Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums and mop models come with an app which lets you save maps of your home as well as set up cleaning schedules and select mopping mode. Some models with dual spinning pads will also automatically return to their docks during cleaning to dump dirty water and clean their brushes.

If your model uses pads that are reusable, take them off and wash them (if safe) every several cleaning cycles to avoid the buildup of bacteria. It is also recommended to clean the tray that they rest on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many best rated robot vacuum mops feature pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, either by scrubbing or brushing to remove sticky spots and other marks. To stop the growth of bacteria up and keep them from smelling, these pads must be removed and washed between usage (if they can be washed). Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, that need to be washed or rinsed after every few cleaning cycles.

The most effective 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop combos are easy to operate and include 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 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 a cloth every few cycles. This will remove dust that could interfere with sensors and cause mistakes.

Select a robot mop that is compatible with carpets if you already have carpets. Robot mops that can clean or vacuum floors need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Certain best robotic mop and vacuum vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping features that can show you a real-time map of your room so you can see where the robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.

The majority of apps-connected robots mops use sensors to move through the home and avoid obstacles, however, they can be lost or confused. Update the mopping app regularly with the latest software releases to ensure that your robot is equipped with the most effective navigation and obstacle-avoidance abilities. We recommend testing a robot's capabilities in your own home by constructing an obstacle course for it to run through before buying it.

Most robot mops come with two tanks one for clean water and one for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be filled and empty regularly. The water tanks can be removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and rinse them with warm water and mild soap. The majority of models have a drip tray under the dirty tank to collect any liquid that spills. It is recommended to empty the drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to reduce the risk of bacteria growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations, and robot mops utilize an water reservoir to clean. Most manufacturers advise you to clean this tank regularly, dependent on how often you use your bot. This is crucial to ensure that your bots to last for an extended period of time. Some brands, such as the top picks in our rating, come with a an easily washable tank that is removable, to remove dirt water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the mop-vacs we tested come with an app that lets you save your home's maps as well as organize cleaning schedules or choose different cleaning options. This is a feature we look for when selecting the right model, since it makes the process of setting up and operating your robot cleaner much easier. If the robot you choose doesn't have an app, it is still possible to control the basic functions of the robot with buttons or a remote.

All of the newer models we've tested can clean up dust and dirt from multiple surfaces This is a major improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners which mainly just pushed a pad filled with water across the floor. They aren't made to take on large spills. They must be cleaned manually. They are also not able to handle large furniture pieces and could get confused in rooms that have lots of things on the floor, so be sure to straighten up the space before mopping to ensure the machine is able to move around it efficiently.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove and wash the brushes that are on the sides or bottom of the latest bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). The majority of bots also come with sensors that assist them in navigating floors and avoid obstacles. It's important to wipe the sensors down every couple of cleaning cycles, particularly if they're pressed against the floor.

It is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot's tank We do not recommend it unless it has been recommended by the manufacturer. This could damage your robot and void the warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum combo has a separate dock that doubles as its water tank, it will have to be cleaned on a regular basis. The dock can accumulate grit, dust and debris and needs to be removed and cleaned when the mop is done. A majority of our choices have self-cleaning cycles that which you can control with the app or on the mop itself. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps to prevent mildew.

The area of the dock that is used to wash the pads needs to be washed from time to time -- it can get slimy or even smell bad when left wet for too long. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads ensure you're washing them according to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning cycles. Hybrid mop/vacuum units that have brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit are also affected. Remove the brushes and clean them using a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

It's important to clean the sensor areas on some of the most advanced robot vacuums we've tested. They come with sensors that aid in navigating floors and stay clear of obstructions. This will prevent dirt and grime from blocking the sensors, causing them make incorrect judgments.

Although most robot vacuums and mop machines require some work they are an excellent alternative for busy homeowners. They can keep floors looking great and eliminate the need for heavy lifting, and save you the most valuable resource in a home -- your free time.

There are a few companies working to build better vacuum-mop robots that vacuum and mop, but they are still far from our standard. We anticipate that these robots will improve over time, just like all previous robot vacuums did.

Brushes to be cleaned

Maintaining your robot's mop and vacuum is important, just like maintaining a vacuum cleaner. Wipe down the sensors to enhance navigation. Empty and rinse the water tanks, clean pet hair from brushes Clean the charge ports, and replace the filter and rollers according to the instructions of the manufacturer. These tips will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum combo 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 equipment in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum-mop combinations. Her team has been testing products and suggesting them for over forty years.

Combinations of robot vacuums and mops are perfect for cleaning dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet messes. (spills and stains) without changing machines. These multitaskers can save you time and effort and are convenient for anyone with a busy life.

Some robots are operated by an app and include additional features. For instance this model comes with an obstacle course map that shows our course which is a major selling feature. You can also make use of the app to plan and modify cleaning sessions modify mopping settings and check the battery level. Some models offer voice activation for hands-free operation like the model that integrates with Alexa.

If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop, look for one that has the features that are most important to you. While all models push a pad of water over floors, some have scrubbers that can be used to clean grout or an inclined brush roll for more intense scrubbing. Certain models come with a filter which can be cleaned or replaced in order to eliminate the 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 clean the pads or refill a tank. Others, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between uses. If you choose a model with pads that are reusable, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash and dry them.