Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
Most of the robot vacuums we tested can mop, and the top 2-in-1 models can take post-mopping maintenance off your list by automatically washing their mop pads that are reusable in their docks. Avoid using any other cleaning solution than that suggested by the manufacturer. If you do, it could damage the robot and void its warranty.
Bins that Self-Empty
Most robot vacuums that come with a mop come with self-emptying bins, which makes cleaning less hands-on. The amount of time it takes to empty the dustbin or base station will depend on how dirty and frequent your home is. These models are great for busy families since they eliminate lots of manual work.
The top robot vacuums that mop have a water tank that has clean and dirty water, with a space for the brand's floor-cleaning solution to be automatically mixed and dispersed. After a cleaning session is completed, the bin on board will be filled and the 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 best robot mops can be fully filled and cleaned before drying in the base stations.
These "hands free" robots like the S8 MaxV Ultra by Roborock are the latest class of robots. They vacuum clean, muck, mop, and even refill their water tanks, wash, and dry their mop pads. They employ obstacles avoidance and mapping to move around the house, as well as smart functions like room-specific and digital keep-away scheduling.
But, even though these new models of robots are highly efficient at cleaning bare floors, they aren't the best choice to mop carpeted floors or getting into tight spaces, like between chairs legs or under furniture. We also recommend robot mops that can vacuum and mop. They include the Roborock S7, S8 and Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The Eufy X10 Pro Omni features an onboard bin for debris and dirt that can be emptied manually however, it also comes with an auto-emptying docking station capable of removing the storage bag in just two to three cleaning cycles. The only drawback to this model is that you'll still need to empty the dust bin within the vacuum on occasion, but we think it's worth the extra expense for the convenience.
Self-Cleaning
A robot vacuum with self-emptying bins is a great choice for large homes or families which generate a lot of dirt and dust. These machines automatically empty used pads into a garbage drawer for disposal that eliminates the necessity of manually emptying the dustbin and reduces how often you'll have to do so. It's also nice to be capable of connecting your device to your smartphone via an app. This lets you organize cleaning schedules and change settings even when you're away.
A good robot mop will have multiple modes to suit different kinds of floors including dry sweeping and deep mopping. It will also have docking stations that can be recharged between cleanings. If you want a robotic mop that you can control using your voice, look for compatibility with a smart assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models include additional features, such as "dirt sensing" that detects the amount of dirt remains on the pad and will prompt the mop to mop. Other models have a system which adapts its pressure to the type of surface (more for tiles and less for hardwood), to avoid scratching the floor.
Certain robot mops are capable saving a map of the area and returning to it for an additional cleaning. This feature is crucial when your home is on multiple levels or certain areas you would like the robot to clean, like carpeted living areas and kitchen floor. Choose a robot with this feature in our recommendations, as well as other useful features such as smart mapping for multi-rooms, which helps create an efficient blueprint for your home's flooring.
Use only the cleaning products recommended for your robot. This will ensure that your robot receives an efficient and thorough clean without damaging your flooring or voiding the warranty. You might be able find cleaners that are compatible at your local hardware store or on the internet, but it's best to stick with what's suggested by the manufacturer.
Self-Emptying Mops
Robot vacuums that mop are a cost-effective method to achieve the fresh mowed and waxed look without having to hire a professional. Most models that mop can also be used to vacuum and work on hard floors and carpets. However they do have some limitations, particularly if you have heavily-soiled or very long carpets. 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 cleaned 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, but it's still a great choice due to the ease with which it maneuvers throughout the home. It can maneuver around chair legs and over thresholds and even remembers where the threshold is after crossing it a few times so it is able to slow down.
The X1 Omni is another option for a robot vacuum that can mop, since 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 by voice commands. It's also less expensive than many robots, but it lacks some of the more advanced features.
It has a self-emptying bin that dumps the contents in a larger bin that needs to be cleaned only once every 30 days. It also automatically fills its water tank, and then disposes of the pads for cleaning when they're dirty, which makes it very low maintenance.
While the technology of these mop-and-vacuum combos is advancing, they're not yet excellent enough to replace a traditional vacuum and mop. That said, if you have large areas of your home that are carpeted, you should consider purchasing a robot mop and vacuum to keep your rooms tidy and smelling fresh. ZDNET provides a range of options that include budget-friendly models with extra features that don't sacrifice quality.
Easy to Use
Robots that have mopping capabilities are easy to operate. Most robots come with an app that allows you to 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, which can help you find any pet hair or 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.
Some robots, such as the sleek RoboVac L20 Ultra drop their mopping pad that is dirty into an empty bin that is automatically emptied by 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 a bit less clean than if you manually wash and replace the pads manually. Other models, such as the eufy X10 Pro Omni, refill their mopping pads from separate reservoirs that are auto-emptied from the dock.
Smart navigation is a feature used by many robots that mop and vacuum at the same time. best rated robot vacuum allows them to follow an established route and cover large areas quickly without missing anything. This feature is particularly useful in rooms that have furniture because it helps them avoid being caught in tangled legs or other objects. App users will also receive notifications and status updates, such as when their bins are full or require to be cleaned.
The eufy RoboVac L20 Ultimate that we tested utilized its digital keep-out zone and lidar mapping system to navigate couches, chairs, and other obstacles. In our testing it did a fantastic job at picking up pet fur and other particles from the stairs and in corners that are hard to reach.
Cleaning your robot frequently and using only cleaning solutions specifically designed specifically for it will ensure it will last and continue to function properly. Vinegar is acidic, and could damage the robot's internal systems.
Robots that can mop and vacuum are a great addition to any home that has pets. With a combination cleaner and cleaning the pads and towels correctly, you can extend the lifespan of your machine and increase its performance. These hybrid vacuums might be more expensive than regular vacuums, but they'll reduce time and effort.