How to Keep a Robot Vacuum Clean
Robot vacuums can help keep your floors clean. Depending on the model, they could also sweep, mop and even vacuum stairs.
Find models with intelligent features, like remote access and app control. You can use apps to schedule cleaning time or keep track of the progress. Certain apps even allow you to pause and recharge, then return to where they left off.
1. Battery Life
It's safe to say that future of cleaning is here. With cars that can drive by themselves drones that fly through the air, and robotic vacuums that can move around furniture in a snap, it is possible to say that the future is now upon us. However, as with all technologies it needs some care to ensure it's running efficiently.
The most important aspect in the long-term performance of your robot is the battery's charge and discharge cycles. Make sure the dustbin is full and empty. Check for tangled furs and keep the brushes from getting jammed.
Another aspect to consider is the climate in which your robot is kept, as extreme cold and heat can impact the battery's performance. You can extend the life of your robot's battery by charging it up to 50% and storing it in a cool area. Also, remove it from the power source when it is not being used. In addition, the majority of smart devices are equipped with periodic firmware updates that improve performance, such as battery optimization, so make sure to check the app for any updates that are available.
For those with lots of hard floors, a robotic vacuum is an excellent option. It can quickly and effectively get rid of dirt and other debris, leaving your floors sparkling clean. If you're looking for more than a quick clean-up, you should look for a model that offers superior navigation and obstacles avoidance.
Our top-rated robot is the Ecovacs Deebot T20, blends advanced navigation, an impressive suction system and a range of mopping functions to provide an extensive, thorough clean of your hard floors. It makes use of LiDAR cameras and sensors to create precise maps of your home. This helps it keep its course and avoid getting stuck in furniture legs or power cables. It also can detect objects like shoes and clutter to automatically clean around them. It also self-empties, meaning you don't need to return the vacuum to its base station to empty its bin after every cleaning session.
2. Dust Bin
Robots are great for quick midweek cleaning, but they aren't able to replace a plug-in vacuum cleaner for deep cleans. Furthermore, even the top robotic vacuums can become tangled up in cords and toys and snooze on piles of dirt that are close to the baseboards, and have to contend with crumbs that have fallen under furniture. The dust bins on their own are so full that they must return to their charging docks in order to self-empty, which can take up to half an hour for some models.
It's therefore important to select a vacuum with a large dust bin that can be emptied into its dock without having to return to finish the job. You'll want to decide whether you prefer bagged models or a model that is bagless. If you choose the bagless model, you'll need to know how much dust it will hold before you can empty it.
In our tests we applied 100 grams of sand onto carpet with a medium pile and utilized a robot vacuum cleaner to vacuum the sand off. We then weigh the amount of sand in the onboard dust bin to determine how much dirt it has accumulated. A high amount means that the bin onboard could fill up faster and force your robot to stop cleaning.
The good news is that many premium robot vacuums feature a large dustbin that is easily empty, and you can schedule them to empty into their bases at least once per day or more. Keep a container filled with compressed air in your bag to blow out any hairs that are tangled in the rotating brush, and to clean any filters according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Wi-Fi Connectivity
The top robot vacuums provide many connectivity options to connect with your home's Wi-Fi network. This lets the robot download and install updates for its software, and allows you to monitor your robot using an app or via voice-activated commands. Although not required it is a useful feature and a variety of customization options that will enhance your overall robot vacuuming experience.
Most models require a certain amount of regular maintenance, such as emptying the dust bin and cleaning the brush roll to keep them functioning at peak efficiency. Keeping tabs on consumable components and a regular schedule for cleaning and detachment will increase their life span too. Vacuum expert Emily Rairdin at University Vacuum & Sewing says that three to five years is the average lifespan of the robot vacuum, but this can differ greatly based on the frequency you use it and whether you take care to maintain it properly.
A robot vacuum must be able to navigate obstacles and determine the floor's layout in order to be able to perform. Advanced navigation systems typically have sensors that detect cliffs and alert the robot to a steep drop and laser and optical sensors that allow it to "see" the layout of a room. Some robots also have a specialized mopping function which is useful for keeping floors clean between deeper cleanings with an upright vacuum.
The most efficient 2-in-1 robots vacuum and mop, allowing you to bypass the need to switch between the manual and robot vacuum. A prime example is the iRobot Roomba 690, which is a powerful and efficient robot vacuum that is able to wipe down surfaces with its water tank and wash its mop pad in a way that is automatic. Its obstacle avoidance and mapping capabilities were so impressive that it was awarded the the CR's Best Robot vacuum Award, along with an AVTech Editors Choice Award.
4. Cleaning Patterns
The top robot vacuums we tested in our tests have excellent performance on hard floors and low-pile carpets, removing dirt, dust, and pet hair. They also remove particles and crumbs along the baseboards and along the edges of rooms. They cannot remove deep-seated dirt or tangles of plush shag fibers like an upright or canister. They aren't able to pick up spilled liquids and food items, or large screws made of metal. They can also leave out certain areas (including under furniture).
Many models have smart features that make them more user-friendly. Most models have an app that lets you schedule cleaning sessions, and remotely control the robot. cheap robot vacuum can be integrated with your smart-home system, which means you can control them with voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models have multiple modes, which allow users to choose between mopping and sweeping or vacuuming. They can also return to their docks to recharge and pick up where they left off.
The technology to avoid obstacles has improved over the years, but it's still essential to get rid of cords, toys and pet mess before you run the robot. Before you can map out your room, you'll want 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 walls or floors.
More premium models have advanced mapping capabilities, some making use of lidar to create a 3D map of your surroundings. This allows the robot to recognize obstacles and devise an efficient path around them. Some also allow you to create no-go zones so that the robot is able to avoid certain areas, like your pet's food bowls, or a rug that is expensive.
5. App Control
Many robots allow you to create a schedule for cleaning and control them without hands using an app, so you can take care of your home while you're working or away. Some robots will also empty their trash into a large bin at the base. This reduces dust release and is a wonderful feature for people suffering from allergies.
Certain robots can detect objects on the ground and use cameras as a guide to avoid obstacles like power cords, furniture leg or pet toys. This is an impressive capability that is available in cheaper models. It's essential to regularly empty the dustbin of your robot, and that you examine it for fur that has become tangled as it accumulates.
A high-end model can also store multiple floor plans, which are helpful if you live on multiple levels, and some can create 3D models of your house. You can then select specific rooms and set digital zones for keeping out to ensure that your robot is focused on what you want it to focus on, rather than wandering into areas that you don't need to clean.
Robots are great for regular midweek cleaning, but they can't substitute for a full-sized plug-in vacuum, particularly for carpets. They're better at picking up dirt that's embedded in carpet than plain floors, however they're still unable to pick up piles of debris that are close to baseboards and thresholds, as well as tangled socks and cords. To make the most of your robot, choose a model with spots and zone cleaning modes to focus on particular areas and prevent unnecessary cleaning. You'll also find a model that recharges and then resumes where it left off, which is an enormous advantage in a big house.