How to Keep a Robot Vacuum Clean

Robot vacuums can help keep your floors clean. Depending on the model, they can also sweep or mop stairs.

Look for models with clever features, such as app control and remote access. You can use apps to schedule cleaning sessions or keep track of the progress. Some apps allow you to stop and recharge, then pick up where they were when they left.

1. Battery Life

It's safe say that the future of cleaning is here. With cars that can drive on their own drones that fly through the air, and robot vacuums that can move around furniture in a snap, it is safe to say that the future is now upon us. But as with any technology it needs some care to keep it working efficiently.

The most important aspect in the longevity of your robot is the battery's charge and discharge cycles. Keeping the dust bin full and empty, checking for hairs that have become tangled frequently, and preventing the brushes from becoming jammed will all aid in running your robot more efficiently.

The location in which your robot is kept can affect the battery's performance. Extreme temperatures and cold could affect the battery's performance. You can prolong the battery's life by ensuring it is charged to 50% prior to storage, storing in a cool place, and disconnecting it from sources of power when it is not in use. Additionally, most smart devices have periodic firmware updates that can improve performance, such as battery optimization, so make sure to check your app for any available updates.

If you have a lot of hard floors, a robot vacuum is an excellent option. It is able to remove dirt and debris quickly and efficiently, leaving your floors sparkling. However, if you're looking to do more than just a quick clean-up, you'll want choose a model that has superior navigation and obstacles-avoiding capabilities.

Our top-rated robot is the Ecovacs Deebot T20, blends advanced navigation and a powerful suction and a variety of mopping functions to provide a thorough, deep clean of your hard floors. It uses LiDAR cameras and sensors to create precise maps of your home. This helps it keep its course and avoid getting caught in furniture legs or power cables. It also can detect objects such as clutter and shoes to automatically clean them. It's also self-emptying, so you don't have to return it to its base to empty the trash after every cleaning session.

2. Dust Bin

Robots are good for quick midweek cleaning, but lack the suction to replace a plug-in vacuum cleaner for a thorough clean. Furthermore, even the top robot vacuums can be caught in cords and toys and snooze on piles of dirt close to the baseboards, and have to contend with crumbs on furniture. The dust bins on their own fill up so quickly that they have to return to their charging docks to self-empty--a process that can take up to an hour for some models.

Therefore, it's crucial to look for a robot vacuum that has a big dustbin that can be empty into its dock and not return to complet expert at University Vacuum & Sewing, says that a robot's lifespan is typically between three and five years. However, this could vary depending on how frequently you use it and whether you take care to maintain it.

A robot vacuum has to be able to navigate obstacles and determine the floor's layout in order to function. Advanced navigation systems incorporate cliff sensors, which alert the robot to steep drops. They also have laser and optical sensors to help it "see" the plan of a room. Some robots also come with a specialized mopping function, which can be useful to keep floors clean between deep cleanings with the use of a stand-up vacuum.

The best 2-in-1 vacuums can also mop. This means that you won't have to switch between a robot vacuum and a manual one. One of the best examples is the iRobot Roomba 690, which is a powerful and efficient robot auto vacuum and mop that can also wipe down surfaces with its water tank and wash its mop pad automatically. Its mapping and obstacle avoidance skills were so good that it was awarded the CR's Best Robot Vacuum Award, as well an AVTech Editors Choice Award.

4. Cleaning Patterns

The best robot hoover and mop vacuums that we tested had impressive pick-up scores on hard floors as well as low pile carpets. They get rid of dirt, dust and pet hair. They also take out crumbs and debris along the baseboards as well as at the edges of rooms. They can't remove deep-seated dirt or tangles of shag fibers such as an upright or canister. They also aren't able to remove spilled liquids and food, or screws made of heavy metal, and they may miss a few areas of the house (including under furniture).

Many models come with smart features that make them more user-friendly. Most models come with an application that lets you schedule cleaning times and remotely control the robot. They can be integrated into your smart home system so that you can make voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models have multiple modes that let you pick between mopping, sweeping, and vacuuming. They can return to their docks to recharge and resume cleaning where they left off.

The technology to avoid obstacles has advanced over the years, but it is still essential to get rid of cords, toys and pet clutter before operating the robot. Before you map out the room, you'll need to cover all ceiling-to-floor mirrors with cardboard. The laser used by certain models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to crash against a wall or a floor.

Certain models that are top of the line use lidar to create 3D maps of your space. This allows the robot to remember obstacles and plan an efficient route around them. Some also allow you to set no-go zones, so the robot is able to avoid certain areas, like your pet's food bowls or an expensive rug.

5. App Control

Many robots let you create a schedule to clean and operate them without hands using an app, meaning you can keep your home clean when you're at work or away. Some robots can also self-empty their debris into a huge bin at the base. This reduces dust release and is a wonderful feature for those suffering from allergies.

Certain robots can detect objects on the ground and utilize cameras as a way to avoid obstacles such as power cords, furniture leg or pet toys. This amazing feature is available on even less expensive models. It's important that you regularly empty the robot's dustbin and also check for tangled fur as it gets accumulated.

Some models also have the ability to create 3D representations. This is useful if you have multiple floors. You can then choose specific rooms and set digital keep-out zones to ensure that your robot focuses on what you want it to do, instead of wandering around in areas you don't need cleaning.

Robots are great for regular midweek cleaning, but they can't substitute for a large-sized vacuum, particularly on carpets. They're better at removing dirt embedded in carpets than plain floors, however they're not able to spot piles of debris that are close to baseboards and thresholds, as well as tangled socks and cords. Choose a model that has zones and spot cleaning modes. This allows you to focus on specific areas without wasting time. You can also find models that charge and resume the same place they left off. This is ideal for large houses.