Robot Vacuum Reviews - How to Keep Your Robot Vacuum Clean
Many robot vacuums can be used with apps that let you control the device without having to hold it. These apps let you schedule cleaning sessions, create boundaries and no-go zones.
Many of the robots we tested can be programmed to return to their base and recharge during a cleaning time, which is useful if you have a large house. Some robots come with an water tank as well as a dust bin that can be empty to keep them clean and lessen allergens.
Battery Life
If you own a huge home, you should consider a robot which can operate for an hour during normal operation. Many models also have an "eco" or lower-power cleaning mode which saves battery life but still performs a fantastic job of removing dirt and other debris from carpets and floors.
You can still keep your place clean even if you have smaller space. For instance, our top pick for small homes, the Neato Botvac 11S Max, is able to run for up to 60 minutes on floors that are unfinished in normal mode, and up to 90 minutes if you use Eco mode. It's smaller than the majority of the robots we tested, so it can be tucked under furniture and into corners.
It's a smart choice to choose a model with smart features, which permit you to alter the cleaning options of the robot based on the amount of traffic an area receives. You can set up zones that are prone to traffic to have more suction and higher levels of water for instance. Some apps also offer the option to change settings per room or even floors of your home.
Apart from selecting a smart robot that meets your specific cleaning needs it is essential to keep up with routine maintenance tasks such as emptying and refilling the dust bin, checking brushes for hair tangles, and draining and cleaning the tank of water. It is also recommended to use the software updates that your manufacturer provides. These can improve navigation algorithms, cut down on unnecessary power consumption, and aid in extending your robot's battery life.
Depending on the amount of work your family does, it may be necessary to run your robot as often as three to every week. Emily Rairdin is a vacuum expert from University Vacuum & Sewing. She says that a robot is expected to last between three and five years. However, the lifespan of yours depends on how you maintain it and how often you use it.
Some of the newer, more advanced models in our best robot vac reviews can be connected to smart speakers like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant and operate entirely hands-free. While this is a great convenience, remember that you'll have to surrender certain personal information.
App Control
Many robots have a variety of control options via apps that allow you to set up specific cleaning tasks, modify preferences, and schedule sessions. Some are also compatible with digital assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and other smart home voice-controlled systems to provide a hands-free experience.
Robots make use of a combination of lasers, sensors, and cameras to navigate through your space. They're designed to find and vacuum pet hair, dirt, crumbs and other debris from hard floors such as laminate, tile, and wood as well as carpets with low pile and area rug. They're also built to avoid obstacles, such as furniture legs and pet food bowls, when they move through your home.
As with all electronic devices it is essential to keep up with your robot's maintenance to ensure that it is operating properly. If you follow the instructions of the manufacturer regarding how to use and maintain your robot, you should replace the batteries filters, wheels and filters and clean the rotating brushes (they can become tangled up with pet hair and dirt) Most models will last longer than traditional full-size vacuums.
The majority of robots available on the market can be capable of mapping and learning the space around you with sensors, which can help them plan a more efficient way to get you through each cleaning session. Some models allow you to create 'no-go zones' to areas you don't want your robot to clean, such as pet food bowls as well as expensive carpets.
Many robots have the feature of 'targeted rooms which allows you to instruct the robot to clean a specific part of your house. This is a great feature if your home has many clutter items and you want to eliminate it, or if a particular room needs extra attention, such as a guest bedroom.
In addition to allowing you to alter the map of your robot's and cleaning preferences, the majority of robots that are controlled via apps also have a range of automated features that make daily maintenance easier. For instance, some come with self-emptying bins that go back to their docks and empty themselves automatically once they're full.
The app-controlled Dreametech L10s Ultra navigated our test course very well, however it had trouble spotting obstacles in its way and was incapable of handling rug tassels that were clogged. It's still a good option for keeping a small apartment or studio clean.
Cleaning Options
If the wheels of your robot vacuum become dirty or caked with dust, hair or other debris, they are unable to be able to spin as smoothly. This may cause it to slow, or even get stuck. To ensure they are in good working order, you need to wipe them clean with a soft cloth regularly. For mopping robots it is also necessary to take the mopping pads off after each cleaning session, clean them in water and let them dry before re-installing them. If you're worried about keeping up with this maintenance you should look for a machine that automatically cleans and dries its own mopping pads at each cleaning session.
Some robots are designed to automatically empty their dust bins when full and this could be an absolute boon for those with children or pets. But for automated vacuum of models the best way to ensure that the bin is ready for the next load of dirt or other debris is to empty it manually. Choose a model that has large bins that are easy to remove and dump and ensure that the base can comfortably hold the full bin without causing obstruction in your home.
One other factor that can impact how long your robot lasts is the quality of its sensors. These are the sensors which detect furniture, walls and other items in your home and help the robot navigate its route around them. Choose a robot with high-quality sensors that quickly respond to changes in the floor's surface and are accurate enough to not get stuck in tight spaces like the space between the bathtub and the toilet or under your desk chair legs.
Based on your budget and the frequency you'd like to utilize your robot, it's also worthwhile to invest in a robot that can charge itself and begin cleaning where it left off when the battery is low. This is particularly beneficial for larger homes, and helps maintain a consistent cleaning throughout the home.
Noise Levels
The noise level of robot vacuums differs by model and is affected by other factors, too. Manufacturers may mention a low-noise mode or a quiet operating speed. However, you'll have to know the rating of the device to understand what this number actually signifies. Any sound that exceeds 85 decibels is considered to be high and can cause hearing damage over the course of time.
Make sure you choose models that utilize advanced noise reduction technology or have a low-noise option. These features can drastically reduce the noise of operation and make it easier to maintain conversations or even to take a nap during cleaning.
Some models are designed with insulation or sound-absorbing materials to further reduce the operating noise. These features are crucial for people who live in noisy areas or have children at home.
The navigation system and obstacle detection capabilities of robot vacuum cleaners are other factors that influence noise levels. Certain robots employ mapping technology that is based on lasers or cameras to avoid bumping furniture or walls while cleaning. These technologies also reduce the amount of noise that a robotic cleaner produces during its cleaning cycle by avoiding unnecessary bumps and collisions.
Although modern robot vacuums are becoming much quieter, they still produce significant amounts of noise when they are in operation. The noise they generate can be distracting, particularly for those with small children or work from home. In addition, exposure to high-level noise is known to cause stress and increase blood pressure levels.
You can try a few things before calling the customer service of your robot vacuum if that it is making a lot of noise. First, inspect the machine for any visible damage. A cracked housing or loose component can amplify the volume of noise and cause it to sound like a freight train. Clean and replace filters regularly as they may get clogged up with dirt and debris, which can increase the volume.
Another common culprit for abnormal noise is a damaged or dirty sensor. Dirty or damaged sensors can send the robot vacuum on a shaky, confused travel across your floors which could result in it hitting objects and causing the sound of a racket. To remedy this clean or replace the sensor and try reconnecting to Wi-Fi connection if needed.