Vacuuming With a Robot Hoover is the Best Hands-Off Model We've Tested
This top-of-the-line bot from Eufy is the most hands-free model we've seen so far. It vacuums, mop and self-empties and dry mop pads without your involvement.
It doesn't have advanced cleaning options or a larger docking system, but it delivers outstanding performance for less than half the price of top-end robotic vacuums. It also has the ability to be able to reach under furniture.
Vacuuming
A robot vacuum is a convenient and quick way to keep your floors tidy. Many of the robots that we recommend are designed to work without your input So you can schedule them to run while you're away or initiate cleaning sessions using your smartphone. But, you must select a model that has superior navigation and obstacle detection so that it won't get stuck down the stairs or under furniture.
It is crucial to select the right robot vacuum to effectively and efficiently clean all types of flooring. Look for a model with an empty bin that can hold plenty of dirt between emptying and an nozzle that doesn't lose suction as it rotates to remove debris.
vacuum deals need little to no maintenance besides removing tangled hair from the rotating brush (and wiping its cameras or sensors, as required) after every cleaning session, and then emptying the trash bin or using a self-emptying base when the robot is equipped with one. If you follow these easy steps to maintain your robot, the vacuum will last as long as full-size vacuums and will keep your home clean for longer.
Robotic mops aren't as versatile than vacuums, but they can also pick up puddles and spills. The iLife V3s Pro is an example of such a device, which is a solid choice for people with wood floors or a combination of rugs and carpets. It's quiet and has excellent navigation capabilities that allowed it to avoid obstacles during testing and the charging dock doubles as a trash bin.
Pick a robot vacuum cleaner that has the ability to mop simultaneously. Karcher's RCV 5 does this, and it also comes with other useful features including live cameras that broadcasts a grainy picture to your app, so you can keep an eye on your kids or pet, as well as a remote control that's easily programmed. Its navigation may not be as efficient as some of the other models in this selection however, its 500ml dustbin is large and doesn't require frequent emptying.
Mopping
Robots that vacuum and mop are a relatively new addition to the market. They are more expensive and require an additional tank of water, unlike standalone robots. However, they may be worth the extra cost for those with stains that are difficult to clean or pets.
Some of the best robots can clean carpets and floors as well as vacuum. Many manufacturers offer machines capable of doing both very efficiently. The Combo J9+, for example, is one of the top mopping robots we've tested. It comes with an impressively large dock that can hold up to 60 days of dirt. This is a huge improvement over the Qrevo Pro which ran out water after only mopping 30 days worth of dirt in our tests.
The Tapo RV30 plus from networking giant TP Link is a great two-in-one. It's compact, quiet and has an attractive, clutter-free appearance. In our test rooms, it was able to clean the floors thoroughly and precisely - it was particularly good on rugs, however it took several runs to completely clean some areas of soiled wood. Its LIDAR navigation system functions well, avoiding crashing into furniture or crossing power cords.
It's a bit sluggish on the stairs but it's to be expected from a small robot designed to work around obstacles. The only downside is that the mopping pads are fiddly to attach and didn't stay in place during our tests. It also does not have the capability to deal with dirt that has dried that makes it more like a vacuum cleaner rather than a full-fledged mop.
It's a great option for those who prefer a hands-off experience and want to clean low pile or plain carpets equally. It was able to provide a lot of suction which allowed it to remove fine dust from pet hair and carpets. One of the most appealing features is its automatic carpet recognition, which increases the strength of the vacuum to tackle dirt that has been embedded. It's also simple to use and comes with a convenient charging dock that automatically empty the dust bin once it's full, which is a great benefit for those who live in flats.
Cleaning Apps
Nearly every robot vacuum, mop, and sweeper comes with an app that lets you customize cleaning routines, choose rooms to clean, schedule cleaning sessions, and change settings like suction, water level and scrubbing power. Some robots provide intelligent dirt detection that uses maps and previous cleaning data to identify dirty areas.
The app allows you to create virtual barriers and no-go zones to protect your robot from potentially hazardous items such as cords or pet water bowls and sharp objects. Certain models have laser navigation sensors that allow you to create virtual barriers while others come with small physical boundaries and barriers that you can place anywhere you wish to restrict your floor area.
There are still hazards to be aware of even though the most effective robot vacuums can recognize and avoid obstacles. The main brush of a robot can get stuck in long cords or curtains, and stop it from moving. To prevent this, you can remove the cords and tie up any curtains that are long.
Some robots automatically update their software which controls navigation and obstacle avoidance algorithm. This improves performance and reduces the wear and tear of the robot's internal parts. It is recommended to periodically check the manufacturer's website or the app on your robot for updates to the firmware.
If you live in a big home, you should choose a model that has different cleaning modes. The iRobot Roomba 11S Max, for instance, can be used to mop and vacuum on both hard floors and carpeted rooms with different suction levels. It can also automatically switch the power setting to the highest level when cleaning carpets, and boost its scrubbing power with SmartScrub.
If you want to be hands-off, a robot with a voice-activated assistant is an excellent choice. The iRobot Roomba 980, for instance, can be controlled with a simple command from Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. It comes with a compact, self-emptying docking station and powerful cleaning motor that leaves your floors sparkling.