Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums and mop models have an app that lets you save maps of your home as well as create cleaning schedules and select mopping mode. Some models with dual spinning pads will also automatically return to their docks mid-cleaning to dump dirty water and clean their brushes.

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

Preparation

Many robot mops utilize pads with a cleaner that slide across the floor to soften the marks and sticky spots by using scrubbing movements or a brush. To prevent bacteria from building up and to prevent them from smelling, the pads should be removed and washed between use (if they can be washed). 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 vacuum and mop 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop combos are easy to use and have features that reduce post-cleaning maintenance. They include automatic emptying of the dustbin docks that self-clean and self-cleaning pads that ensure your robot is ready to mop immediately after a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors with a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This can help get rid of dust that can block sensors and cause mistakes.

If you have carpets, make sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with carpets. Robotic mops that are able to vacuum or scrub floors need to be reprogrammed so they can avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners as well as mop cleaners have mapping functions. This allows you to observe the areas your robot has cleaned as well as those that it hasn't.

The majority of robots with apps connected to mop use sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles but they can also get confused or lost. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with new software releases to ensure that your robot has the best automatic vacuum navigation and obstacle-avoidance abilities. Before you buy a robot we suggest that you create an obstacle course at your home to check its performance.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks, one for clean water and one for dirty water. The tank that is dirty needs to be emptied and filled regularly. The water tanks can be removed from the base, making it easier to clean them and wash them with warm water and mild soap. The majority of models have a drip tray underneath the tank that collects any liquid spilled. It is recommended to empty your drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to prevent bacterial from developing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops and vacuum/mop combos have a water tank for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank regularly, dependent on how often you use your robot. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is important. Certain brands, like the top picks of our reviews, have a removable, washable tank so you can remove dirty water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of the latest mop-vacs that we tested are compatible with an app that allows you to save maps of your home and set up cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is a crucial feature to look out for when selecting a robot cleaner. It makes setting it up and using it much simpler. If your choice doesn't have an app, you can still control the basics of the robot using the dock or via its remote.

All the newer models that we've tested have the ability to clean dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is a big improvement over the earlier versions of robot cleaners, which mainly passed a pad of water across the floor. However, these machines are not designed to deal with big spills, which have to be cleaned by hand. These machines can't move furniture and could get lost in rooms with a lot of clutter.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to wash and remove the brushes that are on the sides or bottom of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Many bots also have sensors to aid in navigation and avoid obstacles. To ensure that the sensors function well, it's helpful to clean the sensors every few cleaning cycles using a soft clean cloth, especially the areas where sensors are pressed against the floor.

While it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the tank of the robot We do not recommend it unless it has been approved by the manufacturer. This could damage your robot and void the warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot vacuum and mop combination comes with docks that double as a water tank, you'll have to keep it clean regularly. The dock can accumulate dirt, grit and other debris that must be cleaned and removed after the mop has finished. Many of our picks have self-cleaning cycles that you can run using the app or on the mop itself. This helps keep the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew.

The dock's area which washes the pads should be cleaned from time to time -it could become slimy and smell unpleasant if left wet for too long. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, make sure to wash them according to the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. The same is true for hybrid mop/vacuum models that use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. Clean the brushes and clean them with a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

Some of the more advanced robot vacuum best vacuums and mops we've tested have sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still necessary to wipe the sensor areas clean on a regular basis. This will stop dirt and grime from blocking sensors, causing them make incorrect judgements.

Although most robot vacuums and mop systems require some effort, they are a great alternative for busy homeowners. They can keep your floors looking beautiful and eliminate the need for heavy lifting. They also save time and energy, which is the most valuable resource at home.

While there are a few new companies that are trying to develop better robot vacuum-mop units but they still have a long way to go before they reach the level of our quality. We expect these robots will improve over time, just like the previous robot vacuums did.

Brushes to be cleaned

Like vacuum cleaners it is important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combo so it keeps functioning well. Wipe down sensors to make it easier to navigate clear and rinse the water tank, remove pet hair clogs that block brushes Keep charge ports clean and replace filter and rollers as suggested by the manufacturer. These steps will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum 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, including robot vacuum-mop combos. Her team has been testing and recommending them for more than forty years.

Robot vacuum and mop combos are ideal for dealing with dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills or staining) in one cleaning session without having to switch machines. These multitaskers can help you save time and energy and are ideal for those who lives a full schedule.

Some robots require an app to operate and provide more features than others, like the map this model designed of our obstacle course that's an important selling point. You can also use the app to schedule and modify cleaning schedules as well as change mopping modes and check the battery level. Certain models have voice activation for hands-free operation such as the model that integrates with Alexa.

If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combination make sure you choose one that has the features that are most important to you. All models utilize a pad to sweep the floor but some include scrubbers for cleaning grout or a rotating brush for more intense scrubbing. Certain models come with filters that can be cleaned or replaced to reduce odors.

Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads into an empty base that automatically dumps them into a waste bin, eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill a tank. Some mopping robots, such as the Noesis Florio have reusable pads which can be washed and dried in between uses. If you decide to purchase a model with pads that can be reused, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean and dry them.