Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums and mops come with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules and choose mopping settings. Some models with dual spinning pads can also automatically return to their dock mid-cleaning to flush out dirty water and clean their brushes.
If your model has disposable pads, take them off and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You'll also want to scrub down the resting tray in which they rest between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops use pads that contain a cleaning solution that are pushed across the floor to soften the marks and sticky spots with scrubbing motions or brushes. These pads need to be removed, washed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to prevent the buildup of bacteria and keep them from smelling unpleasant. Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, that need to be washed or rinsed after every few cleaning cycles.
The most efficient 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop combos are simple to use and come with features that reduce the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. These include automatic dustbin emptying, self-cleaning pads and docks that help keep your robot ready to mop immediately following a cleaning. If you want your robot to be capable of navigating and avoiding obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors using towels or soft cloths every few cycles. This can help get rid of dust that could hinder sensors and cause errors.
Select a robot mop suitable for carpets if already have them. The majority of robot mops work on hard surfaces, but those which can also vacuum or scrub floors might need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Some robotic mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping features that can show you a real-time map of the room so that you can see where your robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.
Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to help them navigate the home and avoid obstacles, but they may occasionally get lost or confused. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with the latest software releases to ensure that your robot is equipped with the most effective navigation and obstacle-avoidance abilities. We recommend testing a robot's performance at home by constructing an obstacle course for it to race through prior to buying it.
The majority of robot mops have two tanks one for clean water and one for dirty water. The tank for dirty water must be filled and emptied frequently. The water tanks can be easily removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and rinse them with warm water and mild soap. Most models come with a drip tray under the tank that collects any liquid spilled. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to prevent bacteria from growing.
Cleaning the Water Tank
Most robot vacuums and mop combos use a water tank to wash. Most manufacturers advise you to clean the tank frequently, according to the frequency you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is crucial. Some brands, such as the top picks of our ratings, come with an easily washable tank that is removable, so you can remove dirty water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.
Many of the latest mop-vacs we have tested are compatible with an app that lets you save your home's maps and set up cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is something we look for when choosing the best model, because it makes the process of setting up and using your robot cleaner much simpler. If the model you choose doesn't come with an app, you'll be able to manage the basic functions of the bot from the dock or remote.
auto vacuum that we've tested have the ability to clean dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is a huge improvement over the earlier versions of robot cleaners that mostly passed water-filled pads across the floor. However they aren't designed to handle huge spills, which have to be cleaned manually. They also cannot handle furniture and can get confused in rooms that have lots of clutter on the floor, so be sure to straighten the space before mopping to make sure the machine can move around it efficiently.
Some newer bots have brushes on their bottom and sides which can be cleaned and removed So, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions on how to do this (typically, a damp microfiber cloth). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate around the floor and avoid obstacles. To ensure that the sensors function well, it's helpful to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles with a soft, clean cloth - especially the areas where sensors are pressed against the floor.
Additionally, although it is possible to add other cleaners in your robot's tank (for instance vinegar, for example) We do not recommend using them unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This could cause damage to the robot and can cause the warranty to be voided.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot mop and vacuum comes with a dock which doubles as a water tank, it will have to be cleaned regularly. The dock can collect dust, grit and other debris and must be cleared and washed when the mop is finished. A majority of our choices come with a self-cleaning feature that you can access via the app or button on the mop. This keeps the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew from developing.
The dock area that washes the pads also must be cleaned periodically -- it can get slimy and smell unpleasant when left wet for too long. If your model has washable or disposable mop pads, be sure to wash them according to manufacturer's instructions in between cleaning cycles. This is also true for hybrid vacuum models that use brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. After every cleaning cycle remove the brushes and clean them with an abrasive or a cloth.
Some of the more sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested have sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still important to wipe the sensor areas clean regularly. This can prevent dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and causing inaccurate readings.
Although the majority of robot vacuums and mop units require some effort however, they're a great option for busy homeowners. They can keep floors looking nice and reduce the need for heavy lifting, and help you save the most valuable resource you have in a home -your time.
There are a few companies that are trying to develop better vacuum-mop machines however they are far from our level of quality. But we expect these robots to improve in time, just as all other robot vacuums have in the past.
Cleaning the Brushes
Similar to vacuum cleaners, it's important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combination to ensure it is working well. Clean sensors to make it easier to navigate, empty and rinse the water tank, get rid of pet hair clogs from brushes, keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and rollers according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These suggestions will help your robot vacuum and mop combination perform efficiently for a long 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 suggesting products for more than 40 years.
Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are ideal for dealing with dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills, stains) all in one cleaning session without having to switch machines. These multitaskers will save you time and effort and are ideal for those who lives a full schedule.
Certain robots are operated via an app and come with more features. For instance this model features an outline of our obstacle course which is a major selling feature. You can also use the app to schedule and alter cleaning sessions as well as change mopping modes and check the level of battery. Others offer voice activation, for instance this model that works with Alexa for hands-free control.
If you're looking for a robot mop and vacuum, ensure that it has the features you are looking for. While all models use a pad with water over floors, some include scrubbers that can be used to clean grout, or rotating brushes to provide more intense scrubs. Some models have a filter which can be cleaned or replaced in order to lessen odors.
Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads and place them into a base which automatically empties into a waste drawer, eliminating the need to wash the pads manually or refill the tank. Other models, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that can be washed and dry between uses. If you choose a model with reusable pads, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions about drying and washing them in order to ensure they look their best.