Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums or mops come with an app which lets you save your home's maps and organize cleaning schedules, and choose mopping mode. Certain models with dual spinning pads will also automatically return to their dock mid-cleaning to empty the water of dirt and clean their brushes.

If your model is using disposable pads, take them off and wash them (if safe) each time you clean them to avoid the buildup of bacteria. It is also recommended to clean the tray that they sit on between cleanings.

Preparation

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

The best robot vacuum 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 vacuum cleaner emptying of the dustbin. This will keep your robot mopping almost immediately following a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, try wiping down its sensors using towels or soft cloths every few cycles. This will help get rid of dust that could block sensors and cause mistakes.

Select a robot mop suitable for carpets if have carpets. Robot mops that can vacuum or scrub floors will need to be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping functions. This lets you identify the areas that the robot vacuums with mop has cleaned and also those it hasn't.

Most robots with apps use sensors to help them navigate the home and steer clear of obstacles, but they may occasionally get confused or lost. Make sure to update the mopping application regularly with the latest software releases to ensure that your robot is equipped with the most effective ability to navigate and avoid obstacles. Before you purchase a robot, we recommend creating an obstacle course at home to check its performance.

Most robot mops come with two tanks, one for clean and one for dirty water. The tank that is dirty is required to be filled and empty 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. The majority of models have an under-sink drip tray beneath the tank that collects any liquid spilled. It's recommended that you empty the drip tray following every cleaning cycle to lower the chance of bacterial growth.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations and robot mops use 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 important. Some brands, such as the top choices of our rating, come with a an easily washable tank that is removable, so that you can wash away dirty water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

Most of the mop-vacs we tested have an app that lets you save maps of your house and organize cleaning schedules or choose cleaning modes. This is something we look for when deciding on a model, as it makes setting up and using the robot cleaner a lot easier. If the robot you choose doesn't have an app, it's still possible to control the basic functions of the robot with the remote or button.

All of the latest models we've reviewed can vacuum up dust and dirt from various surfaces This is a major improvement over earlier versions of robot cleaners that mostly just passed a pad with water across the floor. However they aren't designed to handle huge spills, which still need to be cleaned by hand. They also cannot handle a lot of furniture and may get lost in rooms that have lots of clutter on the floor, so make sure to straighten the area prior to mopping to make sure the machine is able to move around it easily.

Some of the latest bots have brushes on their sides and bottom which can be removed and washed Be certain to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to do this (typically using you'll need a damp microfiber cloth). Sensors are also used by a majority of bots to navigate the floor and avoid obstacles. To keep these sensors working properly, it's recommended to clean the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles with a soft clean cloth, particularly the areas where the sensors are press-fit against the floor.

Additionally, although it is possible to put other cleaners in your robot's tank (for instance, vinegar), we advise against doing so unless the manufacturer recommends it. This could cause damage to the robot and may end the warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum combo has a dock on its own that doubles as a water tank, it will need to be cleaned on a regular basis. The dock can collect grit, dirt and debris that needs to be cleaned out and removed once the mop has finished. Many of our picks include a self-cleaning function that you can use via the app or the button on the mop. This keeps the tank clean and also prevents mildew.

It is also important to clean the area of the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If the dock is left wet, it could become slimy and even smell. If your model is equipped with washable or disposable mop pads, make sure to wash them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. Hybrid mop/vacuum units that have brushes on the sides and bottom of the unit are also affected. Take the brushes out and clean them with a rag or cloth after each cleaning cycle.

Some of the most sophisticated robot vacuum-mop combinations we've tested contain sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still important to wipe off the sensor areas regularly. This can keep dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and causing inaccurate readings.

While most robot vacuums and mop units require some effort however, they're a great alternative for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking great and reduce the need for heavy lifting. They also save time and energy, which is the most valuable resource at home.

While there are companies that are attempting to create better robot vacuum units however, they have a long way to go before they can reach our level of quality. But we expect these robots to improve over time, just like all other robot vacuums in the past.

Brushes to be cleaned

Similar to a vacuum cleaner it is important to maintain your cleaning robot mop and vacuum unit to ensure that it's functioning well. Clean sensors to aid in navigation clean and empty the water tank, remove pet hair clogs that block brushes, keep charge ports clean and replace the filter and rollers according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These suggestions 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 products in the Laboratory. This includes robot vacuums and mops. 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, stains) all in one cleaning session without having to switch machines. Multitaskers are great for saving time and effort. They're also convenient for busy schedule.

Certain robots require an application to operate and offer more features than others, such as a map this model created of our obstacle course, which is a big selling point. You can also make use of the app to plan and alter cleaning sessions modify mopping settings and check the level of battery. Other models include voice activation, such as this model that integrates with Alexa, for hands-free control.

If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop choose one that has the features that are most important to you. All models utilize pads to sweep floors, however some have scrubbers for cleaning grout or a rotating roller brush for more intense scrub. Some have a filter which can be cleaned or replaced to reduce odors.

Some mopping robots discard their dirty pads, and drop them into a base that automatically empties into a waste drawer making it unnecessary to manually wash the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, like the Noesis Florio have reusable pads you can wash and dry in between uses. If you decide to purchase one with pads that can be reused, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.