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 allow you to schedule cleaning sessions, and create boundaries and no-go zones.
The robots we reviewed are able to automatically return to their base during cleaning sessions and recharge, which is helpful for those who have a large residence. Some come with self-emptying dust bins and water tank to ensure that the robot is kept clean and reduce allergens in your home.
Battery Life
If you live in a big house, consider an appliance that can run for a full hour or more in normal operation. Many models also have an "eco" or lower-power cleaning mode which saves battery life, but does a great job of removing dirt and dust from floors and carpets.
If your space is a small space there are many options to keep the area neat. For example our top pick for small spaces is 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 other robots that we tested, so it's easier to slip under furniture and into corners.
It's a good idea choose a model with smart features that let you customize the cleaning preferences of your robot according to the amount of traffic certain areas get. You can create zones with high traffic to receive more suction, or higher levels of water. Some apps offer the option of changing the settings per room or even floors of your home.
In addition to selecting a robot that can meet your specific cleaning needs it is essential to be on top of routine maintenance tasks such as emptying and refilling the bin for dust, checking brushes for hair tangles, and draining and washing the tank of water. It's also recommended to make use of the software updates provided by your manufacturer. They can enhance navigation algorithms, reduce unnecessary power consumption and help your robot extend its battery life.
Depending on the size of your family, you could require your robot to be running 3 to 4 times per week. Emily Rairdin is a vacuum expert from University Vacuum & Sewing. She states that a robot can last between three and five years. However, the life span of yours is contingent on the way you maintain it and how frequently you use it.
Some of the most advanced models that we have reviewed in our top robot vacuum reviews can be linked to smart speakers like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant that allow them to work completely hands-free. This is a fantastic convenience, but you will have to share some of your personal data.
App Control
Many robots have a variety of control options via apps that let you create specific cleaning tasks, modify preferences, and plan sessions. Certain robots also integrate with digital assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other voice-controlled home systems.
Robots make use of a combination of lasers, sensors, and cameras to navigate through your space. They're designed to search for and vacuum pet hair, dirt, crumbs and other messes from hard floors like laminate, tile, and wood as well as carpets with low pile and area rugs. They're also designed to stay clear of obstacles, like furniture legs and pet food bowls when they move through your space.
It's important that you maintain your robot, just like any other electronic device. This will ensure that it will continue to function properly. As long as you adhere to the manufacturer's instructions regarding how to use and maintain your robot, replace the batteries, filters and wheels and clean the rotating brushes (they can become tangled up with dirt and pet hair), most models will last for as long as traditional full-size vacuums.
The majority of robots available on the market are capable of mapping and learning your surroundings using sensors, which can help them determine a more efficient way to get you through every cleaning session. Certain models with higher end features let you set 'no-go zones' if there are areas you want the robot to stay clear of, such as your pet's food bowls or expensive carpets.
A growing number of robots also feature 'targeted rooms' which allows you to tell the robot to concentrate on one or more specific areas of your home. This is a great feature if your home has lots of clutter and you want to get rid of it, or if a specific room requires extra attention, for example, the guest bedroom.
In addition to letting you customize your robot's map and cleaning preferences, many robots controlled by apps also come with a range of automated features that can simplify maintenance. For example, some have self-emptying bins that go back to their docks and empty themselves automatically when they're full.
While the app-controlled Dreametech L10s Ultra did a great job of navigating our test courses, 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 option for keeping a studio or small home tidy.
Cleaning Options
If the wheels of your robot vacuum become filthy or clogged with dust, hair or other debris, they can't spin smoothly. This can cause it to slow or even stop. Wipe them down periodically with a soft, clean cloth, to ensure they are functioning well. For robots that mop also, it's important to take the mopping pads off after every cleaning session, then wash them in water and let them dry before reinstalling them. If you're worried about maintaining this routine, look for a model that can automatically wash and dry its own mopping pads at every cleaning session.
Some robots are designed to automatically empty their bins once they are full, and this can be a real boon when you have pets or children. But for most models, the best way to ensure that the dustbin is ready for a new load of dirt or other debris is to empty it manually. Look for a model with an ample bin that is easy to empty and remove and ensure that the base is able to hold the full bin without being obstructive in your home.
The quality of the sensors on your robot can also affect its lifespan. These are the sensors which detect furniture, walls, obstacles, and other objects in your home and assist the robot to navigate around them. Choose a robot with high-quality sensors that can quickly respond to changes in the floor's surface and are accurate enough to avoid getting trapped in tight areas such as the space between the bathtub and the toilet or under your desk chair's legs.
Based on your budget and how often you plan to use your robot, it's worth looking into a model that is able to recharge itself and resume cleaning from where it left off when the battery gets low. This is particularly beneficial for larger homes, and makes it easier to maintain a consistent cleaning throughout the house.
Noise Levels
The noise level of robot vacuums is different for each model and can be affected by other factors too. Manufacturers may advertise a low-noise mode or a quiet operating speed. However, you'll need to know the rating of the device to determine what this number actually means. Generally, any sounds above 85 decibels is considered to be extremely loud and can damage hearing over time.
To find the most quiet robot vacuum, look for models that feature advanced noise reduction technology or a low-noise mode of operation. These features can dramatically reduce the operational noise and make it easier to continue a conversation or even take a nap during cleaning.
automated vacuum are also constructed with sound-absorbing or insulated materials to further decrease the operational noise. These features are essential for those who live in noisy environments or have children living at home.
The navigation system and obstacle detection capabilities of robot vacuum cleaners are also factors that influence noise levels. Some robots employ laser or camera-based mapping technology to avoid bumping into walls and furniture when cleaning. These technologies can also reduce the amount of noise a robotic cleaner produces during the cleaning process by eliminating unnecessary collisions and bumps.
While modern robot vacuums are getting quieter, they still generate significant amounts of noise when they are in operation. The noise they create can be distracting, particularly for those with small children or work from home. In addition, exposure to high-frequency noise can cause stress and increase blood pressure levels.
You might want to try a few different things before calling the customer service of your robot vacuum if that it is making a lot of noise. Examine the machine for visible damage. A cracked housing or loose component can increase the noise level and cause it to sound like freight train. Regularly clean and replace filters because they can get filled with dirt and debris, which can make the noise more intense.
Another common culprit for abnormal noise is a dirty or damaged sensor. Dirty or damaged sensors can send a robot vacuum on a shaky and confused traverse of your floors, which can result in hitting objects and creating an eerie noise. If this happens, you can clean or replace the sensors, and reconnect to your Wi-Fi, if needed.