Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that lets you save maps of your house, set cleaning schedules and select mopping settings. Some models that have dual rotating pads will also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dispose of dirty water.

If your model uses reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every several cleaning cycles to avoid the buildup of bacteria. Also, you should clean the tray that they sit on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops have pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to get rid of sticky marks and other spots. The pads must be removed, washed (if they are washable) and dried between uses to prevent the growth of bacteria and prevent them from smelling unpleasant. Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot vacuum cleaners reviews, that need to be washed and rinsed, or replaced every few cleaning cycles.

The best robot vacuum 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combos are simple to use and come with features that reduce the amount of maintenance needed after cleaning. They include self-cleaning pads, docks and automatic hoover dustbin emptying. This keeps your robot mopping again almost immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to navigate and avoid obstacles, clean them using a soft towel or cloth every couple of cycles. This will eliminate dust that could block sensors and lead to mistakes.

If you have carpets, make sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with carpets. Most robot mops are able to work on hard surfaces, but those that also be used to scrub or vacuum floors may need to be reprogrammed to recognize carpets or avoid them. Some robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners are equipped with mapping features. This lets you identify the areas that your robot has cleaned as well as those it hasn't.

The majority of app-connected robot mop mops utilize sensors to guide them through the house and avoid obstacles, but they may sometimes get lost or confused. Update the mopping app regularly with new software releases to ensure your robot is equipped with the most effective navigation and obstacle-avoidance abilities. Before you purchase a robot, we recommend creating an obstacle course at your home to check its performance.

Most robot mops have two tanks. One for clean water and one for dirty water. The tank for dirty water has to be emptied and filled regularly. The water tanks can be easily removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and rinse with warm water and mild soap. The majority of models have an under-sink drip tray beneath the tank that collects any liquid that spills. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to minimize the risk of bacteria growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops and vacuum/mop combos use a water tank 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 essential. Some brands, including the top choices in our rating, have removable, washable tanks so you can remove the water that is dirty and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Many of the latest mop-vacs we have tested are compatible with an app that lets you save maps of your home as well as set cleaning schedules and select cleaning modes. This is a crucial feature to look for when choosing a robotic cleaner. It makes setting it up and using it a lot easier. If your chosen model doesn't have an app, you'll be able to manage the basic functions of the robot using a button on its dock or remote.

All of the latest models we've tested can clean dust and dirt off many surfaces, which is a huge improvement over previous iterations of robot cleaners that largely just pushed a pad filled with water across the floor. However they're not designed to handle large spills, and they still need to be cleaned manually. They can't move furniture and could get lost in rooms that have a lot of clutter.

Follow the instructions of the manufacturer to clean and remove the brushes on the sides or on the bottom of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Many bots also have sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles. It's important to clean the sensors 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 tank of the robot, we do not recommend it unless it's been recommended by the manufacturer. This can damage the robot and may void its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your mop and robot vacuum combination comes with docks that double as water tank, you'll need to clean it periodically. The dock can collect dirt, grit and other debris that must be cleaned and removed when the mop has finished. Many of our picks have self-cleaning cycles that which you can control with the app or a button on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and helps prevent mildew.

It is also important to wash the area around the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If left wet, it can become slimy and even smell. If your model comes with disposable or washable mop pads, make sure to wash them according to manufacturer's instructions in between cleaning cycles. The same is true for models with a hybrid mop/vacuum which use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. Every several cleaning cycles remove the brushes and clean them using an abrasive or a cloth.

It's essential to clean the sensor areas of some of the more advanced robot mop vacuum combos we've tested. They have sensors that help navigate floors and avoid obstructions. This can prevent dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and leading to misjudgment.

While most robot mop and vacuum units require a little work on every day basis, they offer big advantages for busy homeowners. They can keep your floors looking good and reduce the need for heavy lifts. They also save you time which is the most valuable resource at home.

There are a few companies trying to build better vacuum-mop robots, but they are still a long way from our level of quality. We expect these robots will improve over time, just as the previous robot vacuums did.

Brushes to be cleaned

Maintaining your robot's mop and vacuum is crucial, just like maintaining a vacuum cleaner. Clean the sensors to enhance navigation. Clean and empty the water tanks, clean hairs from the brushes and charge ports, clean them and change the rollers and filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. These tips will make your robot vacuum and mop perform efficiently for an extended period of time.

Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, evaluates and tests cleaning devices in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum and mop combinations. Her team has been testing and providing recommendations for them for more than forty years.

Robot vacuum and mop combos are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills, staining) all in one cleaning session without switching machines. Multitaskers can help you save time and energy and are ideal for those with a hectic schedule.

Certain robots are operated via an app and include more features. For example, this model has an obstacle course map that shows our course, which is a major selling point. You can also schedule and modify cleaning sessions with the app, switch mopping mode and determine the battery's level. Some models offer voice activation for hands-free operation like the model that integrates with Alexa.

If you are considering purchasing a robot vacuum and mop combination make sure you choose a model that has the features that are important to you. All models utilize pads to sweep the floor but some also have a scrubber to clean grout or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrubbing. Some models have filters that can be changed or cleaned to eliminate odors.

Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads and drop them into a base which automatically discharges into a waste bin 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 use. If you opt for a model that has pads that can be reused, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer on how to clean and dry them.