Blog entry by Michel Gritton
Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
The majority of the robot vacuums we tested mop, and the most effective 2-in-1 models can take post-mopping maintenance off your list by automatically washing their mop pads, which are reused in their docks. However, avoid using any cleaning solution other than the one suggested by the manufacturer. This could damage the robot vacuum with mop, and void the warranty.
Bins that Self-Empty
The majority of robot vacuums that come with a mop have self-emptying bins to make cleaning easier and hands-free. The amount of time spent cleaning the base station will depend on how often and how filthy your house is, but these models do remove a lot of manual work out of the process, and are ideal for busy households.
The best robot vacuums that are able to mop have a water tank that is filled with clean and dirty water, along with a place for the floor-cleaning solution of the manufacturer to be automatically mixed and dispersed. When a cleaning session has been complete, the onboard bin will be filled and dirt and debris are sent back to the base station to be sealed into a larger, more durable dust bag. Base stations can be used to refill and wash the robot mops.
These "hands free" robots such as the S8 MaxV Ultra by Roborock are the newest class of robots. They vacuum, muck, clean, and even refill their water tanks, wash and dry their mop pad. They use obstacles avoidance, mapping and smart functions such as room-specific and digital stay-away planning to navigate through the house.
The new robots are excellent at cleaning bare floors but they can't reach into tight spaces such as between chair legs and under furniture. This is why we recommend several robot mops which can mop and automatic vacuum and mop robot, like the Roborock S7 and S8 and the Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The eufy X10 Pro Omni comes with a built-in dust bin that can be cleaned by hand, but it also has an docking station that is capable of emptying the storage bag after two to three cleaning cycles. The only drawback of this model is that you'll need to clean out the dustbin inside the vacuum at times, but we think it's worth the extra cost to get the added convenience.
Self-Cleaning
Robot vacuums with self-emptying bins are a good choice for large households or families who tend to produce lots of dirt and dust. The models will automatically place used pads in the trash bin to be disposed of. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually and reduces the frequency of doing it. Having the option to connect to your smartphone via an app is also a nice feature as it allows you to set cleaning schedules and adjust settings even when away from home.
A good mop robot will come with multiple modes for different floor types, including dry sweeping and deep mopping. It will have docking stations that can be recharged between cleanings. Make sure that the robot is compatible mop with a smart assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models have additional features such as "dirt sensing" that detects the amount of dirt is left on the pad and causes the mop to be remopped. Other models have an algorithm that adjusts its pressure based on the kind of surface (more for tiles and less for hardwood), to avoid scratching the floor.
Some of the top robot mops can save a map of your space and return to the same area to clean it again. This is a must if you have a multilevel home or if you have specific areas you'd like the robot to focus on, such as a kitchen floor and carpeted living room. Find a model that includes this technology in our suggestions along with other useful features such as multi-room smart mapping that will help you create a precise plan for flooring in your home.
Make sure you use only the cleaning products recommended for your robot. This will ensure that your robot is properly and efficiently cleaned without causing damage to your flooring or voiding your warranty. There are compatible cleaners in your local hardware store or online. However, it is best to stick with what the manufacturer suggests.
Self-Emptying Mops
Robot vacuums that can mop can be a cost-effective option to achieve that freshly mopped look without having to hire someone. Most models that mop also be used to vacuum and work on hard floors and carpets. They do have limitations, especially if your carpets are filthy or long. They can also be less effective when used on certain flooring surfaces such as laminate or linoleum.
Many of the robots that are able to mop utilize disposable pads that are washed and dried by the base after every cleaning. They usually last for up to 50 minutes or more before they need a replacement and recharge. The Noesis Florio, which uses disposable pads instead of rechargeable batteries, is a unique exception. It's still a great option because it is able to move so easily throughout the house. It can move around chair legs and over thresholds and even recognizes where the threshold is after crossing it a few times, which means it knows when to slow down there.
The X1 Omni is a good alternative for a robot vacuum that can mop because it doesn't require an app in order to function. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This means that you can control the robot by voice commands. It's also less expensive than many robots, but it lacks some of the most advanced features.
It has a self-emptying container that dumps the contents in a larger container that has to be emptied only every 30 days. It will automatically replenish its water and disposes of the cleaning pads as soon as they become dirty.
While the technology of these mop-and-vacuum combos is advancing, they're not yet excellent enough to replace a traditional vacuum and mop. That said, if you have large areas of your home that are carpeted, consider purchasing a robot mop and vacuum to keep the rooms clean and smelling fresh. There are a variety of options on ZDNET with budget-friendly models that don't compromise quality for extra features.
Simple to Use
Robots that mop are simple to use. Most robots come with an app that allows you to set schedules, adjust the vacuum mop cleaner robot and water power and monitor the condition of the cloths and pads. Many have a built-in camera that will help you find pet hair or other particles stuck on your floor. Some allow you to connect to a personal assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant, and some include voice activation.
Some robots, such as the sleek RoboVac L20 Ultra, discard their mopping pads with no effort and drop them into an empty waste bin that is automatically emptied from a dock powered by batteries located at the base station. This is a hands-free way of using the machine, but can leave your floors a little less tidy than if they were washed and replaced manually. Other models, such as the eufy X10 Pro Omni, refill their mopping pad from an additional reservoir that is automatically empty from the dock.
Smart navigation is a feature used by many robots that mop and vacuum at the same time. This allows them to follow an established route and cover large areas quickly without a single omission. This feature is especially beneficial in rooms with furniture as it helps them avoid getting caught in tangled legs or other objects. Users of the app are also able to receive alerts and status updates, such as when their trash bins are full or require to be cleaned.
The ultra-slim RoboVac L20 Ultimate that we tested utilized its digital keep-out zone and lidar mapping system to navigate around couches, chairs, and other obstacles. In our testing, it did a great job of picking up pet fur and other small debris from stairs and corners that are difficult to reach.
Cleaning your robot regularly and using only cleaners designed specifically for it will ensure it will last and continue to perform as it should. Vinegar is acidic, and could damage the robot's internal systems.
Robots that can mop and vacuum are an excellent addition to any household particularly those with pets. With a combination cleaner and cleaning the pads and towels correctly, you can extend the life of your machine and increase its performance. The purchase of one of these hybrids may cost more than a traditional vacuum but the time and effort they can save can make them worth the investment.