Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

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

To avoid the accumulation of bacteria, remove the pads and clean them (if it is safe) after each cleaning cycle. Also, you'll want to clean the resting tray that they are sitting on between cleanings.

Preparation

A lot of robot mops have pads with a cleaner that are pushed across the floor to soften the sticky marks and spots by using scrubbing movements or a brush. To stop bacteria from building up and to keep them from smelling, the pads must be cleaned and removed between usage (if they are washable). Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, which must be cleaned, rinsed or replaced after every few cleaning cycles.

The best robot cleaner 2-in-1 robotic mop and vacuum combos are simple to use and come with features that help reduce cleaning maintenance after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic hoover emptying of the trash bin. This keeps your robot mopping almost immediately following a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot to be capable of navigating and avoiding obstacles, try wiping down its sensors using a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that can hinder sensors and cause errors.

Select a robot mop suitable for carpets if have them. Robotic mops that are able to vacuum or scrub floors will need to be reprogrammed in order to avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping capabilities that give you a live map of the room so you can track where the robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.

The majority of app-connected robot mop mops utilize sensors to guide them around the home and steer clear of obstacles, but they may sometimes be lost or confused. To ensure that your robot's navigation capabilities and obstacle-avoidance abilities are as good as possible and to ensure that the app is updated regularly with the latest software versions. We recommend testing a robot's capabilities in your own home by constructing an obstacle course to test its capabilities before purchasing it.

Most robot mops come with two tanks, one for clean water and the second for dirty water. The tank that is dirty is required to be filled and empty frequently. The water tanks can be lifted out of the base, making it easier to clean and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models have a drip tray that is placed under the water tank that has been contaminated to collect any liquid spilled. It is recommended to empty the drip tray following every cleaning cycle to lower the risk of growth of bacteria.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot vacuums and mop combos use a water tank to clean. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank regularly, depending on how frequently you use your robot. If you want your bot to last a long time, automatic vacuum cleaner And mop this is important. Some brands, including the top choices in our ratings include washable, removable tanks, allowing you to wash off the water that is dirty and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of mop-vacs that we tested come with an app which allows you to save maps of your house as well as create cleaning schedules, or choose cleaning modes. This is one of the features we look for when deciding on the right model, since it makes the process of setting up and using the robot cleaner a lot easier. If the robot you pick doesn't have an app, it is still possible to control the basic functions of the robot with the remote or button.

All of the latest models we've tested can clean dust and dirt off various surfaces, which is a huge improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners that largely simply pushed a pad of water across the floor. These machines are not meant to take on large spills. They have to be cleaned manually. They are also not able to handle large furniture pieces and can get confused in rooms that have lots of things on the floor, so be sure to straighten up the area prior to mopping it to make sure the machine is able to move around it efficiently.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean and remove the brushes that are on the sides or on the bottom of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by a majority of bots to navigate on the floor and avoid obstacles. It's important to wipe the sensors down every few cleaning cycles, especially where they are pressed up against the floor.

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 can damage the robot and invalidate its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your mop and robot vacuum combination has docks that double as water tank, you'll have to keep it clean regularly. The dock can collect dust, grit and other debris and must be cleared and cleaned when the mop is finished. Many of our options have a self-cleaning feature which you can access through the app or button on the mop. This helps keep the tank clean and prevents mildew from developing.

The dock area that washes the pads also needs to be washed periodically -- it can get slimy or even smell bad if left wet for too long. If your model comes with disposable or washable mop pads, make sure to wash them in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. The same goes for hybrid mop/vacuum models that use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. Take the brushes out and clean them with a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

It's essential to clean the sensor areas of some of the more advanced robot mop-vacuum combos that we've test. They come with sensors that help navigate floors and keep out obstructions. This can keep dust and grime from blocking the sensors and causing misjudgment.

While most robot vacuums and mop units require some effort however, they're a great alternative for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking great and reduce the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save time which is the most valuable resource at home.

There are a few companies working to develop better vacuum-mop machines, but they are still quite a ways from our standard. But we expect these robots to improve over time, just like the other robot vacuums in the past.

Brushes to be cleaned

Just like a vacuum cleaner it is important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum combination to ensure it is functioning well. Clean sensors to aid in navigation, empty and rinse the water tank, clean pet hair clogs that block brushes Keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and rollers as suggested by the manufacturer. These steps will ensure that your robot mop and automatic vacuum cleaner combo works efficiently for a long period of time.

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

Robot vacuums and mops are ideal for dealing with dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills, staining) all in one cleaning session without having to switch machines. These multitaskers will save you time and effort and are ideal for those with a busy life.

Certain robots require an application to function and have more features than others, such as the map this model made of our obstacle course that's one of the main selling points. You can also make use of the app to plan and alter cleaning sessions as well as change mopping modes and check the level of battery. Some models allow hands-free operation via voice such as the model that works with Alexa.

When you are looking for a robot mop and vacuum, ensure that it has the features you are looking for. Each model uses pads to sweep the floor, however some have scrubbers for cleaning grout or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrubbing. Some models have filters that can be washed or replaced to eliminate the odor.

Some mopping robots dump their dirty pads into the base, which then automatically empty them into a waste bin, eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill a tank. Other models, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that can be washed and dry between usage. If you choose the model that has reusable pads, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer on drying and washing them in order to keep them looking their best.