Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
The majority of the robot vacuums we tested can mop. The best 2-in-1 models remove the need for post-mopping cleanup by automatically washing reusable mop pads within their docks. However, do not use any cleaner that is not the one recommended by the manufacturer. Doing so could damage the robot and cause it to lose the warranty.
Bins that self-empty
The majority of robot vacuums that come with a mop will also include self-emptying bins that make cleaning easier and hands-free. The amount of time needed to empty the dust bin or base station will depend on how dirty and frequent your home is. These models are ideal for families with busy schedules because they eliminate lots of manual work.
The top robot vacuums that mop have a water tank with clean and dirty water, along with a place for the brand's floor-cleaning product to be automatically mixed and dispensed. Once a cleaning session is completed, the bin on board will be filled and dirt and debris will be taken back to the base station to be sealed into a bigger dust bag that is more durable and long-lasting. Base stations can be used to refill and wash the robot mop.
These "hands-free" robots, such as the S8 MaxV Ultra from Roborock, are the newest category of robots that do nearly everything for you. they vacuum, clean and muck and can even fill their own water tanks as well as wash and dry mop pads. They use the concept of mapping, obstacle avoidance and smart functions such as room-specific and digital stay-away planning to navigate around the house.
But, even though these new breeds of robots are extremely efficient in cleaning floors, they aren't the best choice for mopping carpeted areas or getting into tight spaces, like between chairs legs or under furniture. We also recommend robot mops which can be used to vacuum and mop. They include the Roborock S7, S8 and Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The eufy X10 Pro Omni has an onboard bin for dirt and debris that can be cleaned manually, but it also comes with a self-emptying docking station that's capable of clearing out the storage bag in just two to three cleaning cycles. The only drawback is that you'll still have to empty the dust bin into the vacuum occasionally. However, we think that the extra cost is worth it for the convenience.
Self-Cleaning
A robot vacuum that has an auto-emptying bin is a great option for large homes or families who generate lots of dust and dirt. These models automatically drop used pads into a garbage drawer to be disposed of, which eliminates the need to manually empty the trash bin, and decreases how often you'll need to do so. It's also great to be connected to your smartphone using an app. This lets you set up cleaning schedules and alter settings even while you are away.
A quality robot mop has multiple modes to suit different types of floors, including dry sweep and deep mopping. It should also come with an electric dock that is able to recharge between cleanings. If you're looking for a robotic mop that can be controlled with your voice, check for compatibility with a smart assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models have extra features, like "dirt sense" which detects the amount of dirt left on the pad and prompts it to remop, and a system that adjusts its pressure to the type of surface (more for tile, less for hardwood) to avoid scratching floors.
Some robot mops can be capable of saving an outline of the area and returning to it for an additional cleaning. This feature is essential if your home has multiple levels or if there are specific areas that you want the robot to clean, such as a carpeted living area and a kitchen floor. Our top recommendations are models that include this technology, as well as features such as multi-room smart maps that creates a floor plan for your home flooring.
Be sure to only use the recommended cleaning products for your robot.
best budget robot vacuum cleaner will ensure that your robot gets an effective and thorough clean without damaging your flooring or voiding the warranty. You might be able find cleaners that are compatible with your local hardware store or on the internet however, it's best to stick to the recommendations given by the manufacturer.
Self-Emptying Mop Pads
Robot vacuums that mop are an affordable option to get that freshly mowed and waxed look without having to hire a professional. Most of the models that can mop also can vacuum and will be able to work on carpets and hard floors. However, they do have some limitations, particularly if you have heavily-soiled or very long carpets. They may also be less effective when used on certain flooring materials like laminate or linoleum.
The majority of robots that can mop use disposable pads that are washed and dried by the base after each cleaning. They typically last for up to 50 minutes or longer before they need a replacement and recharge. The Noesis Florio is an exception in that it has disposable pads, but it's still a great choice because of the ease with which it maneuvers throughout the home. It can be used to maneuver around chair legs as well as over thresholds and even remembers the threshold after a few trips.
The X1 Omni is another good option for robotic vacuums that mop since it doesn't need an app to operate. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This means that you can control the robot with voice commands. It's also less expensive than other robots, but lacks some of the more advanced features.
It comes with a self-emptying bin which dumps the contents into a larger container that has to be emptied only once every 30 days. It also automatically fills its water tank, and then disposes of the cleaning pads when they're dirty, which makes it very low maintenance.
Although the technology used in these vacuum-and-mop combos is improving, they're not yet excellent enough to replace a traditional vacuum and mop. That said, if you have large areas of your home that are carpeted, you should consider purchasing a robot mop and vacuum to keep your rooms tidy and smelling fresh. You can find a range of options on ZDNET including budget-friendly models that don't compromise quality for additional features.
Easy to Use
Robots that mop can be easy to use. Many robots come with an app that allows you to program schedules, change the water and vacuum power and monitor the condition of the pads and cloths. Many also have an onboard camera that can help you find any pet hair or other debris that could be stuck to your floors. Some even let you connect to a personal assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant, and some include voice activation.
Some robots, like the sleek RoboVac L20 Ultra drop their mopping pad that is dirty into a bin that is automatically empty by a dock powered by batteries at the base station. This is a less hands-on method of managing the machine, however it could leave your floors slightly less clean as compared to washing manually and replace the pads. Other models, like the eufy X10 Pro Omni, refill their mopping pad from separate reservoirs that are automatically empty from the dock.
A lot of the robots that combine mopping and vacuuming use smart navigation features that allow them to follow a planned route and sweep large areas without missing anything. This feature is especially useful in rooms with furniture as it helps them avoid getting tangled up with legs or other objects. App users are also able to receive alerts and status updates, such as when their trash bins are full or require to be cleaned.
The elegant RoboVac L20 Ultimate that we tested utilized its digital keep-out zone and lidar mapping system to navigate chairs, couches and other obstacles. In our testing it did an excellent job at picking up pet fur and other small debris from stairs and corners that are hard to reach.
If you want your robot to last and to function properly it is essential to clean it regularly and only use cleaning solutions made specifically for it. Vinegar is acidic and can harm the robot's internal systems.
Robots that have vacuuming and mopping capabilities can be an excellent addition to your household particularly when you have pets. Utilizing a combination cleaner, ensuring the pads and cloths are cleaned properly and observing other maintenance recommendations will help your machine last longer and perform better. These hybrid vacuums might be more expensive than standard vacuums, but they'll help you save time and effort.