Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
The majority of the robot vacuums we tested are able to mop. The most efficient 2-in-1 models eliminate the need for post-mopping cleanup by automatically washing mop pads within their docks. But, you should avoid using any cleaner other than the one recommended by the manufacturer. If you do, it could damage the robot and cause it to lose its warranty.
Bins that Self-Empty
The majority of robot vacuums that come with a mop also include self-emptying bins, making cleaning easy. The amount of time required to empty the dustbin or the base station depends on how dirty and frequent your home is. These models are ideal for families with busy schedules because they take out a lot of manual work.
The best robot vacuums with mopping capabilities have an onboard water tank that holds both dirty and clean water. robot vacuums best come with an area in which the floor-cleaning product of the brand can be mixed and dispensed. After a cleaning session is complete, the onboard bin will be filled and dirt and debris will be taken back to the base station to be sealed into a larger dust bag that is more durable and long-lasting. In addition, the most effective robot mops are able to be replenished and dried, washed and dried at the base stations.
These "hands free" robots, such as the S8 MaxV Ultra by Roborock are the latest class of robots. They vacuum clean, muck, mop, and even refill their water tanks, wash, and dry their mop pad. They use obstacles avoidance, mapping and intelligent functions such as rooms-specific and digital stay-away schedules to navigate through the house.
But, even though these new types of robots are highly efficient at cleaning bare floors, they aren't the best choice for mopping carpeted rooms or getting into tight spaces, such as between chairs or under furniture. This is why we suggest several robot mops that can both vacuum and mop, including the Roborock S7 and S8 and the Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The eufy X10 Pro Omni comes with an onboard dust bin that can be emptied by hand, and comes with an docking station that is capable of emptying the storage bag after two to three cleaning cycles. The only drawback to this model is that you'll need to empty the dust bin within the vacuum at times but we believe it's worth the extra cost for the added convenience.
Self-Cleaning
A robotic vacuum with self-emptying bins is a great choice for large families or homes who produce a lot of dust and dirt. These models automatically put used pads in garbage bins for disposal. This makes it unnecessary to empty the dustbin manually and decreases the frequency of doing it. The option of connecting to your smartphone via an app is also a nice feature, as you can set cleaning schedules and adjust settings even if you're away from home.
A good mop robot will have multiple modes for different floor types, such as dry sweeping and deep mopping. It will come with docking stations that can be recharged between cleanings. Check compatibility of the robotic mop with a smart assistant, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models have additional features, such as "dirt sensing" which detects how much dirt remains on the pad and will prompt the mop to be remopped. Other models have an option that adapts its pressure to the type of surface (more for tile, and less for hardwood), to avoid scratching the floor.
Some robot mops are capable of saving an outline of the area and returning to it for an additional cleaning. This is essential when you live in a multi-level home or if you have particular areas you would like the robot to focus on, such as carpeted kitchen floors and a living room. We recommend models with this technology, along with features like a multi-room smart map, which creates a floor plan for flooring in your home.
Be sure to only use recommended cleaning solutions for your robot. Doing so ensures your robot gets an efficient and thorough clean without damaging your flooring or voiding the warranty. There are compatible cleaners at your local hardware store or online. However, it's best to stick with what the manufacturer recommends.
Self-Emptying Mop Pads
Robot vacuums that mop are a great way to get the freshly mopped and waxed appearance without hiring a professional. The majority of models that can mop also can vacuum and will be able to work on hard floors and carpets. However there are some limitations, particularly if you have heavily-soiled or very long carpets. They can also be less effective on certain flooring surfaces such as laminate or linoleum.
Many mop robots use pads that are reusable 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 is an exception in that it has disposable pads, however it's still a great option because of how well it maneuvers throughout the home. It can maneuver between chairs and over thresholds and even remembers where the threshold is after having crossed it several times, so it is able to slow down.
The X1 Omni robot vacuum can also mop, and it does not require an application. It's compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This means you can control the robot by voice commands. It's also cheaper than other robots, but it lacks some of the most advanced features.
It comes with a self-emptying bin that dumps the contents into a larger bin that needs to be cleaned every 30 days. It also automatically refills its water tank and disposes of the cleaning pads when they're dirty, which makes it a low-maintenance.
Although the technology used in these combos of vacuum and mop is improving, they're not yet excellent enough to replace traditional vaccum and mop. That said, if you have a lot of your home that are carpeted, you should consider purchasing a robot mop and vacuum to keep those rooms clean and smelling fresh. ZDNET offers a wide range of options including budget-friendly models that come with additional features that do not reduce quality.
Simple to Use
Robots that have mopping capabilities can be simple to operate. Many robots come with an application that lets you set schedules, adjust the vacuum and water power and monitor the condition of the cloths and pads. A lot of them have an onboard video camera that helps you identify pet hair or other particles stuck on your floor. Certain models let you connect with a home assistant such as Alexa or Google Assistant and others have voice activation.
Some robots, like the eufy RoboVac L20 Ultra drop their dirty mopping pads into an empty bin that is automatically empty by a dock powered by batteries at the base station. This is a hands-free method of managing the machine, however it can make your floors less clean than if you wash manually and replace the pads manually. Some models, like the eufy X10 Pro Omni refill their mopping pads with an additional tank that is automatically empty by the dock.
A lot of the robots that combine vacuuming and mopping use smart navigation features that let them follow a planned route and quickly complete large areas without sacrificing anything. This feature is especially beneficial in rooms with furniture since it prevents them from getting caught on tangled leg or other objects. Users of the app are also able to receive alerts and status updates, such as when their trash bins are full or need to be cleaned.
The elegant RoboVac L20 Ultimate we tested was one of the models that utilized its lidar mapping system and digital keep-out zones to effectively navigate around couches, chairs and other obstacles. During our testing, it did a great job of picking up pet fur and other small debris from stairs and corners that are difficult to reach.
If you want your robot to last and to function effectively it is essential to clean it regularly and to only use cleaning solutions made specifically for it. Vinegar, for example, is acidic and can harm the robot's internal systems.
Robots with mopping and vacuuming capabilities can be a wonderful addition to your home particularly in the case of pets. Using a combination cleaner, making sure the pads and rugs are cleaned properly, and following other recommendations for maintenance will ensure that your machine lasts longer and perform better. Making the investment in one of these hybrids may cost more than a standard vacuum but the time and effort they can save can make them worth the cost.