Buying a Robot Vacuum That Mop
A robot vacuum can make cleaning your floors easier. This is particularly true if you have hard floors throughout your home and want to reduce the amount of Swiffer pads you need to purchase or get rid of.
Find models that are easy to install and maintain. This includes charging and emptying the tank of water, taking out and replacing cleaning pads.
1. Object Avoidance
Robot vacuums can detect large obstacles such as furniture legs, walls and pet toys. However, they can miss smaller objects that are moved around during cleaning. This is a problem most robots have and can cause chaos when they are caught in things they should not. Robots equipped with object-avoidance systems employ sensors (like cameras, lasers or LIDAR) to detect and avoid small objects that are on the ground.
Certain robots make use of cameras to create a virtual map and recognize the floor's layout. These maps allow you to define boundaries and no-mop zones, set a cleaning schedule and control water flow in each room during mopping.
Mapping technology is among the most significant advantages of a robot that mop particularly if you live in a house with a lot of furniture or complex floor plans. Mapping lets a robot learn the arrangement of your rooms so that it can quickly and effectively clean them without running into or knocking over furniture or other items that are blocking the way.
During our tests, the iRobotCombo J7+ was able to combine LIDAR with a front-facing video camera to stay clear of obstacles in its path. This smart feature called PrecisionVision can be used in both sweeping and mopping mode and is an illustration of how robots are getting more adept at identifying the objects they come across on the floor.
The robot was effective in getting rid of large objects, but not than that at detecting smaller objects like USB cords and sockballs. This is a common problem we encounter in the majority of robotic mops however the good news is that there are a lot of options available which are better in this regard.
Some mop heads make use of a special wand to spray water onto floors, whereas others feature an oscillating mop head that performs the task with a gentle drip and does not have any strong jets of water. Choose a model that has a low-pressure water flow to limit the damage.
2. Water Reservoir
Most robot mop models come with the warning that they aren't designed to be used to remove stubborn sticky or set-in stains. However, the good news is that a mopping robot is still far more effective at eliminating these stains than a vacuum even if it can do both.
We found that the Yeedi robot mop and vacuum was able to maneuver around obstacles and adjust for objects such as toys, furniture, or pet hair, leaving floors sparkling and polished. The only downside was that it didn't make it up to the top of ledges in order to access rooms on the other side. It's a smaller bin than most robot vacuums, which means you might have to empty it more often when it is used throughout your home. We recommend a model that has self-emptying ports, which will deposit the cleaning pads in the empty container. This will save you from having to make numerous trips to the garbage can.
Mopping robots' ability to automatically return its dirty tanks to the dock to be cleaned and dried is a further important feature. The majority of the models we tested will, and this saves you time in your cleaning routine. But, it's important to note that you will have to manually empty the dirt and cleaning solution tanks and wash the pads according to their manufacturer instructions between mopping sessions. This will prevent mildew or other undesirable bacteria from forming in the dark and damp space beneath the bot.
Many robot mop models come with an app that lets you alter the map of your house and customize cleaning areas as well as schedules, view the status of cleans and connect to other smart devices or voice-activated assistants for hands free control. The app also offers a way to see the time when your mopping machine requires maintenance, such as an adjustment to the filter. Some of the most popular models include smart home integration, allowing you to connect them to smart light bulbs doorbells, lights, and other devices.
3. Water Level Adjustment
Robot vacuums that mop can be an excellent investment for those who spend much time and effort cleaning their floors. However, most mop cleaners come with a disclaimer that states that they're not intended to be used for stubborn or sticky messes or set-in stains. If you want a mopping machine that can do more than just clean up dust and spills, look for one that has the capacity to adjust water level or the intensity of the scrub.
It is helpful to locate models that allow you to plan or manually begin and finish cleaning. You should also be able see the status of your mop in real-time via the app. It's also beneficial to select a mop that automatically charges when the battery runs low. Many models that feature this feature can clean a large house in less than a half an hour.
It should be simple to use, and you should have the option to control your mop via voice commands. This is especially beneficial for those who would like to sweep their floors while they do other chores or even watch television. The majority of the mop models we tested have voice controls that are easy to use, however some require you to connect the mop with your Wi-Fi connection to access the app.
Another aspect to consider when buying a mopping robot is whether it will come with disposable or disposable cleaning pads. These are more environmentally sustainable, but they can be difficult to maintain and may not perform as well as the first. Certain models let you select which kind of pad you want to use however, you'll need to be sure to change them frequently or wash them after each cleaning.
If you have lots of high-pile area rugs in your home, it's worth seeking out a robotic mop that is able to manage these. The j7 model from iRobot's Combo is better at cleaning these than the Roborock S7 Maxv Ultra, but it can also do an excellent job on non-carpeted surfaces. If you want to, you can purchase an ECOVACS DEEBOT series model that has mopping and vacuuming capabilities.
4. Self-Mopping
Robotic mops are quieter than vacuums and could save you up to 35 hours of mopping per year. However, you'll need to take care of some maintenance tasks such as refilling the reservoir of water or replacing the dirty cleaning pad. Self-mopping makes this easier because the mop goes back to its dock automatically when it requires an additional pad.
This feature is particularly helpful for floors that are difficult to clean, such as tile or granite. Some mop models scrub floors with the rotating bristle spinning and others employ pads for cleaning. You can also find mop models that sweep or vacuum in addition to mopping, which means you'll have more options to clean your home.
If robot vacuum cleaner with mop plan to use a robot mop frequently, consider getting one that has a built-in dust bin or an easy-to-empty bin. Some mops that also double as vacuums will require you to empty the dustbin more often than mops that simply mop and go, and some have a separate bin for each purpose. The Ecovacs Deebot X1 has a self-emptying bin for its sweeping pads that's more accessible than those of other robot vacuums, and it also automatically swaps out the disposable pads for fresh ones when they're full.
Some robot mops are connected to smart homes, meaning you can utilize your smartphone or a voice assistant to control them. The Braava Jet M6 is an example of a smart robot mop that connects to a hub. This means it is possible to schedule recurring cleanings with your schedule and other preferences using the app. You can also get an update on the mop's battery and water level, which can be beneficial if you're away from home to check on what's going on.
Remember that no robot mop can be perfect. Even the top ones will not get dirty, greasy messes wiped clean like you would with manual mops, or a traditional sweeper. They are ideal for quick cleaning or preventing stains, however, they aren't a substitute for a thorough hand mop or vacuum.