Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that lets you save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules and select mopping settings. Certain models with dual rotating pads will also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dump dirty water.
If your model has pads that are reusable, take them off and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent bacteria buildup. You should also clean the tray they rest on between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops utilize pads with a cleaner that pass over the floor to soften sticky spots and other marks using scrubbing motions or brushes. To prevent bacteria from building up and to prevent them from smelling, these pads must be cleaned and removed between usage (if they can be washed). Some models also have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the robot which must be cleaned, rinsed or replaced after every few cleaning cycles.
The
best robot hoover 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combos are easy-to-use and come with features that cut down on the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads, docks and automatic dustbin emptying. This helps keep your robot mopping almost immediately after a cleaning. If you want your
robot vacuum best's sensors to to navigate around obstacles, clean them with a soft cloth or a cloth every few cycles. This can help get rid of dust that could block sensors and cause mistakes.
Select a robot mop that is compatible with carpets if you already have carpets. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, but those which can also scrub or vacuum floors might need to be reprogrammed to recognize or avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping features that can give you a live map of the room so you can track where your robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.
Most robots with apps use sensors to guide them through the home and avoid obstacles, but they can sometimes be confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as good as possible and to ensure that the app is updated on a regular basis with new software updates. Before purchasing a robot, we suggest that you create an obstacle course in your home to test its capabilities.
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 filled and emptied regularly. The tanks can be lifted out of the base, making it easier to clean and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with an under-sink drip tray beneath the tank that collects any liquid spilled. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray every cleaning cycle to prevent bacterial from developing.
Cleaning the Water Tank
The majority of robot mop, vacuum combinations and robot mops use a water reservoir for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank on a regular basis, depending on how frequently you use your robot. This is crucial for bots that you want to last for many years. Certain brands, including the top picks in our rating include washable, removable tanks so you can remove the soiled water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
The majority of the latest mop-vacs we have tested are compatible with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is something we look for when choosing a model, as it makes setting up and using the
robot cleaner a lot easier. If the robot you choose does not have an app, it is still possible to control the basic functions of the bot using a button or remote.
The newer models we've tested are able to remove dirt and dust from a variety of surfaces. This is an enormous improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners that mostly passed water pads across the floor. However they're not designed to handle huge spills, which still need to be cleaned by hand. They aren't able to move furniture, and they can become lost in rooms that have a lot of clutter.
Follow the manufacturer's directions to clean and remove the brushes that are located on the sides or on the bottom of the latest bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Many bots also come with sensors that aid in navigation and avoid obstacles. It is essential to wipe the sensors down every few cleaning cycles, particularly if they are pressed up against the floor.
It is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the tank of the robot however, we don't recommend it unless it has been approved by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot and invalidate the warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your robot mop and vacuum has a separate dock which doubles as a water tank, it's going to need to be cleaned periodically. The dock may accumulate dirt, grit and other debris that must be cleaned out and removed once the mop has finished. Many of our picks include a self-cleaning function that you can use via the app or button on the mop. This helps keep the tank clean and prevents mildew from developing.

The area of the dock which washes the pads should be cleaned from time to time -it can become slimy or smell bad if left wet for too long. If your model has washable or disposable mop pads, make sure to wash them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuum and mop units with brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit are also affected. After every cleaning cycle, take the brushes off and clean them with an abrasive or a cloth.
Some of the more advanced robot vacuums and mops we've tested have sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still important to wipe off the sensor areas regularly. This will prevent dust and grime blocking the sensors, which can cause them to make incorrect judgments.
While many robot mops and vacuum cleaners require a bit of work on every day basis, they can provide significant advantages for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking great and eliminate the need for heavy lifts. They also save time which is the most valuable resource at home.
There are a few companies trying to create better vacuum-mop robotics but they're far from the quality we have. But we do expect these robots to improve in time, just as all other robot vacuums have in the past.
Cleaning the Brushes
Similar to vacuum cleaners is essential to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combination to ensure it is functioning properly. Wipe down the sensors to improve navigation. Clean and empty the water tanks, remove hairs from brushes and charge ports, clean them, and replace the rollers and filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. These suggestions will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum 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 suggesting them for over forty years.
Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are great for tackling both dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills, stains) in one cleaning session without the need to switch machines. Multitaskers are great for saving time and effort. They're also great for busy schedule.
Some robots require an app to operate and offer more features than others, for example, a a map this model created of our obstacle course, which is an important selling point. You can also make use of the app to plan and alter cleaning sessions modify mopping settings and check the level of battery. Some models offer voice activation for hands-free operation such as the model that is compatible with Alexa.
If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combination choose one that has the features that are most important to you. All models utilize a pad to sweep floors, however some have scrubbers for cleaning grout, or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrubbing. Some models come with a filter which can be cleaned or replaced to lessen the odor.
Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads and place them into a base that emptys into a garbage drawer making it unnecessary to wash the pads manually or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, such as the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry between uses. If you choose one with pads that can be reused, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean and dry them.