirt or debris is to empty it manually. Choose a model that has a large bin, which is easy to take out and empty. Also, make sure that the base can support the bin comfortably without being obstructional.

The quality of your robot's sensors can also affect its lifespan. These are the sensors which detect furniture, walls, obstacles, and other objects in your home and help the robot navigate its route around them. Choose a robot with high-quality sensors that can quickly respond to changes in the floor's surface and are accurate enough to not get trapped in tight areas such as the space between the bathtub and toilet or under your desk chair's legs.

Depending on your budget and how often you want to utilize your robot, it's worthwhile to invest in a robot that is able to recharge itself and resume cleaning from where it stopped off when the battery is low. This is especially helpful for homes with larger spaces and makes it much easier to maintain consistent cleaning throughout the house.

Noise Levels

Models differ in terms of noise levels, and other factors can also affect their sound levels. Other factors can also affect. Some manufacturers may list the quiet mode or low-noise operating speed however, you must know how the machine is rated to understand what these numbers actually mean. Generally, any sounds above 85 decibels are considered very loud and can damage hearing over time.

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

Some models are designed with sound-absorbing or insulated materials to further reduce operating noise. These features are important for people who live in areas with a lot of noise or have children at home.

Other factors that affect noise levels are the navigation system and the obstacle detection capabilities of a robotic vacuum cleaner. Some robots use mapping technology that is based on cameras or lasers to avoid bumping walls and furniture when cleaning. These technologies can help reduce the amount of noise a robot cleaner makes during its cleaning cycle. They accomplish this by eliminating unnecessary bumps and collisions.

Despite the fact that today's robot vacuums are quieter than they have ever been but they still make a lot of noise when in normal operation. The sounds they produce can be a distraction, particularly for those with small children or work at home. In addition, exposure to high-frequency noise is known to cause stress and increase blood pressure levels.

You may try a few options before contacting the customer service of your robot vacuum if that it is making a lot of noise. First, check the machine for visible damage. A damaged housing or loose component could increase the noise, making it sound like a freight-train. Make sure to clean and replace filters regularly as they can become filled with dirt and debris, which can increase the volume.


A sensor that is damaged or dirty can also be a source of noise that isn't normal. Sensors that are damaged or dirty can send a robot vacuum on a shaky, confused journey across your floors, which could result in it hitting objects and causing an eerie noise. To remedy this, clean or replace the sensor and then try reconnecting to your Wi-Fi network if you need to.