Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules, and choose mopping modes. Some models with dual rotating pads will also return to the dock to clean their brushes and empty dirty water.
If your model uses reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You'll also want to scrub down the resting tray where they sit between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops have pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and pass over the floor, either by scrubbing or brushing to get rid of sticky marks and other spots. These pads should be removed, washed (if they can be washed) and dried between uses to avoid the buildup of bacteria and keep them from smelling unpleasant. Some models have brushes on the bottom and sides of the robot. These brushes also need to be rinsed, washed or replaced every couple of cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combos are easy-to-use and come with features that cut down on the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads, docks, and automatic emptying of the dustbin. This will keep your robot mopping immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot to be able to navigate and avoid obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors using a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This will remove dust that could block sensors and lead to mistakes.
Choose a mop for your robot that is compatible with carpets if you have carpets. Robot mops that can vacuum or scrub floors will need to be reprogrammed so they can avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping features that can give you a real-time map of the room so that you can see where the robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.
Most robots with apps use sensors to guide them around the house and avoid obstacles, but they can occasionally get confused or lost. To ensure that your robot's ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as effective as they can and to ensure that the app is updated 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 and one for dirty water. The dirty water tank must be filled and emptied frequently. 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. Most models come with drip tray that sits under the dirty water tank to collect any spilled liquid. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray following every cleaning cycle to lower the chance of bacterial growth.
Cleaning the Water Tank
Most robot mops and vacuum/mop combos have a water tank to clean. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank on a regular basis dependent on how often you use your robot. This is essential for bots that you want last for a long time. Certain brands, including the top choices in our ratings are washable, removable tanks so you can remove the dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
Most of the newer mop-vacs we have tested are compatible with an app that lets you save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning modes. This is something we look for when selecting the best model, because it makes setting up and using the robot cleaner a lot easier. If My Source select does not have an app, it is still possible to control the fundamental functions of the robot using a button or remote.
The newer models we've tested are able to remove dirt and dust from a variety of surfaces. This is a big improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners, which mostly pushed water-filled pads across the floor. These machines are not meant to deal with large spills. They have to be cleaned manually. They also can't handle a lot of furniture and could get confused in rooms with a lot of things on the floor, so be sure to straighten the space before mopping to ensure that the machine can maneuver around it effectively.
Follow the instructions of the manufacturer to clean and remove the brushes that are located on the sides or bottom of the latest bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Most bots also have sensors to help them navigate floors and avoid obstacles. It's important to wipe the sensors down every couple of cleaning cycles, especially where they're pressed against the floor.
Additionally, although it is possible to put other cleaners into the robot's tank (for example, vinegar) We recommend against using them unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This can damage the robot and invalidate the warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your mop and robot vacuum combination comes with a dock that also doubles as water tank, then you will 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. Many of our picks have a self-cleaning cycle which you can control with the app or on the mop itself. This helps keep the tank clean and helps to prevent mildew.
It is also essential to wash the area around the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If left wet, it can be slimy and smell. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads ensure that you wash them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. This is also true for models with a hybrid mop/vacuum that have brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit. Every several cleaning cycles, take the brushes off and clean them with an abrasive or a cloth.
It is essential to clean the sensor areas of some of the most advanced robot vacuums we've tried. They are equipped with sensors that help navigate floors and stay clear of obstructions. This will keep dirt and grime from blocking sensors, causing them make inaccurate judgements.
While the majority of robot mop and vacuum units require a little work on an ongoing basis, they provide huge benefits for the busy homeowner. They will keep your floors looking good and eliminate the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save time and energy, which is the most valuable resource at home.
There are a few companies trying to build better vacuum-mop robots, but they are still far from our standard. However, we expect these machines to improve with time, just as the other robot vacuums in the past.
Cleaning the Brushes
Maintaining your robot's vacuum and mop is important, just like maintaining a vacuum cleaner. Clean sensors to aid in navigation, empty and rinse the water tank, clean pet hair clogs from brushes, keep charge ports clean and change the rollers and filter according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These suggestions will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum is efficient for a long period of time.
Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab reviews and tests cleaning equipment in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuums and mops. Her team has been testing and suggesting products for more than 40 years.
Robot vacuum and mop combos are great for tackling dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet messes (spills or staining) in one clean-up session without switching machines. These multitaskers can help you save time and effort and are ideal for those who lives a full schedule.
Certain robots require an application to operate and provide more features than others, such as the map this model designed of our obstacle course, which is one of the main selling points. You can also plan and modify cleaning sessions with the app, alter mopping mode and check battery level. Some models also include voice activation, for instance this model, which works with Alexa for hands-free control.
If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combo make sure you choose models that have the features that are important to you. While all models pass a pad with water across floors, some models have scrubbers that can be used to clean grout or an inclined brush roll for more intense scrubs. Some models come with a filter that can be cleaned or replaced to lessen the smell.
Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads, and drop them into a base that empties into a waste drawer eliminating the need to wash the pads manually or refill the tank. Others, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that can be washed and dry between usage. If you choose a model that has pads that are reusable, make sure to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to clean and dry them.