Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums or mop cleaners have an app that allows you to save your home's maps, create cleaning schedules and choose mopping mode. Some models with dual rotating pads also return to the dock to clean their brushes and empty dirty water.

To avoid the accumulation of bacteria To prevent the accumulation of bacteria, take them off and wash them (if it is safe) after each cleaning cycle. It is also recommended to clean the tray that they sit on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops come with pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, either by scrubbing or brushing to get rid of sticky marks and other spots. To stop bacteria from building up and keep them from smelling, these pads should be cleaned and removed between usage (if they are washable). Some models also have brushes on the sides and 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 simple to use and come with features that reduce the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. They include automatic emptying of the dustbin docks, self-cleaning pads, and self-cleaning pads which ensure that your robot is ready to mop immediately after a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot's sensors to navigate and avoid obstacles, wipe them down with a soft cloth or cloth every few cycles. This will remove dust that could interfere with sensors and cause mistakes.

If you have carpets, make sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with carpets. Robot mops that can scrub or vacuum floors will need to be reprogrammed in order to avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners come with mapping features. This lets you observe the areas your robot has cleaned and also those that it hasn't.

The majority of app-connected robot mop use sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles, however, they can become confused or lost. Update the mopping app regularly with new software releases to ensure that your robot has the best navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. We suggest testing a robot's performance in your home by constructing an obstacle course to run through before purchasing it.

Most robot mops come with two tanks, one for clean and one for dirty water. The dirty water tank needs to be filled and emptied regularly. The water tanks can be removed from the base, making it easier to clean them and wash them with warm water and mild soap. Most models come with a drip tray under the dirty tank to collect any liquid that spills. It is recommended to empty your drip tray after every cleaning cycle to stop bacteria from growing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mop, vacuum combinations, and robot mops utilize a water reservoir for cleaning. Most manufacturers advise you to clean this tank regularly, according to how often you use your bot. This is essential if you want your bots last for an extended period of time. Some brands, including the top picks in our rating, have removable, washable tanks, allowing you to wash off the soiled water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the newer mop-vacs we have tested can be paired with an app that lets you save maps of your home and set up cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is a crucial feature to consider when choosing a robotic cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and using it a lot easier. If your chosen model doesn't have an app, you'll be able to manage the basic functions of the robot by pressing a button on its dock or remote.

The newer models we've tested are able to remove dirt and dust on a variety of surfaces. This is a big improvement over the earlier versions of robot cleaners, that mostly passed a pad of water across the floor. However, these machines are not designed to handle large spills, which still need to be cleaned manually. They aren't able to move furniture and can get lost in rooms with a lot of clutter.

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

While it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the tank of the robot, we do not recommend it unless it has been recommended by the manufacturer. This could damage the robot and can cause the warranty to be voided.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum has a dock on its own that doubles as a water tank, it's going to need to be cleaned periodically. The dock can collect dirt, grit and other debris that must be cleaned out and removed once the mop is finished. robot hoover of our picks include a self-cleaning function that you can use via the app or on the mop. This keeps the tank clean and helps to prevent mildew.

The area of the dock that washes the pads also needs to be washed every now and then- it can get slimy or smell bad when left wet for too long. If your model is equipped with washable or disposable mop pads, make sure to wash them in accordance with manufacturer's instructions in between cleaning cycles. The same goes for hybrid vacuum models which use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. Every several cleaning cycles take the brushes off and clean them using the help of a rag or cloth.

Some of the most sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested include sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still essential to clean down those sensor areas on a regular basis. This can keep dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and causing misjudgment.

While most robot vacuums and mop systems require some work, they are a great alternative for busy homeowners. They will keep floors looking beautiful, eliminate the need for heavy lifting and save you the most valuable resource of the home- your free time.

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

Cleaning the Brushes

Similar to a vacuum cleaner, it's important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum combination to ensure it is functioning well. Clean sensors to make it easier to navigate clear and rinse the water tank, clean pet hair clogs that block brushes and charge ports, clean the ports and replace filter and rollers as suggested by the manufacturer. These steps will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum combo is efficient for a long period of 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 and suggesting products for more than 40 years.

Combinations of robot vacuums and mops work for cleaning both dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet messes. (spills and staining) without having to switch machines. These multitaskers are great for saving time and effort. They are also great for those with a busy schedule.

Certain robots are operated via an app and have additional features. For instance this model comes with an obstacle course map that shows our course which is a key selling point. You can also plan and modify cleaning sessions using the app, switch mopping mode, and check battery level. Certain models have hands-free operation via voice such as the model that works with Alexa.


If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combination make sure you choose one that has the features that are important to you. While all models use pads with water across floors, some include scrubbers that can be used to clean grout, or a rotating brush roll for more intense scrub. Some models have filters that can be cleaned or replaced in order to lessen smells.

Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads onto an empty base that automatically dumps them into a waste bin, eliminating the need to manually clean the pads or refill the tank. Some, like the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that can be washed and dry between usage. If you opt for a model that has reusable pads, make sure you follow the instructions of the manufacturer on washing and drying them to ensure they look their best.