Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
The majority of the robot vacuums we tested can mop. The best 2-in-1 models can eliminate the need for post-mopping cleaning by automatically washing reusable mop pads in their docks. Do not use any other cleaning solution other than that recommended by the manufacturer. This could damage the robot, and could void the warranty.
Self-Emptying Bins
Most robot vacuums that come with a mop have self-emptying bins to make cleaning easier and hands-free. The amount of time you'll need to spend cleaning the 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 perfect for busy households.
The top robot vacuums that have mopping capabilities have an onboard water tank that holds both dirty and clean water. They also have an area in which the floor-cleaning product of the brand can be automatically mixed and dispersed. Once the cleaning session is completed the onboard bin is filled, and the debris and dirt are returned to the base station for sealing in an even larger and more durable dust bag. The base stations can also be used to refill, wash and dry the robot mops.
These "hands free" robots such as the S8 MaxV Ultra by Roborock are the newest category of robots. They vacuum clean, muck, and mop and even refill their water tanks, wash, and dry their mop pad. They use obstacles avoidance, mapping and smart functions such as room-specific and digital stay-away planning to navigate around the house.
However, although these new models of robots are extremely efficient in cleaning floors, they're not the best option for mopping carpeted rooms or getting into tight spaces, like between chairs legs or under furniture. This is why we recommend some robot mops which can mop and vacuum, such as the Roborock S7 and S8 and the Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The eufy Pro X10 omni has an onboard dustbin that can be emptied by hand, and has an docking station that is capable of emptying the storage bag after two to three cleaning cycles. The only drawback to this model is that you'll have to clear out the dust bin within the vacuum at times however we believe it's worth the extra investment for the added convenience.
Self-Cleaning
A robotic vacuum with a self-emptying bin is an ideal choice for large homes or families who generate lots of dirt and dust. These models automatically drop used pads into a trash drawer to be disposed of, which eliminates the need to manually empty the bin and reduces the often you'll need to do so. It's also great to be able to connect your device to your smartphone using an app. This allows you to organize cleaning schedules and change settings even when you're away.
A good mop robot will have multiple modes for different floor types, including dry mopping and deep. It will also have a docking station that can be recharged between cleanings. Check compatibility of the robotic mop with a smart assistant, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models have extra features, such as "dirt sense" that detects the amount of dirt that has been left on the pad and prompts it to remop, and a system that adapts its pressure to the surface type (more for tile and less for hardwood) to prevent scratching floors.
Some of the best robot mops can save an outline of your space and then return to the area for a repeat clean. This is a must when you live in a multi-level home or if you have particular areas you would like the robot to focus on, like a kitchen floor and carpeted living room. We recommend models that have this technology, along with features like a multi-room smart map, 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 effective and thorough clean without damaging your flooring or voiding the warranty. You might be able find cleaners that are compatible with your local hardware store, or online, but it's best to stick with the recommended cleaning products by the manufacturer.
Self-Emptying Mops
Robot vacuums that can mop are an affordable way to get the freshly mopped and waxed look without hiring someone. Most models that mop also be used to vacuum and work on carpets and hard floors. However, they do have some limitations, especially if your carpets are extremely dirty or long. They also can be less effective on certain floor surfaces like laminate and linoleum.
A lot of the robots that can mop use disposable pads that are cleaned and dried by the base after each cleaning. They can last up to 50 minutes or more prior to when they need a replacement and recharge. The Noesis Florio is an exception in that it has disposable pads, but it's still a great option due to the ease with which it moves around the home. best rated robot vacuum can go around chairs, over thresholds, and even remembers the threshold after a few times.
The X1 Omni robot vacuum can also mop, and it does not require an application. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and allows you to control it using voice commands. It's also less expensive than many robots, but lacks some of the more advanced features.
One of the best features it has is a self-emptying garbage bin that dumps the contents into a larger waste bin that needs to be empty every 30 days or more. It also automatically fills its water tank, and then disposes of the cleaning pads when they're dirty, making it a low-maintenance.
While the technology in these mop-and-vacuum combos is advancing, they're not yet excellent enough to replace traditional vaccum and mop. That said, if you do have large areas of your home with carpet, think about buying a robotic mop and vacuum to keep your rooms tidy and fresh. ZDNET provides a range of options, including budget-friendly models with extra features that don't sacrifice quality.
Simple to use
Robots that have mopping capabilities can be simple to operate. They typically have an app that lets you set up schedules, adjust water and vacuum power, and check the status of the pads or cloths. Many have a built-in camera that will help you find pet hair or other particles stuck on your floor. Some models allow you to connect to a smart home assistant, such as Alexa or Google Assistant and others have voice activation.
Some robots, such as the sleek RoboVac L20 Ultra drop their dirty mopping pads into an empty bin that is automatically empty by a battery-powered dock located at the base station. This is a hands-free method of operation, however it can leave your floors less tidy than if they were cleaned and replaced manually. Certain models, such as the eufy X10 Pro Omni refill their mopping pads from separate tanks that are automatically empty by the dock.
Smart navigation features are used by a variety of robots that vacuum and mop at the same time. This allows them to follow the pre-planned route and cover large areas without a single omission. This feature is particularly helpful for rooms with furniture since it allows them to avoid getting tangled up with legs or other objects. App users are also able to receive alerts and status updates, like when their dustbins are full or need to be cleaned.
The eufy RoboVac L20 Ultimate we tested included, for instance, its lidar mapping system and digital keep-out zones to effectively navigate around couches, chairs, and other obstacles. During our tests, it did a great job of picking up pet hair and other particles in difficult-to-reach corners as well as on stairs.
If you want your robot to last and continue to function well, it is important to regularly clean it and use only cleaning solutions made specifically for it. Vinegar is acidic, and can damage the robots internal systems.
Robots that can mop and vacuum are an excellent addition to any home, especially those with pets. By using a combination cleaner and cleaning the pads and cloths properly, you can extend the life of your machine and improve its performance. These hybrid vacuums might be more expensive than regular vacuums, but they will reduce time and effort.