Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
Most of the robot vacuums we tested can mop, and the best 2-in-1 models cross post-mopping maintenance off your list by automatically washing their own reusable mop pads in their docks. However, do not use any cleaner that is not the one suggested by the manufacturer. Doing so could damage the robot and void its warranty.
Bins that self-empty
The majority of robot vacuums that come with a mop also come with self-emptying bins which make cleaning easy. The amount of time you'll need to spend cleaning out the base station will depend on how often and how filthy your house is, but these models do take a lot of the manual labor out of the process, and are ideal for busy households.
The top robot vacuums that are able to mop have a water tank that is filled with clean and dirty water, with a compartment for the brand's floor-cleaning solution to be automatically mixed and dispensed. Once the cleaning session is finished, the onboard bin is filled and the dirt and debris are returned to the base station to be sealed into larger and more durable dust bag. The base stations can also be used to refill or wash and dry the robot mop.
These "hands-free" robots, such as the S8 MaxV Ultra from Roborock are the newest class 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 mop pads. They make use of the concept of mapping, obstacle avoidance and smart functions such as room-specific and digital stay-away scheduling to navigate around the house.
These new robots are great at cleaning bare floors but they can't reach into tight spaces such as between chair legs and under furniture. We also recommend robot mops that can mop and vacuum. These include the Roborock S7, S8 and Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The Eufy X10 Pro Omni features an onboard bin for dirt and debris which can be manually emptied, but it also has self-emptying docking stations that are capable of removing the storage bag in two or three cleaning cycles. The only drawback is it that you'll need to empty the dustbin in the vacuum at times. However, we believe that the extra cost is worth it to have the convenience.
Self-Cleaning
Robot vacuums that self-empty bins are a good choice for large households or families who produce a lot of dirt and dust. The models automatically place used pads into a garbage drawer to be disposed of that eliminates the need to manually empty the bin and reduces the often you'll have to do it. The option of connecting to your smartphone using an app is also nice because you can create cleaning schedules and change settings even when away from home.
A quality robot mop comes with various modes that can be used to suit different types of floors, such as dry sweeping or deep mopping. It should also come with an electric dock that is able to recharge between cleanings. Make sure that the robot is compatible mop with a smart assistant, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models have extra features, such as "dirt sense" that detects the amount of dirt that has been left on the pad and will prompt it to remop, and a system that adapts its pressure to the surface type (more for tile more pressure, less for hardwood) to avoid scratching floors.
Some of the better robot mops can save an outline of your space and return to the same area to clean it again. This is a must if you have a multilevel home or specific areas you'd like the robot to focus on, like the kitchen floor or carpeted living room. We recommend models with this technology, along with features such as multi-room smart maps, which creates a plan for flooring in your home.
Use only the cleaning solutions recommended for your robot. This will ensure that your robot is effectively and efficiently cleaned without damaging your floor or voiding your warranty. You might be able find cleaners that are compatible at your local hardware store or on the internet however, it's recommended to stick with what's suggested by the manufacturer.
Self-Emptying Mops
Robot vacuums that can mop are a cost-effective way to achieve that freshly mopped look without having to hire someone. Most models that mop can also be used to vacuum and work on carpets and hard floors. They do have limitations, especially if the carpets are filthy or long. They can also be less effective on certain flooring surfaces such as laminate or linoleum.
Many robots that mop use pads that are reusable, which are washed and re-used by the base. They can last up to 50 minutes before they need to be recharged and replaced. The Noesis Florio is an exception in that it has disposable pads, however it's still a great choice due to the ease with which it can move around the home. It can move around chair legs and over thresholds, and even remembers where the threshold is after having crossed it several times, which means it knows when to slow down there.
The X1 Omni is another option for robotic vacuums that mop, since it doesn't require an app to function. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This means you can control the robot using voice commands. It's also less expensive than many robots, but lacks some of the most advanced features.
It comes with a self-emptying bin that dumps the contents in a larger bin that needs to be emptied only every 30 days. best robot vacuum cleaner replenishes its water tank and disposes of the cleaning pads once they're dirty, which makes it extremely low maintenance.
Although the technology of these mop and vacuum combination is improving, they are not yet good enough to replace traditional vaccums and mops. If robot vacuum reviews have large areas of your home that are carpeted, you should consider buying a robotic mop and vacuum to keep those rooms clean and smelling fresh. There's a wide selection of options on ZDNET, including budget-friendly models that don't sacrifice quality for their extra features.
Simple to Use
Robots with mopping capabilities are often easy to operate. Most robots come with an app that lets you set schedules, adjust the power of vacuum and water and monitor the condition of the pads and cloths. Many come with a built-in video camera that will help you identify pet hair or other debris that has stuck to your floor. Some allow you to connect to a home assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant, and some include voice activation.
Some robots, such as the eufy RoboVac L20 Ultra drop their dirty mopping pad into a bin that is automatically emptied via a dock that is powered by batteries at the base station. This is a hands-free method of using the machine, but it leaves your floors a bit less clean than if they were cleaned and replaced manually. Certain models, such as the eufy X10 Pro Omni refill their mopping pads using an additional tank that is automatically empty by the dock.
Many of the robots that combine vacuuming and mopping utilize smart navigation features that let them follow a specific route and quickly sweep large areas without missing anything. This feature is especially beneficial in rooms that have furniture because it keeps them from being caught in tangled legs or other objects. Users of the app will also receive notifications and status updates, such as when their trash bins are full or need to be cleaned.
The eufy RoboVac L20 Ultimate we tested included, for instance, its lidar mapping system as well as digital keep-out zones in order to navigate around couches, chairs and other obstacles. In our tests, it did a great job picking up pet fur and other small particles from the stairs and in corners that are hard to reach.
If you want your robot to last and continue to function effectively it is crucial to regularly clean it and to only use specific cleaning products designed for it. Vinegar is acidic and could damage the robot's internal systems.
Robots with mopping and vacuuming capabilities can be a great addition to your household particularly when you have pets. By using a combination cleaner making sure the pads and rugs are cleaned properly and observing other recommendations for maintenance will ensure that your machine lasts longer and perform better. The purchase of one of these hybrids might cost more than a traditional vacuum but the time and effort they will save can make them worth the investment.