Robot Vacuum Reviews - How to Keep Your Robot Vacuum Clean
Many robot vacuums connect to apps that let you control the device hands-free. These apps can help you plan cleaning sessions, establish boundaries and define no-go zones.
A few of the robots we reviewed can be programmed to return to their base and recharge during a cleaning session, which is helpful if you have a large house. Some robots have a water tank and dust bins which can be cleaned to keep them clean and lessen allergens.
Battery Life
If you live in a big home, look for an appliance that can run for an hour or more in regular operation. A majority of models also come with an "eco" or lower-power cleaning mode which saves battery life, yet does a great job of removing dirt and other debris from carpets and floors.
You can still keep your place tidy even if you live in less space. Our top choice for small homes, the Neato Botvac 11S Max can run on bare floors for up to 90 minutes in Eco mode. It's shorter than many of the other robots we tried which makes it easier to slide under furniture and into corners.
It's a smart idea to choose a robot that has intelligent features that allow you to customize the cleaning options of the robot based on the amount of traffic that a particular area receives. You can set zones with high traffic to ensure better suction and higher levels of water, for example. Certain apps let you adjust settings by room or floor.
Apart from selecting a smart robot that will meet your specific cleaning needs it is essential to keep up with routine maintenance tasks such as emptying and refilling the bin for dust, checking brushes for hair tangles and draining and rinsing the tank of water. It is also recommended to use the software updates offered by your manufacturer. These can improve navigation algorithms, decrease unnecessary power consumption and aid in extending your robot's battery life.
Depending on the size of your family, you could have to run your robot 3 to 4 times per week. Emily Rairdin, a vacuum expert at University Vacuum & Sewing, says that a typical robot should last between three and five years, however the lifespan of yours will depend on how well you take care of it and how often you use it.
Some of the most advanced models that we have reviewed in our best robot vacuum reviews can be linked to smart speakers such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant that allow them to work completely hands-free. While this is a great convenience, remember that this means you will be required to give up some of your personal information.
App Control
Many robots come with a wide variety of app control options that let you set specific cleaning jobs as well as change preferences and schedule sessions. Some also work with digital assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and other smart home voice-controlled systems for a completely hands-free experience.
Robots navigate using a mix of cameras, sensors and lasers. They're designed to find and remove pet hair dirt, crumbs, and other particles from floors made of wood, tile and laminate as well as low pile carpets and area rug. They're also designed to stay clear of obstacles, like furniture legs and pet food bowls as they travel across your space.
As with all electronic devices, it's important to keep up with the maintenance of your robot to ensure that it is operating correctly. As long as you follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to use and maintain your robot, replace the batteries, filters and wheels and clean the rotating brushes (they could get tangled with pet hair and dirt) Most models will last for as long as traditional vacuums that are full-sized.
Most robots are able to discover and map your surroundings using sensors. This allows them to plan an efficient cleaning route. Some models that are more expensive let you define 'no-go zones' in case there are areas that you want the robot to skip over like your pet's food bowls or expensive rug.
A growing number of robots also come with 'targeted rooms', which allows you to instruct the robot to focus on one or more specific areas of your home. This is a good option when you have an abundance of clutter you'd like to clear or if you've got a room that requires extra attention, like an extra bedroom for guests.
In addition to letting you modify the robot's map and cleaning preferences, most app-controlled robots also offer various automated features that can make daily maintenance easier. Certain robots have self-emptying bins that return to their docks after they are full.
While the app-controlled Dreametech L10s Ultra did a excellent job at managing our test course, it struggled to see obstacles that were obstructing its path and couldn't handle clogged up rug tassels. Despite this, it's an affordable and effective choice for keeping a studio or small homes tidy.
Cleaning Options
If the wheels of your robot vacuum get dirty or covered in dust, hair or other debris, they are unable to be able to spin as smoothly. This could cause it to slow down or even become stuck. To ensure they are in good working order, wipe them down with a soft cloth periodically. It's important for mopping robots to take the pads off after each cleaning. Wash them with water and let dry before reinstalling. If you're worried about keeping up with this maintenance, look for a model that can automatically wash and dries mopping pads on its own during each cleaning session.
Some robots are able to automatically empty their dust bins once they are full, and this can be an absolute boon when you have pets or children. However, for the majority of models, the best method to ensure that the bin is prepared for a new load of dirt or debris is to empty it manually. Look for a model with an ample bin that is easy to empty and remove, and make sure the base can hold the entire bin without being obstructive in your home.
One other factor that can impact how long your robot lasts is the quality of its sensors. These are the devices that detect walls, furniture obstacles, as well as other items in your home and help the robot navigate around them. Choose robots that have high-end sensors. They are expected to be able detect changes in the floor surface quickly and accurately, and avoid getting stuck in tight spaces like the space between the toilet and the bathtub or under the legs of your desk chair.
It may be worth investing in a robotic system that can charge itself and continue to clean where it left off if the battery is exhausted. This is especially useful for larger homes and helps maintain a consistent cleaning throughout the home.
Noise Levels
Models differ in their noise levels and other factors may influence the sound quality. Manufacturers might mention an option for low-noise operation or a quiet operating speed. However, you will need to know the rated of the device to understand what this number really signifies. In general, sounds that exceed 85 decibels are considered to be very loud and can damage hearing over time.
Make sure you choose models that utilize advanced noise reduction techniques or feature a low-noise mode. These features can reduce the noise levels and let you talk or sleep during cleaning.
Certain models are also constructed with sound-absorbing or insulated materials to reduce operational noise. These features are important for those who live in areas with a lot of noise or have children living at home.
The navigation system and obstacle detection capabilities of robot vacuum cleaners are other factors that influence noise levels. Certain robots utilize cameras or laser-based mapping technology to avoid hitting walls and furniture while cleaning. These technologies can help reduce the amount of noise that a robot cleaner makes during its cleaning process. They do this by eliminating unnecessary bumps and collisions.
While modern robot vacuums are becoming quieter, they still produce significant amounts of noise during normal operation. The noise they generate can be distracting, particularly for those with small children or work from home. Continuous exposure to high-frequency sounds is known to cause stress and also to raise blood pressure.
You can try a few things before contacting the customer service of your robot vacuum if you notice it's making a lot of noise. First, inspect the machine for visible damage. A damaged or cracked housing or loose component can increase the noise, making it sound like a freight train. This Web page should also clean and replace your filters, because they can get blocked by dust and other debris and increase the noise of operation.
Another reason for unusual noise is a damaged or dirty sensor. A damaged or dirty sensor can send robot vacuums on a bumpy and confused trip across your floor, which can result in bumping into things and making a loud noise. To fix this clean or replace the sensor, and try reconnecting to Wi-Fi network if you need to.