Robot vacuums are very popular because they allow you to clean your home without much effort. And, like the old saying says, time is money.
If you'd like to go a step further, you might consider buying an automated mop. These 2-in-1 devices are just as effective for keeping floors spotless.
1. They are more efficient
Robot vacuums with mopping capabilities can be more effective at cleaning floors than robot vacuums alone. They are equipped with sensors that can tell when the surface has become dirty and adjust the cleaning settings accordingly. They can also spot objects that might get caught in the brushes, and they're specifically designed to keep out stairs and other obstacles. This double-duty feature makes them a smart option for homes with floors that are hard and can be difficult to keep clean.
In the lab tests conducted by CHOICE, robot vacuums that mop do well in cleaning hard floors. They spray water on the floor, then scrub it with microfibres which are moistened in tanks of water at their base. The pads can be easily replaced and are reusable. They are suitable for different flooring types, including hardwood, laminate, and tiled kitchens. They're easy to maintain, so you only have to charge them, add water or cleaning solution to their tanks and remove and change their mop on a regular basis.
The best robotic mops also have smart home integration and voice activation, making them easier to use. They can be programmed to clean at a certain time, and the majority of them come with a docking station that will automatically return them for charging after they've completed.
However, robot mops that are programmed to run even when you're not there could still be in trouble. As with a robot vacuum which is prone to running wild, small items like shoelaces, pet toy and phone chargers can stop it from running. You'll still need to vacuum-proof your home and do periodic checks of the robot's dust bins to catch any odd item they may miss.
2. It is less expensive
Robot vacuums are ideal for general, automated cleaning. But, they don't get into all the nooks and crannies. You'll still need to vacuum regularly to remove the dust and dirt that is a challenge to remove from areas that are difficult to reach. That's the reason robot vacuums mop are useful. They can also spray water and scrub the floor to complete a thorough job. They can also be programmed to clean when you're working or away from home.
The good news is that most robot vacuums that mop are much less expensive than traditional mop. To keep your machine running smoothly, you'll need buy a set or refill pack of mop cloths or special cleaning pads. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines and ensure that you don't let your pads or cloths wet for too long. Mildew can form on them.
It is also essential to ensure that 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 mop models have an app integration that allows you to save maps of your home to set schedules, and select cleaning options. Some models even have a visual wall feature that can be used to block certain areas of your home from being cleaned, keeping your floors protected from damage. Some models also have a built-in self-emptying base that eliminates dust and other debris from the device when it's docked at its charging station. This could help you save time and eliminate the need to empty a dustbin after every cleaning session.
3. It is more convenient
A robot vacuum that can mop is an excellent option for any Smart Home device, especially for those who have multiple floors and don't wish to spend too much time cleaning. These cleaning machines can save up to 35 hours each year for their users who otherwise spent mopping and sweeping every day.
In our lab tests we discovered that the majority of robot mops had some sort of dry cleaning feature that employed dry pads to sweep or suction to eliminate dust from tight places. Some models can be used on rugs as well as hardwood floors, ensuring that your home spotless and allergen free.
Some robotic vacuums are equipped with sensors that can recognize the kind of flooring they are on and adjust their cleaning modes according to the floor. Other models can detect obstacles or change cleaning modes. They are easy to set up and maintain. They require only charging and emptying the tank and removing the cleaning pads or reusable pads. Choose models that have an app integration. This allows you to save maps of your home, create cleaning areas that you can customize and schedule your cleaning from any location.
Be aware that although these devices are great at automating cleaning, they are not a replacement for standard vacuums. They can leave nooks and corners that need to be swept up by a broom and a dustpan. It is still necessary to use your regular vac regularly particularly if you have high-pile carpets or a large amount of furniture. It is also recommended to remove pads or mopping cloths regularly and let them air dry in between mopping sessions. Bacteria thrive in humid environments.
4. The products are more eco and sustainable.
Robot vacuums are excellent in cleaning dry debris, but not so much for spills of liquid or stains. Robots that can clean up spills and stains are more useful than separate devices. They can also clean different types of flooring, which is great for homes with a variety of flooring. In my testing, the Bissell SpinWave Dry and Wet Robotic Vacuuming and Mopping Machine was capable of removing all kinds of messes and stains, including cereal spills on hardwood floors as well as dog vomit on low-pile carpeting.
The iRobot Combo j7+, another robot that can vacuum and mop, is an excellent example. Its mapping feature lets the robot remember the layout and avoid walls and stairs from one cleaning session to the next. It can also create virtual barriers and boundaries that block off rooms and prevent it from crashing into furniture or other obstacles.
While it doesn't have the advanced mapping capabilities of some other models however, this Yeedi robot impressed us during home testing. It's simple to use and does an excellent job of navigation through a pre-mapped space and avoiding obstacles. You can alter the map within the app, for instance, to block off areas that do not need to be cleaned.
It is possible to design your own cleaning solutions for the robot vacuum. However, it's better to stick with the brand-specific products offered by most brands. Trying to use an off-brand product can damage the internal hardware and end your warranty. You'll also need to replace the filter on a regular basis and clean the sensor brushes (if you have them) to keep hair dirt, dirt, or any other debris from getting wrapped around them.
5. They are more versatile
Robot vacuums can be useful to remove dirt from hard-to reach areas however they aren't able to get into all the nooks and crannies. This is where a robot mop that also vacuums can be useful. The best robot mops and vacuum/mop combos will recognize the type of flooring they're cleaning and adjust their settings accordingly. automatically swap out dirty pads for clean ones, and even self-empty their trash bins or water tanks to spare you from a trip to the garbage bin.
The majority of new generation robot mop s on the market can be paired with an app that gives you the ability to save a map of your house's floor plan, establish automated cleaning schedules and track the time when your robot requires maintenance such as a filter replacement. Choose a model that comes with basic software, without complicated menus and icons.
Most of the models CHOICE tested can run for up to three hours before returning to their charging docks however, if you'd like your cleaning machine to be working while you're away, consider taking a look at a hybrid mop that has a long battery life. And, if you're worried about furniture being damaged or scratched by a robotic cleaner, think about investing in a model with virtual walls that can keep it from crashing into furniture or other objects within your home.
Robotic mops are made of disposable or reusable pads that you will have to replace regularly. If you decide to purchase one that makes use of reusable pads, be sure to clean them regularly and let them dry between uses. Otherwise, they could start to smell mildewy, or even develop bacteria.
