Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums and mop cleaners come with an app which allows you to save maps of your house and organize cleaning schedules, and then select mopping mode. Some models that have dual spinning pads will also automatically return to their docks mid-cleaning to dump dirty water and clean their brushes.

To prevent the accumulation of bacteria to prevent the build-up of bacteria, remove the pads and clean them (if it is safe) after each cleaning cycle. Also, you'll want to clean the resting tray where they sit between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops have pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and then move across the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to remove sticky spots and other marks. To stop bacteria from building up and to keep them from smelling, these pads should be cleaned and removed between uses (if they can be washed). Some models also have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the best robot hoover which need to be washed and rinsed, or replaced every few cleaning cycles.

The best automatic vacuum 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop combos are easy to operate and include features that cut down on post-cleaning maintenance. These include automatic vacuum and mop emptying of the dustbin docks that self-clean and self-cleaning pads that ensure your robot cleaner with mop is ready to mop immediately following a cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to be able to navigate around obstacles, clean them using a soft towel or a cloth every few cycles. This can help get rid of dust that could block sensors and cause mistakes.

If you have carpets, be sure to select a robot mop that is compatible with them. Robot mops that can clean or vacuum floors need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping features that can show you a live map of your room so you can see exactly where the robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.

The majority of robots with apps connected to mop use sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles, however, they can become confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as good as possible, update the mopping app regularly with the latest software versions. Before purchasing a robot, we recommend creating an obstacle course at home to check its performance.

Most robot mops have two tanks. One for clean water and the other for dirty water. The dirty water tank is required to be filled and empty frequently. The tanks can be lifted from the base, making it easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with drip tray which sits beneath the dirty water tank 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

The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combination and robot mops have an water reservoir to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank regularly, depending on the frequency you use your robot. This is crucial if you want your bots to last for many years. Certain brands, including the top choices in our rating include washable, removable tanks that allow you to remove the dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of the mop-vacs we tested come with an app which lets you save maps of your house, set up cleaning schedules, or choose different cleaning options. This is an important feature to consider when choosing a robot cleaner. It makes setting it up and using it a lot easier. If the robot you choose does not have an app, it is still possible to control the fundamental functions of the robot using buttons or a remote.

The newer models we've tested are able to remove dirt and dust on a variety of surfaces. This is an enormous improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners which mostly pushed water-filled pads across the floor. However, these machines are not designed to handle large spills, and they still need to be cleaned manually. They also cannot handle large furniture pieces and could get confused in rooms that have lots of things on the floor, so be sure to straighten the space before mopping to ensure that the machine can move around it easily.

Follow the manufacturer's directions to wash and remove the brushes on the sides or bottom of the latest bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Many bots also have sensors to help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles. To keep these sensors working properly, it's recommended to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles using a soft clean cloth, particularly those areas where the sensors are pressed against the floor.

Although it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the tank of the robot however, we don't recommend it unless it's been approved by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot and may void 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 have to be cleaned on a regular basis. The dock is prone to collecting grit, dust and debris, which needs to be removed and cleaned when the mop is done. Many of our picks have a self-cleaning feature that you can access via the app or the button on the mop. This helps keep the tank clean and prevents mildew.

The dock area that is used to wash the pads should be cleaned periodically -it could become slimy and smell unpleasant when left wet for too long. If your model uses disposable or washable mop pads ensure you're washing them according to the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuums with brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. After each cleaning cycle take the brushes off and clean them with the help of a rag or cloth.

It's important to clean the sensor areas on some of the more sophisticated robot mop-vacuum combos that we've tested. They have sensors that allow you to navigate floors and stay clear of obstructions. This can keep dust and grime from blocking the sensors and causing inaccurate readings.

While many robot mops and vacuum cleaners require a little bit of work on a regular basis, they provide huge benefits for the busy homeowner. They can keep floors looking great and eliminate the need for heavy lifting and save you the most valuable resource of the home- your free time.

While there are companies that are attempting to build better robot vacuum-mop units, they still have a long way to go before they can reach our standard of quality. We anticipate that these robots will improve over time just as all the previous robot vacuums have.

Cleaning the Brushes

Maintaining your robot's mop and vacuum is essential, just as maintaining your vacuum cleaner. Wipe down sensors to make it easier to navigate clear and rinse the water tank, remove pet hair clogs from brushes, keep charge ports clean and replace filter and rollers as suggested by the manufacturer. These suggestions will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum works efficiently for a long period of time.

Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab is responsible for evaluating and tests cleaning products in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuums and mops. Her team has been testing products and recommending them for more than forty years.

Robot vacuum and mop combos are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet messes (spills and staining) all in one cleaning session without switching machines. These multitaskers can help you save time and effort and are a great choice for those with a busy life.

Some robots are controlled by an app and include additional features. For example, this model has an obstacle course map that shows our course which is a major selling feature. You can also utilize the app to schedule and alter cleaning sessions, change mopping modes and check the battery level. Some models also offer voice activation, for instance this model, which works with Alexa for hands-free control.

If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combo make sure you choose a model that has the features that are important to you. Each model uses pads to sweep the floor, however some have a scrubber for cleaning grout or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrub. Certain models come with filters that can be changed or cleaned to reduce the odors.

Some mopping machines dispose of their dirty pads and place them into a base that discharges into a waste bin making it unnecessary to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Other models, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between usage. If you decide to purchase one with reusable pads, be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer on how to clean and dry them.