The majority of the robot vacuums we tested mop, and the best 2-in-1 models cross the post-mopping chore off your list by automatically washing their own reusable mop pads in their docks. Avoid using any other cleaning product than that recommended by the manufacturer. This could cause damage to the robot, and could void the warranty.
Bins that Self-EmptyMost robot vacuums that come with a mop include self-emptying bins that make cleaning less hands-on. The amount of time you'll spend emptying the dustbin or base station will depend on how often and how dirty your home is however, these models take a lot of manual work out of the process and are perfect for busy households.
The best robot vacuums with mopping capabilities have a water tank that contains both dirty and clean water. They also have a space that houses the floor-cleaning solution from the brand can be automatically mixed and dispensed. After the cleaning session is finished, the onboard bin is filled, and the debris and dirt are returned to the base station to be sealed into larger and more durable dust bag. Base stations can be used to refill or wash and dry the robot mops.
These "hands-free" robots, like the S8 MaxV Ultra from Roborock are the latest category of robots that can do almost everything for you -- they vacuum, muck and clean and even refill their own water tanks and wash and dry their mop pads. They employ mapping and obstacle avoidance to get around the house, as well as intelligent functions such as room-specific and keeping-away planning that is digital.
The new robots are excellent in cleaning floors with no dirt, however they aren't able to reach into tight spaces like between chairs or under furniture. We also recommend robot mops which can mop and vacuum. These include the Roborock S7, S8 and Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The eufy X10 Pro omni comes with an onboard dust bin which can be empty by hand, and comes with an integrated docking station that can be used for emptying the storage bag after two to three cleaning cycles. This model has one downside: you will still need to empty the dust bin into the vacuum at times. However, we believe the additional cost is worth it to have the convenience.
Self-Cleaning
A robot vacuum that has a self-emptying bin is an ideal choice for large families or homes who generate a lot of dirt and dust. These machines automatically empty used pads into a garbage drawer to be disposed of that eliminates the necessity of manually emptying the trash bin, and decreases how often you'll have to empty it. The option of connecting to your smartphone via an app is also beneficial because you can create cleaning schedules and alter settings even when away from home.
A good mop robot has multiple modes to suit different floor types, including dry sweep and deep mopping. It will come with docking stations that can be recharged between cleanings. If you want a robotic mop that can be controlled by voice, make sure to check for compatibility with a smart voice assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models come with additional features, like "dirt sense" that can detect the amount of dirt that has been left on the pad and will prompt it to remop, and a system that adapts its pressure to the type of surface (more for tile and less for hardwood) to avoid scratching floors.
Some robot mops can be capable of saving an outline of the area and then returning to it for an additional cleaning. This is essential if you have a multilevel home or if you have particular areas you would like the robot to concentrate on, like carpeted kitchen floors and a living room. Our recommendations include models with this technology, as well as features like multi-room smart maps that creates a plan for flooring your home.
Make sure you use only the cleaning products that are recommended for your robot. This will ensure that your robot is thoroughly and efficiently cleaned without causing damage to your flooring or the warranty being canceled. You can find compatible cleaners at your local hardware store or even online. However, it is best to stick to what the manufacturer recommends.
Self-Emptying Mops
Robot vacuums with mopping capabilities can be a cost-effective option to achieve that freshly mopped look without hiring someone. Most of the models that can mop also can be used for vacuuming and will work on carpets and hard floors. However they do have some limitations, particularly in the case of heavily soiled or very long carpets. They can also be less efficient on certain flooring surfaces like laminate and linoleum.
Many mop robots use pads that are reusable, which are washed and reused by the base. They can last up to 50 minutes or more before they require replacement and recharge. The Noesis Florio is an exception in that it has disposable pads, however it's still a great option because of the ease with which it moves around the home. It can move across the chair's legs and over thresholds. It even remembers where the threshold is after crossing it a few times which means it knows when to slow down there.
The X1 Omni robot vacuum is also able to mop, and it does not require an application. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant which means that you can control it using voice commands. It's also a bit cheaper than some of the other robots that can vacuum and mop, but it's not equipped with more advanced features.
One of the most impressive features that it does have is a self-emptying dust bin that drops the contents into a larger waste bin that needs to be cleaned every 30 days or more. It also automatically refills its water tank and discards the cleaning pads when they're dirty. This makes it extremely low maintenance.
Although the technology used in these mop-and-vacuum combos is advancing however, they're still not good enough to replace a traditional vacuum and mop. That said, if you 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 that include budget-friendly models with extra features that don't sacrifice quality.
Simple to use
Robots that mop are easy to use. Most robots come with an app that allows you to create schedules, alter the power of vacuum and water and monitor the condition of the cloths and pads. Some have a built-in camera that will help you locate pet hair or other debris stuck to your floor. Certain models let you connect to a home assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant and others have voice activation.
Some robots, such as the sleek RoboVac L20 Ultra, discard their mopping pads that are dirty automatically and drop them into an empty waste bin that is automatically emptied from a dock powered by batteries located at the base station. This is a less hands-on method of managing the machine, however it can leave your floors a bit less clean as compared to washing manually and replace the pads. Some models, like the eufy X10 Pro Omni refill their mopping pads from an additional tank that is automatically emptied by the dock.
A lot of the robots that combine mopping and vacuuming use smart navigation features that let them follow a planned route and quickly complete large areas without sacrificing anything. This feature is particularly helpful in rooms with furniture because it prevents them from getting caught up in tangled legs or other objects. App users can also receive alerts and status updates, such as when their bins are full or require to be cleaned.
The ultra-slim RoboVac L20 Ultimate that we tested, used its digital keep-out zone and lidar mapping system to navigate around couches, chairs and other obstacles. In our tests it did an excellent job picking up pet fur and other small particles from the stairs and in corners that are difficult to reach.
Cleaning your robot frequently and using only cleaners specifically designed for it will ensure that it will last and continue to perform as it should. Vinegar, for instance, is acidic and can harm the robot vacuum with mop's internal systems.
Robots with mopping and vacuuming capabilities can be a wonderful addition to your household especially in the case of pets. With a combination cleaner and cleaning the pads and cloths properly, you can extend the time-to-use of your equipment and enhance its performance. The purchase of one of these hybrids might cost more than a standard vacuum however the time and effort they save can be worth the investment.
