8 Tips To Up Your Cleaning Robot Mop And Vacuum Game
Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that lets you save maps of your house, set cleaning schedules, and choose mopping modes. Some models that have dual rotating pads will also return to the dock to clean their brushes and empty dirty water.
If your model uses reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to avoid the buildup of bacteria. Also, you'll want to scrub down the resting tray in which they rest between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops use pads that contain a cleaning solution that are pushed across the floor to soften the marks and sticky spots using scrubbing motions or a brush. To stop the growth of bacteria up and to keep them from smelling, the pads must be cleaned and removed between use (if they are washable). Some models have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot. They also need to be rinsed, washed or replaced every couple of cleaning cycles.
The best robot vacuum and mop 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combination is easy to use and comes with features that decrease the amount of maintenance needed after cleaning. They include automatic vacuum cleaner emptying of the dustbin docks that self-clean and self-cleaning pads that help keep your robot ready to mop again almost immediately following a cleaning. If you want your robot vacuum that vacuums and mops to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, consider wiping down its sensors using a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This will help get rid of dust that could hinder sensors and cause errors.
Choose a mop for your robot that is suitable for carpets if have them. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, but those that also scrub or vacuum floors may require reprogramming to recognize carpets or avoid them. Some robotic mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping features that can show you a real-time map of the room so you can see where the robot has cleaned and what 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. Make sure to update the mopping application regularly with new software releases to ensure your robot is equipped with the most effective navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. Before purchasing a robot, we suggest that you create an obstacle course in your home to test its capabilities.
Most robot mops come with two tanks: one for clean water and the other for dirty water. The dirty water tank needs to be filled and empty on a regular basis. The tanks can be lifted out of the base, making it easier to clean and wash them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with drip tray that sits beneath the water tank that is dirty to collect any liquid spilled. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray following every cleaning cycle to lower the risk of growth of bacteria.
Cleaning the Water Tank
The majority of robot mops and vacuum/mop combination devices use a tank of water to wash. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank on a regular basis depending on the frequency you use your robot. This is essential if you want your bots last for many years. Some brands, like the top choices in our rankings include washable, removable tanks, allowing you to wash off the dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
Most of the newer mop-vacs we tested are compatible with an app that lets you save your home's maps as well as set cleaning schedules and select cleaning modes. This is a crucial feature to look for when choosing a robotic cleaner. It makes setting it up and using it a lot easier. If the robot you pick does not come with an app, it is still possible to control the basic functions of the robot using buttons or a remote.
The newer models we've tested have the ability to clean dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is a big improvement over the earlier versions of robot cleaners, which mainly passed water pads across the floor. However they aren't designed to handle large spills, and they still need to be cleaned manually. They also cannot handle furniture and may get lost in rooms with lots of clutter on the floor, so be sure to straighten the space before mopping to ensure that the machine can maneuver around it effectively.
Some newer bots have brushes on their sides and bottom that can be removed and laundered So, be certain to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to do this (typically, use a damp microfiber cloth). Sensors are also used by a majority of bots to navigate the floor and avoid obstacles. To ensure that these sensors are working properly, it's recommended to wipe down the sensors after every few cleaning cycles with a soft clean cloth, particularly those areas where the sensors are placed against the floor.
Although 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 suggested by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to your robot and void the warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your mop and robot vacuum combo has docks that double as water tank, you will need to clean it regularly. The dock can accumulate dirt, grit and other debris that needs to be cleaned and removed when the mop has finished. Many of our picks have a self-cleaning cycle you can use the app or a button on the mop itself. This helps keep the tank clean and prevents mildew.
It is also crucial to clean the area of the dock where the pads are cleaned. If the dock is left wet, it could turn slimy and even smell. If your model is equipped with washable or disposable mop pads, make sure to wash them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. The same is true for models with a hybrid mop/vacuum which use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. After each cleaning cycle take the brushes off and clean them using an abrasive or a cloth.
Some of the more advanced robot vacuums and mops we've tested include sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still important to wipe the sensor areas clean regularly. This will prevent dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and causing inaccurate readings.
While many robot mops and vacuum cleaners require a little work on a regular basis, they can provide significant advantages to the busy homeowner. They can keep floors looking nice, eliminate the need for heavy lifting, and save you the most valuable resource in a home -your time.
Although there are some companies that are attempting to create better robot vacuum units but they still have a long way to go before they get to our standard of quality. We anticipate that these robots will improve over time, just as the previous robot vacuums did.
Cleaning the Brushes
Like vacuum cleaners, it's important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combination to ensure it is functioning properly. Clean sensors to make it easier to navigate clear and rinse the water tank, remove pet hair clogs that block brushes, keep charge ports clean and replace filter and rollers as suggested by the manufacturer. These suggestions will help your robot vacuum and mop combination perform efficiently for longer.
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 them for over forty years.
Combinations of robot vacuums and mops work for cleaning dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet messes. (spills and stains) without changing machines. These multitaskers are great for saving time and effort. They're also great for those with a busy schedule.
Some robots are operated by an app and have additional features. For example this model features an outline of our obstacle course which is a key selling point. You can also make use of the app to plan and modify cleaning sessions as well as change mopping modes and check the level of battery. Some models also offer voice activation, like this model that works with Alexa to allow hands-free control.
If you are in the market for a robot mop or vacuum, make sure that it has the features you are looking for. While all models use pads with water over floors, some have a scrubber that can be used to clean grout or rotating brushes to provide more intensive scrub. Some models have filters which can be cleaned or replaced to lessen the smell.
Some mopping machines dispose of 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 usage. If you opt for a model that has pads that are reusable, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash and dry them.
