Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an application that lets you save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules and choose mopping settings. Some models that have dual spinning pads also automatically return to their dock mid-cleaning to empty the water of dirt and clean their brushes.

If your model is using reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent bacteria buildup. You should also clean the tray that they sit on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops use pads with a cleaning solution that slide across the floor to soften the sticky marks and spots with scrubbing motions or brushes. To stop bacteria from building up and to keep them from smelling, these pads must be removed and washed between usage (if they are washable). Some models have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot. They also need to be rinsed, washed or replaced every couple of cleaning cycles.

The most effective 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combos are easy-to-use and come with features that decrease the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the trash bin. This will keep your robot mopping again almost immediately following a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot's sensors to navigate and avoid obstacles, clean them using a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This will remove dust that could hinder sensors and cause mistakes.

If you have carpets, make sure to select a robot vacuums that mop mop that is compatible with them. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, however those which can also scrub or vacuum floors might require reprogramming to recognize or avoid carpets. Some robotic mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping capabilities that give you a real-time map of your room so you can see where your robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.

The majority of robots with apps connected to mops use sensors to move through the home and avoid obstacles, but can sometimes get confused or lost. Update the mopping app regularly with the latest software releases to ensure that your robot is equipped with the most effective navigation and obstacle-avoidance abilities. Before purchasing a robot, we suggest that you create an obstacle course at your home to test its capabilities.

Most robot mops come with two tanks, one for clean water and the other for dirty water. The tank for dirty water is required to be filled and empty frequently. The water tanks are easily removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and wash them with warm water and mild soap. Most models have a drip tray that is placed under the dirty water tank to collect any spilled liquid. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray after every cleaning cycle to prevent bacterial from growing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot mops and vacuum/mop combos have a water tank to clean. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank regularly, dependent on how often you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is crucial. Certain brands, including the top picks in our ratings are washable, removable tanks so you can remove the dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of mop-vacs that we tested come with an app that lets you save your home's maps, set up cleaning schedules, or choose cleaning modes. This is a crucial feature to look out for when choosing a robotic cleaner. It makes setting it up and using it much easier. If the robot you select doesn't have an app, it is still possible to control the basic functions of the bot using a button or remote.

All of the newer models we've tested can clean dust and dirt off various surfaces This is a major improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners which mainly just pushed a pad filled with water across the floor. These machines are not meant to deal with large spills. They have to be cleaned manually. These machines can't move furniture and can get lost in rooms with lots of clutter.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove and wash the brushes that are located on the bottom or sides of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Many bots also have sensors to assist them in navigating floors and avoid obstacles. To ensure that these sensors are working well, it's a good idea to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles using a soft clean cloth, particularly the areas where the sensors are placed against the floor.

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

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum combo comes with a dock which doubles as a water tank, it will need to be cleaned periodically. The dock can collect dust, grit and other debris, which needs to be removed and washed when the mop is finished. A majority of our choices have an auto vacuum and mop-cleaning cycle that which you can control with the app or on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and prevents mildew.

It is also essential to wash the area of the dock where the pads are cleaned. If the dock is left wet, it could be slimy and smell. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads ensure that you wash them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. This is also true for hybrid mop/vacuum models which use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. Clean the brushes and clean them with a rag or cloth after each cleaning cycle.

Some of the most sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested include sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still essential to clean down those sensor areas on a regular basis. This will keep dust and grime blocking the sensors, causing them make faulty judgments.

Although the majority of robot vacuums and mop systems require some work they are an excellent alternative for busy homeowners. They can keep floors looking nice, eliminate the necessity for heavy lifting, and give you the most valuable resource of a home -- your free time.

Although there are some startups that are working to create better robot vacuum units, they still have a long way to go before they get to the level of our quality. But we do expect these robots to improve in time, just as the other robot vacuums in the past.

Cleaning the Brushes

Like vacuum cleaners, it's important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum unit to ensure that it's working well. Clean the sensors to improve navigation. Clean and empty the water tanks, clean hairs from the brushes, clean the charge ports and then replace the rollers and filter according to the instructions of the manufacturer. These steps will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum combo performs well for a lengthy period of time.

Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte evaluates and tests cleaning appliances in the Laboratory, including robot vacuum-mop combos. Her team has been testing and recommending products for more than 40 years.

Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are ideal for dealing with both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills, stains) all in one cleaning session without having to switch machines. These multitaskers are great at making it easier to save time and effort. They're also convenient for busy schedule.

Some robots are operated by an app and include more features. For instance, this model has an obstacle course map that shows our course which is a major selling feature. You can also utilize the app to schedule and modify cleaning sessions as well as change mopping modes and check the level of battery. Certain models have voice activation to allow hands-free operation like the model that works with Alexa.

When you are looking for a robot mop or vacuum, be sure it has the features you are looking for. While all models use pads with water across floors, some include scrubbers that can be used to clean grout, or an inclined brush roll for more intensive scrubs. Some models have a filter that can be washed or replaced to lessen the smell.

Some mopping machines dispose of their dirty pads and place them into a base that emptys into a garbage drawer, eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Other models, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between usage. If you choose a model that has reusable pads, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for drying and washing them in order to keep them looking their best automatic vacuum.