Robot vacuums are well-known for the ease with which they can be used to tidy your home. Time is money according to the old saying is.
But if you want to go a step further, think about getting a robot that mop too. These 2-in-1 machines can be just as useful in keeping floors clean.
1. It is more efficient.
Robot vacuums that also mop are able to be more effective at cleaning floors than robot vacuum cleaners on their own. They have sensors to detect the moment when the floor has become dirty and adjust cleaning settings in accordance with the. They also detect objects that could get caught in the brush and are designed to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles. They are a great choice for homes with hard floors, which can be difficult to clean.
In the lab tests conducted by CHOICE, robot vacuums that mop work well in cleaning hard floors. They spray water and scrub the floor using microfibre pads that they moisten in a tank of water on their base. The pads are easily replaced and reused. They are ideal for different flooring types, including hardwood, laminate and tiled kitchens. They're low maintenance, which means you'll need to keep them charged, add water or cleaning solution to their tanks and remove and replace their mops on a regular basis.
The best robotic mops come with voice activation as well as smart home integration to make them more convenient to use. They can be programmed to clean at a particular time, and the majority of them come with docking stations that will automatically return them for charging when they're finished.
However, robot vacuums that are programmed to run when you're away can still get into trouble. Similar to a vacuum robot that runs wild, it can be stopped by small objects like pet toys, shoelaces and phone chargers. You'll still need to vacuum-proof your home and conduct regular checks of the robot's dust bins to catch any odd item they may miss.
2. It is also less expensive
Robot vacuums are great for general automated cleaning. They do not reach all corners and nooks. You'll still need to vacuum regularly to remove stubborn dust and dirt from hard-to-reach areas. This is why robot vacuums that mop can be useful. They can also scrub and spray water on the floor to do an excellent job. They can be programmed to clean your floors when you are away or working.
The positive side is that many robot vacuums that mop are lower expensive than traditional mop. However, you'll need to purchase a set of special mop pads or mop cloths (or a refill package) to keep the machine running smoothly. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and ensure that your cloths or pads are not wet for long periods of time, since mildew can develop on them.
It is also essential to check your mop or robot vacuum's compatibility with the type of flooring you have in your home. You should ensure that your robot is compatible with the type of flooring you have in your home.
Most robot mops have app integration that allows you to save maps of your home, set schedules and select cleaning options. Some robot mops have a visual wall that can be used to stop certain areas of your home from being cleaned. This can protect your floors from damage. Some models also have an internal self-emptying base which takes the dust and debris from the device when it is docked at its charging station. This could save you lots of time and prevent the need to empty a dustbin after each cleaning session.
3. It is more convenient
A robot vacuum that also mops is a useful addition to any Smart Home device collection, especially those who have multiple floors and don't want to spend too much time doing cleaning. These machines can help save up to 35 hours each year for their users, who would otherwise have spent sweeping and mopping each day.
In our lab tests we found that most robot mop cleaners had some kind of dry cleaning feature, which either employed dry pads to sweep or suction to eliminate dust from tight areas. Some of these models can be used on flooring that is mixed such as hardwood and rugs making it possible to keep your house clean and allergen-free.
Certain robotic vacuums come with sensors that detect the kind of flooring they are on and adjust their cleaning modes according to the floor. Other models can detect obstacles and change cleaning modes. These vacuums are easy to set up and maintain. They only require charging, emptying the tank, and removing the cleaning pads or reusable pads. Look for one that comes with an app integration. This will allow you to save maps of your home, create cleaning areas that you can customize and schedule cleaning at any time.
Be aware that even though these devices are excellent at automating cleaning, they are not a substitute for traditional vacuums and may leave some corners or nooks that need to be cleaned by a broom and dustpan. It is still necessary to use your regular vacuum regularly particularly if you have high-pile carpets or a lot of furniture. Make sure you regularly clean mopping pads or cloths and allow them to dry out between mopping sessions because bacteria thrive in humid environments.
4. They are more sustainable for the environment.
Robot vacuums are fantastic in cleaning dry debris, but not so much for liquid spills or stains. Robots that are able to clean up spills and stains are better than separate gadgets. They can also be used on different types of floors, which is important for homes with different flooring. In my tests, the Bissell SpinWave Wet and Dry Robotic Vacuuming and Mopping Machine was capable of removing every kind of mess and staining, such as cereal spills on hardwood floors as well as dog poop on carpets with low pile.
The iRobot Combo j7+ is another example of a robot that does both vacuum and mop. Its mapping feature allows the robot to remember the layout and avoid stairs and walls between cleaning sessions to the next. It can also create virtual boundaries and barriers that block off rooms to stop it from running into obstacles or furniture.
While it doesn't have the advanced mapping capabilities of some other models, this Yeedi robot impressed us when tested at home. It's simple to use, and it does a great job of navigation through a pre-mapped space and staying clear of obstacles. You can modify the map within the app, for example blocking off areas that do not need to be cleaned.
While you can create your own cleaning solution for your robot vacuum, it's recommended to stick with the specific brand products that the majority of brands offer. If you try to use a non-brand product could damage the internal hardware and cause the warranty to be void. You'll also need to replace the filter frequently and clean the sensor brushes (if you have them) to stop hair dirt, dust, or other debris from getting caught around them.
5. The more flexible they are
Robot vacuums can be useful for picking up dirt from areas that are difficult to reach however they aren't able to get into all the nooks and crannies. That's where a robot mop that also vacuums can be useful. The most effective robot mops and vacuum/mop combos will detect the kind of flooring they are cleaning and adjust their settings accordingly. They will automatically swap out dirty pads with clean ones, and even self-empty their dust bins or water tanks to spare you the hassle of going to the trash can.
The majority of the new generation robot mops on the market are compatible with an app, which gives you the ability to save the map of your home's floor plan, create automated cleaning schedules and monitor the moment when your robot requires maintenance such as a filter replacement. It's essential to find an option with a user-friendly software that is free of confusing menus and icons.
The majority of models CHOICE tested could last for as long as three hours before returning to their charging docks but if you want your cleaner to work while you're away, it's worth checking out a hybrid robot mop that has a long battery life. If you're worried about furniture being scratched by a robot cleaner, consider a model that has virtual walls to prevent it from hitting furniture or other items.
Robotic mops are made of disposable or disposable pads that you'll need to replace frequently. If you choose one with pads that can be reused it's recommended to clean them frequently (as per the manufacturer's instructions) and allow them to dry between use. automatic vacuum cleaner may develop bacteria or smell mildewed if you don't clean them regularly.
