Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

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

If your model has disposable pads, take them off and wash them (if safe) every several cleaning cycles to prevent bacteria buildup. Also, you'll want to scrub down the resting tray where they sit between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot cleaner with mop mops utilize pads that contain a cleaning solution that slide across the floor to soften sticky spots and other marks using scrubbing motions or brushes. To prevent bacteria from building up and to keep them from smelling, these pads must be cleaned and removed between uses (if they can be washed). Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, which need to be washed, rinsed or replaced after every few cleaning cycles.

The best automatic vacuum and mop 2-in-1 robotic mop/vacuum combos are simple to use and come with features that cut down on post-cleaning maintenance. These include self-cleaning pads docks and automatic dustbin emptying. This will keep your robot mopping again almost immediately following a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors using towels or soft cloths every few cycles. This will get rid of dust that could interfere with sensors and cause mistakes.

If you have carpets, make sure to select a robot mop that is compatible with them. Most robot mops are able to work on hard surfaces, but those that can also scrub or vacuum floors may need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners are equipped with mapping capabilities. This lets you observe the areas your robot has cleaned, as well as those that it hasn't.

The majority of robots that vacuum and mop with apps connected to mops utilize sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles, but can sometimes become confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as effective as they can you should update the mopping application regularly with new software releases. Before you purchase a robot, we suggest that you create an obstacle course at your home to test its performance.

Most robot mops have two tanks, one for clean water and one for dirty water. The tank for dirty water must be filled and emptied frequently. The water tanks are easily removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and rinse with warm water and mild soap. Most models have drip tray which sits under the dirty water tank to collect any liquid spilled. It is recommended to empty the drip tray following every cleaning cycle to lower the risk of growth of bacteria.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations, and robot mops utilize a water reservoir for cleaning. Most manufacturers advise you to keep the tank clean dependent on the frequency you use your robot. This is crucial for bots that you want to last for a long time. 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 newer mop-vacs we tested are compatible with an app that lets you save your home's maps as well as set cleaning schedules and select cleaning options. This is a crucial feature to consider when selecting a robot cleaner with mop cleaner. It makes setting it up and operating it much easier. If the robot you pick does not come with an app, it's still possible to control the essential functions of the bot using buttons or a remote.

The newer models we've tested have the ability to clean dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is a huge improvement over the previous versions of robot cleaners that mostly passed water-filled pads across the floor. These machines aren't designed to deal with large spills. They must be cleaned manually. They aren't able to move furniture, and they can become lost in rooms with 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 instructions of the manufacturer on how to do this (typically using use a damp microfiber cloth). Sensors are also used by most bots to navigate the floor and avoid obstacles. It's important to wipe the sensors down every couple of cleaning cycles, especially if they are pressed up against the floor.

Finally, while it is possible to put other cleaners into your robot's tank (for example vinegar or acetic acid) We recommend against doing this unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This can damage the robot and could void its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum has a separate dock that doubles as its water tank, it will need to be cleaned regularly. The dock may accumulate grit, dirt and debris that must be cleaned and removed when the mop has finished. A lot of our picks come with an auto-cleaning cycle that you can run using the app or on the mop itself. This helps keep the tank clean and also prevents mildew.

It is also important to clean the area of the dock where the pads are washed. If left wet, it can turn slimy and even smell. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads, ensure you're washing them according to the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuums that have brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit are also affected. Clean the brushes and clean them with a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

Some of the most advanced robot vacuum-mop combos we've tested include sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still necessary to wipe the sensor areas clean regularly. This will prevent dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and leading to misjudgment.

While many robot mops and vacuum cleaners require a little work on a regular basis, they can provide significant advantages to the busy homeowner. They can keep floors looking great and reduce the need for heavy lifting, and give you the most valuable resource you have in a home -- your free time.

While there are a few companies that are attempting to create better robot vacuum units, they have a long way to go before they get to the level of our quality. We expect these robots will improve over time just as all previous robot vacuums did.

Brushes to be cleaned

Just like a vacuum cleaner is essential to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combo so it keeps functioning properly. Clean sensors to improve navigation clear and rinse the water tank, get rid of pet hair clogs that block brushes, keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and rollers according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These steps will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum works efficiently for a long period of time.

Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab is responsible for evaluating and tests cleaning devices in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum and mop combinations. Her team has been testing and recommending them for more than forty years.

Robot vacuum and mop combos are great for cleaning both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills, staining) in one clean-up session without having to switch machines. Multitaskers can help you save time and effort and are convenient for anyone with a busy life.

Certain robots require an app to operate and offer more features than others, like the map this model designed of our obstacle course which is one of the main selling points. You can also utilize the app to schedule and modify cleaning sessions modify mopping settings and check the level of battery. Certain models have 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 a model that has the features that are most important to you. Each model uses a pad to sweep floors, but some also have a scrubber for cleaning grout or a rotating roller brush for more intense scrub. Certain models come with filters that can be cleaned or replaced to reduce smells.

Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads and drop them into a base which automatically emptys into a garbage drawer eliminating the need to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Certain mopping machines, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads you can wash and dry in between uses. If you opt for a model with reusable pads, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean and dry them.