Robot vacuums are a hit because they let you clean your home without much effort. Time is money, as the old saying goes.
If you're looking to take it a step further, consider a robot which can also mop. These 2-in-1 machines are equally effective in keeping floors clean.
1. It is more efficient.
Robot vacuums that mop are able to be more effective at cleaning floors than vacuum cleaners that are solely robots. They have sensors to detect when the surface has become dirty and adjust the cleaning settings accordingly. They also can detect objects that could get caught in the brush, and they're 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 CHOICEs lab tests robot vacuums that included mopping functions were effective in cleaning hard floors. They spray water onto the floor and scrub it with microfibres that are moistened in a tank of water at their base. The pads are simple to replace and reusable. They are ideal for different flooring surfaces, including hardwood, laminate and tiled kitchens. It is all you need to do is charge them with water, or add cleaning solutions to their tanks and then take them out 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 user-friendly. They can be programmed for specific cleaning times and many have docking systems that will automatically return the robot to charge after it's finished.
Robot mops set to run when you're away be a source of trouble. Just like a robot vacuum that is running free, it could be stopped in its tracks by small objects like pet toys, shoelaces, and phone chargers. You'll need to vacuum-proof your home and regularly examine the dustbins of robots to find any objects they may have missed.
2. They are less expensive
Robot vacuums are great for automated, general cleaning. But, they don't penetrate all the nooks and crannies. More methods will still need to vacuum frequently to remove the dust and dirt that is a challenge to remove from difficult-to-access areas. Robot vacuums with mopping capabilities are a great solution. They can also scrub and spray water on the floor to do an excellent job. They can also be programmed to clean the floors while you're working or away from home.
The good news is that the majority of robot vacuums that have mopping capabilities are less expensive than traditional mop. To keep your machine running smoothly, you'll need purchase a set or refill pack of mop pads or special cleaning pads. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines and ensure that you don't leave your cloths or pads wet for too long. Mildew can develop on them.
It is also essential to verify your mop or robot vacuum's compatibility with the flooring you have in your home. Different robots perform better on different types of flooring, so you'll need to ensure that yours is compatible before you make a purchase.
The majority of robot mops come with an app integration that allows you to save your home's maps to set schedules, and select cleaning options. Some robot mops have visual walls that can be used to stop certain areas of the house from being cleaned. This will protect your floors from damage. Some models also come with a built-in self-emptying base that eliminates dust and other debris from the device when it's docked at the charging station. This can help you save time and eliminate the necessity of emptying a trash bin after every cleaning session.
3. It is more convenient
A robot vacuum that also mop is a great addition to any Smart Home device, especially for those who have several floors and don't wish to spend much time cleaning. These cleaning machines allow users to save 35 hours per year, that they could have spent mopping and sweeping each day.
In our laboratory tests, we found that the majority of robotic mops had some sort of dry cleaning feature, which either employed dry pads to sweep or suction dust from tight areas. Some of these models can also be used on mixed flooring like rugs and hardwood making it possible to keep your home tidy and free of allergens.
They usually include sensors built-in to determine what kind of flooring they're on and adjust accordingly, and they can detect obstacles or switch 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. Find models that have an app integration. This allows you to save your home's maps, customize cleaning areas and schedule your cleaning from any location.
Be aware that these devices are excellent for automated cleaning, are not an alternative to standard vacuums. They could leave areas that must be cleaned using dustpans or brooms. You'll still need to use a vacuum often, especially if the carpets are very high-pile or there's furniture. And be sure to regularly wash the mopping pads or cloths and let them dry out between mopping sessions since bacteria thrive in moist environments.
4. They are more sustainable for the environment.
Robot vacuums are excellent in cleaning dry debris, but not so great for spills of liquid or stains. Robots that can clean up spills and stains are more effective than separate devices. They also can work on various flooring types which is crucial for homes with different flooring. In my tests, the Bissell SpinWave Wet and Dry Robotic Vacuuming and Mopping Machine was capable of picking up every kind of mess and stains, including cereal spills on hardwood floors, and dog poop on carpets with low pile.
The iRobot Combo j7+, another robot that can vacuum and mop, is also an excellent example. Its mapping feature allows it to keep track of the arrangement of an area from one cleaning to the next, and make sure it doesn't touch walls and stairs. It can also create virtual boundaries and barriers that block rooms to stop it from crashing into obstacles or furniture.
Although it's not equipped with the advanced mapping capabilities of some other models however, this Yeedi robot impressed us in home testing. It's user-friendly and excels at moving through a pre-mapped area while avoiding obstacles. You can edit the map inside the app, for example blocking off areas that don't require cleaning.
It's possible to create your own cleaning solution using a robot vacuum. But, it's preferential to stick to the specific brand products offered by the majority of brands. Trying to use an off-brand product can damage the internal hardware and could void your warranty. You'll also have to replace the filter regularly and clean off the sensor brushes (if you have them) to keep hair, dirt, or other debris from being encased around them.
5. They are more flexible
Robot vacuums can be great for removing dirt from hard-to reach areas however they aren't able to reach all the nooks or crannies. That's where a robot mop that vacuums also comes in handy. The most effective robot mops, vacuum/mop combinations, will detect the type and the condition of the flooring and adjust their settings according to the floor's condition. They can also swap dirty pads for clean ones and even empty their trash bins and water tanks to avoid the journey to the dump.
The majority of the new generation robot mops available on the market can be paired with an app that gives you the ability to save a map of your home's floor plan, set up automated cleaning schedules and track the moment when your robot requires maintenance, such as a filter change. Choose a model that comes with simple software, free of confusing menus and icons.
The majority of the models CHOICE has tested are able to run for up to 3 hours before returning to the charging dock. However, if you need your cleaning machine to run while you are away, you should think about the hybrid robot with a long-lasting battery. If you're worried about your furniture being scuffed by a robot cleaner, choose one that has virtual walls to keep it from hitting furniture or other objects.
Robotic mops can be made using disposable or reusable mopping pads that you'll need to change often. If you opt for one with pads that can be reused it's a good idea to clean them frequently (as as per the instructions of the manufacturer) and leave them to dry between uses. In the event that they don't, they may begin to smell mildewy, or even develop bacteria.
