Corine Ortiz

cleaning robot mop and vacuum (www.Footballzaa.com) Combo

The majority of robot vacuums and mops come with an app that lets you save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules and select mopping modes. Some models with dual spinning pads can also automatically return to their docks mid-cleaning to flush out dirty water and clean their brushes.

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

Preparation

A lot of robot mops have pads with a cleaner that are pushed across the floor to soften the sticky marks and spots by using scrubbing movements or a brush. To stop the growth of bacteria up and keep them from smelling, these pads must be cleaned and removed 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, rinsed or replaced after every few cleaning cycles.

The best robot vacuum and mop 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combos are easy-to-use and come with features that cut down on the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. These include automatic vacuum and mop robot emptying of the dustbin docks that self-clean and self-cleaning pads which ensure that your robot is ready to mop immediately following a cleaning. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors using a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This can help get rid of dust that can hinder sensors and cause errors.

If you have carpets, be sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with carpets. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, but those that also vacuum or scrub floors may need to be reprogrammed to recognize or avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners as well as mop cleaners have mapping features. This lets you identify the areas that the robot has cleaned and also those it has not.

Most robots with apps use sensors to help them navigate the home and avoid obstacles, but they can sometimes be lost or confused. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with new software updates to ensure that your robot is equipped with the most effective navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. Before purchasing a robot, we recommend creating an obstacle course at your home to test its capabilities.

The majority of robot vacuum that mops mops have two tanks, one for clean and another for dirty water. The tank that is dirty needs to be filled and emptied regularly. The tanks can be lifted from the base and made easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with a drip tray that sits beneath the dirty water tank to collect any spilled liquid. It is recommended to empty the drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to minimize the chance of bacterial growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot vacuums and mop combos use a water tank to wash. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you clean the tank frequently, according to how often you use your robot. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is essential. Some brands, including the top choices in our ratings, have removable, washable tanks, allowing you to wash off the dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the mop-vacs we tested have an app which allows you to save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules, or select cleaning modes. This is an important feature to look for when selecting a robot cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and using it a lot easier. If your choice doesn't have an app, you'll be able to manage the basic functions of the robot by pressing a button on its dock or via its remote.

All the newer models that we've tested are able to remove dirt and dust on a variety of surfaces. This is a big improvement over the previous versions of robot cleaners, which mostly pushed water-filled pads across the floor. However they're not designed to deal with big spills, which have to be cleaned manually. They aren't able to move furniture, and they can become lost in rooms with a lot of clutter.

Follow the manufacturer's directions to clean and remove the brushes that are on the sides or on the bottom of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by most bots to navigate the floor and avoid obstacles. It is essential to wipe the sensors down every couple of cleaning cycles, particularly if they're pressed against the floor.

Additionally, although it is possible to put other cleaners into the robot's tank (for instance vinegar, for example), we advise against using them unless the manufacturer recommends it. This could damage the robot and may end the warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot vacuum and mop combo has docks that also double as a water tank, you will have to keep it clean regularly. The dock can accumulate dust, grit and other debris that needs to be removed and washed when the mop is finished. A majority of our choices include a self-cleaning function that you can access via the app or button on the mop. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps to prevent mildew.

It is also essential to wash the area of the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If the dock is left wet, it could turn slimy and even smell. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads, be sure to wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. This is also true for models with a hybrid mop/vacuum that have brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. After every cleaning cycle remove the brushes and clean them using a cloth or rag.

Some of the most advanced robot vacuums and mops we've tested have sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still important to wipe down those sensor areas regularly. This will keep dust and grime blocking the sensors, causing them make faulty judgments.

While the majority of robot mop and vacuums require a bit of work on an ongoing basis, they offer big advantages to the busy homeowner. They will keep floors looking beautiful, eliminate the need for heavy lifting, and give you the most valuable resource in a home -- your free time.

There are a few companies that are trying to build better vacuum-mop robots however they are a long way from our standard. We expect these robots will improve over time just as the previous robot vacuums did.

Cleaning the Brushes

Just like vacuum cleaners, it's important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combo so it keeps working well. Wipe down the sensors to improve navigation. Empty and wash the water tanks, take out hairs from brushes, clean the charge ports, and replace the rollers and filter in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. These suggestions will help your robot vacuum and mop perform efficiently for a long time.

Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte evaluates and tests cleaning appliances in the Laboratory including robot vacuum with mop vacuum-mop combos. Her team has been testing and providing recommendations for them for more than forty years.

Robot vacuums and mops are ideal for dealing with dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills and staining) in one cleaning session without switching machines. These multitaskers will save you time and effort and are a great choice for those with a hectic schedule.

Some robots are controlled by an app and have additional features. For example, this model has a map of our obstacle course which is a key selling point. You can also utilize the app to schedule and alter cleaning sessions as well as change mopping modes and check the battery level. Some models also include voice activation, like this model that integrates with Alexa, for hands-free control.

If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combo make sure you choose one that has the features that are important to you. While all models push a pad of water over floors, some models have a scrubber that can be used to clean grout or rotating brushes for more vigorous scrubbing. Certain models come with filters that can be cleaned or replaced to reduce odors.

Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads into the base, which then automatically empty them into a trash bin, removing the need to manually wash the pads or refill a tank. Other models, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between use. If you decide to purchase the model that has reusable pads, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions for drying and washing them in order to ensure they look their best.