8 Things to Know Before Getting a Robot Vacuum
Robot vacuums aim to fulfill the dream of every time-strapped person — that is, the dream of having a machine autonomously vacuum your floors clean and even mop them, too. It's a lovely thought: coming home to a clean home, with your little robot companion napping in its dock after a hard day's work. Of course, robovac owners know the reality is not that simple.
While the technology found in robovacs has improved significantly since the introduction of the first Roomba in 2002 — for example, they are now much better equipped to navigate homes and some models can handle both vacuum and mopping functions — robovacs have a long way to go before they can claim to be truly autonomous cleaners.
Here are eight things you should know before getting a robot vacuum.
Robovacs use different technologies for them to be able to "see" and map your home, but some of these technologies often work better than others. For example, robovac maker Roborock employs RGB cameras and LiDAR in its S7 and S8 MaxV Ultra units, which CNET's test team found allowed them to accurately map and consistently clean every inch of our test floor.
Robovacs employing other technologies don't fare as well, missing certain spots such as corners or even skipping rooms entirely. The point is, expect your robovac to do a pretty good job getting around, but you may have to slightly adjust your living space for a better clean.
Speaking of adjusting your space, expect to get in the habit of clearing your living space before your robovac can get to work. With the exception of the Roborock Saros Z70 unveiled at this year's CES, which has an arm that can pick up socks, you'll have to remove any clothing or cords on the floor before your robovac gets to work.
Got pets? Better hope they didn't have an accident, because robovacs have been known to run right over poop and spread it around the house. That said, certain robovacs do a fine job navigating pet messes, such as the Roomba J7 Plus, which CNET has named the best poop-detecting robovac.
Speaking of furry friends, pet parents should be aware that many dogs and cats can find robovacs scary and stress-inducing (although dogs may find robovacs less threatening than more traditional vacuums). According to Cats.com, "The combination of loud noise, unpredictable movement and a strange smell is often overwhelming for cats and causes them anxiety." If you're still interested in buying a robovac, help your animals slowly adjust to their presence in your home.
Even with newer, fancier robovac units that automatically empty their dustbins, refill water tanks and clean mop pads, you'll still have to conduct regular maintenance on your device so that it continues to perform well and won't prematurely break down. If your robovac doesn't self-empty, expect to do a dustbin dump every day. You'll also have to keep the wheels clean of debris on a daily basis.
Other maintenance includes cleaning brush rolls and wheels every week and regularly checking charging contacts and sensors. Most robovacs autonomously charge themselves and many now come with self-emptying and self-cleaning docks.
As mentioned, robovacs need sensors to navigate their environments. However, in the course of cleaning, these sensors may accumulate dust and other debris. To help your robovac stay on the top of its game, regularly clean sensors with a microfiber cloth (the same used to clean monitors and other screens).
You may be tempted by combo robovacs that not only vacuum your floors, but mop as well. While certain units do an admirable job at both, expect to pay a several hundred dollar premium. Other issues can pop up as well, with combo robovacs leaving carpets damp or dragging a dirty mop pad across your floor. Certain robovacs perform both tasks better than others. For example, the Roomba Combo J7 Plus (one of CNET's picks for best overall robovac) comes equipped with an arm that stows the mop pad when carpets are detected.
Along with keeping your living space tidy so your robovac can perform better, expect to clean up after it as well. While certain units (like the aforementioned Roborock) do a great job cleaning every inch of a room, others may skip out on areas such as corners or under furniture. It can also be quite annoying to call out the robovac for some spot cleaning, like, say, after dinner.
It's good to have another vacuum cleaner that you control around for the messes left behind by the robovac. And for robo mops? Many lack the power to clean deep stains, so expect the need to apply some elbow grease. Robovacs will overall save you time, but be prepared to regularly chip in to help.
Whether a robovac will work great for you depends on your living space. As mentioned, many robovacs often struggle with cleaning corners. They also have a tendency to get stuck on the thresholds between rooms (hence a new unit seen at CES that's equipped with legs). But if there's one thing that all robovacs can't handle, it's stairs. So if your living space is spread throughout multiple floors, expect to either carry your robovac to other floors to clean, or to buy a unit for each floor.
Knowing what to expect when it comes to keeping your robovac running smoothly can help save you a lot of time and keep your home cleaner.
If your robovac runs every day, you should empty its dustbin just as frequently. This will ensure that your robot works optimally and won't break down prematurely.
This wasn't always the case, but several combo robot vacuums come highly recommended. CNET's picks for the best overall robot vacuum are the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo and Roomba Combo J7 Plus, both of which are equipped with mopping capabilities.
CNET has named the iRobot Roomba S9 Plus the best robovac for pet hair and plush carpets. According to our reviewer, "[I]f your home is filled with plush carpets and your pets are having a field day shedding fur across them, then the self-emptying Roomba S9 Plus is a perfect pick for your home."
Many robovacs work great on hardwood floors, but if you're looking for the best, CNET recommends either the Roomba. Combo J7 Plus or Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo, which we've named as best overall robovacs. They both mop, too.
Along with being the overall best pick for pet owners, the iRobot Roomba S9 Plus also leads the pack when it comes to carpets. Our review team noted "its eye-popping performance on thick, plush carpets."
Yes, robovac batteries are replaceable, and depending on how much you use them, you may have to do so every few years. Prices also differ, with iRobot selling replacement batteries for $90. A less official-looking battery for Eufy and Ecovacs units can be found on Amazon for around $20.
Yes, Robot Vacuums Keep Your Home Tidy. But You Also Need to Keep Your Machine Clean
Clean the Grime Out of Your Roomba to Make It Vacuum Better
Your Robot Vacuum Can Clean Even Better (but You Need to Do These 5 Things First)
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