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 under furniture and into corners to clean up the mess you can't see.
Jodhaira has tested dozens floor-cleaning devices in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. This includes a variety of robotic vacuums and mops. She has compiled a list of the best models to deal with pet hair.
1. Battery life
When you are looking for a robot mop and vacuum, take into consideration the size of your home and how many pets you own. The larger your home the more power you'll need from a robotic cleaner and having more pets will generally result in more hair. It's also important to think about the type of flooring within your home, as some 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 - hardwood tiles, carpet, and tile. If you have multiple pets, you may want one that is especially effective in removing hair. The majority of robot cleaners utilize suction to clean up dirt and debris, but certain models include a water feature that helps with sticky spills and staining. These machines also clean floors with the water.
Robotic mop vacuums and mop also have longer battery lives. It's because you are using two functions in one device, which cuts down on the time required to charge and shut down. Some models even empty themselves into the charging station after every run, drying the pads as they do so. This stops bacteria from growing on wet pads.
Ecovacs Deebot X2 is the most effective robot mop and vacuum to keep up with pet hairs and footprints. The model was very good in our tests. It comes with a variety of smarts, including TrueMapping and TrueDetect 3D technologies to map your home and prevent bumps against furniture or other obstacles. It comes with bases that house the dirty and clean tanks in one location, making maintenance easy.
2. App control
Many robot vacuums and mops can be used in conjunction with an app that allows you to save maps of your house, set cleaning schedules and monitor maintenance needs. Some robots can be controlled remotely. There are still models with buttons for power on the charging dock, base station or even a remote included.
In general, look for a model with a clean-up mode that vacuums, mops or does both and doesn't require the user to press an on-demand button to turn it off. You can then take the robot to its dock in order to empty its trash bin, replace a wet mop pad or mop cloth, wash it, or refill its water reservoir. It's also important to check if the model is compatible with your voice assistant so you can simply use a voice command like "OK Google" or "OK Alexa" to start a cleaning cycle or request assistance for a problem and more.
Before deciding on a cleaner for your robot, consider how much time it will take to maintain the machine and how much traffic is on your floors. If you have furniture with a low density or a large area, you may want to choose a robot with a lower capacity for vacuuming and mopping. Also, you should be aware that certain mopping robots come with recurring expenses as they can be expensive to purchase. You'll have to purchase replacement pads or mop cloths, on top of the occasional need for new filters, side sweeping brushes and other components that may be suggested for maintenance on a regular basis. Don't forget to consider the cost of the cleaning solution in the first place, as certain brands may suggest buying an additional cleaning agent to keep your floors neat.
3. Carpet recognition
The most effective robot vacuums and mop combos can distinguish between carpets and hard surfaces. This ensures that they won't sweep over spills or stains. They can also spot areas with multiple types of flooring and schedule cleanings automatically according to the arrangement of your home. These features are usually easy to use however, you'll need to install an additional app on your smartphone.
Some hybrid models don't use any liquid. These machines usually empty into a bag that is kept inside the base. Some robots have the ability to empty the contents of the robot into a trashcan.
Some robots are able to be used on dry and wet floors such as tile or hardwood. The most effective robot vacuum and mop combinations for pet hair are designed to work on both kinds of surfaces, making them an excellent option for those who have different flooring options in your home.
Take into consideration the size of your house and the amount of foot traffic you'll encounter when selecting a robot mop or vacuum. You'll want to find the model that has enough power and battery longevity to cope with regular cleaning of your floors, especially if you have kids or pets.
The best two-in-1 robots have superior capabilities that are worth the cost. For instance, the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni is able to vacuum and mop in a single run with suction of 8,000-Pa and two mop heads that rotate. It can also scan and recognize your furniture and other items to keep them out of the way during a clean, and it can even talk to you via two-way audio. It also takes care of its own dirt, so it automatically heads back to its dock when it's ready for a wash.
4. robot vacuum and mop pet hair remove dirt from the floor, depositing it in a bin or bag. Robots spread cleaning solution on the floor, then scrubs off dirt using pads. Some models combine the two functions while others have special abilities to deal with different types of types of floors. Note the type of flooring and foot traffic within your home to ensure you get the best quality clean.
The cleaning formula used by most robot vacuums and mop combos will differ from one brand to the next brand. While it's possible to purchase third-party cleaners for these machines however, it's recommended to stick with the one recommended by your manufacturer. This will prevent the possibility of damage and keep your machine functioning as efficiently as it can.
If your robot vacuum and mop has a dust bin, you'll have to empty it regularly. Most have an indicator that helps you know when it's time to change out the bag. You'll also need to replace filters, rollers and side sweeping brushes from time to intervals to ensure the best performance.
This procedure can be made simpler by a self-emptying robot that allows you to dump the contents into a recycling bin or trash can. However, many of these machines don't automatically wash and dry their mopping pads or cloths which could lead to mildew and bacterial growth. If your machine isn't equipped with this capability, make sure to remove and wash the pad after each use or place it on a flat surface 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. The budget-friendly iLife V5s Pro, on the other hand, focuses on minimalism and removes this function.
5. Mop mode
If you're looking for a robot vacuum and mop combo that will clean your floors while you're away the best option is the iRobot Roomba J7. It's not inexpensive however its AI obstacle-avoidance is the best available in the market. It can detect poop, vacuum up Cheerios and even navigate the tangled mess of socks and phone cords that typically accumulate on your floors. This makes it an excellent choice for homes with children and pets who like to keep the floor clear of clutter.
It's among the few robots we tested that can mop tile, hardwood and linoleum. It did a good job cleaning sticky messes, wet spills, and pet hair from carpets.
The only downside is that it's not a 2-in-1 robot, and it can take up to 6.5 hours to fully charge. The model also requires manual emptying of the bin, unlike other robots that automatically empty into the dust bin at the base station. This can be a challenge in large homes with high ceilings and stairwells.
If you prefer a 2-in-1 that is more traditional, go for the Ecovacs T10 Plus. It has an impressive suction system that is able to easily remove pet hair from carpets. It also has an automatic emptying bin. It also has scented air filter pods that let you choose your favorite scent. However, it has a shorter battery life than the top models we reviewed and needs to be charged regularly.