Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

Most robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that lets you save maps of your home, create cleaning schedules, and choose mopping options. Some models that have dual spinning pads will also automatically return to their docks mid-cleaning to empty the water of dirt and clean their brushes.

If your model is using pads that are reusable, take them off and wash them (if safe) every several cleaning cycles to prevent the buildup of bacteria. Also, you'll want to clean the resting tray in which they rest between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops use pads that contain a cleaning solution that pass over the floor to soften the marks and sticky spots using scrubbing motions or brushes. To stop the growth of bacteria up and to keep them from smelling, these pads should be cleaned and removed between usage (if they are washable). Some models also have brushes on the sides and bottom of the robot, which must be cleaned, rinsed or replaced after every few 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 needed after cleaning. These include self-cleaning pads, docks and automatic dustbin emptying. This will keep your robot mopping almost immediately following a cleaning cycle. 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 get rid of dust that can interfere with sensors and cause errors.

Select a robot mop suitable for carpets if have carpets. Most robot mops work well on hard surfaces, but those that can also scrub or vacuum floors might need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Certain robotic cleaner and mop vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping features. This lets you see the areas that your robot has cleaned as well as the areas that it hasn't.

Most app-connected robot mops use sensors to guide them around the home and avoid obstacles, but they can occasionally get lost or confused. To ensure that your robot vacuum that vacuums and mops's ability to navigate and avoid obstacles are as effective as they can you should update the mopping application on a regular basis with new software updates. We suggest testing a robot's capabilities in your own home by creating an obstacle course to test its capabilities before purchasing it.

Most robot mops have two tanks. One for clean water and the other for dirty water. The tank that is dirty is required to be filled and empty frequently. The tanks can be lifted off the base and made easier to clean and wash them with mild soap and warm water. Most models come with a drip tray that sits beneath the water tank that is dirty to collect any liquid spilled. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray following each cleaning cycle to reduce the risk of bacteria growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot mops and vacuum/mop combination devices use a tank of water to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank on a regular basis depending on the frequency you use your robot. This is vital for bots that you want last for many years. Some brands, such as the top picks in our reviews, have a tanks that are washable and removable to remove dirt water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of the mop-vacs we tested come with an app which allows you to save maps of your home and organize cleaning schedules or choose different cleaning options. This is one of the features we look for when choosing the best model, because it makes the process of setting up and operating the robot vacuum reviews cleaner a lot easier. If your chosen model doesn't have an application, you can manage the basic functions of the robot using a button on its dock or remote.

All of the latest models we've tested can clean up dust and dirt from various surfaces this is a significant improvement over previous iterations of robot cleaners that largely just pushed a pad filled with water across the floor. However they aren't designed to handle huge spills, and they still need to be cleaned manually. They are also not able to handle a lot of furniture and can get confused in rooms that have lots of stuff on the floor, so be sure to straighten the space before mopping to ensure the machine can maneuver around it efficiently.

Follow the manufacturer's directions to clean and remove the brushes on the sides or bottom of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). Sensors are also used by the majority of bots to navigate on the floor and avoid obstacles. It is important to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles, particularly if they're pressed against the floor.

It is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the robot's tank however, we don't recommend it unless it's been suggested by the manufacturer. This can damage the robot and invalidate its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum combo comes with a dock that doubles as a water tank, it will need to be cleaned regularly. The dock can collect dirt, dust and grit and needs to be removed and cleaned when the mop is done. 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 prevents mildew from developing.

The dock area that washes the pads also needs to be washed from time to time -it can become slimy and smell unpleasant when left wet for a long time. If your model uses disposable or washable mop pads, make sure you are washing them according to the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuums with brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. Take the brushes out and clean them with a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

It's essential to clean the sensor areas on some of the more advanced robot mop-vacuum combos that we've test. They come with sensors that help navigate floors and avoid obstructions. This will prevent dust and grime blocking the sensors, which can cause them to make incorrect judgements.

While most robot mop and vacuum units require a little work on an ongoing basis, they offer big advantages to the busy homeowner. They will keep floors looking beautiful and eliminate the necessity for heavy lifting, and give you the most valuable resource of a home -- your free time.

There are a few companies trying to build better vacuum-mop robots however they are a long way from the quality we have. But we do expect these robots to improve in time, just as all other robot vacuums in the past.

Brushes to be cleaned

Like a vacuum cleaner is essential to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum combo so it keeps functioning well. Wipe down sensors to improve navigation clean and empty the water tank, get rid of pet hair clogs from brushes Keep charge ports clean and change the rollers and filter as recommended by the manufacturer. These suggestions will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum combo is efficient 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 products in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuum-mop combinations. Her team has been testing and recommending products for more than 40 years.

Combinations of mop and robot vacuum are ideal for dealing with dry debris (dust dirt) and wet messes (spills or staining) all in one cleaning session without switching machines. These multitaskers will help you save time and effort and are ideal for those with a busy life.

Some robots are controlled by an app and have more features. For instance this model comes with a map of our obstacle course which is a major selling point. You can also use the app to schedule and modify cleaning sessions, change mopping modes and check the level of battery. Others offer voice activation, such as this model that works with Alexa for hands-free control.

If you are in the market for a robot mop or vacuum, make sure that it has the features you are looking for. Each model uses a pad to sweep floors, but some include a scrubber for cleaning grout or a rotating roller brush for a more intensive scrubbing. Some models have a filter which can be changed or cleaned to lessen the odors.

Some mopping machines dispose of their dirty pads, and drop them into a base that empties into a waste drawer making it unnecessary to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, such as the Noesis Florio have reusable pads that you can wash and dry in between uses. If you opt for a model that has pads that can be reused, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean and dry them.