Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
The majority of the robot vacuums we tested can mop, and the most effective 2-in-1 models can take the post-mopping chore off your list by automatically washing their mop pads, which are reused in their docks. Avoid using any other cleaning product than that suggested by the manufacturer. Doing so could damage the robot and void its warranty.
Self-Emptying Bins
Most robot vacuums that come with a mop will also come with self-emptying bins, which makes cleaning less hands-on. 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 remove a lot of manual work out of the process and are perfect for busy households.
The best robot vacuums with mopping capabilities have an onboard water tank that holds both dirty and clean water. They also include a compartment where the floor-cleaning solution of the brand can be automatically mixed and then dispensed. When a cleaning session has been completed, the onboard bin will be filled and the dirt and debris are sent back to the base station to be sealed into a bigger dust bag that is more durable and long-lasting. The base stations can also be used to refill, wash and dry the robot mops.
These "hands-free" robots, like the S8 MaxV Ultra from Roborock are the latest category of robots that can do almost everything for you -- they clean, vacuum and mop, and can even refill their own water tanks and wash and dry their mop pads. They use mapping and obstacle avoidance to get around the home, and also smart functions like room-specific and digital keep-away schedules.
The new robots are excellent in cleaning floors with no dirt, but they're not able to get into tight spaces such as between chairs or under furniture. We also suggest a few robot mops that are able to mop and vacuum, like the Roborock S7 and S8 and the Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The eufy X10 Pro omni comes with a built-in dust bin that can be cleaned by hand, but also comes with an docking station that is capable of emptying the storage bag after two to three cleaning cycles. This model has one downside that you'll still have 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 that has self-emptying bins is a great option for large households or families who produce a lot of dirt and dust. The models will automatically dispose of used pads into a waste bin for disposal. This makes it unnecessary to empty the bin manually and decreases the frequency of cleaning. It's also great to be capable of connecting your device to your smartphone via an app. robot hoover lets you set up cleaning schedules and alter settings even while you are away.
A good robot mop will have several modes to work with different types of floors, such as dry sweeping or deep mopping. It should also come with a dock that can recharge between cleanings. If you're looking for a robotic mop that you can control with your voice, check for compatibility with a smart assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models come with additional features, like "dirt sense" that detects the amount of dirt left on the pad and causes it to remop and a system that adjusts its pressure to the type of surface (more for tile, less for hardwood) to prevent scratching floors.
Some of the best robot mops are able to save an outline of your space and return to the same area to clean it again. This is a must feature if your home has multiple levels or if there are certain areas you would like the robot to clean, for example carpeted living areas and kitchen floor. Choose a robot with this feature in our recommended models and other helpful features such as multi-room smart mapping, which can help create a streamlined plan for flooring in your home.
Use only the cleaning products recommended for your robot. This will ensure that your robot is effectively and efficiently cleaned without causing damage to your flooring or damaging your warranty. You may be able to find cleaners that are compatible at your local hardware store, or online however, it's recommended to stick with the recommended cleaning products by the manufacturer.
Self-Emptying Mop Pads
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 vacuum and work on hard floors and carpets. However, they do have some limitations, particularly when you have a lot of dirt or very long carpets. They can also be less effective when used on certain flooring surfaces like laminate or linoleum.
Many robots that mop use pads that are reusable that are cleaned and re-used by the base. They can last for up to 50 minutes before they have to be recharged and replaced. The Noesis Florio, which uses disposable pads as opposed to rechargeable batteries, is a rare exception. However, it's a great option because it is able to move so easily throughout the house. It can maneuver between chairs and over thresholds and even recognizes where the threshold is after crossing it a few times, so it is able to slow down there.
The X1 Omni robot vacuum is also able to mop, and it does not require an application. It's compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This means that you can control the robot by voice commands. It's also less expensive than some of the other robots that mop and vacuum, but it's not equipped with more advanced features.
It has a self-emptying bin that dumps the contents in a larger container that has to be emptyed every 30 days. It automatically refills its water and throws out the cleaning pads as soon as they become dirty.
Although the technology behind these mop and vacuum combos is improving they aren't yet enough to replace traditional vaccums and mops. If you have carpeted areas within your home, consider a robotic vacuum-mop to keep them clean and smelling good. There's a wide selection of options at ZDNET including budget-friendly models that don't sacrifice quality for additional features.
Simple to Use
Robots that have mopping capabilities can be easy to operate. They typically have an app that lets you set schedules and adjust water and vacuum power, and see the condition of the cloths or pads. A lot of them come with a built-in video camera that can help you locate pet hair or other debris that has stuck on your floor. 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 mopping pads with no effort and drop them into an empty trash bin that is automatically emptied from a dock powered by batteries located at the base station. This is a hands-free method of controlling the machine, however it could leave your floors slightly less clean than if you wash manually and replace the pads manually. Some models, like the eufy X10 Pro Omni refill their mopping pads using separate tanks that are automatically empty by the dock.
Many of the robots that combine mopping and vacuuming use smart navigation features that let them follow a pre-planned route and quickly complete large areas without sacrificing anything. This feature is especially useful for rooms with furniture since it allows them to avoid getting tangled up with legs or other objects. Users of the app are also able to receive alerts and status updates, like when their dustbins are full or need to be cleaned.
The soft RoboVac L20 Ultimate we tested, for example, used 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.
Cleaning your robot frequently and using only the best cleaning products specifically designed for it will ensure that it will last and continue to function properly. Vinegar is acidic, and can damage the robots internal systems.
Robots with mopping and vacuuming capabilities can be a great addition to your home especially when you have pets. With a combination cleaner and cleaning the pads and towels properly, you can extend the time-to-use of your equipment and improve its performance. Investing in one of these hybrids could cost more than a traditional vacuum but the time and effort they will save could be worth the investment.