Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
The majority of robot vacuums that we tested are able to mop. The most effective 2-in-1 models eliminate the need to do post-mopping cleaning by automatically washing the mop pads within their docks. However, avoid using any cleaning solution other than the one suggested by the manufacturer. This could damage the robot, and could void its warranty.
Bins that Self-Empty
Most robot vacuums that come with a mop will also come with self-emptying bins, which makes cleaning easier and hands-free. The amount of time you'll spend cleaning out the base station will depend on the frequency and how filthy your home is however, these models take a lot of manual work out of the process, and are ideal for busy households.
The best robot vacuums that are able to mop have a water tank with clean and dirty water, with a place for the brand's floor-cleaning solution to be mixed automatically and dispensed. Once the cleaning session is completed the onboard bin is filled and the debris and dirt are taken back to the base station to be sealed in a larger and more durable dust bag. Base stations can be used to refill or wash and dry the robot mops.
These "hands-free" robots, such as the S8 MaxV Ultra from Roborock are the latest category of robots that do nearly everything for you. they vacuum, muck and clean and can even fill their own water tanks and wash and dry mop pads. They use obstacles avoidance, mapping and intelligent functions like room-specific and digital stay-away scheduling to navigate through the house.
These new models are fantastic in cleaning floors with no dirt, but they can't reach into tight spaces such as between chairs and under furniture. We also recommend some robot mops that can both mop and vacuum, like the Roborock S7 and S8 and the Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The Eufy X10 Pro Omni features an onboard bin for debris and dirt that can be emptied manually It also comes with self-emptying docking stations that are capable of clearing out the storage bag in two or three cleaning cycles. The only drawback of this model is that you'll still need to empty the dust bin inside the vacuum itself on occasion but we believe it's worth the extra cost to get the added convenience.
Self-Cleaning
A robot vacuum that has an auto-emptying bin is a great option for large families or homes who produce lots of dust and dirt. These machines automatically empty used pads into a garbage drawer for disposal and eliminate the necessity of manually emptying the dustbin and reduces how often you'll have to do it. It's also great to be able to connect your device to your smartphone through an app. This lets you organize cleaning schedules and change settings even while you are away.
A quality robot mop has multiple modes to suit different floor types, including dry sweep and deep mopping. It should also come with an electric dock that is able to recharge between cleanings. Check compatibility of the robotic mop with a smart assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models include additional features like "dirt sensing" which determines how much dirt remains on the pad, and prompts the mop to mop. Some models come with an algorithm that adjusts its pressure to the type of surface (more for tile, and less for hardwood) to prevent scratching the floor.
Some of the top robot mops can save the map of your space and then return to the area for a clean. This feature is crucial for homes with multiple levels or specific areas you want the robot to clean, such as carpeted living spaces and a kitchen floor. Look for a model with this feature in our recommended models and other useful features such as multi-room smart mapping that can help create a streamlined plan for flooring in your home.
Use only the cleaning products recommended for your robot. This will ensure that your robot is effectively and efficiently cleaned without causing damage to your flooring or the warranty being canceled. You might be able find cleaners that are compatible at your local hardware store or on the internet however, it's recommended to stick with what's suggested by the manufacturer.
Self-Emptying Mop Pads
Robot vacuums with mopping capabilities can be a cost-effective option to achieve that freshly mowed appearance without hiring someone. Most models that mop also vacuum and work on hard floors and carpets. However they do have certain limitations, especially if you have heavily-soiled or very long carpets. They also can be less efficient on certain flooring surfaces, such as laminate and linoleum.
The majority of robots that mop use reusable pads that are washed and dried by the base after every cleaning. They can last up to 50 minutes or longer before they need a replacement and recharge. The Noesis Florio is an exception in that it has disposable pads, but it's still a great option due to the ease with which it moves around the home. It can be used to maneuver around chair legs as well as over thresholds and even remembers the threshold after a few trips.
The X1 Omni robot vacuum can also mop, and does not require an app. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This means that you can control the robot using voice commands. It's also less expensive than some of the other robots that can vacuum and mop, but it isn't equipped with some of their more advanced features.
One of the most impressive features that it does have is a self-emptying dust bin that dumps the contents into a bigger waste bin that only needs to be cleaned every 30 days or so. It will automatically replenish its water and disposes of the pads for cleaning after they get dirty.
While the technology of these vacuum-and mop combos is improving they aren't yet enough to replace traditional vacuums and mop. That said, if you have a lot of your home that are carpeted, you should consider getting a robotic mop-and-vacuum to keep those rooms clean and fresh. ZDNET offers a variety of options that include budget-friendly models with additional features that don't compromise quality.
Simple to Use
Robots that mop can be simple to use. The majority of robots have an app that lets you set schedules, adjust the power of vacuum and water and monitor the condition of the pads and cloths. Some also come with an onboard camera that will help you identify any pet hair or debris that could be strewn across your floors. 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, discard their mopping pads that are dirty automatically and drop them into an empty waste bin that is automatically empty from a dock powered by batteries at the base station. This is a hands-free method of controlling the machine, but it could leave your floors slightly less clean as compared to washing 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 emptied by the dock.
Smart navigation features are utilized by many robots that vacuum and mop at the same time. This lets them follow an established route and cover large areas quickly without snagging anything. This feature is particularly helpful in rooms with furniture as it helps them avoid getting tangled up with legs or other objects. Users of the app will also receive notifications and status updates, such as when their bins are full or require to be cleaned.
The soft RoboVac L20 Ultimate we tested was one of the models that utilized its lidar mapping system and digital keep-out zones to efficiently navigate around couches, chairs and other obstacles. In our tests, it did a great job of collecting pet hair and other debris from corners that are difficult to reach and on stairs.
If you want your robot to last and to function properly, it is important to regularly clean it and use only specific cleaning products designed for it. Vinegar, for example, is acidic and could harm the robot's internal systems.
Robots with vacuuming and mopping capabilities can be a wonderful addition to your home particularly when you have pets. With a combination cleaner and washing the pads and cloths correctly, you can prolong the time-to-use of your equipment and increase its performance. Making Robot Vacuum Mops in one of these hybrids could cost more than a traditional vacuum, but the time and effort they will save can make them worth the investment.