Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
Most of the robot vacuums we tested mop, and the most effective 2-in-1 models can take the maintenance of mopping after you've finished by automatically washing their own mop pads, which are reused in their docks. Do not use any other cleaning product than that recommended by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot, and could void the warranty.
Self-Emptying Bins
Most robot vacuums that come with a mop will also have self-emptying bins to make 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 filthy your house is however, these models take a lot of manual work out of the process and are perfect for busy households.
The top robot vacuums that have mopping capabilities come with a water tank that contains both clean and dirty water. They also come with a compartment that houses the floor-cleaning solution from the brand can be mixed and dispersed. When a cleaning session has been completed, the bin on board will be filled and the dirt and debris will be sent back to the base station to be sealed into a larger dust bag that is more durable and long-lasting. Base stations can be used to refill, wash and dry the robot mop.
These "hands free" robots such as the S8 MaxV Ultra by Roborock are the newest class of robots. They vacuum, muck, clean, and even refill their water tanks, wash and dry their mop pads. They make use of the concept of mapping and obstacle avoidance to get around the home, and also clever functions such as room-specific or digital keep-away scheduling.
However, while these new types of robots are highly efficient at cleaning bare floors, they aren't the best option to mop carpeted floors or getting into tight spaces such as between chairs or under furniture. We also recommend robot mops that can 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 which can be manually emptied It also comes with an auto-emptying docking station capable of clearing out the storage bag in just two to three cleaning cycles. This model has one downside it that you'll need to empty the dust bin into the vacuum on occasion. We believe the extra cost is worth it to have the convenience.
Self-Cleaning
A robot vacuum with self-emptying bins is an ideal choice for large families or homes that tend to produce a lot of dust and dirt. These models automatically drop used pads into a waste drawer for disposal that eliminates the necessity of manually emptying the trash bin, and decreases how often you'll need to empty it. Having the option to connect to your smartphone via an app is also nice, as you can set cleaning schedules and adjust settings even when you are away from home.
A good mop robot has multiple modes to suit different floor types, such as dry mopping and deep. It will have a docking station that can be recharged between cleanings. If you're looking for a robotic mop that can be controlled by voice, make sure to check whether it is compatible with a smart assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models have additional features like "dirt sensing" which detects how much dirt is left on the pad, and will prompt the mop to be remopped. Other models have an algorithm that adjusts its pressure based on the kind of surface (more for tile and less for hardwood) to prevent scratching the floor.
Certain robot mops are capable saving an outline of the area and returning to it later for an additional cleaning. This is a must feature for homes with multiple levels or certain areas you would like the robot to clean, such as carpeted living areas and a kitchen floor. Choose a robot that includes this technology in our suggestions and other useful features such as multi-room smart mapping that helps create an efficient floor plan for your home's flooring.
Use only the cleaning solutions suggested for your robot. This will ensure that your robot is properly and effectively cleaned without damaging your floor or damaging your warranty. You might be able find cleaners that are compatible at your local hardware store, or online however, it's best to stick with what's suggested by the manufacturer.
Self-Emptying Mops
Robot vacuums with mopping capabilities are a cost-effective method to achieve that freshly mowed look without hiring someone. Most models that mop also vacuum and work on carpets and hard floors. However, robot vacuum cleaners do have certain limitations, especially in the case of heavily soiled or extremely long carpets. They may also be less effective when applied to certain flooring surfaces like laminate or Linoleum.
A lot of the robots that mop use reusable pads that are washed and dried by the base after each cleaning. They usually last for up to 50 minutes or more prior to when they need a replacement and recharge. The Noesis Florio is an exception in that it uses disposable pads, but it's still a great option due to the ease with which it maneuvers throughout the home. It can be used to maneuver around the legs of chairs as well as over thresholds and even remembers the threshold after a few trips.
The X1 Omni is a good alternative for robotic vacuums that mop because it doesn't require an app to operate. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and allows you to control it using voice commands. It's also less expensive than other robots that can vacuum and mop, but it's not equipped with more advanced features.
It has a self-emptying bin that dumps the contents into larger bins that need to be emptied only every 30 days. It also automatically refills its water tank and disposes of the cleaning pads once they're dirty, which makes it extremely low maintenance.
Although the technology used in these vacuum-and-mop combos is improving however, they're still not good enough to replace a traditional vaccum and mop. If you have carpeted areas in your home, you should consider the use of a robotic mop and vacuum to keep them tidy and fresh. ZDNET offers a variety of options, including budget-friendly models with additional features that do not sacrifice quality.
Easy to Use
Robots with mopping functions can be easy to operate. Most come with a user-friendly application that lets you set up schedules and adjust water and vacuum power, and view the condition of the cloths or pads. Some come with a built-in video camera that helps you locate pet hair or other debris stuck to your floor. Some allow you to connect to a personal assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant, and some include voice activation.
Some robots, such as the eufy RoboVac L20 Ultra, discard their mopping pads that are dirty automatically and drop them into an empty waste bin that is automatically emptied from a dock powered by batteries located at the base station. This is a hands-free method of operating the machine but it leaves your floors a bit less tidy than if they were washed and replaced manually. Certain models, such as the eufy X10 Pro Omni refill their mopping pads with separate tanks that are automatically emptied by the dock.
Smart navigation features are used by many robots that mop and vacuum simultaneously. This lets them follow a pre-planned route and cover large areas quickly without a single omission. This feature is particularly useful in rooms with furniture since it keeps them from being caught in tangled legs or other objects. Users of the app are also able to receive alerts and status updates, for instance, when their dustbins are empty or need to be cleaned.
The soft 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 also performed admirably in collecting pet hair and other small particles in difficult-to-reach corners as well as on stairs.
Cleaning your robot regularly and using only cleaning solutions designed specifically for it will ensure it will last and perform as it should. Vinegar is acidic and can damage the robots internal systems.
Robots that can mop and vacuum are an excellent addition to any home that has pets. By using a combination cleaner making sure the pads and rugs are washed properly and observing other recommendations for maintenance will allow your machine to last longer and perform better. Investing in one of these hybrids may cost more than a standard vacuum, but the time and effort they can save can be worth the investment.