5 Must-Know Practices For Cleaning Robot Mop And Vacuum In 2024

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, set cleaning schedules, and choose mopping options. Some models that have dual rotating pads also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dump dirty water.

If your model has reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent bacteria buildup. You’ll also want to clean the resting tray in which they rest between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops have pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and then move across the floor, scrubbing or brushing to get rid of sticky spots and other marks. These pads should be removed, washed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to prevent the growth of bacteria and prevent them from smelling unpleasant. Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, which must be cleaned or rinsed after every few cleaning cycles.

The best 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop combos are easy to use and have features that help reduce cleaning maintenance after cleaning. These include automatic dustbin emptying docks that self-clean and self-cleaning pads that help keep your robot ready to mop immediately following a cleaning. If you want your robot to be capable of navigating and avoiding obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors with a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that could block sensors and cause mistakes.

Choose a mop for your robot that is suitable for carpets if already have them. Robot mops that can scrub or vacuum floors need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Some robotic mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping capabilities that give you a real-time map of your room so you can see exactly where your robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn’t.

Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to guide them around the home and steer clear of obstacles, but they can sometimes be confused or lost. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with the latest software releases to ensure that your robot has the best navigation and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. Before you purchase a robot, we suggest that you create an obstacle course at home to test its performance.

Most robot mops come with two tanks, one for clean water and one for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be filled and emptied regularly. The water tanks can be removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and wash them with warm water and mild soap. The majority of models have drip tray that is placed under the dirty water tank to collect any spilled liquid. It’s recommended that you empty the drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to reduce the chance of bacterial growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot mops and vacuum/mop combos use a water tank to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you clean this tank regularly, dependent on the frequency you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is essential. Some brands, including the top choices in our rankings, have removable, washable tanks that allow you to remove the dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Many of the latest mop-vacs we have tested can be used with an app that allows you to save maps of your home and set up cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is a feature we look for when deciding on the best model, because it makes setting up and using your robot cleaner much simpler. If your chosen model doesn’t have an app, you’ll be able to manage the basic functions of the robot by pressing a button on its dock or remote.

All the newer models that we’ve tested have the ability to clean dirt and dust from a variety of surfaces. This is an enormous improvement over the earlier versions of robot cleaners, that mostly passed water pads across the floor. They aren’t made to deal with large spills. They need to be cleaned manually. They aren’t able to move furniture and could get lost in rooms that have a lot of clutter.

Some newer bots have brushes on their sides and bottom which can be cleaned and removed So, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions on how to do this (typically use a damp microfiber cloth). The majority of bots also have sensors that assist them in navigating floors and avoid obstacles. It is important to wipe the sensors down every few cleaning cycles, especially where they are pressed up against the floor.

In addition, it is possible to add other cleaners into the robot’s tank (for instance vinegar or acetic acid), we advise against using them unless the manufacturer suggests it. This could cause damage to the robot and can cause the warranty to be voided.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot vacuum and mop combination has docks that double as a water tank, you’ll need to clean it regularly. The dock is prone to collecting dust, grit and other debris, which must be cleared and washed when the mop is done. A lot of our picks come with an auto-cleaning cycle that which you can control with the app or on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and also prevents mildew from developing.

It is also essential to wash the area around the dock where the pads are washed. If the dock is left wet, it could become slimy and even smell. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads, make sure you are washing them according to the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuum and mop units with brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit are also affected. Remove the brushes and clean them with a rag or cloth after each cleaning cycle.

Some of the most advanced robot vacuums and mops we’ve tested contain sensors that help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles, but it’s still necessary to wipe down those sensor areas on a regular basis. This can keep dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and causing misjudgment.

Although the majority of robot vacuums and mop systems require some effort, they are a great option for busy homeowners. They will keep floors looking beautiful and reduce the need for heavy lifting, and give you the most valuable resource you have in a home — your free time.

There are a few companies working to build better vacuum-mop robots, but they are still a long way from our standard. But we expect these robots to improve over time, just like all other robot vacuums in the past.

Brushes to be cleaned

Maintaining your robot’s vacuum and mop is crucial, just like maintaining your vacuum cleaner. Clean the sensors to enhance navigation. Empty and rinse the water tanks, clean hairs from the brushes, clean the charge ports and change the filter and rollers according to the manufacturer’s instructions. These tips 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 equipment in the Laboratory which includes robot vacuum and mop combos. Her team has been testing and providing recommendations for them for more than forty years.

Combinations of robot vacuums and mops are perfect to clean dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet spills. (spills and staining) without having to switch machines. Multitaskers are great for robotvacuummops saving time and effort. They are also great for busy schedule.

Certain robots require an application to operate and provide more features than others, for example, a the map this model made of our obstacle course that’s a big selling point. You can also schedule and modify cleaning sessions using the app, switch mopping modes and determine the battery’s level. Certain models have voice activation to allow hands-free operation like the model that integrates with Alexa.

When you are looking for a robot mop or vacuum, ensure that it comes with the features you need. While all models pass a pad of water over floors, some include scrubbers that can be used to clean grout or a rotating brush roll to provide more vigorous scrub. Some have filters that can be washed or replaced to eliminate the odor.

Some mopping robots dump their dirty pads into a base which automatically empties them into a garbage bin, eliminating the need to manually wash the pads 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 decide to purchase a model that has pads that can be reused, make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.