Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
Most of the robot vacuums we tested could mop, and the best 2-in-1 models can take post-mopping maintenance off your list by automatically washing their mop pads that are reusable in their docks. However, avoid using any cleaner other than the one suggested by the manufacturer. Doing so could damage the robot and invalidate the warranty.
Self-Emptying Bins
The majority of robot vacuums that come with a mop also include self-emptying bins which makes cleaning much easier. The amount of time spent cleaning out the base station will depend on the frequency and how filthy your house is, but these models do take a lot of manual work out of the process, and are ideal for busy households.
The top robot vacuums that have mopping capabilities have a water tank that contains both dirty and clean water. They also come with an area in which the floor-cleaning product of the brand can be mixed and dispensed. When the cleaning is over the onboard bin is filled, and the dirt and dust are sent back to base station to be sealed in an even larger and more robust dust bag. Additionally, the top 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 from Roborock are the newest class of robots that do nearly everything for you -- they vacuum, clean and muck and even refill their own water tanks and wash and dry their mop pads. They use obstacles avoidance and mapping to navigate around the home, and also intelligent functions such as room-specific and keeping-away planning that is digital.
These new models are fantastic in cleaning floors with no dirt, however they aren't able to reach into tight spaces such as between chair legs and under furniture. That's why we also recommend some robot mops that are able to vacuum and mop, including the Roborock S7 and S8 and the Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The eufy X10 Pro Omni comes with an onboard bin for debris and dirt which can be manually emptied It also has self-emptying docking stations that are capable of clearing out the storage bag in two or three cleaning cycles. The only downside of this model is that you'll need to empty the dustbin inside the vacuum at times, but we think it's worth the extra cost for the added convenience.
Self-Cleaning
A robot vacuum that has an auto-emptying bin is a great option for large homes or families which generate lots of dust and dirt. The models will automatically put used pads in a waste bin for disposal. This makes it unnecessary to empty the bin manually and decreases the frequency of doing so. Having the option to connect to your smartphone through an app is also a nice feature, as you can create cleaning schedules and change settings even when you are away from home.
A good robot mop has multiple modes to suit different kinds of floors, such as dry sweeping or deep mopping. It will have docking stations 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 include additional features, such as "dirt sensing" which determines how much dirt is left on the pad and prompts the mop to remop. Others have an option that adapts its pressure based on the type of surface (more for tile, and less for hardwood), to avoid scratching the floor.
Some of the top robot mops can save an outline of your space and return to the same area for a repeat clean. This feature is crucial if your home has multiple levels or if there are specific areas that you want the robot to clean, like carpeted living areas and a kitchen floor. Choose a robot that includes this technology in our recommended models, as well as other helpful features such as multi-room smart mapping, which helps create an efficient blueprint for your home's flooring.
Make sure you use only the cleaning products suggested for your robot. This will ensure that your robot is thoroughly and efficiently cleaned without causing damage to your flooring or voiding your warranty. You might be able find cleaners that are compatible with your local hardware store, or online however, it's best to stick with what's suggested by the manufacturer.
Self-Emptying Mops
Robot vacuums that can mop are a great method to achieve the freshly mopped and waxed look without hiring someone. The majority of the models that mop can vacuum and will be able to work on hard floors and carpets. However they do have certain limitations, especially in the case of heavily soiled or very long carpets. They may also be less effective on certain flooring surfaces like laminate or linoleum.
Many of the robots that mop use disposable pads that are washed and dried by the base after every cleaning. They can last for up to 50 minutes before they have to be recharged and replaced. The Noesis Florio is an exception in that it uses disposable pads, however it's still a great option because of the ease with which it maneuvers throughout the home. It can move between chairs and over thresholds. It even can remember where the threshold is after crossing it several times, which means it knows when to slow down there.
The X1 Omni is another good option for a robot vacuum that can mop because it doesn't require an app to function. It's compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This means you can control the robot by voice commands. It's also less expensive than other robots, but lacks some of the most advanced features.
It has a self-emptying container that dumps the contents into larger bins that need to be emptyed every 30 days. It automatically refills its water and throws out the pads for cleaning when they get dirty.
While the technology of these mop-and-vacuum combos is improving they aren't yet enough to replace traditional vaccums and mop. If you have carpeted areas in your home, consider using a robotic vacuum to keep them clean and fresh. You can find a range of options on ZDNET, including budget-friendly models that don't compromise quality for their extra functions.
Simple to use
Robots that mop can be easy to use. They typically have an app that lets you set up schedules as well as adjust the water and vacuum power, and view the condition of the cloths or pads. Many also have an onboard camera, which can help you spot any pet hair or debris that might be strewn across your floors. Certain models let you connect to a home assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant and others have voice activation.
Some robots, like the eufy RoboVac L20 Ultra drop their dirty mopping pad into an empty bin that is automatically empty by a battery-powered dock located at the base station. This is a more hands-free method of managing the machine, but it can leave your floors slightly less clean than if you manually wash and replace the pads. Certain models, such as the eufy X10 Pro Omni refill their mopping pads with a separate tank that is automatically emptied by the dock.
Smart navigation features are used by many robots that mop and vacuum simultaneously. This lets them follow an established route and cover large areas without missing anything. This feature is especially beneficial in rooms with furniture as it prevents them from being caught in tangled legs or other objects. Users of the app can also receive alerts and status updates, such as when their dustbins are full or require to be cleaned.
The ultra-slim RoboVac L20 Ultimate that we tested, used its digital keep-out zone as well as lidar mapping system to navigate around couches, chairs, and other obstacles. During our tests, it also did an excellent job of collecting pet hair and other particles in difficult-to-reach corners as well as on stairs.
If vacuum bot want your robot to last and continue to function properly, it is important to regularly clean it and use only specific cleaning products designed for it. Vinegar is acidic, and can damage the robots internal systems.
Robots that can vacuum and mop are a wonderful addition to any home that has pets. Utilizing a combination cleaner, ensuring the pads and cloths are cleaned properly, and following other maintenance recommendations will ensure that your machine lasts longer and perform better. The hybrid vacuums are more expensive than regular vacuums, but they can save you time and effort.