Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that lets you save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules and choose mopping options. Some models with dual spinning pads also automatically return to their dock 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 avoid the buildup of bacteria. It is also recommended to clean the tray they sit on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops use pads with a cleaning solution that are pushed across the floor to soften sticky spots and other marks using scrubbing motions or brushes. To stop bacteria from building up and to prevent them from smelling, these pads should be removed and washed between usage (if they can be washed). Some models also have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the robot which need to be washed, rinsed or replaced after every few cleaning cycles.

The most efficient 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop combos are easy-to-use and come with features that decrease the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads, docks and automatic dustbin emptying. This helps keep your robot mopping immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors with a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This can help get rid of dust that can interfere with sensors and lead to errors.

Choose a mop that is that is compatible with carpets if you have them. The majority of robot mops work on hard surfaces, but those which can also vacuum or scrub floors may require reprogramming to recognize carpets or avoid them. Some robotic mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping features that can give you a real-time map of the room so you can track where the robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.

The majority of apps-connected robots mop use sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles but they can also become confused or lost. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with new software releases to ensure that your robot has the best ability to navigate and avoid obstacles. Before purchasing a robot, we recommend creating an obstacle course at home to test its capabilities.

Most robot mops come with two tanks. One for clean water and one for dirty water. The dirty water tank needs to be emptied and filled on a regular basis. The tanks can be lifted off the base and made easier to clean and wash them with mild soap and warm water. The majority of models have an under-sink drip tray beneath the tank that collects any liquid that spills. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to prevent bacteria from growing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops and vacuum/mop combos have a water tank for cleaning. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank regularly, dependent on how often you use your robot. This is vital for bots that you want last for a long time. Certain brands, like the top picks in our reviews, have a removable, washable tank so you can remove dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of the latest mop-vacs that we tested can be paired with an app that lets you save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is an important feature to consider when choosing a robotic cleaner. It makes setting it up and using it much easier. If the model you choose doesn't come with an application, you can control the basics of the bot from a button on its dock or remote.

The latest models we've tested have the ability to clean dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is an enormous improvement over the previous versions of robot cleaners that mostly passed a pad of water across the floor. However, these machines are not designed to handle huge spills, which have to be cleaned by hand. They also can't handle large furniture pieces and may get lost in rooms with lots of stuff on the floor, so be sure to straighten the area prior to mopping it to ensure that the machine can maneuver around it easily.

Some of the latest bots have brushes on the bottom and sides that can be cleaned and removed So, be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to do this (typically, you'll need a damp microfiber cloth). Many bots also come with sensors that aid in navigation and avoid obstacles. To keep these sensors working properly, it's recommended to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles using a soft clean cloth, particularly the areas where sensors are placed against the floor.

In addition, it is possible to add other cleaners into your robot's tank (for instance vinegar or acetic acid), we advise against doing this unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This could damage the robot and invalidate the warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your mop and robot vacuum combination comes with docks that also double as water tank, you will have to keep it clean regularly. The dock is prone to collecting grit, dust and debris that must be cleared and cleaned after the mop is finished. Many of our picks have self-cleaning cycles that you can run using the app or on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and helps to prevent mildew.

It is also important to wash the area around the dock where the pads are cleaned. If left wet, it can become slimy and even smell. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads, be sure to wash them in accordance with manufacturer's instructions in between cleaning cycles. Hybrid mop/vacuum units with brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit are also affected. Every several cleaning cycles take the brushes off and clean them using a cloth or rag.

automatic vacuum of the more sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested have sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still necessary to wipe down those sensor areas on a regular basis. This will stop dirt and grime from blocking the sensors, causing them to make inaccurate judgements.

While the majority of robot mop and vacuum cleaners require a little bit of work on every day basis, they can provide significant advantages for busy homeowners. They can keep floors looking great and eliminate the need for heavy lifting, and save you the most valuable resource you have in the homeyour time.

There are a few companies that are trying to create better vacuum-mop robotics, but they are still a long way from our level of quality. We expect these machines to improve over time, just as the previous robot vacuums did.

Brushes to be cleaned

Maintaining your robot's vacuum and mop is essential, just as maintaining your vacuum cleaner. Wipe down the sensors to improve navigation. Empty and rinse the water tanks, clean hairs from the brushes, clean the charge ports and then replace the rollers and filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. These suggestions will help your robot vacuum and mop combo work efficiently for longer.


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 products and recommending them for more than forty years.

Robot vacuum and mop combos are great for cleaning both dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills, staining) all in one cleaning session without the need to switch machines. Multitaskers can save you time and effort and are convenient for anyone who lives a full schedule.

Some robots are controlled by an app and have additional features. For instance this model features an outline of our obstacle course, which is a major selling point. You can also use the app to schedule and alter cleaning sessions as well as change mopping modes and check battery levels. Some models offer voice activation for hands-free operation, such as the model that works with Alexa.

When you are looking for a robot mop or vacuum, ensure that it has the features you want. All models utilize pads to sweep floors, but some also have a scrubber to clean grout, or a rotating brush for more intense scrubbing. Certain models come with filters that can be cleaned or replaced in order to eliminate smells.

Some mopping machines dispose of their dirty pads, and drop them into a base that emptys into a garbage drawer eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some, like the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between usage. If you opt for the model with reusable pads, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions about drying and washing them to ensure they look the best.