Robot Vacuum Reviews - How to Keep Your Robot Vacuum Clean

Many robot vacuums are connected to apps that let you control the device without hands. These apps will help you plan cleaning sessions, define boundaries and establish no-go zones.

A few of the robots we reviewed are able to automatically return to their base after a cleaning session and recharge, which is beneficial if you reside in a large house. Some robots have an water tank as well as dust bins that can be empty to keep them clean and lessen allergens.

Battery Life

If you own a huge house, consider a robotic that can run for up to an hour during normal operation. A majority of models also come with an "eco" or lower-power cleaning option that saves battery life, but is capable of removing dirt and debris from floors and carpets.

You can still keep your home clean even if you have a smaller space. For instance, our top pick for small spaces, the Neato Botvac 11S Max, is able to run for up to 60 minutes on floors that are unfinished in standard mode and up to 90 minutes when using Eco mode. It's smaller than most of the robots we tested, so it can be tucked under furniture and into corners.

It is a good idea to choose a model with intelligent features that permit you to alter the cleaning preferences of the robot based on the amount of traffic a certain area receives. You can create zones with a high amount of traffic to receive more suction or more water levels. Some apps also offer the option of changing the settings per room or even the floor of your home.

In addition to selecting a robot that will meet your specific cleaning needs it is essential to be on top of routine maintenance tasks like emptying and refilling the dust bin, examining brushes for hair tangles and draining and rinsing the tank of water. It's also an excellent idea to utilize the software updates offered by your manufacturer. These updates can enhance navigation algorithms and reduce unnecessary power consumption, extending the battery life of your robot.

Depending on the amount of work your family does and how busy your household is, it might be necessary to run your robot three or four times per week. Emily Rairdin is a vacuum expert from University Vacuum & Sewing. She states that a robot can last between three and five year. However, the lifespan of yours depends on how well you maintain it and how frequently you use it.

Some of the more recent models, with more advanced features in our top robot vacuum reviews can be connected to smart speakers such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant and operate hands-free. While this is an excellent convenience, be aware that this means you'll have to hand over some of your personal information.

App Control


Many robots come with a range of control options using apps that let you create specific cleaning tasks, alter preferences, and schedule sessions. Some are also compatible with digital assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and other voice-controlled smart home systems for a completely hands-free experience.

Robots make use of a combination of lasers, sensors and cameras to navigate your space. They're designed to search for and clean pet hair, dirt, crumbs and other debris from hard floors like laminate, tile, and wood as well as carpets with low piles and area rugs. They're also designed to avoid obstacles, such as furniture legs and pet food bowls as they travel through your space.

Like any electronic device, it's important to keep up with the maintenance of your robot to ensure it continues working properly. As long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use and maintain your robot, replace the batteries, filters and wheels and clean the rotating brushes (they are prone to getting tangled with pet hair and dirt) Most models will last for as long as traditional full-size vacuums.

The majority of robots available on the market can be capable of mapping and understanding your space by using sensors, which will aid them in planning the most efficient way to get you through each cleaning session. Some models that are more expensive allow you to define 'no-go zones' in case there are areas that you want the robot to avoid, such as your pet's food bowls, or expensive carpets.

Many robots have the feature of 'targeted rooms that lets you control the robot's ability to clean a particular area of your home. This is a great option for homes with many clutter items and you're looking to get rid of it, or if you feel that a specific room requires extra attention, like the guest bedroom.

In addition to allowing you to alter the map of your robot's and cleaning preferences, many robots that are controlled via apps also have various automated features that can simplify maintenance. For instance, some models have self-emptying bins which return to their docks and empty themselves automatically once they're full.

The app-controlled Dreametech L10s Ultra navigated our test course with ease, but it had difficulty identifying obstacles in its way and was unable to handle rug tassels that were blocked. It's still a great option for keeping a small apartment or studio clean.

Cleaning Options

If the wheels of your robot become soiled or covered in dust, hair or other debris, they can no longer be smooth and cause the robot to slow down or become stuck. To keep them in good working order, clean them clean with a soft cloth periodically. For robots that mop it is also necessary to remove the mopping pads after each cleaning session, clean them in water and let them dry before reinstalling them. If you are worried about the maintenance required pick a model that is able to wash and dry the mopping pads after each cleaning session.

Some robots can empty their dustbins automatically when they're full. This is an excellent feature if you have children or pets. But for the majority of models the best way to ensure that the bin is ready for the next load of dirt or other debris is to empty it manually. Select a model with a large bin, which is easy to remove and empty. Also, make automatic vacuum that the base is able to hold the bin comfortably without being obstructional.

One other factor that can impact the length of time your robot will last is the quality of its sensors. They detect walls, furniture and obstacles around your home and guide the robot around them. Look for a robot with high-quality sensors that quickly respond to changes in floor surfaces and are accurate enough to avoid being stuck in tight spaces like the space between the bathtub and toilet or under your desk chair's legs.

Based on your budget and how often you plan to utilize your robot, it's also worth investing in a model that can charge itself and begin cleaning where it left off when the battery gets low. This is particularly beneficial for homes with larger spaces, and makes it easier to maintain a consistent cleaning throughout the house.

Noise Levels

The noise level of robot vacuums varies by model and can be affected by other factors too. Some manufacturers may offer an unobtrusive mode or a low-noise speed of operation however, you must know how the machine is rated to know what these numbers actually mean. Generally, any sounds above 85 decibels are considered very loud and may cause hearing damage over time.

Find models that incorporate advanced noise reduction technology or have a low-noise mode. These features can dramatically reduce the noise of operation and make it easier to carry on a conversation or even rest during a cleaning session.

Some models are also designed with sound-absorbing or insulated materials to further reduce operational noise. These features can be important for those who reside in noisy areas or have children at home.

The navigation system and obstacle-detection capabilities of a robot vacuum cleaner are also factors that influence the noise levels. Some robots use the use of lasers or cameras to prevent hitting furniture and walls while cleaning. These technologies also reduce the amount of noise that a robotic cleaner produces during the cleaning process by eliminating unnecessary collisions and bumps.

While the latest robot vacuums are getting quieter, they still generate significant amounts of noise in normal operation. The noise they create can be distracting for people who have children or work at home, especially. Continuous exposure to high-level sound is known to cause stress, and can increase blood pressure.

You might want to try a few different things before contacting the customer support of your robot vacuum if that it is making a lot of noise. First, you should check the machine for any visible damage. A cracked housing or a loose component could increase the noise which can make it sound like a freight-train. Clean and replace filters regularly as they may get blocked by debris and dust, and can make the noise more intense.

A sensor that is dirty or damaged can also be a cause of abnormal noise. Sensors that are damaged or dirty can send the robot vacuum on a shaky, confused traverse of your floors, which could result in it hitting objects and causing a racket. To fix this, clean or replace the sensor and try reconnecting to your Wi-Fi if necessary.