Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums or mops have an app that lets you save your home's maps and set up cleaning schedules and select mopping mode. Some models that have dual rotating pads will also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dump dirty water.

If your model is using reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent bacteria buildup. Also, you should clean the tray that they rest on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops have pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, either by scrubbing or brushing to get rid of the sticky spots and other marks. To prevent bacteria from building up and keep them from smelling, these pads must be removed and washed between usage (if they can be washed). Some models also have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the robot which must be cleaned, rinsed or replaced after every few cleaning cycles.

The best 2-in-1 robotic cleaner and mop vacuum/mop combos are easy to use and have features that reduce cleaning maintenance after cleaning. These include automatic dustbin emptying docks that self-clean and self-cleaning pads which ensure that your robot is ready to mop again almost immediately after a cleaning cycle. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, you should wipe down its sensors with towels or soft cloths every few cycles. This step will help remove dust that can hinder sensors and cause errors.

Choose a mop for your robot that is suitable for carpets if have them. Robot mops that can vacuum or scrub floors must be reprogrammed to avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners as well as mop cleaners have mapping features. This allows you to identify the areas that the robot has cleaned and also those that it hasn't.

The majority of robots with apps connected to mop use sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles, however, they can become confused or lost. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with new software updates to ensure that your robot is equipped with the most effective ability to navigate and avoid obstacles. We suggest testing a robot's performance in your home by constructing an obstacle course for it to run through before purchasing it.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks, one for clean and the other for dirty water. The tank that is dirty needs to be filled and emptied regularly. The water tanks can be easily removed from the base, making it easier to clean them and wash them with warm water and mild soap. Most models come with a drip tray underneath the tank that collects any liquid that spills. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to stop bacteria from growing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

Most robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations and robot mops use a water reservoir for cleaning. The majority of manufacturers recommend cleaning the tank on a regular basis dependent on how often you use your robot. If you want your bot to last for a long time, this is crucial. Some brands, including the top picks of our reviews, have a removable, washable tank to remove dirt water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of the latest mop-vacs we tested are compatible with an app that allows you to save maps of your home as well as set cleaning schedules and select cleaning modes. This is something we look for when selecting the best robot vacuum cleaner and mop model, because it makes the process of setting up and operating your robot cleaner much easier. If the robot vacuum that vacuums and mops you choose doesn't have an app, it is still possible to control the essential functions of the bot using buttons or a remote.

The newer models we've tested are able to remove dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is a big improvement over previous versions of robot cleaners, that mostly passed a pad of water across the floor. These machines aren't designed to deal with large spills. They have to be cleaned manually. They aren't able to move furniture, and they can become lost in rooms with lots of clutter.

Some modern bots have brushes on their bottom and sides which can be removed and washed So, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions on how to do this (typically, you'll need a damp microfiber cloth). Many bots also have sensors that aid in navigation and avoid obstacles. To ensure that these sensors are working properly, it's recommended to clean the sensors after every few cleaning cycles using a soft, clean cloth - especially the areas where sensors are press-fit against the floor.

While 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 could damage the robot and may cause the warranty to be voided.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum combo has a separate dock that doubles as its water tank, it's going to need to be cleaned regularly. The dock can collect dust, grit and other debris, which will need to be removed and washed when the mop has been cleaned. A majority of our choices have an auto-cleaning cycle that you can use the app or on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and also prevents mildew.

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

It's important to clean the sensor areas of a few of the more sophisticated robot mop-vacuum combos that we've tried. They are equipped with sensors that help navigate floors and keep out obstructions. This can keep dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and causing inaccurate readings.

While most robot vacuums and mop systems require some effort they are an excellent alternative for busy homeowners. They will keep your floors looking beautiful and reduce the need for lifting heavy objects. They also save you time, which is the most valuable resource at home.

There are a few companies that are trying to develop better vacuum-mop machines however they are quite a ways from our standard. But we do expect these robots to improve in time, just as all other robot vacuums in the past.

Brushes to be cleaned

Just like a vacuum cleaner it is important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combination to ensure it is functioning properly. Clean the sensors to improve navigation. Empty and wash the water tanks, take out pet hair from brushes and charge ports, clean them, and replace the rollers and filter in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. These suggestions will help your robot vacuum and mop perform efficiently for an extended period of time.

Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte evaluates and tests cleaning appliances in the Laboratory, including robot vacuum-mop combos. Her team has been testing products and recommending them for more than forty years.

Combinations of robot vacuum best vacuums and mops are perfect for cleaning dry debris (dust and dirt) and wet mess. (spills and stains) without having to switch machines. These multitaskers can save you time and effort and are a great choice for those with a busy life.

Certain robots require an app to operate and provide more features than others, for example, a the map this model made of our obstacle course, which is a big selling point. You can also make use of the app to plan and modify cleaning schedules as well as change mopping modes and check the battery level. Some models offer voice activation to allow hands-free operation like the model that works with Alexa.

When you are looking for a robot mop or vacuum, make sure that it comes with the features you need. While all models push a pad of water across floors, some models have scrubbers that can be used to clean grout, or a rotating brush roll for more intense scrubs. Some models come with filters which can be cleaned or replaced to lessen the smell.

Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads into an empty base that automatically dumps them into a trash bin, eliminating the need to manually clean the pads or refill a tank. Other models, such as the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between uses. If you decide to purchase a model that has reusable pads, be sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to clean and dry them.