Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums and mops come with an app that lets you save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules, and choose mopping options. Certain models with dual rotating pads also return to the dock to clean their brushes and empty dirty water.

To prevent bacteria accumulation to prevent the build-up of bacteria, remove the pads and clean them (if it's safe) after each cleaning cycle. Also, you'll want to clean the tray in which they rest between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops use pads with a cleaning solution that are pushed across the floor to soften the marks and sticky spots with scrubbing motions or a brush. To prevent bacteria from building up and keep them from smelling, these pads should be removed and washed between uses (if they are washable). Some models have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot that also need to be rinsed, washed or replaced after a few cleaning cycles.

The best robot cleaner 2-in-1 robotic cleaner and mop vacuum/mop combos are easy to use and have features that reduce cleaning maintenance after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads docks and automatic vacuum and mop robot dustbin emptying. This keeps your robot mopping immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, try wiping down its sensors using a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This will help get rid of dust that can block sensors and cause mistakes.

Choose a mop that is that is compatible with carpets if you have them. Robotic mops that are able to scrub or vacuum floors need to be reprogrammed in order to avoid carpets. Some robotic mop/vacuum cleaners have mapping features that can give you a real-time map of the room so that you can see exactly where your robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.

The majority of app-connected robot mops utilize sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles however, they can be lost or confused. To ensure that your robot's ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as efficient as they can be, update the mopping app regularly with new software updates. Before you buy a robot we recommend creating an obstacle course at home to test its capabilities.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks. One for clean water and one for dirty water. The dirty tank has to be filled and empty on a regular basis. The water tanks can be lifted out of the base which makes it easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. The majority of models have a drip tray under the dirty tank to collect any liquid spilled. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to reduce the risk of bacteria growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mop, vacuum combinations, and robot mops utilize a water reservoir 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 crucial. Certain brands, like the top picks in our ratings, come with tanks that are washable and removable so you can remove dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Many of the latest mop-vacs that we tested are compatible with an app that allows you to save your home's maps, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is an important feature to consider when choosing a robotic cleaner. It makes setting it up and operating it much simpler. If your choice doesn't have an app, you'll be able to control the basics of the bot from a button on its dock or via its remote.

The newer models we've tested can vacuum up dirt and dust on a variety of surfaces. This is a huge 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, which have to be cleaned by hand. They also cannot handle large furniture pieces and may get lost in rooms with lots of clutter on the floor, so make sure to straighten the area prior to mopping to make sure the machine can move around it efficiently.

Some of the latest bots have brushes on their sides and the bottom that can be removed and laundered So, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to do this (typically using you'll need a damp microfiber cloth). Most bots also have sensors to assist them in navigating floors and avoid obstacles. It is essential to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles, especially if they're pressed against the floor.

Additionally, although it is possible to pour other cleaners into the robot's tank (for example vinegar or acetic acid), we advise against doing this unless the manufacturer recommends it. This could cause damage to the robot and invalidate its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum combo has a separate dock that doubles as a water tank, it will need to be cleaned regularly. The dock is prone to collecting grit, dust and debris that will need to be removed and washed when the mop is finished. Many of our picks have a self-cleaning cycle you can run using the app or on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and prevents mildew.

The dock's area that is used to wash the pads needs to be washed every now and thenit could become slimy or smell bad if left wet for too long. If your model is equipped with disposable or washable mop pads make sure you are washing them in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. This is also true for hybrid vacuum models which use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. Remove the brushes and clean them with a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

Some of the most advanced robot vacuums and mops we've tested include sensors that aid in navigating floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still essential to clean the sensor areas clean regularly. This will prevent dust and grime from blocking the sensors and causing inaccurate readings.

Although most robot vacuums and mop systems require some effort, they are a great alternative for busy homeowners. They can keep floors looking great and reduce the necessity for heavy lifting, and give you the most valuable resource you have in a home -your time.

There are a few companies trying to create better vacuum-mop robotics but they're quite a ways from our standard. But we do expect these robots to improve in time, just as all other robot vacuums have in the past.

Cleaning the Brushes

Maintaining your robot's mop and vacuum is essential, just as maintaining the vacuum cleaner. Wipe down sensors to make it easier to navigate clean and empty the water tank, get rid of pet hair clogs that block brushes, keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and rollers as suggested by the manufacturer. These suggestions will help your robot vacuum and mop combo perform efficiently for a long time.

Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab reviews and tests cleaning products in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum-mop combinations. Her team has been testing products and providing recommendations for them for more than forty years.

Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are great for cleaning both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills or stains) in one cleaning session without switching machines. These multitaskers are great at making it easier to save time and effort. They're also convenient for busy schedule.

Some robots are operated by an app and include more features. For example this model comes with an outline of our obstacle course which is a key selling feature. You can also schedule and modify cleaning sessions with the app, alter mopping modes and check the battery level. Some models offer voice activation to allow hands-free operation such as the model that works with Alexa.

If you choose to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combination make sure you choose one that has the features that are important to you. While all models use a pad with water across floors, some models have scrubbers that can be used to clean grout or rotating brushes to provide more vigorous scrub. Certain models come with a filter which can be cleaned or replaced to reduce smells.

Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads, and drop them into a base which automatically empties into a waste drawer making it unnecessary to wash the pads manually or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads you can wash and dry between uses. If you decide to purchase a model that has reusable pads, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions about drying and washing them to ensure they look their best.