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 that have smart features, such as remote access and app control. Apps can be used to schedule cleaning sessions and keep track of the progress. Some apps allow you to stop, recharge and then resume where they stopped.
1. Battery Life
It's safe say that the future of cleaning is here. With cars that can drive independently drones that fly through the air and robot vacuums that can move through furniture effortlessly, it is certain that the future is here. As with any technology, some maintenance is required to ensure it's running smoothly.
The most important factor in the long-term performance of your robot is the battery's charge and discharge cycles. Keep the dustbin full and empty. Make sure you check for furs that are tangled and stop the brushes from getting jammed.
The environment in which your robot is stored can also influence battery performance. Extreme heat and cold can affect the battery's performance. You can extend the lifespan of your robot's battery by charging it to 50% and storing it in a cool area. Also, remove it from the power source when not being used. Most smart devices also have periodic firmware updates that help improve performance and optimize battery. Check the app to see if there's any updates.
If you have a lot of hard floors, a robot vacuum is a good choice. It can quickly and effectively get rid of dirt and other debris, leaving your floors sparkling clean. If you're looking for more than just a quick clean-up, you should look for a model that has superior navigation and obstacles avoidance.
Our top-rated robot, the Ecovacs Deebot T20, combines advanced navigation with an impressive suction system and a range of mopping features to offer an efficient, deep cleaning of your floors. It uses LiDAR sensors and cameras to create detailed 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 like shoes and clutter to automatically clean around them. It also self-empties, meaning that you don't have to return the vacuum back to its base station to empty its bin after each cleaning session.
2. Dust Bin
Robots are ideal for quick midweek cleaning, but lack the suction to replace a plug in vacuum cleaner for a thorough clean. Even the top robot vacuums are susceptible to becoming entangled in cords and toys. They can also miss dirt piles near the baseboards, and struggle to eliminate dust from under furniture. Their dustbins onboard fill up quickly that they need to return to their charging stations to empty themselves. This could take as long as 30 minutes for certain models.
It is essential to select an automated vacuum cleaner with a large dustbin which can be emptied into the dock without having to return to finish the job. You'll need to decide if you prefer bags or a model that is bagless. If you opt for the bagless version you'll need to know how much dust it will hold before you can empty it.
In our tests we apply 100 grams of sand onto an area of carpet with a medium pile and use a robot vacuum to clean the carpet. Weighing the amount of sand in the bin of dust onboard allows us to determine the amount dirt that has been accumulated. A large amount of dirt indicates that the onboard bin may get fuller faster and could force your robot to pause the cleaning process, or worse, stop working altogether.
The good news is that a lot of top robot vacuums come with a large dust bin which is easily empty and you can set up the emptying of their bases at least once per day or more. It is also a good idea to keep a container of compressed air on hand 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 offer a variety options for connecting to your home's WiFi network. This allows the robot to download and install updates for its software, and also giving you the option to monitor your bot via an app or voice-activated commands. Although not necessary it is a useful feature and customization features that can enhance the overall experience of robot vacuuming.
The majority of models require some form of routine maintenance, like emptying the dust bin or cleaning the brush roll to ensure that they function at top performance. Keeping tabs on consumable parts and a regular schedule for cleaning and detachment can extend their life span too. Vacuum expert Emily Rairdin at University Vacuum & Sewing says that three to five years is the average life expectancy of a robot vacuum. However, it can differ significantly based on the frequency you use it and if you maintain it in a proper manner.
A robot vacuum must be able to navigate obstacles and map your floor in order to be able to perform. Advanced navigation systems incorporate cliff sensors, which alert the robot to steep drops. They also have optical and laser sensors to help it "see" the arrangement of rooms. Some robots come with a mopping function that can be used to maintain floors between deep cleanings by using a vacuum.
The best 2-in-1 vacuums also mop. This means that you don't have to switch between an automatic vacuum and an manual one. A prime example is the iRobot Roomba 690, which is a powerful and highly efficient robot vacuum that can also clean surfaces with its water tank and wash its mop pad automatically. Its mapping and obstacle avoidance capabilities were so impressive that it was awarded the CR's Best Robot Vacuum Award, and also an AVTech Editors' Choice Award.
4. Cleaning Patterns
The best robot vacuums in our tests have impressive pick-up scores for carpets with low pile and hard floors cleaning dust, dirt, and pet hair. They also take out particles and crumbs along the baseboards and along the edges of rooms. They can't remove deep-seated dirt or tangles of plush shag fibers such as an upright or canister. They also aren't able to remove spilled liquids and food particles, or heavy metal screws, and they may leave a few spots in the home (including under furniture).
Many models have smart features that make them more user-friendly. They usually come with an app, allowing you to plan cleaning times and operate the robot remotely. They also can be integrated with your smart-home system so you can use them via voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models come with multiple modes, allowing you to select between mopping and sweeping, or vacuuming. They can return to their docks to recharge and continue cleaning where they left off.
Obstacle-avoidance technology has improved in recent years, however you still need to clear out any cords, toys and pet messes before running the robot. Before you map out the room, you'll need to cover all floor-to ceiling mirrors with cardboard. The laser employed by some models can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to bump against walls or floors.
Some premium models use lidar to create 3D maps of your space. This allows the robot to identify obstacles and create 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
You can create a schedule for cleaning and manage the robots with an app. This lets you take care of your home while you're working or away on vacation. Certain robots are also able to self-empty into a larger bin at their base, which reduces dust re-release and is a wonderful feature for allergy sufferers.
Certain robots, like the more expensive Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, can even detect objects on the floor and use a camera to teach them to stay clear of obstacles such as furniture legs, power cords or pet toys. This amazing feature is available on cheaper models. It's crucial to clean your robot's trash bin and check for tangled hairs as they accumulate.
A high-end model can also store multiple floor maps, which is useful if you live on more than one floor, and some can create 3D models of your home. You can then choose specific rooms and set digital zones for keeping out to ensure that your robot focuses on what you want it to do, rather than wandering into areas you don't need cleaning.
Robots are great for midweek cleaning but they're not able to substitute for a large-sized vacuum, especially on rugs. They are better at removing dirt from carpet than bare flooring, but can still be unable to find piles near baseboards or thresholds, as well as knotted cords and socks. Find a robot that has spots and zones cleaning modes. This will allow you to concentrate on specific areas and not waste time. You can also find models that charge and then resume where they have left off. This is great for homes with large rooms.