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 that have advanced features, such as remote access and app control. Apps can be used to schedule cleaning sessions and keep track of progress. Some apps allow you to stop and recharge, then return to where they left off.
1. Battery Life
It's safe to say that future of cleaning has arrived. With cars that can drive independently drones that fly through the air, and robot vacuums that can move through furniture effortlessly, it is possible to say that the future is now here. Like all technologies it is necessary to maintain it to keep it running smoothly.
The cycle of charging and discharging the battery is the most important factor for the longevity of your robotic device. Keep the dust bin filled and empty, checking for hairs that are tangled regularly, and making sure that the brushes are not blocked will make your robot run more effectively.
Another factor is the environmental conditions where your robot is kept, as extreme cold and heat can affect the battery's performance. You can prolong the battery's life by ensuring it is charged to 50% before storage, storing it in an environment that is cool and removing it from power sources when not in use. Furthermore, many smart devices are equipped with periodic firmware updates that can improve performance, including battery optimization, so be sure to check the app for any available updates.
If you have a lot of hard floors, a robotic vacuum is an excellent option. It is able to remove dirt and debris quickly and efficiently leaving your floors sparkling. If you're looking for more than a simple cleanup, you'll want to look for a model with superior navigation and obstacles-avoiding capabilities.
The Ecovacs T20 robot is our top rated robot. It is a combination of advanced navigation, powerful suction, and a variety of mopping features to provide a deep, thorough clean of your flooring. It makes use of LiDAR sensors and cameras to create precise maps of your home. This allows it to stay on the right track and avoid getting stuck on furniture legs or power cords. It can also identify objects such as shoes and clutter to automatically clean around them. It's also self-emptying, so you don't need to return it to its base to empty the trash after every cleaning session.
2. Dust Bin
Robots are great for quick midweek cleanups however, they lack the suction capacity to replace a plug-in vacuum cleaner when it comes to deep cleans. Even the top robotic vacuums are prone to getting tangled in cords and toys. They also can overlook dirt piles near the baseboards, and struggle to eliminate crumbs from under furniture. The dust bins on their own are so full that they have to return to their charging docks in order to self-empty, which can take up to an hour for some models.
It's therefore important to choose a vacuum that has a large dustbin that can be empty into its dock without having to return to finish the job. You'll need to determine if you prefer bagged models or a bagless one. If you opt for the bagless option you'll need to determine the amount of dust it can hold before you can empty it.
In our tests, we apply 100 grams of sand onto the carpet in a medium pile and use a robot vacuum to vacuum it over the surface. We then weigh the amount of sand we find in the vacuum's dust bin to determine the amount of dirt it has collected. A high amount indicates that the bin onboard may be filled faster and force your robot to stop cleaning.
It's good to know that a lot of robot vacuums have an enormous dust bin that can be easily emptied. You can also set up that they empty their bases at least one or two times a day. It's important to keep a container of compressed air on hand to blow hairs out that have become entangled in the rotating brush. Also, clean any filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Wi-Fi Connectivity
The top robot vacuums offer a variety options for connecting to your home's WiFi. This lets the robot update its software and provides you with the option of monitoring your bot through an app or using voice commands. Although not necessary, this feature offers convenience and personalization features that improve the overall experience for robot vacuuming.
To keep them functioning at their peak, most models require some level of maintenance. For example emptying the dustbin and cleaning the brushroll. Keeping tabs on consumable components and a regular schedule for cleaning and detachment will extend their life span too. Vacuum expert Emily Rairdin at University Vacuum & Sewing says three to five years is the typical life expectancy of the robot vacuum, but it can differ significantly based on the frequency you use it and if you maintain it in a proper manner.
A robot vacuum has to be able to navigate around obstacles and map your floor to work. Advanced navigation systems incorporate sensors for cliffs, which warn the robot of steep drops. They also have optical and laser sensors to help it "see" the layout of a room. Some robots also have mopping capabilities that are specialized which is useful for keeping floors clean between deep cleanings using the use of a stand-up vacuum.
The best 2-in-1 vacuums also mop. This means you don't need to switch between the robot vacuum and an manual one. The iRobot Roomba 690 is a powerful, highly efficient vacuum cleaner that is able to clean its mop pad and clean up surfaces with its water tank. Its mapping and obstacle avoidance abilities were so effective that it won CR's Best Robot Vacuum Award, along with an AVTech Editors Choice Award.
4. Cleaning Patterns
The top robot vacuums in our tests have outstanding performance on carpets with a low pile and hard floors cleaning dust, dirt, and pet hair. They also sweep away crumbs and debris from the edges of rooms and along baseboards. They cannot remove deep-seated dirt or tangles of shag fibers such as an upright or canister. They also can't pick up spilled liquids and food particles, or screws made of heavy metal and may also miss a few areas of the house (including under furniture).
Many models have smart features that make them more user-friendly. robot vacuum reviews come with an application that lets you schedule cleaning times and remotely control the robot. They also can be integrated with your smart-home system, so you can use them with voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models have multiple modes that let you pick between mopping, sweeping and vacuuming. They can recharge at their docks and keep cleaning where they left.
The technology to avoid obstacles has improved over the years, but it is still necessary to remove cords, toys and pet mess before you run the robot. Before you can map out your space, it is recommended to cover all ceiling-to-floor mirrors with cardboard. The laser employed by some models can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to crash against a wall or a floor.
Some of the top models utilize lidar to create 3D maps of your surroundings. This allows the robot to remember obstacles and plan the most efficient route to avoid them. Some models also let you set no-go zones, so the robot can avoid specific areas, like your pet's food bowls, or a rug that is expensive.
5. App Control
Many robots allow you to set a schedule to clean and operate their movements hands-free with an app, meaning you can take care of your home while you're working or away. Some robots also have the capability to self-empty to a larger bin at their base, which reduces dust re-release and is a great feature for people suffering from allergies.
Some robots, such as the pricier Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, can even detect objects on the floor and employ a camera to instruct them to stay clear of obstacles such as power cords, furniture legs or pet toys. This is an impressive feature that is available in less expensive models. It's important that you regularly empty the robot's dustbin, and that you look for fur that is tangled as it builds up.
A high-end model can also store multiple floor plans, which are useful if you live on more than one level and some models can even create 3D models of your house. You can pick specific rooms, and create digital "keep-out" zones to ensure that your robot only cleans the areas you want.
Robots are great for routine midweek cleanups however they aren't able to replace a full-size plug-in vacuum, especially on rugs. They are more adept at removing dirt from carpet than plain flooring, but they can be unable to find piles near baseboards or thresholds as well as knotted cords and socks. To get the most value from your robot, choose models that have spots and zone cleaning options to target specific areas and avoid wasteful cleaning. You can also find a model that recharges and resumes where it left off which is an enormous benefit in a large house.