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 select mopping settings. Certain models with dual rotating pads can also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dump dirty water.

To avoid the accumulation of bacteria to prevent the build-up of bacteria, remove the pads and clean them (if it is safe) after each cleaning cycle. It is also recommended to clean the tray that they sit on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot vacuum cleaner mops feature pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, scrubbing or brushing to get rid of sticky marks and other spots. The pads must be cleaned, removed (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 which must be cleaned or rinsed after every few cleaning cycles.

The best robot vacuum cleaner and mop 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop combos are easy to operate and include features that help reduce post-cleaning maintenance. These include self-cleaning pads docks and automatic dustbin emptying. This will keep your robot mopping almost immediately after a cleaning. If you want your robot's sensors to be able to navigate around obstacles, clean them using a soft towel or cloth every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that could interfere with sensors and lead to errors.

If you have carpets, make certain to select a mop that is compatible with them. Robot mops that can clean or vacuum floors must be reprogrammed so they can avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners come with mapping features that can give you a real-time map of the room so you can see exactly where your robot has cleaned and what areas it hasn't.

Most robots with apps use sensors to guide them around the home and avoid obstacles, but they may sometimes be confused or lost. Update the mopping app regularly with new software updates to ensure that your robot hoover is equipped with the most effective navigation and obstacle-avoidance abilities. Before purchasing a robot, we recommend creating an obstacle course at your home to check its performance.

Most robot mops have two tanks: one for clean water and one for dirty water. The tank that is dirty has to be emptied and filled 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. Most models have a drip tray that sits beneath the dirty water tank to collect any spilled liquid. It is recommended to empty your drip tray after every cleaning cycle to prevent bacteria from growing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mop, vacuum combination and robot mops have a reservoir of water for cleaning. Most manufacturers advise you to clean the tank frequently, according to how often you use your robot. This is essential for bots that you want last for an extended period of time. Certain brands, like the top choices of our ratings, come with removable, washable tank to remove dirt water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Many of the latest mop-vacs we have tested can be paired with an app that lets you save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is a crucial feature to consider when choosing a robotic cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and operating it much simpler. If your choice doesn't have an application, you can manage the basic functions of the robot using the dock or via its remote.

All of the latest models we've tested can clean up dust and dirt from various surfaces This is a major improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners which mainly just pushed a pad filled with water across the floor. However they aren't designed to handle huge spills, which still need to be cleaned by hand. They aren't able to move furniture and could get lost in rooms that have a lot of clutter.

Some of the latest bots have brushes on their bottom and sides that can be cleaned and removed, so be certain to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to do this (typically, use a damp microfiber cloth). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate on the floor and avoid obstacles. It is essential to wipe the sensors down every couple of cleaning cycles, particularly if they're pressed against the floor.

While it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot's tank, we do not recommend it unless it's been suggested by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to your robot and void 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 collect grit, dirt and debris that needs to be cleaned and removed when the mop is finished. A majority of our choices have a self-cleaning cycle which you can control with the app or on the mop itself. This helps keep the tank in good condition and helps prevent mildew from developing.

The dock's area that washes the pads also must be cleaned periodically -it can become slimy or smell bad when left wet for a long time. If your model uses 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 hybrid mop/vacuum models that use brushes on the bottom and sides of the unit. After every cleaning cycle, take the brushes off and clean them with an abrasive or a cloth.

Some of the more sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested have sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, but it's still necessary to wipe off the sensor areas regularly. This can keep dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and causing misjudgment.

While many robot mops and vacuums require a bit of work on an ongoing basis, they offer big benefits for the busy homeowner. They will keep floors looking beautiful and reduce the need for heavy lifting and give you the most valuable resource in a home -- your free time.

There are a few companies working to build better vacuum-mop robots however they are a long way from the quality we have. We expect these machines to improve over time, just like the previous robot vacuums did.

Brushes to be cleaned

Similar to vacuum cleaners, it's important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum combo so it keeps functioning properly. Wipe down the sensors to improve navigation. Empty and wash the water tanks, clean hairs from brushes, clean the charge ports and change the filter and rollers according to the instructions of the manufacturer. These tips will help your robot vacuum and mop combination work efficiently for a long 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-mop combinations. Her team has been testing products and providing recommendations for them for more than forty years.

Robot vacuum and mop combos are great for cleaning dry debris (dust, dirt) and wet mess (spills and staining) in one cleaning session without the need to switch machines. These multitaskers will help you save time and effort and are convenient for anyone who lives a full schedule.

Certain robots require an application to operate and provide more features than others, for example, a 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, change mopping modes and check the battery level. Other models offer voice activation, like this model, which works with Alexa to allow hands-free control.

If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop choose a model that has the features that are important to you. Each model uses a pad to sweep the floor, but some include a scrubber for cleaning grout, or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrubbing. Some models come with a filter that can be washed or replaced to reduce the odor.

Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads onto the base, which then automatically empty them into a garbage bin, eliminating the need to manually clean 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 decide to purchase the model with reusable pads, be sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and drying them to keep them looking their best robot hoover.