Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that lets you save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules, and choose mopping modes. Some models that have dual rotating pads can also return to the dock to clean their brushes and empty dirty water.

To prevent the accumulation of bacteria, remove the pads and wash them (if it is safe) after each cleaning cycle. Also, you'll want to scrub down the resting tray that they are sitting on between cleanings.

Preparation

A lot of robot mops have pads with a cleaning solution that pass over the floor to soften the marks and sticky spots by using scrubbing movements or a brush. To stop bacteria from building up and to prevent them from smelling, these pads should be removed and washed between uses (if they can be washed). Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, which must be cleaned and rinsed, or replaced every few cleaning cycles.

The most effective 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combination is easy to use and comes with features that cut down on the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. They include self-cleaning pads, docks and automatic dustbin emptying. This will keep your robot mopping again almost immediately following a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot's sensors to be able navigate and avoid obstacles, clean them with a soft cloth or a cloth every few cycles. This can help get rid of dust that could hinder sensors and cause errors.

If you have carpets, make sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with them. Most robot mops are able to work on hard surfaces, but those that also scrub or vacuum floors may require reprogramming to recognize carpets or avoid them. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping functions. This allows you to identify the areas that your robot has cleaned and also those it has not.

Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to guide them through the home and avoid obstacles, but they can occasionally get confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities are as effective as they can you should update the mopping application on a regular basis with the latest software versions. Before purchasing a robot, we recommend creating an obstacle course at your home to check its performance.

Most robot mops have two tanks. One for clean water and the other for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be filled and empty regularly. The water tanks are easily removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and rinse with warm water and mild soap. The majority of models have a drip tray under the dirty tank to catch any liquid that spills. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray after each cleaning cycle to minimize the risk of bacteria growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops and vacuum/mop combos use a water tank to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you clean this tank regularly, dependent on the frequency you use your robot. This is essential if you want your bots last for a long time. Some brands, including the top picks in our reviews, have a an easily washable tank that is removable, so that you can wash away dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of mop-vacs that we tested come with an app which allows you to save your home's maps and set up cleaning schedules, or choose cleaning modes. This is a feature we look for when choosing the right model, since it makes setting up and operating your robot cleaner much simpler. If your choice doesn't have an application, you can control the basics of the bot from the dock or via its remote.

The newer models we've tested have the ability to clean dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is a big improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners, which mainly passed a pad of water across the floor. However best automatic vacuum cleaner 're not designed to handle huge spills, which have to be cleaned by hand. They also cannot handle a lot of furniture and can get confused in rooms with a lot of stuff on the floor, so make sure to straighten up the space before mopping to ensure that the machine is able to move around it easily.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to wash and remove the brushes that are located on the sides or bottom of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by most bots to navigate around the floor and avoid obstacles. To ensure that best automatic vacuum are working well, it's helpful to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles using a soft clean cloth, especially the areas where the sensors are press-fit against the floor.

Although it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot's tank however, we don't recommend it unless it's been approved by the manufacturer. This could damage the robot and can cause the warranty to be voided.


Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot vacuum and mop combination has a dock that also doubles as water tank, you will need to clean it regularly. The dock is prone to collecting dust, grit and other debris that must be cleared and washed when the mop has been cleaned. Many of our options have a self-cleaning feature that you can access via the app or the button on the mop. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps to prevent mildew.

It is also essential to wash the area of the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If the area is left wet, it may become slimy and even smell. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, be sure to wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. The same is true for models with a hybrid mop/vacuum which use brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. Every several cleaning cycles take the brushes off and clean them using an abrasive or a cloth.

Some of the more sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested contain sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still important to wipe the sensor areas clean regularly. This will stop dirt and grime from blocking sensors, which can cause them to make incorrect judgements.

While most robot vacuums and mop systems require some work however, they're a great alternative for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking good and eliminate the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save you time which is the most valuable resource you have at home.

There are a few companies working to build better vacuum-mop robots however they are far from our standard. But we expect these robots to improve over time, just like all other robot vacuums in the past.

Brushes to be cleaned

Like vacuum cleaners is essential to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum combo so it keeps working well. Wipe down the sensors to enhance navigation. Empty and rinse the water tanks, clean pet hair from brushes, clean the charge ports and then replace the rollers and filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. These tips will help your robot vacuum and mop combination be efficient for a long time.

Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte evaluates and tests cleaning equipment in the Laboratory, including robot vacuum-mop combos. Her team has been testing products and recommending them for more than forty years.

Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are ideal for dealing with dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills or stains) in one cleaning session without having to switch machines. These multitaskers are great for making time and effort. They're also great for busy schedule.

Some robots are operated by an app and have more features. For example this model comes with an obstacle course map that shows our course which is a key selling point. You can also make use of the app to plan and modify cleaning schedules, change mopping modes and check battery levels. Others provide voice activation, such as this model that integrates with Alexa for hands-free control.

When you are looking for a robot mop or vacuum, be sure it has the features you are looking for. Each model uses a pad to sweep the floor however some have scrubbers for cleaning grout, or a rotating brush for more intense scrub. Certain models come with filters that can be cleaned or replaced to lessen odors.

Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads and place them into a base that empties into a waste drawer making it unnecessary to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Other models, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that can be washed and dry between uses. If you choose one with pads that are reusable, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean and dry them.