Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums and mops come with an app that allows you to save maps of your house, set cleaning schedules and select mopping options. Some models with dual spinning pads also automatically return to their docks during cleaning to dump dirty water and clean their brushes.

If your model is using reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to prevent bacteria buildup. Also, you'll want to clean the resting tray in which they rest between cleanings.

Preparation

A lot of best rated robot vacuum mops have pads with a cleaner that are pushed across the floor to soften sticky spots and other marks with scrubbing motions or brushes. These pads need to be removed, washed (if they are washable) and dried between uses to prevent the buildup of bacteria and keep them from smelling unpleasant. Some models also have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the robot that need to be washed, rinsed or replaced after every few cleaning cycles.

The most efficient 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop combination is easy to use and comes with features that reduce the amount of maintenance needed after cleaning. They include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the trash bin. This will keep your robot mopping again almost immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to navigate and avoid obstacles, wipe them down with a soft cloth or cloth every few cycles. This will help get rid of dust that could hinder sensors and cause errors.

If you have carpets, be sure to select a robot mop that is compatible with carpets. The majority of robot mops work on hard surfaces, however those that can also scrub or vacuum floors might require reprogramming to recognize carpets or avoid them. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping features that can show you a real-time map of your room so you can see exactly where the robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.

The majority of app-connected robot mop mops utilize sensors to help them navigate the home and steer clear of obstacles, but they may sometimes get confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as good as possible, update the mopping app on a regular basis with new software releases. Before you purchase a robot, we suggest creating an obstacle course at your home to test its performance.

Most robot mops come with two tanks: one for clean water and one for dirty water. The tank that is dirty needs to be emptied and filled on a regular basis. The tanks can be lifted out of the base and Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum made easier to clean and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. The majority of models have an under-sink drip tray beneath the dirty tank to collect any liquid that spills. It is recommended to empty your drip tray every cleaning cycle to stop bacteria from growing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot vacuums and mop combos have a water tank to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you clean the tank frequently, dependent on how often you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is important. Some brands, including the top picks in our ratings are washable, removable tanks that allow you to remove the dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the mop-vacs we tested come with an app that allows you to save your home's maps as well as create cleaning schedules, or choose different cleaning options. This is a crucial feature to consider when choosing a robot cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and operating it much easier. If the robot you pick does not have an app, it's still possible to control the fundamental functions of the robot using a button or remote.

The newer models 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, that mostly passed water pads across the floor. However, these machines are not designed to deal with big spills, and they still need to be cleaned by hand. They are also not able to handle large furniture pieces and could get confused in rooms with lots of clutter on the floor, so be sure to straighten up the space before mopping to ensure that the machine can move around it efficiently.

Some of the latest bots have brushes on the sides and bottom which can be cleaned and removed So, be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to do this (typically using a damp microfiber cloth). Sensors are also used by a majority of bots to navigate around the floor and avoid obstacles. To ensure that these sensors are working properly, it's recommended to wipe down the sensors every few cleaning cycles with a soft clean cloth, especially the areas where the sensors are press-fit against the floor.

Finally, while it is possible to pour other cleaners into your robot's tank (for example vinegar or acetic acid) We do not recommend doing so unless the manufacturer suggests it. This can damage the robot and could cause the warranty to be voided.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your mop and robot vacuum combination has a dock that also doubles as a water tank, you'll need to clean it regularly. The dock can accumulate grit, dirt and debris that needs to be cleaned and removed after the mop has finished. A majority of our choices have a self-cleaning feature which you can access through the app or on the mop. This keeps the tank in good condition and prevents mildew.

It is also essential to wash the area around the dock where the pads are washed. If the dock is left wet, it could be slimy and smell. If your model comes with disposable or washable mop pads, be sure to wash them according to manufacturer's instructions in between cleaning cycles. The same is true for hybrid vacuum models which use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. After every cleaning cycle take the brushes off and clean them using an abrasive or a cloth.

It's essential to clean the sensor areas of a few of the most advanced robot mop-vacuum combos that we've tried. They have sensors that help navigate floors and keep out obstructions. This will prevent dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and leading to misjudgment.

While most best robot cleaner vacuums and mop machines require some work however, they're a great alternative for busy homeowners. They can keep floors looking nice and reduce the need for heavy lifting and save you the most valuable resource in a home -- your free time.

While there are a few new companies that are trying to build better robot vacuum-mop units however, they still have still a long way to go before they can reach our standard of quality. We expect these machines to improve over time just as all previous robot vacuums did.

Cleaning the Brushes

Just like a vacuum cleaner it is important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum unit to ensure that it's functioning properly. Wipe down the sensors to improve navigation. Clean and empty the water tanks, remove hairs from brushes, clean the charge ports and then replace the filter and rollers according to the instructions of the manufacturer. These suggestions will help your robot vacuum and mop combination be efficient for an extended period of time.

Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte evaluates and tests cleaning equipment in the Laboratory, including robot vacuum-mop combos. Her team has been testing and offering products for Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum over 40 years.

Combinations of robot vacuums and mops are perfect to clean dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet messes. (spills and staining) without changing machines. Multitaskers are great for making it easier to save time and effort. They are also great for those with a busy schedule.

Some robots are controlled by an app and have additional features. For instance, this model has an obstacle course map that shows our course which is a key selling feature. You can also plan and modify cleaning sessions using the app, switch mopping mode, and check battery level. Some models offer voice activation to allow hands-free operation, such as the model that integrates with Alexa.

If you are considering purchasing a robot vacuum and mop combination choose models that have the features that are most important to you. All models utilize pads to sweep the floor but some include a scrubber to clean grout or a rotating brush for more intense scrub. Some models have filters that can be cleaned or replaced to eliminate the odors.

Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads into a base which automatically empties them into a waste bin, removing the need to manually wash the pads or refill a tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry between uses. If you choose one that has reusable pads, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions about drying and washing them in order to keep them looking the best robot vacuum that mops.