Robot vacuums with mopping features have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a convenient way to clean both carpets and hard floors. However, like any technology, they come with their own set of pros and cons.
Are they devices that do several things well or are they a jack of all trades and master of none?
In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of robot vacuums with mopping features.
Pros
- Saves Time and Effort: Robot vacuums with mopping features can save a significant amount of time and effort, as they can clean both carpets and hard floors with one device. This eliminates the need to switch between different cleaning tools and methods.
- Dual Functionality: The dual functionality of robot vacuums with mopping features is a major advantage. These devices can vacuum up dust and debris from carpets and hard floors, and then mop hard floors to leave them clean and shiny.
- Customizable Cleaning: Many robot vacuums with mopping features come with customizable cleaning settings, allowing users to adjust the level of cleaning required for each task. This means that users can tailor the cleaning process to meet their individual needs.
- Programmable Schedules: Robot vacuums with mopping features often come with programmable schedules, allowing users to set the device to clean at specific times or on specific days. This is a great feature for busy households, as it ensures that floors are always clean without requiring manual effort.
Cons
- Limited Mopping Capabilities: While robot vacuums with mopping features are convenient, they are not designed for deep cleaning. The mopping feature is typically designed for light cleaning and is not effective at removing stubborn stains or grime. You aren’t getting the same mopping results you’d get with a dedicated mop that you use manually.
- Requires Refilling: The mopping feature on robot vacuums requires water and cleaning solution, which means that the device needs to be refilled regularly. This can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially for larger households.
- Additional Cost: Robot vacuums with mopping features are typically more expensive than standard robot vacuums. The added functionality of the device comes with an added cost, which may not be feasible for some households.
- Requires Maintenance: The mopping feature on robot vacuums requires maintenance, including cleaning the mop pad and ensuring that the water tank is cleaned and refilled regularly. This can be an additional task for users to keep up with. More parts = more potential things to break.
Realities of a robot vac with mop
Robot vacs with a mop feature can’t be used on all carpets and are best used on moderately-sized hardwood floors and floors without grout. Because grout tends to be sunk lower than the tiles themselves, the vacs are known to push dirt into the grout and leave it there, as they are often incapable of sucking it up. It can also have difficulty sucking water up from grout and may leave a small amount on the floor.
Some models may leave streaks or require multiple passes to clean effectively. They can remove surface stains and dust from some floors but don’t work well on thick pile carpets.
Some higher end robot vacs can alternate between vacuuming and mopping automatically.
They may struggle with heavily soiled areas or carpets with hair and their mopping feature may not be as effective as a traditional mop.
Final thoughts
Robot vacuums with mopping features offer a convenient and efficient way to clean both carpets and hard floors. They save time and effort and provide customizable cleaning options. However, they also come with some limitations, such as limited mopping capabilities, the need for refilling, additional costs, and maintenance requirements.
When considering a robot vacuum with mopping features, it is important to weigh the pros and cons to determine whether the device is the right fit for your household.
You also need to remember that robot vacs in general do not offer anywhere near the suction power of a dedicated vacuum cleaner.