Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
Most of the robot vacuums we tested mop, and the best 2-in-1 models can take the post-mopping chore off your list by automatically washing their reusable mop pads in their docks. However, avoid using any cleaner that is not the one recommended by the manufacturer. If you do, it could damage the robot and cause it to lose its warranty.
Self-Emptying Bins
Most robot vacuums with a mop also have self-emptying bins that can be emptied, making cleaning easier. The amount of time you'll spend emptying the dustbin or base station will depend on how often 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 with mopping capabilities come with water tanks that contain both clean and dirty water. They also come with a compartment that houses the floor-cleaning solution from the brand can be automatically mixed and then dispensed. Once a cleaning session is complete, the onboard bin will be filled and the dirt and debris will be taken back to the base station to be sealed into a bigger dust bag that is more durable and long-lasting. In addition, the best robot mops can be refilled and cleaned before drying in the base stations.
These "hands-free" robots, such as the S8 MaxV Ultra from Roborock, are the newest category of robots that can do almost everything for you -- they clean, vacuum and mop, and can even refill their own water tanks and wash and dry mop pads. They make use of obstacles avoidance and mapping to move around the home, and also smart functions like room-specific and digital keep-away schedules.
These new robots are great at cleaning bare floors but they can't reach into tight spaces such as between chair legs and under furniture. We also recommend robot mops which can mop and vacuum. They include the Roborock S7, S8 and Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The eufy X10 Pro omni comes with a built-in dust bin that can be emptied by hand, and comes with an docking station that is capable of emptying the storage bag after two to three cleaning cycles. The only downside of this model is that you'll still need to clean out the dust bin inside the vacuum on occasion but we believe it's worth the extra cost for the convenience.
Self-Cleaning
Robot vacuums with self-emptying bins are an excellent choice for large households or families who produce lots of dirt and dust. These machines automatically empty used pads into a waste drawer for disposal, which eliminates the necessity of manually emptying the bin and reduces the often you'll have to empty it. The option of connecting to your smartphone via an app is also a nice feature as it allows you to set cleaning schedules and adjust settings even when you are away from home.
A good robot mop will come with multiple modes for different floor types, including dry sweep and deep mopping. It will also have docking stations that can be recharged between cleanings. If you're looking for a robot mop that you can control with your voice, check for compatibility with a smart assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models come with extra features, such as "dirt sensing" which determines how much dirt is left on the pad, and will prompt the mop to remop. Some models come with an option that adapts its pressure according to the type of surface (more for tiles and less for hardwood) to prevent scratching the floor.
Some of the better robot mops can save an outline of your area and return to that area for a repeat clean. This is a must feature for homes with multiple levels or if there are certain areas you would like the robot to clean, for example carpeted living areas and a kitchen floor. We recommend models with this technology, as well as features such as multi-room smart map, which creates a floor plan for your home flooring.
Make sure you use only the cleaning products suggested for your robot. Doing so ensures your robot receives an efficient and thorough clean without damaging your floors or voiding the warranty. You might be able find cleaners that are compatible with your local hardware store or online however, it's recommended to stick with what's suggested by the manufacturer.
Self-Emptying Mop Pads
Robot vacuums with mopping capabilities are a cost-effective method to achieve that freshly mopped look without hiring someone. The majority of models that can mop also can be used to vacuum and work on carpets and hard floors. There are some limitations, especially if your carpets are extremely dirty or long. They can also be less effective on certain flooring materials, such as laminate and linoleum.
Many robots that mop use reusable pads, which are washed and re-used by the base. They usually last for up to 50 minutes or longer before they require replacement and recharge. The Noesis Florio is an exception in that it has disposable pads, but it's still a great choice due to the ease with which it moves around the home. It can move across the chair's legs and over thresholds. It even can remember where the threshold is after going over it several times, so it knows to slow down.
The X1 Omni robot vacuum can also mop, and does not require an app. It's compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This means that you can control the robot by voice commands. It's also less expensive than other robots, but lacks some of the most advanced features.
It has a self-emptying container that dumps the contents in a larger bin that needs to be emptyed only every 30 days. It also automatically refills its water tank, and then disposes of the pads for cleaning when they're dirty. This makes it a low-maintenance.
Although the technology of these vacuum-and mop combos is improving they aren't yet enough to replace traditional vaccums and mops. That said, if you do have large areas of your home that are carpeted, you should consider getting a robotic mop-and-vacuum to keep the rooms clean and fresh. ZDNET provides a range of options, including budget-friendly models with additional features that do not reduce quality.
Simple to use
Robots that mop can be easy to use. Most robots come with an app that lets you create schedules, alter the vacuum and water power and monitor the condition of the pads and the cloths. Some also come with an onboard camera, which will help you identify any pet hair or other debris that might be stuck to your floors. robot vacuum cleaner best let you connect to a smart home assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant and others have voice activation.
Some robots, like the eufy RoboVac L20 Ultra, discard their mopping pads with no effort and drop them into an empty waste bin that is automatically emptied from a dock powered by batteries at the base station. This is a hands-free method of operation, but it leaves your floors a little less tidy than if they were washed and replaced manually. Certain models, such as the eufy X10 Pro Omni refill their mopping pads using a separate tank that is automatically empty by the dock.
Many of the robots that combine vacuuming and mopping have smart navigation capabilities that allow them to follow a specific route and quickly cover large areas without missing anything. This feature is especially useful in rooms with furniture because it prevents them from getting tangled up with legs or other objects. They can also provide status updates and alerts via their app, for instance, when their dustbin is full or needs to be cleaned.
The ultra-slim RoboVac L20 Ultimate that we tested utilized its digital keep-out zone as well as lidar mapping system to navigate chairs, couches, and other obstacles. During our testing, it did a great job of picking up pet fur and other small particles from the stairs and in corners that are difficult to reach.
If you want your robot to last and continue to function effectively, it is important to clean it regularly and use only specific cleaning products designed for it. Vinegar, for instance is acidic and could harm the robot's internal systems.
Robots that can vacuum and mop are a great option for any household, especially those with pets. With a combination cleaner and cleaning the pads and cloths correctly, you will extend the lifespan of your machine and increase its performance. The purchase of one of these hybrids could cost more than a traditional vacuum, but the time and effort they can save can make them worth the investment.