Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
The majority of robot vacuums and mops come with an app that allows you to save maps of your house, set cleaning schedules and select mopping options. Some models with dual rotating pads also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dispose of dirty water.
If your model is using pads that are reusable, take them off and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to avoid the buildup of bacteria. You'll also want to clean the tray where they sit between cleanings.
Preparation
A lot of robot mops have pads with a cleaner that pass over the floor to soften the marks and sticky spots by using scrubbing movements or a brush. To prevent bacteria from building up and to keep them from smelling, these pads must be removed and washed between uses (if they are washable). Some models also have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the robot which must be cleaned or rinsed after every few cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robotic mop and vacuum combos are simple to use and come with features that help reduce cleaning maintenance after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the trash bin. This will keep your robot mopping again almost immediately following a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot's sensors to be able to navigate around obstacles, wipe them down using a soft towel or cloth every couple of cycles. This can help get rid of dust that could interfere with sensors and lead to errors.
Choose a mop that is suitable for carpets if have them. Robotic mops that are able to scrub or vacuum floors must be reprogrammed in order to avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners as well as mop cleaners are equipped with mapping functions. This allows you to identify the areas that the robot has cleaned as well as the areas it hasn't.
Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to help them navigate the house and steer clear of obstacles, but they may sometimes get confused or lost. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with new software releases to ensure your robot has the best navigation and obstacle-avoidance abilities. We recommend testing the robot's capabilities in your own home by creating an obstacle course for it to test its capabilities before purchasing it.
Most robot mops have 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 from the base which makes it easier to clean and wash them with mild soap and warm water. The majority of models have an under-sink drip tray beneath the dirty tank to collect any liquid spilled. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to minimize the chance of bacterial growth.
Cleaning the Water Tank
The majority of robot mop, vacuum combination and robot mops have a water reservoir for cleaning. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank on a regular basis depending on how frequently you use your robot. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is important. Some brands, such as the top picks of our ratings, come with an easily washable tank that is removable, to remove dirt water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
Most of the newer mop-vacs that we tested can be used with an app that allows you to save your home's maps as well as set cleaning schedules and select cleaning options. This is an important feature to look out for when choosing a robot cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and using it a lot easier. If your choice 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 via its remote.
The newer models we've tested are able to remove dirt and dust on a variety of surfaces. This is a huge improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners which mainly passed a pad of water across the floor. However, these machines are not designed to deal with big spills, which have to be cleaned manually. They also can't handle large furniture pieces and could get confused in rooms with a lot of clutter on the floor, so make sure to straighten up the space before mopping to make sure the machine can move around it efficiently.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove and wash the brushes that are on the sides or on the bottom of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by a majority of bots to navigate on the floor and avoid obstacles. To ensure that these sensors are working well, it's helpful to wipe down the sensors after every few cleaning cycles using a soft clean cloth, particularly those areas where the sensors are pressed 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's been recommended by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot and may end the warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot mop and vacuum combo has a dock on its own which doubles as a water tank, it will have to be cleaned regularly. The dock is prone to collecting grit, dust and debris, which will need to be removed and cleaned after the mop is finished. Many of our picks come with a self-cleaning feature that you can use via the app or the button on the mop. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps to prevent mildew.
The area of the dock that washes the pads also should be cleaned from time to time -it can become slimy or smell bad when left wet for too long. If your model uses disposable or washable mop pads ensure you're washing them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuums with brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit are also affected. After every cleaning cycle remove the brushes and clean them with the help of a rag or cloth.
Some of the most sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested include sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still essential to clean down those sensor areas on a regular basis. This will keep dirt and grime from blocking the sensors, which can cause them to make faulty judgments.
While most robot mop and vacuums require a bit of work on a regular basis, they provide huge advantages for busy homeowners. They can keep floors looking great and reduce the need for heavy lifting and help you save the most valuable resource you have in the home- your free time.
While there are a few startups that are working to develop better robot vacuum-mop units but they have still a long way to go before they can reach our standard of quality. But we do expect these robots to improve with time, just as all other robot vacuums have in the past.
Cleaning the Brushes
Similar to a vacuum cleaner is essential to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combination to ensure it is working well. Wipe down sensors to make it easier to navigate clean and empty the water tank, clean pet hair clogs off of brushes and charge ports, clean the ports and change the rollers and filter as suggested by the manufacturer. These tips will make your robot vacuum and mop combination be efficient for longer.
Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab reviews and tests cleaning products in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum and mop combinations. Her team has been testing and recommending products for more than 40 years.
Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills and stains) in one cleaning session without having to switch machines. These multitaskers are great for making time and effort. They are also great for busy schedule.
Some robots require an app to operate and offer more features than others, like the map this model designed of our obstacle course that's one of the main selling points. You can also use the app to schedule and modify cleaning schedules, change mopping modes and check battery levels. Certain models have hands-free operation via voice such as the model that works with Alexa.
If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combo make sure you choose one that has the features that are important to you. While all models use a pad of water over floors, some models have scrubbers that can be used to clean grout, or an inclined brush roll to provide more intense scrub. Some models have filters that can be cleaned or replaced to lessen the odors.
This Web page mopping robots drop their dirty pads into an empty base that automatically dumps them into a garbage bin, removing the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry between uses. If you opt for a model that has reusable pads, be sure to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.