Robot Vacuum Reviews - How to Keep Your Robot Vacuum Clean
Many robot vacuums are compatible with apps that let you control the device without holding it. These apps let you schedule cleaning sessions, and create boundaries and no-go zones.
Several of the robots that we examined can automatically return to their base and recharge during a cleaning session which is beneficial if you have a large house. Some come with a self-emptying dust bin and water tank to keep the robot clean and reduce allergens in your home.
Battery Life
If you live in a big house, consider an appliance that can run for a full hour or more in normal operation. The majority of models come with an "eco" mode or low-power cleaning that saves battery life while still doing a great job at removing dirt and debris.
If your space is little smaller, you can still find many options to keep the area neat. For example, our top pick for small homes is the Neato Botvac 11S Max, can run for around 60 minutes on bare floors in standard mode and up to 90 minutes when using Eco mode. It's smaller than most of the robots we tested so it can fit under furniture and into corners.
It's a smart choice to choose a robot that has smart features, which permit you to alter the cleaning options of the robot based on the amount of traffic a certain area receives. You can set zones with a high amount of traffic to receive more suction or more water levels. Some apps allow you to alter settings based on floor or room.
In addition to choosing the right robot that is suited to your cleaning needs, you should also perform routine maintenance tasks, such as emptying and filling up the dustbin, examining brushes for hair knots, and draining and washing the water tank. It is also recommended to use the software updates that your manufacturer provides. These updates can improve navigation algorithms and reduce unnecessary power consumption, which can extend the battery life of your robot.
Depending on the level of activity in your family, it may be required to run your robot three or every week. Emily Rairdin is a vacuum expert from University Vacuum & Sewing. She states that a robot should last anywhere between three and five years. However, the longevity of yours will depend on how you maintain it and how often you use it.
Some of the newer, more advanced models in our top robot vacuum reviews are able to connect to smart speakers like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant and operate entirely hands-free. This is a fantastic option, but you'll have to share certain personal information.
App Control
Many robots have a wide variety of app control options that allow you to create specific cleaning tasks or preferences, as well as schedule sessions. Some also integrate with digital assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and other voice-controlled smart home systems for a completely hands-free experience.
Robots navigate by using a combination of cameras, sensors and lasers. They are designed to sweep off pet hair, dirt and other debris on hard floors like laminate, wood, tile, as well as low-pile carpets and area rug. They're also designed to prevent obstacles like furniture legs or pet food bowls as they travel around your area.
Like any electronic device it is essential to keep up with the maintenance of your robot to ensure it continues working properly. So long as you keep your rotating brushes clean (they can get tangled with pet hair and dust) and follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding how to use and maintain your robot. Replace the filters, batteries and wheels. The majority of models last just the same amount of time as a traditional full-size vacuum.
The majority of robots can map and learn your space with sensors. This lets them plan an efficient cleaning route. Some higher-end models even allow you to define 'no-go zones' in case there are areas that you would like the robot to avoid like your pet's food bowls, or expensive carpets.
A growing number of robots also feature 'targeted rooms' which allows you to instruct the robot to concentrate on one or more specific areas of your home. This is a good option if you have a lot of clutter that you'd like to get rid of or if you've got rooms that require extra attention, like an extra bedroom for guests.
In addition to allowing you to alter the map of your robot's and cleaning preferences, the majority of app-controlled robots also offer various automated features to help with maintenance tasks. For instance, some models have self-emptying bins which return to their docks and empty themselves automatically once they're full.
While the app-controlled Dreametech L10s Ultra did a excellent job at getting around our test courses however, it was unable to see obstacles that were obstructing its path and couldn't handle clogged up rug tassels. It's still a good choice to keep a small home or studio tidy.
Cleaning Options
When your robot vac's wheels become soiled or covered in dust, hair or other debris, they are unable to move smoothly, and could cause the robot to slow down or become stuck. Wipe them down periodically, using a soft cloth, to ensure that they are functioning properly. For mopping robots, it's also important to take the mopping pads off after each cleaning session, clean them in water and allow them to dry before reinstalling them. If you are worried about keeping up with this maintenance, choose one that automatically washes and dry mopping pads after each cleaning session.
Some robots are able to empty their dustbins automatically when they are full. This is a great feature if you have children or pets. But for most models, the best method to ensure that the dustbin is ready for an additional load of dirt or other debris is to empty it manually. Select a model with a large bin, which is easy to remove and empty. Also, ensure that the base can hold the bin comfortably without being impervious.
The quality of the sensors on your robot can also affect its lifespan. These sensors detect furniture, walls, and other obstacles in your home and guide the robot to avoid them. Choose a robot with high-quality sensors that are quick to respond to changes in floor surface and are accurate enough to avoid being stuck in tight spaces like the space between the bathtub and the toilet or under your desk chair's legs.
It may be worth investing in a robot that can charge itself and continue to clean the area it left off in case the battery runs out. This is especially helpful for homes with a lot of space and makes it easier to ensure consistent cleaning throughout the house.
Noise Levels
The level of noise produced by robot vacuums is different for each model and is affected by other factors, too. Certain manufacturers might offer a quiet mode or low-noise operation speed but you'll need know how the machine is rated to understand what these numbers actually mean. In general, sounds that exceed 85 decibels are considered to be very loud and could cause hearing damage over time.
To find the most quiet robot vacuum, search for a model that uses advanced noise reduction technology or has an operating mode that is low-noise. These features can reduce the noise levels and let you chat or rest during cleaning.
Some models are also built with sound-absorbing or insulated materials to reduce operational noise. These features are important for those who live in noisy environments or have children living at home.
The navigation system and obstacle detection capabilities of a robot vacuum cleaner are also factors that affect noise levels. Some robots use mapping technology that is based on lasers or cameras to prevent hitting furniture and walls when cleaning. These technologies can help reduce the amount of noise that robot cleaners make during its cleaning process. They do this by making sure that there are no unnecessary bumps or collisions.
While the latest robot vacuums are becoming quieter, they still produce significant amounts of noise when they are in operation. The noise they make can be distracting to those who have children or work from home, in particular. Furthermore, constant exposure to high-level noise is known to create stress and increase blood pressure levels.
You may try a few options before contacting the customer support of your robot vacuum if you notice it is making a lot noise. First, inspect the machine for any visible damage. A cracked or loose component can amplify the noise level, causing it to sound like freight trains. You should also clean and replace your filters, since they can become blocked by dust and other debris which can increase the noise level.
A sensor that is damaged or dirty could also be the cause of abnormal noise. Sensors that are dirty or damaged can send robot vacuums in a tense, shaky journey across your floors, which can result in hitting objects and creating the sound of a racket. To fix this clean or replace the sensor and then try reconnecting to your Wi-Fi if necessary.