Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that lets you save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules and choose mopping settings. Some models that have 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 several cleaning cycles to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You should also clean the resting tray where they sit between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops have pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and pass over the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to get rid of the sticky spots and other marks. To stop bacteria from building up and keep them from smelling, the pads should be removed and washed between use (if they are washable). Some models also have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the robot that need to be washed or rinsed after every few cleaning cycles.
The most effective 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combos are easy-to-use and come with features that cut down on the amount of maintenance needed after cleaning. They include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the dustbin. This keeps your robot mopping again almost immediately following a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot to be capable of navigating and avoiding obstacles, try wiping down its sensors using a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that can hinder sensors and cause errors.
If you have carpets, make sure to select a robot mop that is compatible with them. Most robot mops are able to work on hard surfaces, however those that also vacuum or scrub floors might need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners come with mapping functions. This lets you observe the areas the robot has cleaned as well as those it has not.
The majority of app-connected robot mop mops utilize sensors to guide them around the home and steer clear of obstacles, but they may occasionally get confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities are as good as possible you should update the mopping application on a regular basis with new software updates. Before you buy a robot we recommend creating an obstacle course at your home to check its performance.
Most robot mops have two tanks. One for clean water and the second for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be filled and emptied regularly. The tanks can be lifted off the base which makes it easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with 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 reduce the risk of growth of bacteria.
Cleaning the Water Tank
The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combination and robot mops have a water reservoir for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank regularly, dependent on how often you use your robot. This is crucial to ensure that your bots last for many years. Certain brands, like the top choices of our ratings, come with an easily washable tank that is removable, so that you can wash away dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
Most of the mop-vacs we tested come with an app which lets you save maps of your home as well as organize cleaning schedules or choose cleaning modes. This is one of the features we look for when selecting the best model, because it makes the process of setting up and operating the robot cleaner a lot easier. If the robot you select does not have an app, it's still possible to control the basic functions of the bot using buttons or a remote.
All of the latest models we've tested can clean up dirt and dust on many surfaces, which is a huge improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners that largely simply pushed a pad of water across the floor. However they're not designed to deal with big spills, which have to be cleaned manually. They also can't handle furniture and could get confused in rooms with lots of things on the floor, so make sure to straighten up the area prior to mopping it to ensure the machine can move around it effectively.
Some of the latest bots come with brushes on the sides and bottom which can be removed and washed So, be certain to follow the manufacturer's directions on how to do this (typically using use a damp microfiber cloth). The majority of bots also come with sensors that aid in navigation and avoid obstacles. To ensure that these sensors are working well, it's helpful to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles with a soft clean cloth, particularly those areas where the sensors are placed against the floor.
While 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 recommended by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to your robot and could void its warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your mop and robot vacuum combination comes with docks that double as a water tank, you'll have to keep it clean regularly. The dock can collect dirt, dust and grit and must be cleared and cleaned after the mop is finished. A majority of our choices have a self-cleaning feature that you can use via the app or the button on the mop. This helps keep the tank clean and prevents mildew.
It is also important to wash the area around the dock where the pads are washed. If left wet, it can become slimy and even smell. If your model uses disposable or washable mop pads, ensure you're washing 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 every cleaning cycle take the brushes off and clean them with a cloth or rag.
It's important to clean the sensor areas of some of the most advanced robot mop-vacuum combos that we've tried. They come with sensors that allow you to navigate floors and stay clear of obstructions. This can prevent dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and leading to misjudgment.
While most robot vacuums and mop units require some work they are an excellent option for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking beautiful and reduce the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save time which is the most valuable resource at home.
There are a few companies working to build better vacuum-mop robots, but they are still quite a ways from our standard. However, we expect these machines to improve over time, just like all other robot vacuums in the past.
Cleaning the Brushes
Similar to a vacuum cleaner is essential to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum unit to ensure that it's functioning properly. Clean sensors to aid in navigation clear and rinse the water tank, remove pet hair clogs off of brushes, keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and rollers according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These steps will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum performs well for a lengthy period of time.
Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, evaluates and tests cleaning equipment in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum-mop combinations. Her team has been testing and recommending products for more than 40 years.
Robot vacuums and mops are great for tackling dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills, staining) in one cleaning session without switching machines. These multitaskers are great for making it easier to save time and effort. They're also convenient for busy schedule.
Certain robots require an app to operate and provide more features than others, for example, a the map this model made of our obstacle course, which is an important selling point. You can also make use of the app to plan and alter cleaning sessions, change mopping modes and check battery levels. Some models also provide voice activation, for instance this model, which works with Alexa, for hands-free control.
If auto vacuum are in the market for a robot mop and vacuum, be sure it comes with the features you need. While all models pass a pad of water across floors, some models have a scrubber that can be used to clean grout or an inclined brush roll to provide more intensive scrubbing. Some models have a filter which can be changed or cleaned to lessen the odors.
Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads and drop them into a base that automatically empties into a waste drawer, making it unnecessary to wash the pads manually or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads you can wash and dry between uses. If you choose a model with pads that can be reused, make sure to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.