Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
relevant resource site 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 the mop pads inside their docks. However, do not use any cleaning solution other than the one suggested by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot, and void its warranty.
Bins that self-empty
Most robot vacuums that come with a mop have self-emptying bins to make cleaning less hands-on. The amount of time spent emptying the dustbin or base station will depend on the frequency and how filthy your home is, but these models do take a lot of the manual work out of the process, and are great for busy households.
The most effective robot vacuums with mopping capabilities have an onboard water tank that holds both dirty and clean water. They also include an area where the floor-cleaning solution of the brand can be automatically mixed and then dispensed. When the cleaning is finished the onboard bin is filled and the dirt and debris are returned to the base station to be sealed into an even larger and more robust dust bag. In addition, the best robot mops can be filled, washed and dried in the base stations.
These "hands free" robots such as the S8 MaxV Ultra by Roborock are the most recent class of robots. They vacuum, muck, clean, and even refill their water tanks, wash and dry their mop pad. They employ mapping, obstacle avoidance and smart functions such as room-specific and digital stay-away scheduling 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 option to mop carpeted floors or getting into tight spaces, such as between chairs or under furniture. We also recommend robot mops that can be used to vacuum and mop. They include the Roborock S7, S8 and Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The eufy X10 Pro omni has an onboard dustbin that can be cleaned by hand, but also comes with an integrated docking station that can be used for emptying the storage bag after two or three cleaning cycles. The only drawback is it that you'll need to empty the bin in the vacuum at times. However, we think the additional cost is worth it for the convenience.
Self-Cleaning
A robot vacuum with an auto-emptying bin is a great option for large households or families which produce a lot of dirt and dust. These models automatically place used pads in a waste bin for disposal. This eliminates the need to empty the bin manually and reduces the frequency of cleaning. The option of connecting to your smartphone using an app is also beneficial because you can set cleaning schedules and adjust settings even when you are away from home.
A quality robot mop will come with multiple modes for different floor types, including dry sweep and deep mopping. It should also come with docks that can be recharged between cleanings. If you're looking for a robot mop that can be controlled by voice, make sure to check whether it is compatible with a smart voice assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models come with extra features like "dirt sensing" that detects the amount of dirt is left on the pad, and causes the mop to remop. Other models have an algorithm that adjusts 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 are able to save a map of your area and return to that area for a clean. This feature is crucial if your home has multiple levels or specific areas you want the robot to clean, like a carpeted living area and kitchen floor. Look for a model with this feature in our recommendations, as well as other helpful features such as multi-room smart mapping that can help create a streamlined floor plan for your home's flooring.
Use only the cleaning products recommended for your robot. This will ensure that your robot receives a thorough and effective clean without damaging your flooring or voiding the warranty. You might be able to find compatible cleaners at your local hardware store or on the internet however, it's recommended to stick to the recommendations given by the manufacturer.
Self-Emptying Mop Pads
Robot vacuums that can mop are a cost-effective way to achieve that freshly mopped look without having to hire someone. The majority of models that mop also vacuum and work on carpets and hard floors. There are some limitations, especially if your carpets are very dirty or long. They also can be less effective on certain floor surfaces like laminate and linoleum.
A lot of the robots that can mop use disposable pads that are cleaned and dried by the base after each cleaning. They usually last for up to 50 minutes or more prior to when they need a replacement and recharge. The Noesis Florio is an exception in that it uses disposable pads, but it's still a great choice due to the ease with which it moves around the home. It can move across the chair's legs and over thresholds, and even can remember where the threshold is after crossing it a few times, so it knows to slow down there.
The X1 Omni is another option for robotic vacuums that mop, since it doesn't require an app in order to function. It's compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This means you can control the robot with voice commands. It's also less expensive than some of the other robots that can mop and vacuum, but it lacks some of their more advanced features.
It comes with a self-emptying bin that dumps the contents in a larger bin that needs to be cleaned every 30 days. It also automatically replenishes its water tank, and then disposes of the pads for cleaning when they're dirty. This makes it extremely low maintenance.
Although the technology of these mop-and-vacuum combination devices is improving, they aren't yet enough to replace traditional vacuums and mops. If you have carpeted areas in your home, consider a robotic vacuum-mop to keep them tidy and smelling good. ZDNET offers a wide range of options, including budget-friendly models with additional features that don't reduce quality.
Simple to Use
Robots with mopping functions are simple to operate. Most robots come with an app that allows you to program schedules, change the water and vacuum power and check the status of the pads and the cloths. Some also come with an onboard camera that can help you spot any pet hair or debris that may be strewn across your floors. Some allow you to connect to a home assistant such as Alexa or Google Assistant, and some come with voice activation.
Some robots, such as the eufy RoboVac L20 Ultra, discard their mopping pads with no effort and drop them into an empty trash bin that is automatically empty from a dock powered by batteries at the base station. This is a more hands-free method of managing the machine, but it could leave your floors slightly less clean than if you wash manually and replace the pads. Some models, like the eufy X10 Pro Omni refill their mopping pads with an additional tank that is automatically emptied by the dock.
Many of the robots that combine vacuuming and mopping utilize smart navigation features that let them follow a planned route and quickly cover large areas without missing anything. This feature is especially beneficial in rooms with furniture as it keeps them from getting caught in tangled legs or other objects. App users will also receive notifications and status updates, such as when their dustbins are full or require to be cleaned.
The soft RoboVac L20 Ultimate we tested, for example, used its lidar mapping system as well as digital keep-out zones to efficiently navigate around couches, chairs and other obstacles. In our tests, it also performed admirably in cleaning up pet hair and other debris from corners that are difficult to reach and on stairs.
Cleaning your robot frequently and using only cleaners specifically designed specifically for it will ensure it will last and function as intended. Vinegar, for instance is acidic and could damage the robot's internal systems.
Robots that can mop and vacuum are a great addition to any household that has pets. By using a combination cleaner and cleaning the pads and cloths correctly, you will prolong the life of your machine and improve its performance. Investing in one of these hybrids may cost more than a standard vacuum however the time and effort they will save can make them worth the cost.