Robot vacuums are well-known for their ease with which they can be used to clean your home. Time is money as the old saying is.
But if you want to go one step further, consider getting a mop-cleaning robot. These 2-in-1 machines are just as effective in keeping floors tidy.
1. It is more efficient
Robot vacuums that also mop can remove dirt more effectively than robot vacuum cleaners on their own. They have sensors that detect when the floor is filthy and adjust the cleaning settings accordingly. They also detect objects that may get tangled in brushes, and they're designed to avoid stairs and other obstacles. They're a great option for homes that have hard floors, which can be difficult to clean.
In CHOICE’s lab tests robot vacuums that included mopping functioned well in cleaning hard floors. They spray water and scrub the floor using microfibre pads that are moistened in a tank of water on their base. The pads are easily replaced and can be reused. They can also be used on a variety of floor surfaces such as tiles, hardwood, and laminate kitchens. They're low maintenance, so you'll need to charge them with water or a cleaning solution to their tanks, and remove and change their mop regularly.
The top robotic mops come with voice activation and home integration, making them easier to use. They can be programmed to specific cleaning times and most come with a docking system that will automatically return the robot to charge after it's finished.
However, robot mops that are programmed to run when you're away can still get into trouble. Similar to a vacuum robot that runs free, it could be stopped in its tracks by small objects like shoelaces, pet toys and phone chargers. You'll need to vacuum-proof your home and regularly examine the dustbins of robots to locate any items they may have missed.
2. It is also less expensive
Robot vacuums are ideal for general, automated cleaning. They aren't able to reach all nooks and corners. Still, you need to use a regular vacuum to get rid of dust and dirt that has accumulated in hard-to-reach spots. Robot vacuums that have mopping capabilities are a great option. They can also spray water and scrub the floor to do an impressive job. They can also be programmed to clean while you are busy or even away from home.
The good news is, the majority of robot vacuums with mopping capabilities are much less expensive than traditional mops. However, you will require a set of special mop pads or cleaning pads (or refill kits) to ensure that the machine is running smoothly. Read the instructions of the manufacturer and ensure that you don't leave your pads or cloths wet for too long. Mildew can develop on them.
It is also important to check your robot vacuum or mop's compatibility with the kind of flooring you have in your home. You will want to check that your robot is compatible with the type of flooring in your home.
The majority of robot mops come with an app that lets you to save maps of your house as well as set schedules and choose cleaning modes. Some models even have a visual wall feature that can be used to prevent certain areas of your home from being cleaned, keeping your floors free from damage. Some models also have a built-in self-emptying base that removes collected dust and debris from the device when it's docked at the charging station. This can be a huge time saver and allow you to avoid the burden of emptying the dust bin on your own after each cleaning session.
3. They are more practical
A robot vacuum that also mop is a great option for any Smart Home device, especially for those who have several floors and don't wish to spend a lot of time cleaning. These machines let users to save 35 hours in a year which they would have otherwise spending sweeping and mopping each day.
In our tests in the lab, we found that the majority of robotic mop models had a dry cleaning feature that utilized dry pads to sweep or suction dust from tight areas. Some models can be used on rugs and hardwood floors, ensuring that your home spotless and allergen free.
Certain robotic vacuums come with sensors that detect the kind of flooring they are on and adjust their cleaning modes accordingly. Others can detect obstacles and switch cleaning modes. They are easy to set up and maintain. They just require charging, 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 cleaning from anywhere.
However, be aware that although these devices are fantastic in automatizing cleaning, they are not a substitute for standard vacuums. They can leave corners and nooks that have to be cleaned with a broom or a dustpan. It is still necessary to use your regular vacuum regularly, especially if you have high-pile carpets or an excessive amount of furniture. Also, you should remove the pads or mopping cloths regularly and let them air dry between mopping sessions. Bacteria thrive in humid environments.
4. They are more sustainable for the environment.
Robot vacuums do a fantastic job at cleaning off dry debris, but they're not great at removing liquid spills and stains. Robots that can clean up spills and stains are more useful than separate gadgets. They also can work on different floor types which is crucial for homes with floors that are mixed. In my tests, I found that the Bissell SpinWave Robotic Vacuuming & Mopping Machine could get rid of all types of stains and mess including cereal spills and dog vomit from carpets with low pile.
The iRobot Combo j7+ is another example of a robotic that can vacuum as well as mop. Its mapping feature lets it to keep track of the arrangement of the room from one cleaning to the next, making sure that it does not touch walls or steps. It also can create virtual barriers and boundaries that block rooms and prevent it from running into furniture or other obstacles.
This Yeedi robot was a hit during tests at home, despite the fact it didn't have the advanced mapping capabilities other models had. It is easy to use and does a good job of navigating pre-mapped spaces while staying clear of obstacles. You can even edit the map within the app to make adjustments such as blocking off areas that don't need be cleaned.
While it's possible to make your own cleaning solution for your robot vacuum, you should try to stick with the brand-specific products that most brands offer. If you use an unbranded cleaning product it could damage the internal hardware and invalidate your warranty. You'll also have to replace the filter on a regular basis and clean the sensor brushes (if you have them) to keep hair, dirt, or other debris from getting caught around the sensor.
5. They are more flexible
Robot vacuums are excellent in removing dirt and debris from hard-to-reach areas of your floors. However, there are corners and nooks that they aren't able to reach. A robot mop can also be used to vacuum. The top robot mop and vacuum combos will detect the type of flooring they're cleaning and adjust their settings accordingly. They will automatically swapping dirty pads for clean ones, and even self-empty their dust bins or water tanks to spare you from a trip to the trash can.
The majority of the latest generation robot mops on the market can be paired with an app, which allows you to save a map of your home's floor plan, create automated cleaning schedules and monitor when your robot needs maintenance like a filter change. It's important to look for a model with easy-to-use software that is free of confusing menus and icons.
The majority of the models CHOICE has tested can operate for up to 3 hours before returning to the charging dock. However, if you need your cleaning machine to run even when you're away, you should think about a hybrid robot with a long-lasting battery. If you're worried about your furniture being scuffed by a robot cleaner, invest in 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 frequently. If you choose one that has pads that are reusable, make sure to clean them regularly and let them dry between use. They may develop bacteria or begin to smell mildewed if you don't wash them often.
