Tammara Osborn

Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums and mops come with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules, and choose mopping options. Some models with dual spinning pads will also automatically return to their dock mid-cleaning to flush out dirty water and clean their brushes.

If your model has reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to prevent bacteria buildup. It is also recommended to clean the tray they sit on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops come with pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, either by scrubbing or brushing to remove the sticky spots and other marks. To prevent bacteria from building up and keep them from smelling, the pads must be cleaned and removed between use (if they are washable). Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, which must be cleaned and rinsed, or replaced every few cleaning cycles.

The best 2-in-1 robot mop and vacuum combos are simple to use and have features that reduce post-cleaning maintenance. These include self-cleaning pads docks, and automatic vacuum and mop emptying of the trash bin. This keeps your robot mopping again almost immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to navigate and avoid obstacles, clean them with a soft cloth or a cloth every few cycles. This will get rid of dust that can hinder sensors and cause mistakes.

Select a robot mop compatible with carpets if you have carpets. Robot mops that can vacuum or scrub floors must be reprogrammed in order to avoid carpets. Some robotic mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping capabilities that give you a live map of the room so that you can see where your robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.

The majority of app-connected robot mop mops utilize sensors to guide them through the house and steer clear of obstacles, but they may sometimes get lost or confused. Make sure to update the mopping application regularly with new software releases to ensure that your robot has the best ability to navigate and avoid obstacles. Before you purchase a robot, we suggest creating an obstacle course at your home to check its performance.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks, one for clean water and the other for dirty water. The tank that is dirty needs to be emptied and filled on a regular basis. The tanks can be lifted from the base and made easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. The majority of models have an under-sink drip tray beneath the dirty tank to collect any liquid spilled. It is recommended to empty your drip tray every cleaning cycle to prevent bacteria from developing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations, and robot mops utilize a water reservoir for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank on a regular basis, depending on the frequency you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is important. Some brands, such as the top picks in our rating, come with a tanks that are washable and removable so you can remove dirty water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of the latest mop-vacs that we tested are compatible with an app that lets you save your home's maps and set up cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is a feature we look for when deciding on the right model, since it makes setting up and using the robot cleaner a lot easier. If the robot you select doesn't have an app, it is still possible to control the basic functions of the robot with the remote or button.

The latest models we've examined can sweep dust and dirt off multiple surfaces this is a significant improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners that mostly just pushed a pad filled with water across the floor. However they're not designed to handle huge spills, which have to be cleaned by hand. These machines can't move furniture, and they can become lost in rooms with a lot of clutter.

Some of the latest bots have brushes on the bottom and sides which can be removed and laundered, so be certain to follow the manufacturer's directions on how to do this (typically using you'll need a damp microfiber cloth). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate on the floor and avoid obstacles. It is essential to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles, especially if they're pressed against the floor.

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

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum combo has a dock on its own which doubles as a water tank, it will need to be cleaned regularly. The dock can accumulate grit, dust and debris and will need to be removed and cleaned when the mop is done. A majority of our choices have a self-cleaning feature that you can access via the app or on the mop. This helps keep the tank clean and prevents mildew.

The dock area that is used to wash the pads should be cleaned periodically -it can become slimy and smell unpleasant if left wet for a long time. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads make sure you are washing them according to the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. The same is true for hybrid mop/automatic vacuum and mop models that use brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. After every cleaning cycle take the brushes off and clean them with an abrasive or a cloth.

It's important to clean the sensor areas of a few of the more sophisticated robot mop vacuum combos we've tried. They come with sensors that allow you to navigate floors and keep out obstructions. This will prevent dirt and grime from blocking sensors, which can cause them to make inaccurate judgments.

While many robot mops and vacuums require a little bit of work on an ongoing basis, they provide huge advantages for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking great and eliminate the need for heavy lifting. They also save you time and energy, which is the most valuable resource at home.

Although there are some companies that are attempting to create better robot vacuum mop cleaner robot units, they still have a long way to go before they reach our level of quality. However, we expect these machines to improve over time, just like all other robot vacuums have in the past.

Brushes to be cleaned

Maintaining your robot vacuum that vacuums and mops vacuum and mop is crucial, just like maintaining a vacuum cleaner. Wipe down sensors to aid in navigation clean and empty the water tank, remove pet hair clogs off of brushes, keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and rollers as recommended by the manufacturer. These steps will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum performs well for a lengthy period of time.

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

Robot vacuum and mop combos are ideal for dealing with dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills or staining) in one clean-up session without the need to switch machines. These multitaskers are great at saving time and effort. They are also great for busy schedule.

Some robots require an app to function and have 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 modify cleaning sessions as well as change mopping modes and check the level of battery. Some models offer voice activation to allow hands-free operation such as the model that integrates with Alexa.

If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combo choose models that have the features that are important to you. All models use a pad to sweep the floor, but some also have a scrubber for cleaning grout or a rotating brush for more intense scrub. Some models have a filter which can be cleaned or replaced in order to lessen odors.

Some mopping machines dispose of their dirty pads and drop them into a base that automatically emptys into a garbage drawer eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry in between uses. If you opt for the model with reusable pads, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions about drying and washing them in order to keep them looking the best robot hoover.