Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums or mop models have an app that lets you save your home's maps as well as organize cleaning schedules, and choose mopping mode. Certain models with dual rotating pads can also return to the dock to clean their brushes and empty dirty water.

If your model has pads that are reusable, take them off and wash them (if safe) every several cleaning cycles to prevent bacteria buildup. You'll also want to clean the tray in which they rest between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot hoover and mop mops come with pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, scrubbing or brushing to remove sticky marks and other spots. These pads should be cleaned, removed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to prevent bacteria buildup and keep them from smelling unpleasant. Some models have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot. They also need to be rinsed, washed or replaced every few cleaning cycles.

The best rated robot vacuum 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combos are simple to use and come with features that cut down on the amount of maintenance needed after cleaning. They include automatic hoover emptying of the dustbin docks, self-cleaning pads, and self-cleaning pads that help keep your robot ready to mop again almost immediately after a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors using towels or soft cloths every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that can interfere with sensors and lead to errors.

If you have carpets, be certain to select a mop that is compatible with carpets. Robot mops that can vacuum or scrub floors will need to be reprogrammed so they can avoid carpets. Some robotic mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping capabilities that give you a live map of the room so you can track where the robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.

Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to guide them through the house and avoid obstacles, but they can sometimes get confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities are as effective as they can, update the mopping app regularly with the latest software versions. We suggest testing a robot's performance at home by constructing an obstacle course for it to run through before buying it.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks, one for clean water and the other for dirty water. The tank for dirty water has to be emptied and filled frequently. The water tanks can be easily removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and rinse with warm water and mild soap. Most models come with a drip tray that sits under the water tank that has been contaminated to catch any spilled liquid. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray after every cleaning cycle to prevent bacteria from developing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations, and robot mops utilize an water reservoir to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you keep the tank clean depending on the frequency you use your robot. This is vital to ensure that your bots last for an extended period of time. Some brands, such as the top picks in our ratings, come with tanks that are washable and removable so that you can wash away dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the mop-vacs we tested have an app that allows you to save maps of your home as well as organize cleaning schedules or choose cleaning modes. This is an important feature to look out for when choosing a robot cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and operating it much simpler. If the model you choose doesn't come with an app, you can still control the basics of the bot from a button on its dock or via its remote.

All of the newer models we've reviewed can vacuum dust and dirt off various surfaces This is a major improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners which mainly just passed a pad with water across the floor. However they're not designed to handle huge spills, which have to be cleaned by hand. They can't move furniture, and they can become lost in rooms with lots of clutter.

Follow the manufacturer's directions to clean and remove the brushes that are on the sides or on the bottom of the latest bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). The majority of bots also come with sensors that aid in navigation and avoid obstacles. To keep these sensors working properly, it's recommended to clean the sensors after every few cleaning cycles using a soft, clean cloth - especially the areas where sensors are placed against the floor.

While it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot's tank We do not recommend it unless it has been suggested by the manufacturer. This can damage the robot and could cause the warranty to be voided.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum has a dock on its own which doubles as a water tank, it will have to be cleaned on a regular basis. The dock can accumulate dirt, grit and debris that needs to be cleaned and removed after the mop has finished. A lot of our picks come with self-cleaning cycles that you can run using the app or on the mop itself. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew from developing.

The area of the dock that washes the pads also should be cleaned periodically -- it can get slimy or even smell bad if left wet for too long. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, be sure to wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. This is also true for hybrid vacuum models that use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. After each cleaning cycle remove the brushes and clean them using an abrasive or a cloth.

It's essential to clean the sensor areas of a few of the most advanced robot vacuums we've tested. They come with sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstructions. This can keep dust and grime from blocking the sensors and leading to misjudgment.

While most robot vacuum cleaner best vacuums and mop units require some work however, they're a great option for busy homeowners. They can keep your floors looking great and reduce the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save you time and energy, which is the most valuable resource you have at home.

There are a few companies trying to build better vacuum-mop robots but they're far from the quality we have. But we do expect these robots to improve in time, just as the other robot vacuums in the past.

Brushes to be cleaned

Like vacuum cleaners, it's important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum unit to ensure that it's working well. Wipe down sensors to aid in navigation clear and rinse the water tank, remove pet hair clogs that block brushes Keep charge ports clean and change the rollers and filter according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These tips will make your robot vacuum and mop combination be efficient for an extended period of time.

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 suggesting products for more than 40 years.

Robot vacuums and mops are great for tackling both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills or staining) all in one cleaning session without the need to switch machines. These multitaskers will help you save time and energy and are convenient for anyone with a busy life.

Some robots are controlled by an app and have additional features. For example this model comes with an outline of our obstacle course which is a key selling feature. You can also schedule and modify cleaning sessions using the app, alter mopping mode, and check the battery level. Other models offer voice activation, for instance this model that integrates with Alexa to allow hands-free control.

If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combination choose models that have the features that are most important to you. While all models pass a pad with water across floors, some include a scrubber that can be used to clean grout, or rotating brushes to provide more intense scrubs. Some models have filters which can be cleaned or replaced to lessen the odor.

Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads onto the base, which then automatically empty them into a garbage bin, removing the need to manually clean the pads or refill a 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 reusable pads, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer on washing and drying them to ensure they look the best.