best automatic vacuum cleaner and Vacuum Combo
Most robot vacuums or mop models come with an app which lets you save maps of your home, organize cleaning schedules, and select mopping mode. Certain models with dual spinning pads will also automatically return to their docks during cleaning to empty the water of dirt and clean their brushes.
If your model uses disposable pads, take them off and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to prevent the buildup of bacteria. It is also recommended to clean the tray that they sit on between cleanings.
Preparation
Many robot mops feature pads that are soaked in cleaning solution and then move across the floor, scrubbing or brushing to remove sticky marks and other spots. These pads should be removed, washed (if they are washable) and dried between uses to avoid 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 and rinsed, or replaced every few cleaning cycles.
The best 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum combination is easy to use and comes with features that decrease the amount of maintenance needed after cleaning. These include automatic emptying of the dustbin, self-cleaning pads and docks that help keep your robot ready to mop immediately after 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 hinder sensors and cause mistakes.
If you have carpets, make sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with them. Robotic mops that are able to scrub or vacuum floors will need to be reprogrammed so they can avoid carpets. Some robotic vacuum cleaners as well as mop cleaners have mapping capabilities. This lets you see the areas that the robot has cleaned and also those it has not.
The majority of app-connected robot mops utilize sensors to navigate through the house and avoid obstacles, but they can also become confused or lost. It is important to update the mopping app frequently with new software releases to ensure that your robot is equipped with the most effective navigation and obstacle-avoidance abilities. We recommend testing the robot's capabilities in your own home by creating an obstacle course to test its capabilities before buying it.
Most robot mops come with two tanks, one for clean and another for dirty water. The tank that is dirty needs to be filled and emptied regularly. The water tanks can be lifted off the base which makes it easier to clean them and rinse them with mild soap and warm water. Most models have drip tray that sits beneath the water tank that is dirty to catch any spilled liquid. It is recommended to empty the drip tray after every cleaning cycle to lower the risk of bacteria growth.
Cleaning the Water Tank
Most robot vacuums and mop combos have a water tank to clean. The majority of manufacturers recommend that you keep the tank clean dependent on the frequency you use your robot. This is vital for bots that you want to last for a long time. Certain brands, including the top choices in our ratings are washable, removable tanks that allow you to remove the water that is dirty and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.
The majority of the latest mop-vacs that we tested are compatible with an app that allows you to save your home's maps and set up cleaning schedules or select cleaning options. This is a crucial feature to look out for when selecting a robot cleaner. It makes the process of setting it up and using it much simpler. If your chosen model doesn't have an application, you can manage the basic functions of the bot from a button on its dock or remote.
All the newer models that we've tested have the ability to clean dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is a big improvement over the previous versions of robot cleaners, which mostly pushed a pad of water across the floor. However they're not designed to handle large spills, and they still need to be cleaned by hand. They also cannot handle a lot of furniture and could get confused in rooms that have lots of stuff on the floor, so be sure to straighten up the space before mopping to make sure the machine is able to move around it easily.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean and remove the brushes 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. To ensure that these sensors are working well, it's a good idea to wipe down the sensors every couple of cleaning cycles with a soft, clean cloth - especially the areas where the sensors are pressed against the floor.
While it is possible to add other cleaners (such as vinegar) to the tank of the robot however, we don't recommend it unless it has been suggested by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot and invalidate the warranty.
Cleaning the Drip Tray
If your mop and robot vacuum combination has docks that double as a water tank, you'll have to keep it clean regularly. The dock may accumulate dirt, grit and debris that must be cleaned out and removed once the mop has finished. A lot of our picks come with self-cleaning cycles that 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 should be cleaned from time to time -it could become slimy or smell bad when left wet for too long. If your model has disposable or washable mop pads ensure you're washing them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions between cleaning cycles. The same goes 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.
It's important to clean the sensor areas on some of the more sophisticated robot mop vacuum combos we've tried. They have sensors that allow you to navigate floors and stay clear of obstructions. This can keep dirt and grime from obstructing the sensors and causing misjudgment.
While most robot mop and vacuum units require a little work on a regular basis, they provide huge benefits for the busy homeowner. They will keep floors looking beautiful and eliminate the need for heavy lifting and give you the most valuable resource of a home -- your free time.
There are a few companies working to build better vacuum-mop robots but they're a long way from the quality we have. But we expect these robots to improve over time, just like all other robot vacuums in the past.
Brushes to be cleaned
Maintaining your robot vacuum and mop is important, just like maintaining a vacuum cleaner. Clean 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 tips will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum combo performs well for a lengthy 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 vacuum-mop combinations. Her team has been testing products and suggesting them for over forty years.
Robot vacuums and mops are great for cleaning both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills, staining) in one clean-up session without having to switch machines. These multitaskers will save you time and effort and are ideal for those with a hectic schedule.
Certain robots require an application to operate and provide more features than others, for example, a the map this model made of our obstacle course that's a big selling point. You can also make use of the app to plan and modify cleaning schedules, change mopping modes and check battery levels. Certain models have voice activation to allow hands-free operation, such as the model that integrates with Alexa.
If you are in the market for a robot mop or vacuum, ensure that it comes with the features you need. All models utilize a pad to sweep the floor but some also have a scrubber for cleaning grout or a rotating roller brush for a more intensive scrub. Some models come with a filter that can be washed or replaced to eliminate the odor.
Some mopping robots drop their dirty pads onto an empty base that automatically dumps them into a waste bin, removing the need to manually clean the pads or refill the tank. Some mopping robots, such as the Noesis Florio have reusable pads which can be washed and dried between uses. If you opt for a model that has pads that are reusable, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer on how to wash and dry them.