Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
The majority of robot vacuums we tested mop, and the top 2-in-1 models take post-mopping maintenance off your list by automatically washing their own mop pads that are reusable in their docks. Avoid using any other cleaning solution than that recommended by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot and cause it to lose the warranty.
Self-Emptying Bins
Most robot vacuums that come with a mop come with self-emptying bins, which makes cleaning easier and hands-free. The amount of time you'll need to spend cleaning the base station will depend on how often and how dirty your home is, but these models do take a lot of manual work out of the process and are great for busy households.
The most effective robot vacuums with mopping capabilities have water tanks that contain both dirty and clean water. They also have a space where the floor-cleaning solution of the brand can be automatically mixed and dispensed. After a cleaning session is completed, the bin on board will be filled and dirt and debris will be sent back to the base station to be sealed into a bigger dust bag, which is more durable. The base stations can also be used to refill, wash and dry the robot mop.
These "hands-free" robots, such as the S8 MaxV Ultra from Roborock are the latest category of robots that can do almost everything for you -- they vacuum, muck and clean and can even fill their own water tanks and wash and dry their mop pads. They employ mapping, obstacle avoidance and intelligent functions such as rooms-specific and digital stay-away schedules to navigate around the house.
The new robots are excellent at cleaning bare floors but they're not able to get into tight spaces like between chair legs and under furniture. This is why we suggest some robot mops which can vacuum and mop, including the Roborock S7 and S8 and the Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The Eufy X10 Pro Omni features an onboard bin for dirt and debris that can be cleaned manually however, it also comes with a self-emptying docking station that's capable of emptying the storage bag in two to three cleaning cycles. The only drawback to this model is that you'll need to empty the dustbin inside the vacuum on occasion however we believe it's worth the extra cost for the added convenience.
Self-Cleaning
A robot vacuum that has an auto-emptying bin is a great option for large families or homes who generate lots of dust and dirt. The models automatically place used pads into a trash drawer to be disposed of, which eliminates the need to manually empty the dustbin and reduces how often you'll have to do it. It's also nice to be able to connect your device to your smartphone using an app. This allows you to set up cleaning schedules and change settings even when you're away.
A good robot mop has multiple modes to suit different kinds of floors including dry sweeping or deep mopping. auto vacuum will have docking stations that can be recharged between cleanings. If auto vacuum cleaner looking for a robotic mop that you can control by voice, make sure to check whether it is compatible with a smart voice assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models have additional features like "dirt sensing" which detects how much dirt is left on the pad and prompts the mop to be remopped. Other models have an algorithm that adjusts its pressure according to the kind of surface (more for tile, and less for hardwood) to prevent scratching the floor.
Some of the best robot mops can save the map of your area and return to that area for a clean. This is a must for those who live in a multilevel home or if you have specific areas you'd like the robot to concentrate on, for example, a kitchen floor and carpeted living room. Our recommendations include models that have this technology, as well as features like multi-room smart map, which creates a blueprint for flooring in your home.
Use only the cleaning solutions suggested for your robot. This will ensure that your robot is thoroughly and effectively cleaned without causing damage to your flooring or the warranty being canceled. You might be able to find cleaners that are compatible at your local hardware store or online however, it's best to stick to the recommendations given by the manufacturer.
Self-Emptying Mop Pads
Robot vacuums with mopping capabilities are a cost-effective way to achieve that freshly mowed look without hiring someone. The majority of models that can mop also can be used for vacuuming and will be able to work on carpets and hard floors. However there are some limitations, particularly when you have a lot of dirt or extremely long carpets. They can also be less effective on certain flooring materials like laminate and linoleum.
Many of the robots that can mop use disposable pads that are washed and dried by the base after each cleaning. They can last for as long as 50 minutes before they need to be recharged and replaced. The Noesis Florio, which uses disposable pads, as opposed to rechargeable batteries, is a rare exception. It's still a great option because it can maneuver so well throughout the house. It can go around chair legs as well as over thresholds and even remembers the threshold after a few trips.
The X1 Omni is a good alternative for robot vacuums that can mop because it doesn't require an app to function. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and allows you to operate it with voice commands. It's also less expensive than some of the other robots that vacuum and mop, but it's not equipped with more advanced features.
It has a self-emptying container which dumps the contents into larger bins that need to be cleaned only once every 30 days. It also automatically replenishes its water tank, and then disposes of the cleaning pads when they're dirty, which makes it a low-maintenance.
While the technology in these vacuum-and-mop combos is improving but they're not yet good enough to replace a traditional vacuum and mop. If you have carpeted areas in your home, you should consider a robotic vacuum-mop to keep them clean and fresh. ZDNET provides a range of options including budget-friendly models that come with extra features that don't compromise quality.
Simple to Use
Robots that mop can be simple to use. The majority of robots have an app that lets you program schedules, change the water and vacuum power and check the status of the pads and cloths. Many have an onboard video camera that helps you locate pet hair or other particles stuck on your floor. Some even let you connect to a home assistant such as Alexa or Google Assistant, and some include voice activation.
Some robots, such as the eufy RoboVac L20 Ultra, discard their dirty mopping pads automatically and place them in an empty trash bin that is automatically empty from a dock powered by batteries located at the base station. This is a hands-free method of controlling the machine, however it can leave your floors a bit less clean than if you manually wash and replace the pads. Certain models, such as the eufy X10 Pro Omni refill their mopping pads using separate tanks that are automatically emptied by the dock.
A lot of the robots that combine mopping and vacuuming have smart navigation capabilities, which allow them to follow a pre-planned route and sweep large areas without missing any thing. This feature is especially useful for rooms with furniture, since it allows them to avoid getting caught up in tangled legs or other objects. Users of the app are also able to receive alerts and status updates, like when their dustbins are empty or need to be cleaned.
The eufy RoboVac L20 Ultimate we tested, for example, used its lidar mapping system as well as digital keep-out zones to efficiently navigate around couches, chairs, and other obstacles. During our tests, it also did an excellent job of collecting pet hair and other small debris in hard-to-reach corners and on stairs.
Cleaning your robot regularly and using only cleaners specifically designed for it will ensure that it will last and continue to perform as it should. Vinegar is acidic, and could damage the robot's internal systems.
Robots that can mop and vacuum are a wonderful addition to any home particularly those with pets. By using a combination cleaner and cleaning the pads and cloths properly, you can extend the time-to-use of your equipment and improve its performance. The purchase of one of these hybrids may cost more than a regular vacuum, but the time and effort they can save can be worth the investment.