Robot vacuums are popular for their ease with which they can be used to tidy your home. As the old saying goes, time is money.
If you're looking to go a step further, consider getting a mop-cleaning robot. These 2-in-1 devices are just as effective in keeping floors tidy.
1. They are more efficient
Robot vacuums with mopping capabilities can be more effective at cleaning floors than vacuums that are only robots. They have sensors that can detect when the surface is filthy and adjust cleaning settings accordingly. They also detect objects that might get caught in the brushes and are designed to avoid obstacles like stairs. This double-duty functionality makes them an ideal option for homes with hard floors that are difficult to keep clean.
In CHOICE's lab tests, robot vacuums with mopping functions were effective in cleaning hard floors. They spray water onto the floor and scrub it with microfibres that are soaked in a tank of water at their base. The pads can be easily replaced and reused. They are suitable for different floor surfaces including laminate, hardwood, and tiled kitchens. They're easy to maintain, so you'll only need to keep them charged and add water or cleaning solution to their tanks and remove and replace their mop pads on a regular basis.
The best robotic mops also come with smart home integration and voice activation to make them even easier to use. They can be programmed to an exact cleaning time, and most come with docking systems that will automatically return the robot to charge after it's finished.
However, robot mops that are set to run even when you're not there can still get into trouble. Like a robot vacuum that goes free, it could be stopped in its tracks by small items such as shoelaces, pet toys and phone chargers. You'll still need to vacuum-proof your home and do regular checks of the robot's dust bins to find any odd objects they might miss.
2. It is less expensive
Robot vacuums are excellent for general cleaning that is automated. They can't cover all corners and nooks. You will still need to clean your home regularly to get rid of stubborn dirt and dust from difficult-to-access areas. That's why robot vacuums that mop come in handy. They can spray water and scrub the floors for a more thorough job. They can also be programmed to clean the floors while you are busy or even away from home.
The good news is that the majority of robot vacuums that mop are lower expensive than traditional mop. To ensure that your machine runs smoothly, you'll need buy a set or refill pack of mop cloths or cleaning pads. It's important to check the manufacturer's guidelines and ensure that your cloths or pads are not wet for prolonged periods of time, since mildew may grow on them.
It is also essential to verify the robot's compatibility with the kind of flooring you have in your home. Different robots perform better on different types flooring, so you will need to ensure that yours is compatible prior to making a purchase.
Most robot mop s have app integration that allows you to save maps of your home to set schedules, and select cleaning methods. Some models even have an image wall feature that can be used to block certain areas of your house from being cleaned, thereby keeping your floors protected from damage. Some models have an automatic emptying base that eliminates dust and other debris when the device is docked to a charging station. This could save you a lot of time and also eliminate the necessity to empty the dustbin after every cleaning session.
3. They are more practical
A robot vacuum that can mop is a fantastic addition to any Smart Home device, especially for those who have several floors and don't want to spend much time cleaning. These cleaning machines allow users to save around 35 hours per year, which they would have otherwise spent mopping and sweeping each day.
In our tests in the lab, we found that the majority of robotic mop models had a dry cleaning feature that either employed dry pads to sweep or suction to remove dust from tight areas. Some of these models can even be used on floors that mix such as hardwood and carpet, allowing them to keep your home clean and allergen-free.
These robotic vacuums usually include sensors built-in to determine the type of flooring they're on and adjust accordingly. they are able to detect obstacles in their way or switch cleaning modes. They are usually easy to install and maintain, requiring just charging and emptying the water tank and replacing or removing the cleaning pads (or disposable ones). For maximum convenience, look for a model that has an app integration that lets you save your house's maps as well as customize cleaning areas. schedule cleaning and check the progress of cleaning from anywhere in the world.
Be aware that these machines, while great for automated cleaning, they are not an alternative to standard vacuums. They may leave some nooks that will need to be cleaned with the help of a broom or a dustpan. You'll still need to use a vacuum cleaner frequently, particularly if your carpets are high-pile or if there is furniture. Also, you should remove the pads or mopping cloths regularly and let them air dry between mopping sessions. Bacteria love moist environments.
4. They are more environmentally friendly
Robot vacuums are fantastic for cleaning dry debris, but not so much for spills of liquid or stains. That's where mopping comes in, and robots that can clean up messes and vacuum are better than separate devices. They also can clean different kinds of flooring, which is perfect for homes that have a variety of flooring. In my tests, I found that the Bissell SpinWave Robotic Vacuuming Mopping Machine could remove all types of stains and mess, including cereal spills and dog vomit from low-pile carpeting.
The iRobot Combo j7+, another robotic vacuum that can and mop, is a good example. Its mapping feature enables it to remember the arrangement of the room from one cleaning to the next, and make sure that it does not touch walls or steps. It can also create virtual boundaries and barriers that block off rooms to prevent it from running into furniture or obstructions.
This Yeedi robot impressed during testing at home, despite the fact it wasn't equipped with the more advanced mapping capabilities other models had. It is easy to use and does a good job of navigating pre-mapped spaces while keeping clear of obstacles. You can modify the map in the app, for example, to block off areas that do not need to be cleaned.
It is possible to design your own cleaning solution using the robot vacuum. However, it's better to stick to the specific brand products offered by most brands. If you use a cleaner that is not brand-name it could damage the internal hardware and void your warranty. It is also necessary to clean the sensor brushes and replace the filter on a regular basis to prevent dirt, hair or other debris from getting caught within them.
5. The more versatile they are
Robot vacuums can be useful to remove dirt from hard-to reach areas however they aren't able to reach all the nooks or crannies. This is where a robotic mop that also vacuums comes in handy. The top robot mops and vacuum/mop combinations will recognize the type of flooring they are cleaning and adjust their settings accordingly. automatically swap out dirty pads with clean ones, and even self-empty their trash bins or water tanks, saving you a trip to the trash bin.
The majority of the latest generation robot mops on the market are compatible with an app that lets you save the map of your home's floor plan, establish automatic cleaning schedules, and even monitor the moment when your robot requires maintenance like a filter change. Look for a robot with simple software that is free of complicated menus and icons.
The majority of models CHOICE tested could run for up to three hours before returning to their charging docks but if you want your cleaning machine to run while you're away, consider looking into a hybrid mop with a long battery life. If you're concerned about your furniture being scratched by a robotic cleaner, choose one that has virtual walls to keep it from hitting furniture or other objects.
Robot mops can use either disposable or reusable mopping pads, which you'll have to replace frequently. If you opt for a model that uses pads that can be reused, be sure to wash them frequently and let them dry between use. Otherwise, they could start to smell mildewy, or even develop bacteria.
