Five Lessons You Can Learn From Robot Vacuum That Mops Buying a Robot Vacuum That Mop

A robot vacuum can make cleaning your floors easier. This is especially applicable if your home is made of hard flooring and you wish to cut down on the amount of Swiffer pads that you need to buy or discard.

Find models that are simple to set up and maintain. This includes charging and emptying the tank of water, taking out and replacing pads for cleaning.

1. Object Avoidance

Robot vacuums are excellent in spotting obstacles large like furniture legs, walls, and pet toys, but they also overlook smaller objects that are moved around when cleaning. This is a common problem with most robots and can result in an unpleasant clean-up if the robot gets sucked into an object should not be. Robots equipped with object-avoidance systems employ sensors (like a laser, camera or LIDAR) to detect and avoid small objects that are on the ground.

Most of the robots that we tested with this feature employed lasers to navigate its way and avoid obstacles, however some also use cameras to recognize the floor's layout and create an imaginary map of the space. These maps let you create no-mop zones and boundaries, set a cleaning schedule and control the flow of water through each room during mopping.

A robotic mop that makes use of mapping technology could be a valuable asset, especially in homes with lots of furniture and a complicated floor plan. A robot that maps can remember your rooms' layout so it can clean them quickly and effectively without knocking over or running into furniture or other objects.

In our tests the iRobot Combo J7+ used a combination of LIDAR and a front-facing camera in order to avoid objects that were in its path. This clever feature is called PrecisionVision works in both sweeping and mopping mode and is an illustration of how robots are getting better at understanding the objects they encounter on the floor.

When we test this robot performed well, it did a decent job of avoiding large obstacles however it was not as adept at recognizing smaller things such as sock ball and USB cords on the floor. This is a problem that we have seen with the majority of robotic mop machines. The good news is that there are a variety of options available to do a much better job.

Some mops feature a special wand that sprays clean water onto the floor while others utilize an oscillating head that does the job with an easy drip of water, not a powerful spray. If you have hardwood floors, you should look for models that use water that is low-pressure to limit the damage.

2. Water Reservoir

Most robot mops have a disclaimer that they're not meant to be used on hard sticky, stuck-on, or set-in stains. However, the good news is that a mopping robot is still far more effective in removing the stains than a vacuum, even one that can perform both.

When we tested the Yeedi robot vacuum and mop we discovered that it was able to maneuver around obstacles and adjusted for objects like furniture, toys, and pet hair to leave floors shiny and buffed. It didn't reach the top of ledges, so it couldn't reach the rooms to the opposite side. It's a smaller bin than other robot vacuums, which means you might have to empty it more often in the event that it is used in your home. We suggest buying a model that has self-emptying docks, which will deposit its cleaning pads into the empty container, saving you numerous trips to the trash can.

A mopping robot's capability to automatically return its dirty tanks to its dock to be cleaned and dried is an additional important feature. The majority of the models we tested did be able to do this, which can save you time in your cleanup routine. However, it's important to keep in mind that you'll have to manually empty the cleaning solution and dirt tanks and wash disposable pads according to their manufacturer instructions every time you mop. This will prevent mildew and other unwanted bacteria from forming in the dark, moist area under the bot.

Many robot mop models come with an application that lets you alter the map of your house, customize cleaning areas and schedules, check the state of your cleans and connect other smart devices or voice-activated assistants for hands-free control. The app can also be used to check whether your mopping device requires maintenance, such a a filter replacement. Some of the popular models have smart home integration. This lets you connect them to your smart lights, doorbells and other devices.

3. Water Level Adjustment

A robot vacuum that mops could be a great purchase for those who regularly spend time and energy cleaning their floors. However, best rated robot vacuum of mop models come with a disclaimer that states that they're not meant to be used on stubborn or sticky messes or set-in stains. If you're looking for a mopping machine that does more than just clean up spills and dust, search for one that allows you to adjust water level or scrub intensity.

It's also beneficial to choose a model that lets you set up a schedule or manually begin and end cleaning. You should also be able to check the status of your mop live on the app. It's also beneficial to select mops that automatically charge when the battery gets depleted. We've observed that the majority of models with this feature can easily clean up a large space in less than two hours.

It should be easy to use, and you should be able to control your mop using voice commands. This is especially useful for those who wish to clean their floors while doing other chores or watching TV. The majority of the mop models we tested have voice controls that are easy to use, but some require you to connect the mop with your Wi-Fi to access the app.

Another aspect to consider when purchasing a mopping machine is whether it comes with disposable or recyclable cleaning pads. These are more environmentally sustainable, but they can be difficult to keep stocked and may not work as well as the former. Some models let you choose the type of pad to use, but it's essential to keep in mind to clean or change them after every cleaning.

If you have high-pile area carpets in your home, it's worthwhile to look for an automatic system that can take care of the carpets. IRobot's J7 Combo is superior in cleaning these than the Roborock S7 maxv ultra however, it also does a great job on non-carpeted surfaces. You can also purchase an ECOVACS DEEBOT model which includes mopping and vacuuming capabilities.

4. Self-Mopping

Robot mops are quieter than vacuums and can save you up to 35 hours of mopping each year. You'll still have to do some maintenance like refilling the reservoir or changing a dirty cleaning pad. A self-mopping feature makes this a less hassle, as the mop will return to its dock when it's time for the replacement pad.

This feature is particularly useful when your floors are difficult to clean, like tile or granite. Some mop models employ a rotating, spinning brush to scrub floors, whereas others use a simple cleaning pad across the floor. Some mop models can sweep and vacuum as well as mop, offering more options.


If you intend to use an automated mop frequently, consider one with an integrated dustbin or a bin that is easy to empty. Some mops that also double as vacuums need you to empty the bin more often than those that just mop and go, and some come with distinct bins for each purpose. Ecovacs' Deebot X1 features a bin that is opened with ease unlike other robot vacuums. It also replaces the reusable cleaning pad when it is full.

Some robot mop models come with smart home connectivity, and you can control them with your smartphone or voice assistant. The Braava Jet M6 is a smart machine that can be connected to hubs, allowing you to schedule regular cleanings based on your schedule and preferences using the app. You can also get a status update on the mop's life expectancy and water level, which can be beneficial if you're away from home to check on what's happening.

Remember that no robot mop is perfect and even the top ones won't be able to get dirty, greasy messes as clean like you would with manual mops or a traditional Swiffer. They're excellent for quick cleanups or for preventing stains from setting, but they aren't an alternative to a thorough hand mop or a deep-cleaning vacuum cleaner.