Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums and mops have an app that allows you to save your home's maps as well as set up cleaning schedules and select mopping mode. Some models with dual rotating pads can also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dispose of dirty water.

If your model is using reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent bacteria buildup. You'll also want to clean the tray in which they rest 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 with scrubbing motions or brushes. These pads need to be removed, washed (if they are washable) and dried between uses to prevent the growth of bacteria and prevent them from smelling unpleasant. Some models have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot. They also need to be washed, rinsed or replaced every couple of cleaning cycles.

The best 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combos are simple to use and robot Mop come with features that reduce the amount of maintenance needed after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the trash bin. This keeps your robot mopping almost immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, try wiping down its sensors with a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This will eliminate dust that can hinder sensors and cause errors.

Select a robot mop suitable for carpets if already have them. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, but those which can also vacuum or scrub floors might require reprogramming to recognize carpets or avoid them. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping features that can show you a real-time map of your room so you can see exactly where the robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.

Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to guide them around the home and steer clear of obstacles, but they can sometimes get confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's navigation capabilities and obstacle-avoidance abilities are as effective as they can, update the mopping app on a regular basis with new software releases. Before purchasing a robot, we suggest creating an obstacle course at your home to check its performance.

Most robot mops have two tanks, one for clean water and the second for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be emptied and filled regularly. The water tanks can be removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and wash them with warm water and mild soap. Most models have a drip tray that is placed under the water tank that has been contaminated to collect any liquid spilled. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to reduce the risk of growth of bacteria.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot mops and vacuum/mop combination devices use a tank of water to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank regularly, depending on the frequency you use your robot. This is essential if you want your bots to last for a long time. Some brands, including the top picks of our reviews, have a tanks that are washable and removable so you can remove dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of mop-vacs that we tested have an app which allows you to save maps of your home and set up cleaning schedules, or choose different cleaning options. This is something we look for when selecting a model, as it makes the process of setting up and operating your robot cleaner much easier. If your chosen model doesn't have an app, you'll be able to manage the basic functions of the robot by pressing the dock or remote.

All the newer models that we've tested can vacuum up dirt and dust on a variety of surfaces. This is a big improvement over the earlier versions of robot cleaners, that mostly passed water-filled pads across the floor. These machines are not meant to take on large spills. They must be cleaned manually. These machines can't move furniture and could get lost in rooms with lots of clutter.

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

Although it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot cleaner's tank however, we don't recommend it unless it has been recommended by the manufacturer. This could damage your robot and could void the warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum has a dock on its own that doubles as its water tank, it will need to be cleaned on a regular basis. The dock can accumulate dust, grit and other debris and must be cleared and cleaned after the mop has been cleaned. Many of our picks have a self-cleaning cycle which you can control with the app or a button on the mop itself. This helps keep the tank clean and helps prevent mildew.

It is also important to clean the area of the dock where the pads are cleaned. If left wet, it can become slimy and even smell. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, be sure to wash them in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. The same is true for models with a hybrid mop/vacuum that have brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. Remove the brushes and clean them using a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

It's important to clean the sensor areas of some of the most advanced robot mop vacuum combos we've tested. They have sensors that allow you to navigate floors and keep out obstructions. This will stop dust and grime blocking the sensors, which can cause them to make inaccurate judgements.

While most robot vacuum with mop mop and vacuums require a bit of work on every day basis, they provide huge benefits for the busy homeowner. They can keep your floors looking good and reduce the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save time and energy, which is the most valuable resource you have at home.

There are a few companies that are trying to create better vacuum-mop robotics but they're quite a ways from our level of quality. We expect these machines to improve over time just as all the previous robot vacuums have.

Brushes to be cleaned

Similar to vacuum cleaners it is important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum combination to ensure it is working well. Clean the sensors to enhance navigation. Clean and empty the water tanks, take out hairs from brushes and charge ports, clean them and then replace the filter and rollers in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. These suggestions will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum combo performs well for a lengthy period of time.

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 and recommending them for more than forty years.

Combinations of robot vacuums and mops are perfect for cleaning both dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet spills. (spills and staining) without having to switch machines. These multitaskers will help you save time and effort and are a great choice for those who lives a full schedule.

Some robots require an app to function and have more features than others, for example, a the map this model made of our obstacle course, which is a big selling point. You can also plan and modify cleaning sessions by using the app, switch mopping modes and check the battery level. Certain models have voice activation for hands-free operation, such as the model that is compatible with Alexa.

If you are in the market for a robot mop and vacuum, ensure that it has the features you are looking for. All models utilize a pad to sweep the floor but some include a scrubber for cleaning grout or a rotating brush for more intense scrubbing. Certain models come with a filter which can be cleaned or replaced in order to lessen odors.

Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads onto the base, which then automatically empty them into a trash bin, removing the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some, like the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that can be washed and dry between uses. If you choose a model with reusable pads, be sure to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.