Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
Most of the robot vacuums we tested could mop, and the top 2-in-1 models cross post-mopping maintenance off your list by automatically washing their reusable mop pads in their docks. However, do not use any cleaner other than the one suggested by the manufacturer. Doing so could damage the robot and cause it to lose its warranty.
Bins that Self-Empty
Most robot vacuums that come with a mop include self-emptying bins that make cleaning more hands-off. The amount of time you'll spend cleaning 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 great for busy households.
The best robot vacuums that mop have a water tank with clean and dirty water, with a compartment for the brand's floor-cleaning solution to be mixed automatically and dispensed. When the cleaning is completed the onboard bin is filled, and the debris and dirt are returned to the base station to be sealed in a larger and more robust dust bag. The base stations can also be used to refill or wash and dry the robot mops.
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, clean and muck and can even fill their own water tanks, and wash and dry their mop pads. They employ obstacles avoidance, mapping and intelligent functions such as room-specific and digital stay-away scheduling to navigate around the house.
The new robots are excellent for cleaning floors that aren't clean, however they aren't able to reach into tight spaces such as between chairs or under furniture. We also recommend robot mops that can be used to vacuum and mop. They include the Roborock S7, S8 and Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The Eufy X10 Pro Omni features an onboard bin for debris and dirt that can be emptied manually, but it also comes with an auto-emptying docking station capable of clearing out the storage bag in just two to three cleaning cycles. The model comes with one drawback: you will still need to empty the dust bin into the vacuum occasionally. We believe that the extra cost is worth it for the convenience.
Self-Cleaning
A robot vacuum with a self-emptying bin is an ideal choice for large households or families which generate a lot of dirt and dust. The models will automatically dispose of used pads into the trash bin to be disposed of. This makes it unnecessary to empty the bin manually and decreases the frequency of doing so. Having the option to connect to your smartphone using an app is also a nice feature as it allows you to create cleaning schedules and alter settings even when you are away from home.
A quality robot mop will have multiple modes for different floor types, such as dry mopping and deep. It will also have docking stations that can be recharged between cleanings. If you're looking for a robot 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 come with additional features, like "dirt sense" that detects the amount of dirt that has been left on the pad and causes it to remop and a system that adapts its pressure to match 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 then return to the same area for a clean. This feature is essential for homes with multiple levels or if there are specific areas that you want the robot to clean, like a carpeted living area and a kitchen floor. Find a model with this feature in our recommended models along with other helpful features such as multi-room smart mapping, which can help create a streamlined floor plan for your home's flooring.
Use only the cleaning solutions suggested for your robot. This will ensure that your robot is effectively and efficiently cleaned without causing damage to your flooring or the warranty being canceled. You can find compatible cleaners at your local hardware store, or even online. However, it is best to stick with what the manufacturer suggests.
Self-Emptying Mop Pads
Robot vacuums that mop are a great option to get the fresh mowed and waxed appearance without hiring a professional. The majority of the models that can mop also can be used for vacuuming and will be able to work on carpets and hard floors. There are some limitations, especially if the carpets are filthy or long. They can also be less effective on certain floor surfaces like laminate and linoleum.
Many robots that mop use pads that can be reused that are cleaned and re-used by the base. They can last for up to 50 minutes before they need to be recharged and replaced. The Noesis Florio, which uses disposable pads as opposed to rechargeable batteries, is an exception. It's nevertheless an excellent choice since it can move effortlessly throughout the home. It can maneuver around the legs of chairs, over thresholds, and even remembers the threshold after a few times.
The X1 Omni is another option for a robot vacuum that can mop because it doesn't require an app to operate. 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 it lacks some of the more advanced features.
One of the greatest features that it does have is a self-emptying bin for dust that drops the contents into a bigger waste bin that only needs to be empty every 30 days or as often as. It refills its water automatically and throws out the pads for cleaning as soon as they become dirty.
Although the technology of these vacuum-and mop combos is improving they are not yet good enough to replace traditional vacuums and mop. That said, if you have large areas of your home with carpet, think about getting 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 compromise quality for additional features.
Simple to use
Robots that have mopping capabilities are often easy to operate. They typically have an app that lets you set schedules, adjust water and vacuum power, and check the condition of the cloths or pads. A lot of them also have an onboard camera that can help you spot any pet hair or other debris that could be strewn across your floors. Some models allow you to connect with a home assistant such as Alexa or Google Assistant and others have voice activation.
Some robots, like the eufy RoboVac L20 Ultra, discard their dirty mopping pads automatically and drop them into an empty waste bin that is automatically emptied from a battery-powered dock at the base station. This is a hands-free way of operation, but can leave your floors less tidy than if they were cleaned and replaced manually. Certain models, such as the eufy X10 Pro Omni refill their mopping pads using separate tanks that are automatically emptied by the dock.
Smart navigation features are used by a variety of robots that mop and vacuum simultaneously. This lets them follow a pre-planned route and cover large areas without missing anything. This feature is especially beneficial in rooms with furniture since it keeps them from getting caught in tangled legs or other objects. Users of the app are also able to receive alerts and status updates, such as when their bins are full or need to be cleaned.
The elegant RoboVac L20 Ultimate that we tested utilized its digital keep-out zone as well as lidar mapping system to navigate couches, chairs, and other obstacles. In our testing it did a fantastic job picking up pet fur and other small particles from the stairs and in corners that are difficult to reach.
Cleaning your robot frequently and using only the best cleaning products designed for it will ensure that it will last and function as intended. Vinegar is acidic, and can damage the robots internal systems.
Robots that can mop and vacuum are a wonderful option for any household that has pets. With a combination cleaner and washing the pads and cloths correctly, you can prolong the lifespan of your machine and increase its performance. robot vacuum cleaners are more expensive than standard vacuums, but they will reduce time and effort.