The Best Robot Vacuum Mop Combo For Pet Hair
If you've got shedding pets, a robot vacuum mop combo can keep your home in check between deep cleanings. These machines can get to the messes you can't see by getting under furniture and into corners.
Jodhaira has tested dozens floor-cleaning devices in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. This includes a wide range of robot vacuums and mops. She has rounded up the top models to deal with pet hair.
1. Battery life
The size of your home and the number of pets you have are crucial factors to consider when shopping for a robot mop and vacuum. The bigger your house the more power the robot cleaner will require. More pets typically means more hair. It's also important to take into consideration the flooring you have in your home, as certain models are better suited to clean hard floors.
A robotic vacuum and mop ought to be able to get rid of pet hair from any floor surface, including hardwood, tile, and carpet. If you have multiple pets, you may want a model that's especially efficient in removing hair. The majority of robot cleaners utilize suction to clean up dirt and debris, but some models have an additional water feature that can help with sticky spills and staining. The water used in these units can also be used to disinfect floors.
Robot mops with integrated vacuuming typically have longer battery lives than mops that only mop. This is because you're using two functions together, reducing the amount of time that the device is required to charge and shut off. Some models are able to automatically empty themselves from their charging station after each run, and dry the pads in the process, thus preventing bacteria from forming in wet pads.
Ecovacs Deebot X2 is the most effective robot mop and vacuum combo to keep up with pet hairs and prints from paws. This model is a strong performer in our tests and comes with many smart features that include TrueMapping 2.0 and TrueDetect 3D technology to map your home to create optimal cleaning patterns and avoid hitting furniture or other obstacles. It is equipped with bases that house the clean and dirty tanks in one location and makes maintenance simple.
2. App control
Many robot vacuums and mops can be combined with an app that allows you to save maps of your house, set cleaning schedules, and track maintenance requirements. Certain robots can be controlled remotely. You can still find models with buttons for power on the charging dock, base station or remote included.
Find models with cleaning modes that can mop, vacuum or both, and doesn't require a manual switch to switch off. This way, you can send the robot back to its dock to empty its dirt bin or change a wet pad or wash a mop cloth or refill its water tank. It is also important to determine whether the robot is compatible with your voice-activated assistant. This means that you can make simple commands such as "OK Google" and "OK Alexa" to begin a cleaning process or ask for help in a situation or other.
Before deciding on a cleaner for your robot think about how long it will take you to maintain the machine, and how much traffic is on your floors. If you have furniture that isn't as large or a lot of space you might want to pick a cleaner that is smaller in capacity for mopping and vacuuming. You also might need to be aware that some mopping robots come with recurring expenses because they are expensive to purchase. You'll have to purchase mop pads or mop cloths on top of the occasional need for new filters side sweeping brushes and other components that may be recommended for regular maintenance. Lastly, don't forget about the cost of the cleaning solution in general, as certain brands suggest that you purchase a cleaner to keep your floors looking new.
3. Carpet Recognition
The most effective robot vacuum and mop combination can differentiate between hard and carpet, ensuring they don't vacuum or scrub over stains or spills. They can also identify areas with more than one type of flooring and schedule cleanings automatically based on the design of your home. You'll require an additional app on your phone to manage these features, though they're usually pretty easy to use.
Most robot vacuum and mop combos make use of a reusable cleaning solution that is purchased separately. However, there are certain hybrid models that don't require any liquid at all. They typically empty into a bag of dust that is stored inside the base station. Some robots have a feature that allows you to dispose of the contents of the robot into the trashcan.
Some robots have a variety of mopping settings, whereas others can only be used for dry floors like tiles or hardwood. The most effective robot vacuum and mop combos for pet hair are designed to work on both kinds of surfaces which makes them a good option for those who have a mix of flooring within your home.
When choosing a robot mop and vacuum, think about the size of your home and the amount of foot traffic it gets. If you have children or pets, you'll need a model that is powerful enough and has a battery to handle the daily cleaning of your floors.
The best two-in one robots come with top features that make them well worth the price. For example, the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni will mop and vacuum in one sweep, with 8,000-Pa suction and dual rotating mop heads. It is also able to detect and identify your furniture and other items to keep them out of the way during cleaning, and it can even communicate with you via two-way audio. It also takes care of its own dirtying so it will automatically go back to its dock when it's time for washing.
4. robot vacuum for dog hair and deposit it in a dust bag or bin, while robot mops scatter cleaning solutions across the floor and scrub it off with pads. Some models combine the two functions, while others have specific capabilities to tackle different types of floors. To ensure that you get appropriate type of cleaning for your home, take stock of the flooring's surface and how much foot traffic they get.
Most robot vacuum and mop combos require an ingredient for cleaning that will vary between brands. It is possible to purchase third-party cleaners, however it is recommended to stick with the brand recommended by the manufacturer. This will help avoid damage and keep your robot functioning as efficiently as it can.
If your robot vacuum and mop uses a dust bin, you'll need to empty it periodically. Many come with an indicator that lets you know when it's time to remove the bin. You'll also have to change filters, rollers and side sweepers from time to intervals to ensure the best performance.
This procedure can be made simpler by a self-emptying robot that lets you dispose of the contents in recycle bins or a trash can. However, the majority of these devices do not automatically wash and dry their mopping pads or rags, which can lead to mildew and bacterial growth. If your machine isn't equipped with this capability, make sure to wash and remove the pad after each use, or place it in a flat area to dry between runs.
This feature is available on the iRobot Combo i5+ as well as the Shark Matrix Plus 2 in 1 and the Eureka E10S. In contrast, the budget-friendly iLife V5s Pro focuses on simplicity by removing this function.
5. Mop mode
The iRobot Roomba J7 is the best robot vacuum and mop to clean your floors when you are away. It's not cheap, but its AI obstacle-avoidance is the best available in the marketplace. It can spot urine, sweep up Cheerios and even navigate the mess of socks and phone cords that usually build up on your flooring. This makes it a great option for homes with children or pets that like to keep the floor clear of clutter.
It's one of the few robots that we tested that can mop tile, hardwood and Linoleum. It was able to do a great job cleaning sticky messes, wet spills, and pet hair off carpets.
It's only flaw is that it's not a 2-in-1 robot, and can take up to 6 hours to charge. This model also requires the manual emptying of the dust bin, unlike the majority of robots that automatically empty into the dust bag at the base station. This can be a challenge in large homes with high ceilings and stairs.
If you're looking for a 2-in-1 that is more traditional, then look into the Ecovacs T10 Plus. It has an impressive suction system that is able to easily remove pet hair from carpets. It also has a self-emptying bin. It comes with scented pods, so you can select your favorite scent. However it has a lower battery life than the best models we reviewed and needs to be charged regularly.