Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
The majority of the robot vacuums we tested were able to mop. The best 2-in-1 models remove the need for post-mopping cleanup by automatically washing the mop pads in their docks. But, you should avoid using any cleaning solution other than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot, and could void its warranty.
Bins that self-empty
Most robot vacuums that come with a mop will also have self-emptying bins to make cleaning more hands-off. The amount of time you'll need to spend cleaning the base station will depend on how often and how dirty your home is however, these models take a lot of the manual work out of the process and are perfect for busy households.
The top robot vacuums that have mopping capabilities have a water tank that contains both clean and dirty water. They also include a space in which the floor-cleaning product of the brand can be mixed and dispersed. Once the cleaning session is completed, the onboard bin is filled, and the dirt and dust are sent back to base station to be sealed into an even larger and more durable dust bag. The base stations can also be used to refill, wash and dry the robot mops.
These "hands free" robots like the S8 MaxV Ultra by Roborock are the latest category of robots. They vacuum clean, muck, and mop and even refill their water tanks, wash and dry their mop pad. They use mapping, obstacle avoidance and intelligent functions like rooms-specific and digital stay-away schedules to navigate through the house.
The new robots are excellent at cleaning bare floors but they're not able to get into tight spaces, such as between chair legs and under furniture. We also recommend robot mops which can vacuum and mop. These include the Roborock S7, S8 and Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The eufy Pro X10 omni has an onboard dustbin which can be empty by hand, and comes with a docking station capable of emptying the storage bag after two or three cleaning cycles. This model has one downside that you'll still have to empty the bin in the vacuum at times. We believe that the extra cost is worth it for the convenience.
Self-Cleaning
A robot vacuum with self-emptying bins is an ideal choice for large families or homes which generate a lot of dirt and dust. These models automatically place used pads in garbage bins for disposal. This eliminates the need to empty the dustbin manually and decreases the frequency of doing so. It's also great to be capable of connecting your device to your smartphone through an app. This allows you to set up cleaning schedules and change settings even while you are away.
A quality robot mop comes with multiple modes to suit different kinds of floors including dry sweeping and deep mopping. It will also have a docking station that can be recharged between cleanings. Verify the compatibility of the robotic mop with a smart assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models have additional features like "dirt sensing" which detects how much dirt remains on the pad, and causes the mop to be remopped. Other models have an algorithm that adjusts its pressure according to the type of surface (more for tiles and less for hardwood), to avoid scratching the floor.
Some robot mops are capable saving an area map and returning to it for a repeat cleaning. This feature is important if you have a multilevel home or certain areas you want the robot to focus on, for example, carpeted kitchen floors and a living room. We recommend models that include this technology, as well as features such as multi-room smart map, which creates a floor plan for flooring your home.
Use only the cleaning products suggested for your robot. Doing so ensures your robot receives an effective and thorough clean without damaging your flooring or voiding the warranty. You can find compatible cleaners in your local hardware stores, or even online. However, it is best to stick with what the manufacturer suggests.
Self-Emptying Mop Pads
Robot vacuums that can mop are a cost-effective way to achieve that freshly mowed appearance without hiring someone. The majority of models that can mop also can be used to vacuum and be able to work on carpets and hard floors. They do have limitations, especially if your carpets are extremely dirty or long. They can also be less effective on certain flooring materials, such as laminate and Linoleum.
The majority of robots that can mop use disposable pads that are washed and dried by the base after each cleaning. They can last up to 50 minutes or more prior to when they require replacement and recharge. The Noesis Florio is an exception in that it uses disposable pads, however it's still a great option because of how well it moves around the home. It can maneuver around chairs and over thresholds, and even remembers the threshold after a few times.
The X1 Omni is another good option for robot vacuums that can mop because it doesn't require an app to operate. 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 it lacks some of the most advanced features.
It has a self-emptying bin that dumps the contents into larger bins that need to be cleaned every 30 days. It also automatically replenishes its water tank, and then disposes of the cleaning pads once they're dirty, making it a low-maintenance.
Although the technology behind these mop-and-vacuum combination devices is improving, they aren't yet enough to replace traditional vaccums and mop. That said, if you do have large areas of your home that are carpeted, consider getting a robotic mop-and-vacuum to keep your rooms tidy and fresh. ZDNET provides a range of options, including budget-friendly models with additional features that do not compromise quality.
Simple to use
Robots with mopping capabilities are often simple to operate. They typically have an app that lets you set schedules and adjust water and vacuum power, and view the condition of the pads or cloths. Many also have an onboard camera that can help you spot any pet hair or other debris that might be stuck to your floors. Some models allow you to connect with a home assistant such as Alexa or Google Assistant and others have voice activation.
Certain robots, like the eufy RoboVac L20 Ultra, discard their dirty mopping pads automatically and place them in an empty trash bin that is automatically empty from a dock powered by batteries located at the base station. This is a hands-free method of using the machine, however it can leave your floors a little less clean than if they were washed and replaced manually. Some models, like the eufy X10 Pro Omni refill their mopping pads with separate tanks that are automatically emptied by the dock.
Smart navigation features are utilized by many robots that vacuum and mop at the same time. This lets them follow a pre-planned route and cover large areas quickly without snagging anything. This feature is particularly helpful for rooms with furniture since it allows them to avoid getting tangled up with legs or other objects. Users will also receive notifications and status updates, like when their dustbins are empty or need to be cleaned.
The ultra-slim RoboVac L20 Ultimate that we tested utilized its digital keep-out zone as well as lidar mapping system to navigate chairs, couches, and other obstacles. During Robot Vacuum Mops did a fantastic job at picking up pet fur and other small debris on stairs and in corners that are difficult to reach.
Regularly cleaning your robot and using only cleaning solutions designed for it will ensure that it lasts and continues to function as intended. Vinegar, for example, is acidic and can harm the robot's internal systems.
Robots with vacuuming and mopping capabilities can be a great addition to your household particularly in the case of pets. By using a combination cleaner and cleaning the pads and towels correctly, you can prolong the time-to-use of your equipment and increase its performance. The purchase of one of these hybrids could cost more than a regular vacuum but the time and effort they will save can make them worth the cost.