Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
Most of the robot vacuums we tested can mop, and the top 2-in-1 models take post-mopping maintenance off your list by automatically washing their own mop pads that are reusable in their docks. Do not use any other cleaning product than that suggested by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot, and void its warranty.
Bins that self-empty
Most robot vacuums with a mop also come with self-emptying bins which make cleaning simpler. The amount of time you'll spend emptying the dustbin or base station will depend on the frequency and how filthy your home is however, these models remove a lot of manual work out of the process, and are ideal for busy households.
The best robot vacuums that mop come with a tank that has clean and dirty water, with a place for the brand's floor-cleaning solution to be mixed automatically and dispensed. Once vacuum bot cleaning session is complete, the onboard bin will be filled and the dirt and debris will be sent back to the base station to be sealed into a larger dust bag, which is more durable. In addition, the best robot mops can be fully refilled and cleaned before drying in the base stations.
These "hands free" robots, such as the S8 MaxV Ultra by Roborock are the most recent class of robots. They vacuum clean, muck, and mop and even refill their water tanks, wash and dry their mop pad. They make use of mapping and obstacle avoidance to get around the house, as well as smart functions like room-specific and digital keep-away scheduling.
However, although these new models of robots are extremely efficient at cleaning bare floors, they're not the best choice for mopping carpeted rooms 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 Pro X10 omni has an onboard dustbin that can be emptied by hand, but also comes with an integrated docking station that can be used for emptying the storage bag after two or three cleaning cycles. The only drawback to this model is that you'll still need to empty the dust bin inside the vacuum on occasion but we believe it's worth the extra investment for the convenience.
Self-Cleaning
A robot vacuum with a self-emptying bin is an ideal choice for large families or homes which produce lots of dust and dirt. These models automatically put used pads in a waste bin for disposal. This means that you don't have to empty the dustbin manually and reduces the frequency of cleaning. The option of connecting to your smartphone through an app is also nice as it allows you to create cleaning schedules and change settings even if you're away from home.
A good robot mop will have various modes that can be used to suit different types of floors, including dry sweeping or deep mopping. It will also have an electric dock that is able to recharge between cleanings. If you're looking for a robotic mop that can be controlled with your voice, check for compatibility with a smart assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models have extra features, like "dirt sense" that can detect the amount of dirt left on the pad and causes it to remop and a system that adjusts its pressure to the type of surface (more for tile, less for hardwood) to avoid scratching floors.
Some of the better robot mops are able to save a map of your space and return to the same area for a repeat clean. This feature is essential when your home is on multiple levels or if there are specific areas that you want the robot to clean, like carpeted living areas and kitchen floor. Our recommendations include models with this technology, as well as features such as multi-room smart maps, which creates a blueprint for your home flooring.
Make sure you only use the recommended cleaning products for your robot. By doing this, your robot gets an efficient and thorough clean without damaging your flooring or voiding the warranty. There are compatible cleaners in your local hardware store, or even online. However, it is recommended to stick to the recommendations of the manufacturer suggests.
Self-Emptying Mop Pads
Robot vacuums that can mop are an affordable option to get the freshly mopped and waxed appearance without hiring a professional. Most models that mop also vacuum and work on hard floors and carpets. However they do have some limitations, particularly if you have heavily-soiled or extremely long carpets. They can also be less effective on certain flooring surfaces like laminate or linoleum.
Many of the robots that can mop use disposable pads that are cleaned and dried by the base after every cleaning. They usually last for up to 50 minutes or more before they require replacement and recharge. 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 move around chair legs and over thresholds, and even remembers where the threshold is after having crossed it a few times so it knows to slow down there.
The X1 Omni robot vacuum can mop, and it does not require an application. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which means you can operate it with voice commands. It's also less expensive than other robots, but it lacks some of the more advanced features.
One of the greatest features that it does have is a self-emptying garbage bin, which drops the contents into a larger waste bin that needs to be emptied every 30 days or so. It refills its water automatically and disposes of the pads for cleaning as soon as they become dirty.
While the technology of these vacuum-and mop combination devices is improving, they are not yet good enough to replace traditional vaccums and mops. If you have carpeted areas within your home, consider the use of a robotic mop and vacuum to keep them tidy and fresh. There's a wide selection of options at ZDNET including budget-friendly models that don't sacrifice quality for their extra functions.
Easy to Use
Robots that have mopping capabilities can be simple to operate. Most come with a user-friendly application that lets you set schedules, adjust water and vacuum power, and see the condition of the cloths or pads. A lot of them have a built-in camera that helps you locate pet hair or other debris stuck on your floor. Certain models let you connect to a home assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant and others have voice activation.
Some robots, like the elegant RoboVac L20 Ultra, discard their mopping pads that are dirty automatically and drop them into an empty trash bin that is automatically empty from a dock powered by batteries at the base station. This is a hands-free method of using the machine, however it can leave your floors less clean than if they were cleaned and replaced manually. Other models, such as the eufy X10 Pro Omni, refill their mopping pads from an additional reservoir that is automatically empty from the dock.
Smart navigation is a feature used by many robots that mop and vacuum at the same time. This lets them follow the pre-planned route and cover large areas without snagging anything. This feature is particularly helpful for rooms with furniture since it allows them to avoid getting hung up on tangled legs or other objects. App users are also able to receive alerts and status updates, like when their trash bins are empty or need to be cleaned.
The elegant RoboVac L20 Ultimate we tested was one of the models that utilized its lidar mapping system and digital keep-out zones to efficiently navigate around chairs, couches, and other obstacles. During our testing, it did a great job at picking up pet fur and other small debris from stairs and corners that are hard to reach.
If you want your robot to last and to function effectively, it is important to clean it regularly and to only use specific cleaning products designed for it. Vinegar is acidic, and can damage the robots internal systems.
Robots that can vacuum and mop are an excellent addition to any home, especially those with pets. Using a combination cleaner, making sure that the pads and the cloths are properly washed and following the other recommendations for maintenance will help your machine last longer and perform better. These hybrid vacuums may be more expensive than standard vacuums, but they can help you save time and effort.