Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
The majority of robot vacuums that we tested were able to mop. The best 2-in-1 models eliminate the need to do post-mopping cleaning by automatically washing reusable mop pads within their docks. Do not use any other cleaning solution other than that recommended by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot, and could void the warranty.
Self-Emptying Bins
The majority of robot vacuums that come with a mop also have self-emptying bins that can be emptied, making cleaning easier. The amount of time spent cleaning out the base station will depend on how often and how filthy your house is, but these models do remove a lot of manual labor out of the process, and are perfect for busy households.
The best robot vacuums that can mop feature a water tank that has clean and dirty water, with a place for the brand's floor-cleaning product to be mixed automatically and dispensed. When a cleaning session has been complete, the onboard bin will be filled and dirt and debris will be taken back to the base station to be resealed into a larger dust bag, which is more durable. In addition, the most effective robot mops are able to be replenished and cleaned before drying in the base stations.
These "hands-free" robots, like the S8 MaxV Ultra from Roborock are the latest category of robots that do nearly everything for you -- they clean, vacuum and mop and even refill their own water tanks as well as wash and dry mop pads. They make use of obstacles avoidance, mapping and intelligent functions like room-specific and digital stay-away planning to navigate around the house.
However, although these new types of robots are very efficient in cleaning floors, they're not the best choice to mop carpeted floors or getting into tight spaces such as between chairs or under furniture. We also recommend robot mops which can be used to vacuum and mop. These include the Roborock S7, S8 and Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The eufy X10 Pro omni has an onboard dustbin that can be emptied by hand, but it also comes with a docking station capable of emptying the storage bag after two or three cleaning cycles. The only drawback to this model is that you'll need to empty the dustbin inside the vacuum at times, but we think it's worth the extra expense for the convenience.
Self-Cleaning
Robot vacuums that self-empty bins are an excellent choice for families or households with a large number of members who produce lots of dust and dirt. These models automatically drop used pads into a garbage drawer to be disposed of, which eliminates the necessity of manually emptying the trash bin, and decreases how often you'll have to empty it. Being able to connect to your smartphone through an app is also beneficial, as you can create cleaning schedules and change settings even if you're away from home.
A good robot mop will have various modes that can be used to suit different kinds of floors such as dry sweeping or deep mopping. It will come with 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 include additional features, such as "dirt sense" that can detect the amount of dirt that has been left on the pad and prompts it to remop, and a system that adjusts its pressure to match the surface type (more for tile more pressure, less for hardwood) to avoid scratching floors.
Some of the top robot mops can save an outline of your space and return to the same area for a clean. This feature is important if you have a multilevel home or specific areas you'd like the robot to concentrate on, such as a kitchen floor and carpeted living room. Choose a robot with this feature in our recommendations along with other helpful features like multi-room smart mapping, which will help you create a precise floor plan for your home's flooring.
Be sure to use only recommended cleaning solutions for your robot. Doing so ensures your robot gets an effective and thorough clean without damaging your floors or voiding your warranty. There are compatible cleaners at your local hardware store or even online. However, it's recommended to stick to the recommendations of the manufacturer suggests.
Self-Emptying Mops
Robot vacuums that can mop are a cost-effective option to get the fresh mowed and waxed look without having to hire a professional. The majority of models that mop can be used to vacuum and work on both carpets and hard floors. There are some limitations, particularly if your carpets are very dirty or long. They are also less effective when used on certain flooring surfaces like laminate or linoleum.
Many robots that mop use pads that are reusable that are cleaned and reused by the base. They usually last for up to 50 minutes or more prior to when they require replacement and recharge. The Noesis Florio, which uses disposable pads, as opposed to rechargeable batteries, is a unique exception. It's still a great option because it can move effortlessly throughout the house. It can go around the legs of chairs, over thresholds, and even remembers the threshold after a few trips.
The X1 Omni is another 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 that you can control the robot with voice commands. It's also a little less than other robots that can vacuum and mop, however it's not equipped with more advanced features.
It comes with a self-emptying bin which dumps the contents into a larger container that has to be cleaned only every 30 days. robot vacuum best fills its water tank, and then disposes of the cleaning pads once they're dirty. This makes it very low maintenance.
While the technology in these mop-and-vacuum combos is advancing, they're not yet excellent enough to replace a traditional vaccum and mop. If you have carpeted areas within your home, think about a robotic vacuum-mop to keep them clean and smelling good. ZDNET provides a range of options that include budget-friendly models with additional features that don't sacrifice quality.
Easy to Use
Robots that mop can be simple to use. They typically have an app that lets you set up schedules and adjust water and vacuum power, and check the status of the cloths or pads. Some also come with an onboard camera, which can help you spot any pet hair or other debris that might be stuck to your floors. Some allow you to connect to a personal assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant, and some include voice activation.
Some robots, like the sleek RoboVac L20 Ultra drop their dirty mopping pads into an empty bin, which is automatically emptied by a battery-powered dock located at the base station. This is a hands-free method of using the machine, but it leaves your floors a little less clean than if they were cleaned and replaced manually. Other models, like the eufy X10 Pro Omni, refill their mopping pad from a separate reservoir that is automatically empty from the dock.
Smart navigation features are used by a variety of robots that mop and vacuum at the same time. This allows them to follow the pre-planned route and cover large areas without snagging anything. This feature is particularly useful for rooms with furniture as it helps them avoid getting caught up 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 soft RoboVac L20 Ultimate we tested included, for instance, its lidar mapping system as well as digital keep-out zones to effectively navigate around couches, chairs and other obstacles. During our tests, it also performed admirably in cleaning up pet hair and other small particles in difficult-to-reach corners as well as on stairs.
If you want your robot to last and to function well it is essential to clean it regularly and only use specific cleaning products made for it. Vinegar, for example, is acidic and could damage the robot's internal systems.
Robots that can mop and vacuum are a wonderful addition to any household particularly those with pets. Using a combination cleaner, making sure that the pads and the cloths are properly washed and observing other recommendations for maintenance will help your machine last longer and perform better. These hybrid vacuums may be more expensive than standard vacuums, but they'll help you save time and effort.