Buying a Robot Vacuum That Mop
A robot vacuum can make cleaning your floors easier. This is especially true if have hard flooring throughout your home and wish to reduce the amount of Swiffer pads you need to purchase or dispose of.
Choose models that are simple to install and maintain. This includes charging and emptying the tank of water, as well as removing and replacing cleaning pads.
- Object Avoidance
Robot vacuums can detect big obstacles, such as furniture legs, walls, and pet toys. However, they may miss smaller items which are pushed around while cleaning. This is a common issue for all robots and could cause a messy clean up if the robot gets sucked into an object isn't. Robots with object-avoidance systems use sensors (like cameras, lasers or LIDAR) to detect and avoid small objects on the ground.
Some robots employ cameras to create a virtual map and recognize the floor layout. These maps let you create no-mop zones and boundaries as well as set a schedule for cleaning and control water flow in each room during mopping.
Mapping technology is one of the main advantages of a robot that mop, especially if you have an apartment with a lot of furniture or complicated 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 objects that may be getting in the way.
In our tests the iRobot Combo J7+ utilized a combination of LIDAR and an in-front camera to keep away from obstacles that were in its path. This smart feature called PrecisionVision works in both mopping and sweeping mode and is an illustration of how robots are becoming more adept at identifying the objects they encounter on the floor.
When we tested the robot it did a great job of avoiding obstacles that were large, but it was less skilled at recognizing smaller objects like sock balls and USB cords lying on the floor. This is a common problem that we see in all robotic mops, but the good news is that there are plenty of options available that are much better in this regard.
Some mops feature an wand with a special design that sprays clean water on the floor, while others use an oscillating head to do the job with a gentle drip of water and not a powerful jet. Find a model with a low-pressure water flow to reduce the damage.
- Water Reservoir
The majority of robot mops come with the warning that they are not designed to be used for stubborn sticky or set-in stains. However, the good news is that a mopping robot is still much more effective at eliminating these than a vacuum cleaner and even one that is able to perform both.
When we tested the Yeedi robot mop and vacuum we discovered that it was able to maneuver around obstacles and adjusted for objects like toys, furniture, and pet hair to leave floors looking shiny and polished. It didn't reach the top of ledges, so it was unable to reach the rooms to the opposite side. It's smaller than other robot vacuums, so you might need to empty it more often if it is used throughout your home. We recommend buying a model that has an automatic emptying dock that will place its cleaning pads in the empty container, avoiding numerous trips to the trash can.
Mopping robots' ability to return its dirty tanks back to the dock to be cleaned and dried is an additional important feature. The majority of models we tested did, saving you an extra step in your cleaning routine. It is crucial to remember that you must manually empty the cleaning and dirt tanks and wash the pads that are reusable according to the manufacturer's instructions between mopping sessions. This will stop mildew and other unwanted bacteria from growing in the dark and moist area beneath the bot.
Many robot mops come with an app that lets you alter the map of your house, customize cleaning areas and schedules, check the progress of cleaning and connect other smart devices or voice-activated assistants for hands-free control. The app can also be used to determine whether your robot needs maintenance, like a filter replacement. Some of the top models have smart home integration. This allows you to connect them to your smart lights, doorbells, and other gadgets.
- Water Level Adjustment
A robot vacuum that mops can be a worthwhile purchase for those who regularly spend time and energy cleaning their floors. However, the majority of mop models have a disclaimer stating that they are not designed to be used on stubborn or sticky dirt or set-in staining. If you're looking for a mopping machine that can do more that just remove spills and dust, search for one that has the capacity to adjust the water level or the intensity of the scrub.
It's useful to find models that let you plan or manually begin and end cleaning. You will also be able to check the status of your mop in real-time on the app. It's also beneficial to select a mop that automatically recharges when the battery runs low. We've found that most models that include this feature can easily clean a large area in less than two hours.
It should be simple to use and you should have the option to control your mop with voice commands. This is particularly useful for those who want to tidy their floors while they do other chores or sit down to watch television. Most of the models we've tested provide easy-to-use voice controls, but some require you to connect the mop to your Wi-Fi network to access the app.
Another aspect to consider when buying a mopping robot is whether it will come with disposable or recyclable cleaning pads. The latter are more environmentally friendly, but are difficult to store and may not perform as well as the first. Some models let you pick the type of pad you wish to use, but it's important to be sure to wash or change them every cleaning.
If you have lots of area rugs with high pile in your home, it's worth looking for a robotic mop that is able to take care of these. iRobot's j7 Combo can handle these better than the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra, however the latter does an excellent job on both carpeted and non-carpeted floors. You can also purchase an ECOVACS DEEBOT series model that has mopping and vacuuming functions.
- Self-Mopping
The majority of robot mops will save you 35 hours a year of exhausting mopping They're also quieter than vacuum cleaners. You'll still have to do some routine maintenance such as refilling the reservoir or changing dirty cleaning pad. Self-mopping features make this less of a chore, as the mop will return to its dock when it's time for an entirely new pad.
This feature is particularly helpful if your floors are hard to clean, like tile or granite. Some mop models employ the rotating, spinning brush to scrub floors, while others simply run a cleaning pad across the floor. You can also find some mops that can sweep or vacuum in addition to mopping, meaning you'll have a variety of options to clean your home.
If you intend to use a best robot cleaner mop often, think about getting one with a built-in trash bin or a bin that is easy to empty. Certain mops that double as vacuums require you to empty the dustbin more often than those that just mop and go, and some come with a separate bin for each purpose. Ecovacs Deebot X1 comes with an open bin that can be opened with ease unlike other robot vacuums. It also automatically replaces the reusable cleaning pad when it is full.
Some robot mop models are connected to smart homes, which means you can use your phone or voice assistant to control them. The Braava Jet M6 is a smart robotic that connects to hubs and allow you to set up regular cleaning according to your schedule and preferences using the app. Additionally, you can receive 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.
Keep in mind that no robot mop can be perfect. Even the most effective ones will not get sticky, greasy messes clean as you can using manual mops or a traditional sweeper. They're excellent for quick cleanups or for keeping stains from getting set, but they aren't a substitute for a thorough hand mop or a thorough vacuum cleaner.