How to Keep a Robot Vacuum Clean
Robot vacuums can help keep your floors clean. Based on the model, they can also sweep or mop stairs.
Look for models with innovative features like remote control and app control. You can use apps to schedule cleaning sessions and keep track of progress. Certain apps even allow you to stop and recharge, then resume where they were when they left.
1. Battery Life
It's safe to say that future of cleaning has arrived. With cars that can drive on their own drones that flutter through the air, and robot vacuums that can maneuver around furniture with ease, it is possible to say that the future is now here. As with any technology there is a need for some maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
The cycle of charging and discharging the battery is the most important aspect for the longevity of your robot. Keep the dustbin full and empty. Check for tangled furs and stop the brushes from getting jammed.
The location in which your robot is kept can impact battery performance. Extreme temperatures and cold can affect the battery's performance. You can extend the life of your battery by ensuring it's charged to 50% before storage, storing in an environment that is cool and taking it off of sources of power when it is not in use. Most smart devices also have periodic firmware updates which can improve performance and optimize battery. Check the app to see if there are any updates.
If you have lots of hard floors, a robot vacuum is a great option. It will get rid of dirt and debris fast and efficiently leaving your floors sparkling. If you're looking for more than a simple cleaning, you should search for a model with superior navigation and obstacles avoidance.
The Ecovacs T20 robot is our top-rated robotic. It is a combination of advanced navigation, powerful suction, and a range of mopping features to provide an efficient, thorough clean of your hard floor. It makes use of LiDAR sensors and cameras to create precise maps of your home, which assists it in staying on the right path and avoid getting stuck on furniture legs or power cords. It also can detect objects such as shoes and clutter to automatically clean them. And it's self-emptying, meaning that you don't have to return the vacuum to its base station to empty its bin every cleaning session.
2. Dust Bin
Robots are great for quick midweek cleanups however, they lack the suction power to replace an electric vacuum cleaner when it comes to deep cleaning. Even the top robotic vacuums can be prone to getting tangled in cords and toys. They also can ignore dirt piles in the vicinity of the baseboards, and struggle to eliminate crumbs from under furniture. Their onboard dust bins get so full that they need to return to their charging docks in order to self-empty--a process that can take as long as half an hour for some models.
It is crucial to select the right robot vacuum that has a large trash bin that can be empty into the dock without needing to return to complete the job. You'll also want to consider whether you'd like a bagged or bagless model, and if you do opt for a bagless version what amount of dust will be able to hold before needing to be emptied.
In our tests, we apply 100 grams of sand onto an area of carpet with a medium pile and use a robot vacuum to sweep it across the carpet. We then weigh the amount of sand that we find in the onboard dust bin to determine the amount of dirt it has accumulated. A large amount suggests that the bin could get fuller and force your robot to stop cleaning.
It's important to know that most robot vacuums come with large dust bins that can be easily empty. It is also possible to schedule them to empty their bases at least one or two times per day. It is recommended to keep a container of compressed air in your bag to blow hairs out that have become entangled in the rotating brush. You can also clean any filters as suggested by the manufacturer.
3. Wi-Fi Connectivity
The best robot vacuums have various options for connecting to your home's WiFi. This enables the robot to download and install updates for its software, and also giving you the option to monitor your robot using an app or via voice-activated commands. Although not required, this feature offers convenience and personalization features that enhance your overall robot vacuuming experience.
Most models require a certain amount of routine maintenance, such as emptying the dust bin and cleaning the brush roll, to ensure that they function at peak efficiency. Maintaining a close eye on consumable components and a regular schedule for cleaning and detachment can extend their life span as well. Vacuum expert Emily Rairdin at University Vacuum & Sewing says that three to five years is the standard life expectancy of a robot vacuum, though this can vary significantly depending on the frequency you use it, and whether you take care to maintain it properly.
A robot vacuum has to be able to navigate obstacles and map your floor to function. Advanced navigation systems typically include sensors for cliffs that alert the bot to a steep drop, as well as laser and optical sensors that allow it to "see" a room's layout. Certain robots also have mopping functions that are specifically designed for them that can be helpful for maintaining floors in between deep cleanings using a stand-up vacuum.
The most effective 2-in-1 robots vacuum and mop making it possible to bypass the need to switch between a robot and a manual vacuum. One example is the iRobot Roomba 690, which is a powerful and highly efficient robot vacuum that can also wipe down surfaces with its water tank and wash its mop pad in a way that is automatic. Its superior mapping and obstacle-avoidance abilities earned it CR's best robot vacuum award, as well as an AVTech Editors' Choice award.
4. Cleaning Patterns
The top robot vacuums we tested in our tests have impressive pick-up scores for carpets with low pile and hard floors, removing dirt, dust, and pet hair. They also get rid of debris and crumbs from the baseboards and at the edges of rooms. They can't remove deep-seated dirt or tangles of plush shag fibers, like canisters or uprights. They also aren't able to remove spilled food and liquids or heavy screws and may also miss a few areas of the house (including under furniture).
Many models are equipped with smart features which make them more user friendly. Many models come with an app that lets you schedule cleaning sessions, and control the robot remotely. They can be integrated into your smart-home system so that you can use voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models come with different modes that allow you to choose between mopping and sweeping, or vacuuming. They can also return to their docks for a recharge and resume cleaning the area they left.
Obstacle-avoidance technology has improved in recent years, however you still need to clear out any cords, toys and pet messes prior to running the robot. Before cheap robot vacuum can map out your room, you'll need to cover all ceiling-to-floor mirrors with cardboard. The lasers used by some models may bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to bump against the wall or floor.
More premium models have advanced mapping capabilities, with some using lidar to create an 3D map of your space. This helps the robot identify obstacles and create an efficient path around them. Some robots let you create no-go zones so that the robot is able to avoid certain areas, such as your pet's food bowls, or a rug that is expensive.
5. App Control
You can set up a cleaning schedule and control the robots using an app. This lets you tidy your home even when you are at work or away on vacation. Some robots also have the ability to self-empty into a larger bin at the base of their machine which can reduce dust release and is a great option for those suffering from allergies.
Some robots, like the more expensive Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, can detect objects on the floor and use a camera to coach them to avoid obstacles like furniture legs, power cords or pet toys. This is an impressive capability and is even available in less expensive models. It's essential to regularly empty the dust bin of your robot, and that you look for fur that is tangled as it gets accumulated.
A high-end model is also able to store multiple floor maps, which can be beneficial if you live in multiple levels Some models also create 3D models of your home. You can choose certain rooms, and create digital "keep-out" zones to ensure your robot only is cleaning the areas you want.
Robots are great for routine midweek clean-ups, but they can't substitute for a large-sized vacuum, particularly for rugs. They are better at removing dirt that's embedded in carpet than floors that are unfinished, but they're still unable to pick up piles of debris near thresholds and baseboards, and cords and socks that are tangled. Look for a robot with spots and zones cleaning modes. This allows you to focus on specific areas and not waste time. You can also find models that charge and resume the same place they left off. This is great for homes with large rooms.