How to Keep a Robot Vacuum Clean

Robot vacuums can help keep your floors clean. Based on the model, they could also sweep, mop and even vacuum stairs.

Find models with advanced features, such as remote access and app control. Apps can be used to schedule cleaning sessions and keep track of the progress. Certain apps even allow you to suspend and recharge, and then return to where they stopped.

1. Battery Life

It's safe to say that future of cleaning has arrived. With cars that can drive on their own, drones that fly through the air, and robot vacuums that move around furniture with ease It is certain that the future is here. As with all technology there is a need for some maintenance to keep it running smoothly.

The most crucial factor in the life of your robot cleaner is the battery's charge and discharge cycles. Keep the dustbin full and empty. Be sure to check for furs that have become tangled and stop the brushes from getting jammed.

Another aspect to consider is the environment in which your robot is stored, as extreme cold and heat can affect the battery's performance. You can prolong the lifespan of your robot's battery by charging it to 50% and then storing it in a cool area. Also, remove it from the power source when not in use. Many smart devices also feature periodic firmware updates that help improve performance and optimize battery. Check the app to check if there are any updates.

If you have many hard floors, a robotic cleaner and mop vacuum is an excellent option. It can quickly and effectively take away dirt and other debris and leave your floors sparkling clean. If you're looking for more than a simple clean-up, look for a model that offers superior navigation and obstacles avoidance.

The Ecovacs T20 robot is our top-rated robotic. It is a combination of advanced navigation, powerful suction and a range of mopping options to offer a deep, thorough clean of your flooring. It makes use of LiDAR cameras and sensors to create detailed maps of your home. This helps it stay on course and avoid getting caught in furniture legs or power cables. It can also detect things like shoes and clutter to automatically clean them. It's also self-emptying, so you don't have to return it to its base to empty the bin after each cleaning session.

2. Dust Bin

Robots are ideal for quick midweek cleaning but lack the suction to replace a plug in vacuum cleaner for deep cleans. Even the best robot vacuums are susceptible to getting caught in cords and toys. They can also overlook dirt piles near baseboards and struggle to get rid of the crumbs that have accumulated under furniture. The dust bins onboard are filled quickly, and they have to go back to their charging stations to empty themselves. This can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes for certain models.

As such, it's important to select a vacuum that has a large dustbin and can empty into its dock without returning to complete the job. You'll want to decide whether you prefer bagged models or a model that is bagless. If you opt for the bagless version you'll need to know how much dust it can hold before you can empty it.

In our tests we apply 100 grams of sand on an area of carpet with a medium pile and utilize a robot vacuum vacuum it over the surface. We then weigh the amount of sand we find in the vacuum's dust bin to determine the amount dirt it has accumulated. A large amount suggests that the bin onboard may fill up faster and force the robot to stop cleaning.

It's good to know that a lot of robot vacuums come with an enormous dust bin that is easily emptyable. You can also schedule them to empty their bases at least one or two times per day. It's also a good idea to keep a container of compressed air in your bag to blow out hairs that are tangled in the rotating brush. You can also clean any filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

3. Wi-Fi Connectivity

The top robot vacuums come with a variety options for connecting to your home's WiFi. This allows the robot to update its software and also gives you the possibility of monitoring your robot via an app or voice commands. This feature isn't essential, but it offers convenience and options for customization that can enhance the overall robot vacuuming experience.

To ensure they are running at their best robot cleaner, most models require some level of maintenance. For instance emptying the dustbin and cleaning the brushroll. Regularly cleaning, detaching and checking consumable parts will also extend their lifespan. Vacuum expert Emily Rairdin at University Vacuum & Sewing says that three to five years is the average life expectancy for a Robot Vacuum Best vacuum, though this can differ greatly based on the frequency you use it and whether you take care to maintain it properly.

A robot vacuum has to be able navigate obstacles and determine the floor's layout in order to work. Advanced navigation systems usually include sensors for cliffs that alert the robot to steep drops, as well as optical and laser sensors that allow it to "see" the layout of a room. Some robots also come with a specialized mopping function that can be helpful to keep floors clean between deep cleanings using an upright vacuum.

The best 2-in-1 vacuums can also mop. This means that you won't need to switch between a robot vacuum and an manual one. One of the best automatic vacuum and mop examples is the iRobot Roomba 690, which is a powerful and efficient robot vacuum that can clean surfaces with its water tank and wash the mop pad in a way that is automatic. Its high-quality mapping and obstacle-avoidance abilities earned it CR's best robot vacuum award, and an AVTech Editors' Choice award.

4. Cleaning Patterns

The best robot vacuums that we tested have impressive pickup scores on hard floors and carpets with a low pile. They get rid of dirt, dust and pet hair. They also remove particles and crumbs from the edges of rooms and along baseboards. They aren't able to remove dirt that is deep-seated or tangles of plush shag fibers, like an upright or a canister. They aren't able to pick up spilled liquids and food, or heavy metal screws. They can also miss certain areas (including under furniture).

Many models come with clever features that make them more user-friendly. Most models come with an application that lets you schedule cleaning sessions and remotely control the robot. They can be integrated with your smart-home system so that you can make voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some have multiple modes that let you choose between mopping, sweeping and vacuuming. They can also return to their docks to recharge and resume cleaning where they left off.

The technology for avoiding obstacles has advanced over the years, but it is still essential to get rid of cords, toys, and pet clutter before operating the robot. Before mapping out the space, it is recommended to cover all floor-to ceiling mirrors with cardboard. The laser used by some models may bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to crash against the wall or floor.

More premium models have advanced mapping capabilities, some using lidar to create a 3D map of your surroundings. This helps the robot recognize obstacles and determine the most efficient route to avoid them. Some also allow you to create no-go zones so that the robot will not be able to enter certain areas, such as your pet's food bowls or an expensive rug.

5. App Control

Many robots allow you to set a schedule for cleaning and control them without hands using an app, meaning you can keep your home clean while you're working or away. Certain robots also have the ability to self-empty to a larger bin in their base which helps reduce dust release and is an excellent feature for people suffering from allergies.

Some robots are able to detect objects on the ground and utilize cameras as a way to avoid obstacles like power cords, furniture leg or pet toys. This is an impressive feature that is offered in less expensive models. However, it's essential to regularly empty your robot's trash bin and check for hairs that are tangled as they build up.

A high-end model can also store multiple floor maps, which is beneficial if you live in multiple levels, and some can create 3D representations of your home. You can select specific rooms and set up digital "keep-out" zones to ensure that your robot only cleans the areas you want.

Robots are great for midweek cleanups but they're not able to substitute for a large-sized vacuum, particularly for carpets. They're better at removing dirt embedded in carpet than floors that are unfinished, but they can still miss piles of debris near baseboards and thresholds, as well as cords and socks that are tangled. To get the most out of your robot, look for models with spots and zone cleaning options to target particular areas and prevent unnecessary cleaning. You can also find a model that recharges and resumes where it left off, which is an enormous benefit in a large house.