Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums and mops come with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules and choose mopping settings. Some models with dual spinning pads will also automatically return to their docks during cleaning to flush out dirty water and clean their brushes.

If your model is using pads that are reusable, take them off and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to prevent bacteria buildup. Also, you should clean the tray they sit on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops come with pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and pass over the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to get rid of sticky spots and other marks. To stop the growth of bacteria up and to keep them from smelling, the pads must be removed and washed between uses (if they are washable). Some models have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot. These brushes also require to be rinsed, washed or replaced every few cleaning cycles.

The best 2-in-1 robotic mop and vacuum combos are simple to operate and include features that help reduce cleaning maintenance after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads docks, and automatic vacuum cleaner emptying of the trash bin. This keeps your robot mopping again almost immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, try wiping down its sensors with a soft cloth or towel every few cycles. This will eliminate dust that could interfere with sensors and cause errors.

If you have carpets, make sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with them. The majority of robot mops work on hard surfaces, however those that also be used to scrub or vacuum floors might require reprogramming to recognize or avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping capabilities that give you a live map of the 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 utilize sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles, however, they can become confused or lost. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with new software updates to ensure that your robot is equipped with the most effective navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. Before purchasing a robot, we recommend creating an obstacle course at your home to check its performance.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks one for clean water and another for dirty water. The tank that is dirty must be filled and emptied regularly. The water tanks can be lifted off the base and made easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with a drip tray under the dirty tank to catch any liquid spilled. It is recommended to 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, vacuum/mop combination and robot mops have an water reservoir to clean. 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 a long time, this is essential. Some brands, such as the top choices of our ratings, come with removable, washable tank so you can remove dirty water and allow the tank to dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the mop-vacs we tested come with an app that lets you save maps of your home and set up cleaning schedules, or choose different cleaning options. This is a feature we look for when selecting the right model, since it makes the process of setting up and using your robot cleaner (visit their website) much easier. If the model you choose doesn't come with an app, you can still control the basics of the robot using the dock or via its remote.

All of the latest models we've reviewed can vacuum up dust and dirt from various surfaces This is a major improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners that mostly just pushed a pad filled with water across the floor. However they aren't designed to deal with big spills, which have to be cleaned manually. These machines can't move furniture and can get lost in rooms with a lot of clutter.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove and wash the brushes on the sides or bottom of certain newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate around the floor and avoid obstacles. To keep these sensors working well, it's helpful to wipe down the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles with a soft clean cloth, especially the areas where the sensors are placed against the floor.

In addition, it is possible to add other cleaners in your robot's tank (for instance vinegar or acetic acid), we advise against doing so unless the manufacturer recommends it. This could cause damage to your robot and void its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your mop and robot vacuum combination has docks that double as a water tank, you will have to keep it clean regularly. The dock can collect dust, grit and other debris that will need to be removed and cleaned when the mop is done. A majority of our choices come with a self-cleaning feature that you can access via the app or button on the mop. This keeps the tank clean and also prevents mildew from developing.

It is also important to clean the area of the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If left wet, it can be slimy and smell. If your model is equipped with washable or disposable mop pads, make sure to wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuums that have brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. Take the brushes out and clean them using a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

Some of the most sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested have sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still important to wipe down those sensor areas on a regular basis. This can prevent dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and causing inaccurate readings.

While many robot mops and vacuum cleaners require a little bit of work on an ongoing basis, they provide huge advantages to the busy homeowner. They can keep floors looking nice, eliminate the necessity for heavy lifting, and give you the most valuable resource you have in the home- your free time.

There are a few companies that are trying to create better vacuum-mop robotics however they are quite a ways from our level of quality. But we do expect these robots to improve over time, just like all other robot vacuums have in the past.

Cleaning the Brushes

Maintaining your robot's vacuum and mop is essential, just as maintaining the vacuum cleaner. Clean sensors to improve navigation clean and empty the water tank, clean pet hair clogs that block brushes and charge ports, clean the ports and change the rollers and filter as suggested by the manufacturer. 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 which includes robot auto vacuum and mop and mop combos. Her team has been testing and recommending products for more than 40 years.

Combinations of robot vacuums and mops are perfect for cleaning both dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet messes. (spills and staining) without changing machines. Multitaskers can help you save time and energy and are ideal for those who lives a full schedule.

Certain robots require an application to function and have more features than others, like the map this model made of our obstacle course, which is a big selling point. You can also make use of the app to plan and modify cleaning schedules as well as change mopping modes and check the level of battery. Other models offer voice activation, for instance this model that works with Alexa for hands-free control.

If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combination, look for models that have the features that are important to you. All models use pads to sweep the floor however some have a scrubber to clean grout or a rotating brush for more intense scrub. Some models come with a filter which can be cleaned or replaced to reduce odors.

Some mopping machines dispose of their dirty pads, and drop them into a base that automatically emptys into a garbage drawer, eliminating the need to wash the pads manually or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads which can be washed and dried in between uses. If you choose a model with pads that are reusable, make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.