Robot Vacuums That Mop
Robot vacuums are popular for their ease with which they can be used to tidy your home. Time is money as the old saying is.
If you're looking to go further, get a robot that can also mop. These 2-in-1 machines are just as effective for keeping floors spotless.
1. They are more efficient
Robot vacuums that have mopping capabilities are able to clean floors better than vacuums with mopping capabilities alone. They are equipped with sensors that can tell the time when the floor is dirty and adjust cleaning settings to suit. They also can detect objects that could get caught in the brushes and are designed to stay clear of obstacles like stairs. They're an excellent choice for homes that have hard floors, which can be difficult to clean.
In CHOICE's lab tests robot vacuums that mop perform very well in cleaning hard floors. They spray water and scrub the floor with microfibre pads that are moistened in a tank of water on their base. The pads are easy to replace and reusable. They are suitable for different flooring surfaces, including hardwood, laminate, and tiled kitchens. They're low maintenance, which means you'll need to keep them charged with water or a cleaning solution to their tanks and take them out and change their mop regularly.
The best robotic mops come with voice activation and home integration to make them more convenient to use. They can be programmed for specific cleaning times and most have a docking system that will automatically return the robot to charge when it's finished.
However, robot vacuums that are set to run when you're away can still get into trouble. Like a robot vacuum, that can run wild, even small objects like shoelaces pet toy and phone chargers can stop it from moving. You'll still need to vacuum-proof your home and perform regular checks of the robots' dust bins to pick up the odd object that they might miss.
2. They are also less expensive
Robot vacuums are fantastic for automated, general cleaning. But, they don't reach all the corners and crevices. It is still necessary to clean your home regularly to remove stubborn dirt and dust from areas that are difficult to reach. Robot vacuums that can mop are a great solution. They can spray water and scrub the floors to do a better job. They can also be programmed to clean when you're working or away from home.
The good news is that most robot vacuums with mopping capabilities are cheaper than traditional mops. However, you will need to purchase an assortment of mop pads or cleaning pads (or refill packages) to ensure that the machine is running smoothly. It's important to check the guidelines of the manufacturer and make sure that your pads or cloths aren't left wet for prolonged periods of time, since mildew may grow on them.
It is crucial to make sure that the robot mop or vacuum is compatible with the style and type of flooring in your home. Different machines perform better on different types of flooring, so you will want to make sure that yours is compatible before making a purchase.
Most robot mops have apps that allow you to save your home's maps as well as set schedules and choose cleaning modes. Certain robot mops come with a visual wall that can be used as a barrier to stop certain areas of your home from being cleaned. This will help protect your floors from damage. Certain models also have a built-in self-emptying base that takes the dust and debris from the device when it's docked at the charging station. This can be a major time-saver and can help you avoid the burden of emptying the dust bin by yourself after each cleaning session.
3. They are more convenient
A robot vacuum that also mop is a fantastic option for any Smart Home device, especially for those who have multiple floors and don't want to spend too much time cleaning. These cleaning machines can save up to 35 hours per year for their owners, who would otherwise have spent mopping and sweeping every day.
In our lab tests we found that most robot mop models had a dry cleaning feature that either utilized dry pads to sweep or suction to eliminate dust from tight spaces. Some models are able to be used on rugs and hardwood flooring, keeping your home clean and allergen free.
Certain robotic vacuums come with sensors that can recognize the kind of flooring they are on and adjust their cleaning mode accordingly. Other models can detect obstacles and switch cleaning modes. They are usually easy to install and maintain, requiring just charging, emptying the water tank and then removing or replacing the pads for cleaning (or reused ones). Choose one that comes with an app integration. This will allow you to save your home's maps, customize cleaning areas and schedule cleaning from anywhere.
But, remember that even though these devices are great at automating cleaning, they are not a substitute for standard vacuums and may leave some corners and nooks that have to be tackled with a broom or a dustpan. You'll still need to use your regular vacuum on a regular basis particularly if you have high-pile carpets or an excessive amount of furniture. It is also recommended to remove mopping cloths or pads frequently and let them air dry in between mopping sessions. Bacteria thrive in moist environments.
4. They are more environmentally friendly
Robot vacuums do an excellent job cleaning up dry debris, however they're not great at removing liquid spills or staining. Robots that are able to clean up spills and stains are more effective than separate gadgets. They can also be used on various flooring types, which is important in a home with floors that are mixed. In my tests, I observed that the Bissell SpinWave Robotic Vacuuming & Mopping Machine can remove all types of stains and mess including cereal spills as well as dog poop from carpets with low pile.
The iRobot Combo j7+ is another example of a robotic that can do both vacuuming and mop. Its mapping feature enables it to remember the layout of a room from one cleaning to the next, and make sure it doesn't touch walls and steps. It also allows for the creation of virtual boundaries and barriers that block off rooms to stop it from running into furniture or obstacles.
While it doesn't have the advanced mapping capabilities of other models, this Yeedi robot was still awe-inspiring when tested at home. It's simple to use and does a good job of navigating through pre-mapped areas while keeping clear of obstacles. You can even edit the map inside the app to make adjustments such as blocking off areas that don't need to be cleaned.
It's possible to create your own cleaning solutions for robot vacuums. However, it's best to stick to the specific brand products offered by the majority of brands. If you try to use a non-brand product could cause damage to the internal hardware and could void your warranty. It is also necessary to clean the sensor brushes and replace the filter regularly to prevent hair, dirt or other debris from getting caught around them.
5. They are more flexible
Robot vacuums are great for removing dirt from hard-to reach areas however they aren't able to reach all the nooks and crannies. A robot mop can also be used to vacuum. The best robot mops or vacuum/mop combos, will automatically detect the type and the condition of the flooring and adjust their settings accordingly. They can also exchange dirty pads for clean ones and empty their trash bins and water tanks themselves to avoid the trip to the garbage.
The majority of new generation robot mops that are on the market are compatible with an app that lets you save a map of your house's floor plan, create automated cleaning schedules and track the moment when your robot requires maintenance such as a filter replacement. Look for a robot with simple software, free of complicated menus and icons.
The majority of the models CHOICE tested could run for up to three hours before returning to their charging docks however, if you'd like your cleaner to work while you're away, consider taking a look at a hybrid mop that has a long battery life. If you're concerned about your furniture being damaged or scratched by a robotic cleaner look into an item with virtual walls that stop it from hitting furniture or other items in your home.
Robotic mops utilize disposable or reusable pads that you will need to replace often. If you select models that have reusable pads it's recommended to clean them frequently (as according to the manufacturer's instructions) and allow them to dry between uses. Otherwise, they'll begin to smell mildewy or develop bacteria.