Vacuuming With a Robot Hoover is the Best Hands-Off Model We've Tested
This high-end bot from Eufy is the most hands-free model we've tested so far. It vacuums, mop, self-empties, and washes and drys mop pads all without your intervention.
It doesn't feature advanced cleaning options or a bigger docking system, but it provides stellar performance at less than half the price of the most expensive robotic vacuums. It also has an incredibly compact design that can reach under furniture.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming with a robot hoover is a simple, quick method to keep your floors clean and tidy. A lot of the models we've selected are designed to run without your involvement and you can set them up to clean while you're away, or even trigger the session using your smartphone. You'll need to select a robot with excellent navigation and object detection to avoid getting stuck under furniture or down the staircase.
It is crucial to select the right robot vacuum to effectively and efficiently clean all kinds of flooring. Look for a model with a dustbin that can hold plenty of dirt between emptying and a nozzle that doesn't lose suction as it rotates to get rid of debris.
Most robots need little to no maintenance besides removing tangled hair from the rotating brush (and wiping its cameras or sensors, when needed) after each cleaning session and regularly emptying the dustbin or using a self-emptying base when the robot is equipped with one. If you follow these simple maintenance steps, your robot vacuum should last as long as a full-size vacuum and help keep your home looking cleaner for longer.
While robot mops tend to be less versatile than their vacuuming counterparts, some have the added ability to clean up spills and puddles while they're doing their thing. The iLife V3s Pro is an example of a machine which is a solid choice for people who have wood floors or a combination of rugs and carpets. It's quiet and has excellent navigation capabilities that helped it avoid obstacles during testing, and the charging dock doubles as a trash can.
To get the best results, pick a robot that can handle mopping and vacuuming at the same time. Karcher's RCV 5 does that, and has other features that are useful, such as live cameras, which broadcasts a grainy picture to your app so you can keep an eye on your pet or kids and a remote control that's easily programmable. The navigation might not be as precise as some of the other models in this collection, but its 500ml dustbin is big enough and doesn't require frequent emptying.
Mopping
Robots that vacuum and mops are relatively new to the market. These robots are more expensive and require a separate tank of water compared to standalone robots. However, they could be worth the extra cost for those who have staining that is difficult to clean or pets.
Some of the top robots can clean carpets and floors as well as vacuuming. There are a number of brands that offer all-in-one robots that do both jobs extremely well. The Combo J9+ is among the most efficient mopping machines that we've test. It comes with docks that can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. That's a big improvement on the Qrevo Pro, which ran out of water after mopping just 30 days worth of dirt in our tests.
The Tapo RV30 plus from networking giant TP-Link is another very good two-in-one. It's quiet, compact, and is clean and easy to maintain an appearance. In our test rooms, it was able to clean the floors thoroughly and accurately - it was particularly good on rugs, but it required several runs to thoroughly clean certain areas of soiled wood. Its LIDAR navigation is very effective as well. It avoids bumping into furniture and running over power cables.
It's a bit slow on the stairs however that's to expected in a compact robot that's designed to work around obstacles. The only drawback is that the mopping pads are fiddly to attach and didn't stay in place during our tests. It also isn't equipped to handle dried-on dirt, which makes it more of a vacuum cleaner than a full-fledged mop.
Despite these issues however, it's a great option for those seeking an effortless cleaning experience that can take care of bare and low-pile carpets with equal ease. It has decent suction, which helped it to remove dust and pet hair from carpets. A good feature is its automatic recognition of carpets, which increases the strength of the vacuuming to take on dirt that is embedded. It's also user-friendly and has a handy charging dock that automatically empties the dust bin once it's full. This is a great benefit for flat dwellers.
Cleaning apps
Most robot vacuums, mop and sweepers come with an application that allows you to alter the cleaning routines. You can also select rooms to be cleaned, plan cleaning sessions and change settings like suction as well as the amount of water and scrubbing power. Some robots also have intelligent dirt detection, which makes use of the data from previous cleaning sessions and maps data to prioritize dirty areas and optimize cleaning mode.
A smartphone app can also allow you to set up virtual barriers and no-go zones to protect your robot from potentially dangerous objects like cords, pet water bowls, and sharp objects. Some models come with laser navigation sensors that permit you to create virtual barriers while others feature small physical boundaries and barriers that you can place anywhere you wish to restrict your floor space.
There are still dangers to be aware of even though the most effective robot vacuums are able to detect and navigate around obstacles. For best home vacuum cleaner , a robot's main brush can get stuck on long cords or curtains and stop the machine from moving. To avoid this, you can clear the area of cords and tie up any long curtains.
Certain robots automatically update their software that controls navigation and obstacle avoidance algorithm. This improves performance and decreases the wear and tear on the robot's internal components. It's a good idea periodically to check the manufacturer's site or your robot's app for firmware updates.
If you live in a big home, you should choose a model with multiple cleaning modes. The iRobot Roomba 11S Max can sweep and vacuum carpeted and hard floors with different suction settings. It can also switch automatically to the power setting to the highest level when cleaning carpets and increase the strength of its scrubbing by using SmartScrub.
A robot with the ability to speak is a great option if you want to be hands off. The iRobot Roomba 980, for instance, can be controlled using a simple voice command from Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. It is equipped with a compact self-emptying docking system and a powerful cleaning motor that will leave your floors sparkling.