Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums and mops come with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules, and choose mopping settings. Some models with dual spinning pads also automatically return to their docks during cleaning to flush out dirty water and clean their brushes.
To prevent bacteria accumulation, remove the pads and clean them (if it is safe) after each cleaning cycle. Also, you should clean the tray they rest on between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops come with pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and pass over the floor, scrubbing or brushing to remove sticky marks and other spots. To stop bacteria from building up and to keep them from smelling, the 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 and rinsed, or replaced every few cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combos are simple to use and come with features that cut down on cleaning maintenance after cleaning. They include automatic emptying of the dustbin, self-cleaning pads and docks that help keep your robot ready to mop immediately following a cleaning. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors using a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This will eliminate dust that could interfere with sensors and cause mistakes.
Choose a mop for your robot that is suitable for carpets if have them. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, however those that can also vacuum or scrub floors might need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners as well as mop cleaners are equipped with mapping capabilities. This allows you to see the areas that your robot has cleaned, as well as those it hasn't.
The majority of app-connected robot mop mops utilize sensors to help them navigate the house and avoid obstacles, but they can sometimes be lost or confused. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with the latest software releases to ensure your robot is equipped with the most effective ability to navigate and avoid obstacles. Before you purchase a robot, we suggest creating an obstacle course at your home to test its capabilities.
Most robot mops come with two tanks one for clean water and another for dirty water. The dirty water tank must be filled and emptied regularly. The water tanks are easily removed from the base, making it easier to clean them and rinse with warm water and mild soap. The majority of models have a drip tray underneath the dirty tank to catch any liquid spilled. It is recommended to empty the drip tray after each cleaning cycle to minimize the chance of bacterial growth.
Cleaning the Water Tank
The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations, and robot mops utilize a reservoir of water for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank regularly, depending on the frequency you use your robot. This is crucial to ensure that your bots last for a long time. Certain brands, like the top picks in our rating, come with a removable, washable tank to remove dirt water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.
The majority of mop-vacs that we tested come with an app that allows you to save your home's maps as well as create cleaning schedules, or select cleaning modes. This is an important feature to consider when selecting a robot cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and operating it much simpler. If the robot you select doesn't have an app, it is still possible to control the basic functions of the bot using buttons or a remote.
All the newer models that we've tested are able to remove dirt and dust from a variety of surfaces. This is a big improvement over the previous versions of robot cleaners which mainly passed water-filled pads across the floor. These machines are not meant to deal with large spills. They need to be cleaned manually. They also can't handle large furniture pieces and may get lost in rooms that have lots of stuff on the floor, so make sure to straighten up the area prior to mopping to ensure the machine can maneuver around it effectively.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove and wash the brushes on the bottom or sides of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Most bots also come with sensors that aid in navigation and avoid obstacles. It's important to wipe the sensors down every couple of cleaning cycles, especially where they are pressed up against the floor.
Additionally, although it is possible to pour other cleaners into your robot's tank (for example vinegar or acetic acid), we advise against doing this unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This could damage the robot and invalidate its warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot mop and vacuum combo comes with a dock which doubles as a water tank, it will need to be cleaned on a regular basis. The dock is prone to collecting dust, grit and other debris that needs to be removed and cleaned when the mop has been cleaned. A majority of our choices have self-cleaning cycles that you can use the app or a button on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and helps prevent mildew.
It is also essential to wash the area around the dock where the pads are cleaned. If left wet, it can become slimy and even smell. If your model uses disposable or washable mop pads, make sure you are washing them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuum and mop units that have brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. After auto vacuum cleaner cleaning cycle, take the brushes off and clean them using an abrasive or a cloth.
It is essential to clean the sensor areas of a few of the more advanced robot mop vacuum combos we've tested. They have sensors that aid in navigating floors and keep out obstructions. This can keep dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and causing inaccurate readings.
Although most robot vacuums and mop units require some effort they are an excellent option for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking beautiful and eliminate the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save time and energy, which is the most valuable resource you have at home.
Although there are some companies that are attempting to create better robot vacuum units however, they still have a long way to go before they can reach our level of quality. But we expect these robots to improve over time, just like the other robot vacuums in the past.
Brushes to be cleaned
Maintaining your robot's vacuum and mop is essential, just as maintaining your vacuum cleaner. Wipe down sensors to improve navigation, empty and rinse the water tank, get rid of pet hair clogs off of brushes, keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and rollers as recommended by the manufacturer. These tips will make your robot vacuum and mop combo work efficiently for an extended period of time.
Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab reviews and tests cleaning equipment in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum-mop combinations. Her team has been testing and offering products for over 40 years.
Robot vacuum and mop combos are great for cleaning dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills or staining) in one clean-up session without having to switch machines. These multitaskers are great for making it easier to save time and effort. They are also great for those with a hectic schedule.
Certain robots are operated via an app and include more features. For example, this model has an obstacle course map that shows our course which is a major selling point. You can also plan and modify cleaning sessions with the app, alter mopping modes and determine the battery's level. Some models offer hands-free operation via voice like the model that integrates with Alexa.
If you're looking for a robot mop and vacuum, be sure it has the features you are looking for. While all models push pads with water across floors, some include scrubbers that can be used to clean grout, or an inclined brush roll to provide more intensive scrub. Some models have a filter which can be changed or cleaned to reduce odors.
Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads into an empty base that automatically dumps them into a trash bin, removing the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Certain mopping machines, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry in between uses. If you opt for a model that has pads that can be reused, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.