Can a Robot Vacuum Come With a Mop?
The majority of robot vacuums that we tested can mop. The most efficient 2-in-1 models can eliminate the need for post-mopping cleanup by automatically washing mop pads inside their docks. Avoid using any other cleaning solution other than that suggested by the manufacturer. Doing so could damage the robot and invalidate its warranty.
Self-Emptying Bins
Most robot vacuums with a mop come with self-emptying bins, making cleaning easier. The amount of time spent emptying the dustbin or base station will depend on the frequency and how filthy your house is, but these models do take a lot of manual labor out of the process, and are ideal for busy households.
The best Robot vacuum robot vacuums with mopping capabilities come with an onboard water tank that holds both clean and dirty water. They also have a compartment where the floor-cleaning solution of the brand can be mixed and dispensed. Once a cleaning session is completed, the onboard bin will be filled, and the dirt and debris are sent back to the base station to be sealed into a bigger dust bag, which is more durable. In addition, the best robot mops can be fully filled and cleaned before drying in the base stations.
These "hands-free" robots, like the S8 MaxV Ultra from Roborock are the newest class of robots that do nearly everything for you -- they clean, vacuum and mop, and can even refill their own water tanks, and wash and dry their mop pads. They employ the concept of mapping, obstacle avoidance and intelligent functions like room-specific and digital stay-away planning to navigate through the house.
But, even though these new types of robots are extremely efficient in cleaning floors, they're not the best choice for mopping carpeted areas or getting into tight spaces like between chair legs or under furniture. This is why we recommend some robot mops that can both vacuum and mop, including the Roborock S7 and S8 and the Samsung Powerbot VR90.
The Eufy X10 Pro Omni features an onboard bin for dirt and debris that can be cleaned manually It also has a self-emptying docking station that's capable of emptying the storage bag in just two to three cleaning cycles. The only drawback of this model is that you'll still need to clean out the dust bin within the vacuum at times, but we think it's worth the extra investment for the added convenience.
Self-Cleaning
A robotic vacuum with self-emptying bins is a great option for large families or homes who produce a lot of dirt and dust. The models automatically place used pads into a trash drawer to be disposed of and eliminate the need to manually empty the dustbin and reduces how often you'll have to do it. Having the option to connect to your smartphone through an app is also a nice feature because you can create cleaning schedules and alter settings even if you're away from home.
A quality robot mop comes with multiple modes to suit different kinds of floors such as dry sweeping or deep mopping. It also comes with docks that can be recharged between cleanings. If you're looking for a robot mop that can be controlled by voice, make sure to check for compatibility with a smart assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models come with additional features, such as "dirt sense" which detects the amount of dirt that has been left on the pad and prompts it to remop, and a system that adjusts its pressure to match the type of surface (more for tile and less for hardwood) to avoid scratching floors.
Some of the better robot mops are able to save the map of your area and return to the same area for a repeat clean. This is a must when you live in a multi-level home or if you have specific areas you'd like the robot vacuum cleaner reviews to focus on, like a kitchen floor and carpeted living room. Look for a model that incorporates this technology in our recommendations along with other helpful features such as smart mapping for multi-rooms, which can help create a streamlined blueprint for your home's flooring.
Use only the cleaning products suggested for your robot. This will ensure that your robot is thoroughly and efficiently cleaned without causing damage to your flooring or voiding your warranty. You might be able to find cleaners that are compatible at your local hardware store or on the internet however, it's best robot vacuum that mops to stick to the recommendations given by the manufacturer.
Self-Emptying Mops
Robot vacuums that mop are a cost-effective way to get the freshly mopped and waxed look without having to hire a professional. Most of the models that mop can vacuum and will work on hard floors and carpets. However, they do have certain limitations, especially in the case of heavily soiled or very long carpets. They may also be less effective on certain floor surfaces like laminate and linoleum.
The majority of robots that mop use disposable pads that are cleaned and dried by the base after each cleaning. They usually last for up to 50 minutes or longer before they need a replacement and recharge. The Noesis Florio, which uses disposable pads as opposed to rechargeable batteries, is a unique exception. It's still a great option because it can maneuver so well throughout the home. It can maneuver across the chair's legs and over thresholds. It even can remember where the threshold is after going over it a few times, so it knows to slow down there.
The X1 Omni is another good option for robotic vacuums that mop since it doesn't need an app in order to function. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which means you can control it using voice commands. It's also a little less than some of the other robots that can vacuum and mop, however it isn't equipped with some of their more advanced features.
One of the most impressive features that it does have is a self-emptying bin for dust, which drops the contents into a bigger waste bin that needs to be cleaned every 30 days or so. It automatically refills its water and then throws away the pads for cleaning after they get dirty.
While the technology in these vacuum-and-mop combos is improving however, they're still not good enough to replace a traditional vacuum and mop. That said, if you do have large areas of your home that are carpeted, you should consider purchasing a robot mop and vacuum to keep your rooms tidy and fresh. ZDNET offers a wide range of options, including budget-friendly models with additional features that don't sacrifice quality.
Simple to Use
Robots that mop can be easy to use. Most have a user-friendly app that lets you set schedules as well as adjust the water and vacuum power, and view the status of the cloths or pads. A lot of them have a built-in camera that can help you identify pet hair or other particles stuck on your floor. Some models allow you to connect with a home assistant, such as Alexa or Google Assistant and others have voice activation.
Some robots, such as the elegant RoboVac L20 Ultra, discard their mopping pads with no effort and place them in an empty trash bin that is automatically emptied from a dock powered by batteries at the base station. This is a less hands-on method of managing the machine, however it could leave your floors a bit less clean than if you wash manually and replace the pads manually. Some models, like the eufy X10 Pro Omni refill their mopping pads with a separate tank that is automatically empty by the dock.
A lot of the robots that combine vacuuming and mopping have smart navigation capabilities that allow them to follow a pre-planned route and quickly sweep large areas without missing anything. This feature is particularly useful for rooms with furniture, since it allows them to avoid getting caught up in tangled legs or other objects. Users of the app will also receive notifications and status updates, like when their bins are empty or need to be cleaned.
The ultra-slim RoboVac L20 Ultimate that we test, utilized its digital keep-out zone and lidar mapping system to navigate around couches, chairs, and other obstacles. In our testing it did a fantastic job at picking up pet fur and other small particles from the stairs and in corners that are hard to reach.
Cleaning your robot vacuum cleaner regularly and using only cleaning solutions specifically designed for it will ensure that it will last and continue to perform as it should. Vinegar is acidic and can damage the robots internal systems.
Robots that can mop and vacuum are a great addition to any household that has pets. Using a combination cleaner, ensuring the pads and cloths are cleaned properly and following the other maintenance recommendations will ensure that your machine lasts longer and perform better. These hybrid vacuums may be more expensive than standard vacuums, but they can reduce time and effort.