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 select mopping modes. Some models with dual rotating pads also return to the dock to clean their brushes and empty dirty water.

To prevent the accumulation of bacteria, remove the pads and wash them (if it is safe) after each cleaning cycle. Also, you'll want to clean the tray in which they rest between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops have pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, scrubbing or brushing to get rid of sticky spots and other marks. To stop the growth of bacteria up and to prevent them from smelling, these pads should be removed and washed between use (if they can be washed). Some models have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot that also need to be washed, rinsed or replaced after a few cleaning cycles.

The most effective 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combination is easy to use and comes with features that cut down on the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. They include self-cleaning pads, docks and automatic vacuum and mop robot dustbin emptying. This keeps your robot mopping almost immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to be able navigate and avoid obstacles, clean them with a soft towel or cloth every couple of cycles. This will eliminate dust that could block sensors and lead to errors.

If you have carpets, make sure to select a robot mop that is compatible with carpets. Robot mops that can scrub or vacuum floors must be reprogrammed in order to avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping capabilities. This allows you to observe the areas your robot has cleaned, as well as those it hasn't.

The majority of app-connected robot mop mops utilize sensors to guide them around the house and avoid obstacles, but they can occasionally get confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities are as good as possible, update the mopping app regularly with the latest software versions. We suggest testing a robot's performance at home by creating an obstacle course to race through prior to buying it.

The majority of robot vacuums that mop mops have two tanks, one for clean and another for dirty water. The dirty water tank needs to be emptied and filled regularly. The water tanks can be removed from the base, making it easier to clean them and rinse with warm water and mild soap. The majority of models have drip tray which sits beneath the water tank that has been contaminated to catch any spilled liquid. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray after every cleaning cycle to lower the risk of bacteria growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations, and robot mops utilize a water reservoir for cleaning. Most manufacturers advise you to clean this tank regularly, dependent on how often you use your bot. This is vital if you want your bots last for many years. Some brands, including the top picks of our ratings, come with removable, washable tank so you can remove dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the newer mop-vacs we have tested can be used with an app that lets you save your home's maps, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is a feature we look for when deciding on a model, as it makes setting up and using your robot cleaner much easier. If your choice doesn't have an application, you can control the basics of the robot using a button on its dock or remote.

The latest models we've tested can clean up dust and dirt from multiple surfaces This is a major improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners that mostly simply pushed a pad of water across the floor. They aren't made to deal with large spills. They have to be cleaned manually. They aren't able to move furniture, and they can become lost in rooms with lots of clutter.

Follow the manufacturer's directions to remove and wash the brushes that are on the bottom or sides of the latest bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Many bots also have sensors to help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles. To ensure that these sensors are working properly, it's recommended to clean the sensors after every few cleaning cycles with a soft clean cloth, particularly the areas where the sensors are placed against the floor.

Although it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot's tank however, we don't recommend it unless it has been recommended by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to your robot and void its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your mop and robot vacuum combo has docks that double as a water tank, you will need to clean it periodically. The dock can accumulate grit, dirt and debris that needs to be cleaned and removed when the mop has finished. A majority of our choices have a self-cleaning feature that you can access via the app or the button on the mop. This keeps the tank clean and helps to prevent mildew.

It is also essential to wash the area of the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If the area is left wet, it may turn slimy and even smell. 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 goes for hybrid vacuum models which use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. After each cleaning cycle take the brushes off and clean them with the help of a rag or cloth.

It is essential to clean the sensor areas on some of the more advanced robot mop vacuum combos we've tested. They are equipped with sensors that help navigate floors and keep out obstructions. This can keep dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and causing misjudgment.

Although most robot vacuums and mop units require some effort, they are a great alternative for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking good and reduce the need for heavy lifts. They also save you time, which is the most valuable resource you have at home.

While there are startups that are working to create better robot vacuum units but they have a long way to go before they reach the level of our quality. We anticipate that these robots will improve over time, just as all previous robot vacuums did.

Cleaning the Brushes

Similar to vacuum cleaners, it's important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum unit to ensure that it's working well. Clean sensors to aid in navigation clean and empty the water tank, get rid of pet hair clogs off of brushes Keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and rollers according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These suggestions will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum is efficient for a long period of time.

Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab is responsible for evaluating and tests cleaning devices in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum-mop combinations. Her team has been testing and suggesting products for more than 40 years.

Robot vacuums and mops are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills and staining) in one clean-up session without switching machines. These multitaskers can help you save time and energy and are a great choice for those with a busy life.

Certain robots require an application to function and have more features than others, like a map this model created of our obstacle course that's a big selling point. You can also schedule and modify cleaning sessions by using the app, switch mopping modes and determine the battery's level. Some models offer voice activation for hands-free operation such as the model that integrates with Alexa.

If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop make sure you choose one that has the features that are most important to you. While all models pass pads with water over floors, some models have a scrubber that can be used to clean grout, or a rotating brush roll to provide more intensive scrubs. Certain models come with filters that can be cleaned or replaced to reduce smells.

Some mopping robots that vacuum and mop drop their dirty pads into an empty base that automatically dumps them into a garbage bin, removing the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, such as the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry in between uses. If you decide to purchase a model with pads that are reusable, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to clean and dry them.