The Very Best Robot Vacuum and Mop combos of 2023: Reviews and Buying Guide
Who doesn’t want to automate cleaning, especially mopping? Before you rush out to buy the best robot mop on the market, you’ll want to browse our 2023 reviews of the top sellers. Not all mopping robots are created equal. Robotic mops have made a quantum leap lately with features such as self-emptying docks, the ability to clean themselves, sonic technology that scrubs floors up to 3,000 times per minute, and automatic refilling of onboard water tanks from a reservoir located in the base.
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What kind of robot mop options are available
You essentially have three robot mop options available on the market rated by efficiency and price:
- Buy a Robot Mop and Vacuum Hybrid – Known also as “two-in-one machines”, these consummate multitaskers allow you to vacuum and mop—sometimes, simultaneously. In the last few years, two-in-one machines have come a long way. They used to be vastly inferior to robots that handled a single task, such as vacuuming. Some of them are impressive performers, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra model, for example.
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra – Best Hybrid RobotNowadays, there’s only one thing that they don’t struggle with: long dried stains. Cutting edge features such as sonic mopping, automatic lifting of the mop so it doesn’t drench your carpet, and multi-layer air filtration to keep dust and dirt inside the dock make these robotic machines indispensable for anyone wanting an effortless way to keep their home sparkling clean.
- Buy a Single Function Robot Mop – Maybe you already have a robot vacuum or prefer to vacuum manually. Whatever the reason, if you’d rather just have a robot with a wet mopping function, you should look at the iRobot Braava Jet m6 model.
Single-function robot mop is likely to provide a better cleaning The entire design of a single function appliance is dedicated to that one job, so a robot mop can concentrate all its energy on wet mopping your floor. These models usually spray water directly on the floor to soften up dirt and stains while using some form of agitation to scrub the spot. This means it’s likely to provide a more thorough cleaning.
- Buy a cleaning duo – This means getting both a robot mop plus a separate robot vacuum that work together. We think this is the most efficient but also the most expensive option. The best example of such a dynamic duo is the iRobot Roomba s9+ & Braava Jet m6.
These two devices sync to one another so that when the vacuum is done with its cycle, the mop then sets out to clean the freshly-swept hard floors. Right now, iRobot has cornered the market on these pairings, but we have no doubt other manufacturers will soon step up with their own combos.
No matter what option you choose, though, you’re making an intelligent investment in yourself, your time, and your home.
Robotic mops are a great addition and an amazing compliment to anyone’s collection of cleaning tools. However, it’s important to remember that while they are incredibly effective and so useful at helping make your cleaning routine easier, they are not a total replacement for periodic deep manual cleaning.
Maintaining Your Home
The beauty of these innovative machines is that they will take what was once a near-daily task and turn it into something you only need to worry about periodically, and that’s only if you want to keep your home completely spotless. But the days of worrying about needing to mop up every drop spilled on your floor will be a thing of the past once you invest in a robot mop!
Personally, to maintain a spotless home, we recommend keeping a bi-monthly cleaning routine to maintain a pristine home. Of course, this all depends on your own home and how much is happening within it. A large family in a big home with many people eating, drinking, and living in the same space may need more attention than a small apartment with one person living in it.
Thankfully, with the careful, consistent help of your robotic mop, these periodic cleans will be easier than ever.
Top-Performing Robot Mop Reviews of 2023
The GoodFor starters, it can empty its own dustbin, wash its own pad after mopping, and refill its water tank when it runs out. Your trusty bot carries out all these actions with minimal intervention from you.
An added bonus is you don’t need to do any prep beforehand—unlike many other robotic cleaning machines. This means you won’t have to pick up objects the unit might see as obstacles, such as kids’ toys or socks.
That’s because the S7 MaxV Ultra has one of the best obstacle avoidance systems ever devised.
The Not-So-GoodSome users have had the curious experience of the unit thinking that shadows are actual objects that must be avoided at all costs. This might be due to an algorithm that needs a little tweaking.
Nonreusable bags collect dirt and debris instead of a reusable dustbin. In future iterations of this model, that should be changed. That would make owning the unit a little more cost-effective with less environmental impact.
What Customers SayLots of users are impressed with how intelligent the Roborock S7 MaxV is compared to other robotic cleaning machines. The unit creates a granular map of every level of your home in both 3D and 2D. You can access this data to clean a specific area instead of an entire floor and to create no-go zones, among other things.
Other customers love that the unit has plenty of power to take care of all their vacuuming and mopping needs. With 5100 Pas of suction and the innovative use of sonic vibration technology, your floors will never look cleaner!
Roborock S7 MaxV PlusPrice: HighThe Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra comes with the empty wash fill dock, while the Plus only has the more basic auto-empty dock. The auto-empty dock doesn’t wash the mop pads, whereas the empty wash fill dock does. The auto-empty dock doesn’t have the ability to clean itself. On the other hand, the empty wash fill dock does. Lastly, unlike the empty wash fill dock, the auto-empty dock doesn’t have a reservoir that automatically fills the onboard water tank.
- Roborock S7 MaxVPrice: Average
The only difference between the Roborock S7 MaxV and the Ultra is that the latter comes with the empty wash fill dock. This means that you’ll have to empty the onboard dustbin and dirty water tank and wash the mopping cloth yourself instead of having the dock do it for you. If you’d rather things be more autonomous, consider getting the Ultra. The time and energy you save will more than make up for the added cost.
The GoodThe Roborock has an unparalleled ability to intelligently make its way through your home. In fact, this exceptional cleaning droid is such a quick learner, it’s able to map your entire residence during its few first cleaning cycles.
The unit comes with super sensitive sensors that prevent it from falling down stairs, thus preventing a costly mechanical disaster. When its high-tech sensors lightly brush up against an obstacle, the machine turns around and heads in another direction, eliminating furniture damage.
The Not-So-GoodAccording to manufacturer’s guidelines, you’re only allowed to put pure water into the tank—not a commercial cleaning solution. While the Roborock is pretty good at keeping your home spic and span, imagine how much better it would be if it was designed to be used with a liquid stronger than water.
Unfortunately, there’s no notification to alert you when the water tank is empty.
What Customers SayCustomers all over the country are ecstatic about how incredibly easy the app is to use. The intuitive interface gives them unprecedented control over their machine, such as establishing no-go zones for areas of their home that are too treacherous for their little cleaning buddy.
Other buyers love the exceptional suction of the Roborock. At 25000Pa, the machine has sufficient power to clean every square inch of a home’s floors.
- Roborock S7Price: High
The Roborock S7 hybrid robot vacuum and mop is an impressive clean machine, featuring sonic mopping technology, powerful 2500PA of maximum suction, and an array of intelligent mapping and navigational features. The Roborock S7 is without self-empty dock. This means that you’ll have to empty the onboard dustbin yourself instead of having the dock do it for you. Read more >
The GoodThis duo works perfectly together. Once the s9 is finished vacuuming, it sends a signal to the mop. This is the mop’s cue to start scrubbing the just-swept hard floors.
These outstanding robots are even intelligent enough to analyze past cleaning patterns. That way, they can make customized cleaning recommendations.
The m6 has a precision jet spray that’s fantastic at annihilating sticky messes and kitchen grease. As the s9 transitions from hardwood floors to carpet, the suction motor ramps up to ensure it cleans carpeting as effectively as it does bare floors.
The Not-So-GoodUnfortunately, the s9 and the m6 store data separately and can’t share maps. High pile carpets tend to quickly suck the juice out of the s9’s battery, which means less time cleaning and more frequent trips to the charging dock.
The s9+ isn’t a “set it and forget it” cleaning droid. That’s because you need to tidy up before vacuuming by ensuring there isn’t anything on the floor such as clothes, charging cables, or dog toys.
What Customers SayMany customers love how the s9 empties the dirt it picks up into a dustbin on the charging base. This means they’ll never need to remove debris from the onboard dust collector and only have to empty dirt from the base station once every 60 days or so.
Other buyers like that the suction on the unit is so exceptional that it can even eliminate debris such as pet hair that’s deeply embedded in carpets.
The GoodThe self-emptying base makes yeedi more self-sufficient than models that don’t have this incredibly useful feature. This means you won’t have to get up and empty the unit if you’re in the middle of a particularly engaging television program.
With yeedi’s proprietary 3D obstacle avoidance system, you won’t have to pick up all the toys on the floor your child threw around before commencing cleaning operations. Simply rev up the unit and watch it clean your floors while you sit back and relax.
The Not-So-Goodyeedi has been known to leave black scuff marks on floors. However, this usually happens if there’s a defect in the unit that requires getting a new one. The self-emptying station only takes care of dust and debris, which means it won’t empty a dirty water tank. The unit doesn’t have any way of letting you know when it has used up its water supply
What Customers SaySo many customers rave about yeedi’s low profile, which means it easily slides under most tight spaces such as couches. It’s lower than comparable models because it has sensors on its front instead of the top.
Other buyers love how deeply the unit penetrates into carpets to suck out embedded hair, dust, and other debris. This helps remove the allergens that can make people sick.
- yeedi vac StationPrice: Average
The yeedi vac Station has 200 minutes of runtime. It vacuums and cleans with high suction power of 3000 Pa combined with smart mopping system. With the yeedi sweeps dirt, crumbs, pet hair and other dirt from floors and carpets in just one pass keeping your floor spotless.
Even more forget about cleaning the trash thanks to the self-cleaning station, which automatically cleans the dustbin of collected debris and holds up to 30 days.
- yeedi Self-Empty StationPrice: Low
The self-emptying station means you can leave yeedi unattended for up to 30 days if all you’re doing is vacuuming. This provides for truly hassle-free operation—something you always should look for in an autonomous cleaning machine.
When you finally need to empty the dustbin, all you need to do is to slide the dirt collection bag off. Because it’s self-sealing, you’ll never come into contact with dirt, dust, and other allergens.
- yeedi Mop Station ProPrice: High
The yeedi vac 2 has 240 minutes of runtime. On the other hand, the yeedi Mop Station pro only has 180 minutes. The yeedi vac 2 also has oscillating mopping, while the yeedi Mop Station pro doesn’t have this feature. However, when you buy the Mop Station Pro, you get everything you need for self-sufficient dirt and dust emptying. With the vac 2, you’ll need to buy a self-emptying station separately.
The GoodInstead of dragging a microfiber behind it to mop like less technologically sophisticated units do, the yeedi Mop Station Pro has dual mop pads that rotate rapidly to provide true scrubbing action. What’s more, the Yeedi returns to the charging dock every 10 minutes to thoroughly wash its pads.
This not only makes mopping more hygienic, but also eliminates the odors caused when pads get too riddled with dirt and bacteria.
The Not-So-GoodUnfortunately, the yeedi is able to only create a map of a single story of a home. This means it’s probably not practical for use in multi-level houses. Rooms need to have lots of light in order for the unit to find its way around a home. Therefore, unless you leave all your lights on, you really can’t use it at night.
What Customers SayLots of customers are pleasantly surprised with the Yeedi’s ability to suck up dirt. These people now are able to sit back and relax instead of getting all sweaty by lugging a conventional vacuum cleaner around.
Other buyers are impressed with the bot’s excellent customization options such as choosing one or two passes, establishing no-go zones, and scheduling for specific times and days. This allows them to fine tune their clean to their exact needs.
The GoodWhat’s more, it even has the ability to clean its own mop pads. This is something that few (if any) cleaning robots can do. Most hybrid vacuuming/mopping robots passively drag a mop pad across the floor. Not so with the Dreametech Bot W10, which has true active mopping capabilities. Two mop pads rotate at 180 RPMs with 10N (Newtons) of downward pressure. This is sufficient enough power to clean up most household messes.
The Not-So-GoodThe side brush tends to get tangled in deeper shag rug carpets. While most users report that the obstacle detection capabilities are sufficient, others say the bot smashes too frequently into small objects. The unit might not be able to tackle particularly sticky or stuck-on messes.
There have been a few complaints that the unit occasionally gets jammed when attempting to dock with the charging station.
What Customers SaySome customers love the unique, D-shaped housing of the unit which allows the bot to get into nooks and crannies other, more conventionally designed droids have trouble getting into. Other users love how quickly the unit maps a residence. They also like that you can save up to three maps to the intuitive map and use them to create a customized cleaning route.
The GoodThe Coredy R750 Robotic Cleaner is engineered to intelligently clean both carpet and hard surface areas. The R750’s included smartphone app is excellent, allowing you to create a schedule as well as set the current cleaning mode. With an impressive 2600mAh Li-ion battery, the Coredy robotic vacuum can clean your home or office for up to 120 minutes per charge.
This model has been upgraded with cutting-edge anti-collision technology that helps the R750 to evade obstacles. It is also equipped with a drop- sensing technology that allows it to avoid falls.
The Not-So-GoodThe Coredy R750 doesn’t perform well when vacuuming thick carpeting, and may become stuck. Though its 1600 Pa of suction power is impressive for a vacuum of this size, it may have issues loosening up dirt and grime within dense surfaces.
It is also important to note that this is a model of robotic vacuum that may encounter issues navigating darker surfaces. Additionally, because of its size, the dustbin fills up quickly compared to larger vacuums.
What Customers SayMany customers love the impressive multi-functionality of the Coredy R750 Vacuum cleaner, with the ability to vacuum and mop as needed. Other customers appreciate the included remote and voice-enabled app that provide total control over your cleaning experience.
Some people reported issues working on black carpets, due to a malfunction of the sensor. However, most customers love the Coredy R750’s virtual boundary system, which stops it colliding into walls, appliances, or dropping from elevated platforms.
The GoodOperation is amazingly versatile with the iRobot HOME App. It also responds to voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant. iRobot’s patented iAdapt 3.0 Navigation allows the m6 to map your home and avoid obstacles and walls. It also pairs with the Roomba i7 or S9.
Precision jet spray ensures water goes where you want it rather than spraying all over the furniture, cabinets, and walls. The m6 usually avoids rugs and carpet, but for further protection, you can set Keep Out Zones to prevent the mop from spraying pet beds, shoes, etc.
The Not-So-GoodThe m6 is expensive compared to other brands. You’ll also need to purchase more pads since it only comes with 2 disposable wet and dry pads. Washable pads are available, but they’re also expensive. Those pads are gray, though, so it’s hard to see how much dirt it’s picked up.
If you have dark or wood floors, the M6 may leave visible tire marks behind. Battery life is pretty short at 30 – 60 minutes depending on mode, but it does return to the dock automatically to recharge.
What Customers SayCustomers love that they can program the robot to mop only certain rooms. They love that it knows which pad is on it so it won’t get a floor wet if you only want dry mopping and that it returns to the charging dock on its own.
One big complaint is that the M6 has trouble moving over thresholds higher than 3mm. Some customers noted that the cleaning solution isn’t good for wood floors and leaves tire marks on darker floors.
- iRobot Braava 380tPrice: Average
This 2-in-1 robot offers the best of both worlds, delivering both wet mopping and dry sweeping capability. It’s a very economical option that helps ease your daily cleaning routine utilizing advanced Northstar navigation technology to cover a wide surface area.
While it’s a jack of all trades, it’s ultimately a master of none. The 380t makes a great addition to your home-cleaning arsenal, but isn’t replacing manual cleaning or more premium robotic mops anytime soon. Read more >
- iRobot Braava Jet 240Price: Low
Another economical offering from iRobot, the Braava 240 is a great option for helping you clean and maintain smaller spaces. While it doesn’t cover as wide of a surface area as the 380t, it offers an array of cleaning modes and delivers solid cleaning performance.
It does have some difficulty tackling heavier stains, so it’s not a replacement for manual mopping. Given the lower surface area and cleaning performance, it makes a great option as a compliment to helping you maintain an apartment or small home. Read more >
- iRobot Roomba s9+ and iRobot Braava Jet M6 comboPrice: High
Through the iRobot app and a new feature called Imprint Link Technology, the Roomba s9 and Braava Jet m6 are able work in sequence. Once the vacuum is done and back on the dock, it sends a signal to the mop, which then sets out and cleans the freshly swept hard floors.
The s9 is self-emptying and nearly hands-free, while the m6 is the most advanced robot mop on the market. Both robots save you time with top notch navigation that lets them cover a lot of ground on one charge. Read more >
The GoodThe Cybovac E31 was built with hybrid functionality in mind. It offers a generous 600ml dustbin with a 300ml water tank, allowing it to clean more with you emptying and refilling it less.
With 2200Pa of suction it’s able to tackle messes many hybrid robots can’t, and the vacuum is surprisingly quiet considering its power. The added functionality through the Kyvol app and smart assistant integration is always a welcome addition.
The Not-So-GoodWhile the Kyvol app offers additional functionality, the app does lack some basic features found in competing models, such as the ability to establish virtual no-go zones. Additionally, you can not update or delete the map generated by the robot within the app.
There are occasional navigational issues as well, with the robot occasionally becoming stuck or having difficulty finding its base to recharge.
What Customers SayPeople love the straightforward operation of both the robot itself and the included app. Many users love how it compliments their cleaning routine, and how it helps make maintaining your home even easier. The generous 600ml dustbin paired with the lengthy 150-minute runtime are well-loved, as the robot is able to clean more without needing to worry.
As mentioned before, the app isn’t as feature-rich as some would hope.
The GoodThe most significant feature of the DEEBOT OZMO 920 is Ecovacs Ozmo technology, which can simultaneously vacuum and mop your home, offering more versatile cleaning capability than a standalone device. While not perfect, the level of customization and programming ability provided is robust and clearly designed with the user in mind.
Features like multi-floor mapping and virtual boundaries allow you to narrowly define cleaning areas and schedules as needed. In addition to the wide range of functionality, the compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa is undoubtedly a welcomed addition.
The Not-So-GoodLike with any hybrid machine, while the OZMO 920 offers solid mopping performance, it doesn’t necessarily excel at either. As mentioned, while the SmartNavi laser technology can detect objects and obstacles in your house, it’s not a perfect system and can occasionally miss things or become stuck.
While responsive, Ecovacs’ customer support can sometimes not be the greatest at actual resolution.
What Customers SayPeople love the advanced functionality and features on offer, mainly its wide range of customization and programmability. The intelligent navigation, especially the automatic redocking feature, is highly appreciated even if it’s not perfect. Many users also love the hybrid functionality, and how much easier it makes maintaining a clean home.
As mentioned, some users have had difficulties getting a resolution from support, especially if their device was out of warranty.
The GoodAs mentioned, the handheld mode is perhaps the most unique standout feature of the Jetbot. It allows you to clean anywhere you need, and excels at helping tackle grime and buildup in areas like your kitchen or bathroom.
It features dual unboard tanks, keeping pads effectively damp while not saturating your floor, and delivering up to 50 minutes of continuous cleaning without the need to refill. The dual pads are very effective at scrubbing, and feature an extended design that makes them great at cleaning corners.
The Not-So-GoodAs with most robot mops, even with multiple tanks it may run out of water before completing a cleaning cycle within larger homes. While it features smart sensors for obstacle detection, they aren’t the most reliable and may have difficulty detecting carpeting and some other objects.
The navigation uses an unconventional system that makes its pathfinding appear random, so manual adjustment of cleaning modes may be needed for specific tasks.
What Customers SayUsers with smaller homes or that live in apartments absolutely love the Jetbot, noting that it makes a great assistant and helping them clean and maintain their space. People also really appreciate the handheld cleaning capability, although with the machine weighing 6 pounds it may be strenuous in extended sessions for some.
There are users that have had issues with the Jetbot’s navigation, mistaking its random patterns for a lack of intelligence. It also is not the best option for tackling larger homes and spaces in a single cleaning cycle.
The GoodIt doesn’t have the power of most old-fashioned upright vacuum cleaners. However, the SpinWave operates completely on its own. Also, you can run it more frequently than conventional machines. Both of these things mean that over a week’s time, the performance of the SpinWave will rival that of a legacy vacuum.
The Not-So-GoodUnfortunately, the base pad and dock aren’t secured to each other. I don’t know if this is a design flaw or not, but it means that the bot is able to knock the charging base off the pad upon which it rests. This sometimes happens with infuriating regularity. Your machine won’t be able to recharge itself until you fix the situation.
What Customers SaySome users love the fact that while it isn’t completely silent, it’s quiet enough that you can run it while you’re sleeping. And unlike conventional vacuum cleaners, the minimal noise it makes won’t give your dog or cat a heart attack.
Other customers love how well this device mops. The combination of its dual spinning pads, rotating brushes, and proprietary multi-surface cleaning formula will leave your floor sparkling clean and shiny.
The GoodThe iPath lidar system is able to more efficiently clean your home, and generates real-time maps of your home on the fly as it cleans. It utilizes an S-shaped cleaning pattern instead of random navigation, helping to shorten cleaning times and making the most out of its near-unrivaled 2.5 hour runtime.
The included EufyHome app for iOS and Android boasts a vast array of additional functionality, such as the ability to establish no-go zones and set up cleaning schedules.
The Not-So-GoodWhile the lidar-based navigation is certainly a welcomed addition, this technology ultimately comes with a compromise to the former ultra-slim profiles the Robovac line was known for.
The base unit is larger than previous robovacs, and the additional lidar mount on the top means it’s not getting under most couches or other low-profile furniture. There are some quality control issues, particularly software related, that may cause headaches down the line.
What Customers SayCustomers are huge fans of the advanced navigation offered by the L70, especially owners of previous Robovac models that didn’t feature lidar. They love how efficiently the machine cleans, especially after generating a dynamic real time map. A number of people also praise the functionality offered out of the box, and through the EufyHome app.
There are a number of previous Robovac owners that were disappointed by its larger design and resulting inability to get under lower furniture.
The GoodThe features on display at the price offered are a great standout of the M6 Pro, making it a great value for its budget. The lidar based navigation is certainly the most impressive feature, allowing the robot to both intelligently navigate and map out your home in real time. The mopping function is able to cover a wide surface area, while the vacuum function delivers incredible power to get through any messes it encounters.
The Not-So-GoodWhile it offers an array of premium features, don’t expect this to be a 1-to-1 replacement for your high-end hybrid robotic mop. The lidar based navigation is not as reliable as one would hope, and it’s not impossible for the M60 Pro to occasionally become stuck. Furthermore, it’s not the greatest at tackling corners, or grout lines on tiled floors.
What Customers SayPeople by far are happy with the features they get for what they paid, they love the smart capabilities packed into this budget- focused machine. Many customers enjoy the hybrid functionality, along with how well each respective function performs.
While the lidar-based navigation is great, it’s not without its faults. There are users reporting issues with the robot occasionally becoming stuck or having difficulties finding its way back to base.
The GoodAdvanced lidar technology means the A11 will always use the most efficient cleaning route as it makes its way through your home. It’s amazingly agile, able to climb over obstacles such as raised vent covers that would stop a lesser machine dead in its tracks.
When it comes to mopping, the A11 was designed to simulate the same kind of movement a human being would do when using an old-fashioned stick mop. This is a feature few other robotic cleaning machines have.
The Not-So-GoodThere have been some reports that the A11 has difficulty getting into corners. Fortunately, this is a relatively rare complaint. This machine isn’t able to detect carpets, unlike most other units that have this feature. Without it, your carpet could get soaked if the unit thinks your carpet is bare floor.
Hopefully, ILIFE will correct this problem in future versions, because it seems like a glaring omission not to have this functionality in current models.
What Customers SayPet lovers who own the A11 are ecstatic at the unit’s exceptional ability to suck up pet hair. This makes the A11 perfect for everyone who loves their dog or cat, but isn’t exactly thrilled at how much they can shed in the warmer months.
Other customers adore how they can walk in the door at the end of an exhausting day at work and see floors that are radiantly clean. That’s because you can program the A11 to go to town on your carpets and hard floors while you’re busy at the office.
- ILIFE V8sPrice: Low
While the ILIFE V8s has intelligent navigation capabilities, it isn’t as sophisticated as what the A11 has. That’s because the A11 comes equipped with lidar and the V8s doesn’t. On the other hand, the V8s has a 750 ml dustbin, while the A11 only has a 300 ml one. The V8s lasts up to 110 minutes with a full charge, while the A11 has a runtime of 150 minutes. However, the V8s is more affordable. Read more >
- ILIFE V5s ProPrice: Low
With the ILIFE V5s Pro, the only scheduling option is the time of day. In contrast, the V8s boasts a more sophisticated scheduling functionality, allowing you to program the unit to clean not only at specific times, but on specific days. However, if you go with the V5s Pro, you’ll save yourself a few bucks.The V5s Pro is also smaller and lighter than the V8s. Read more >
The GoodThe multi-stage cleaning system is one of the more innovative and impressive systems we’ve reviewed, especially considering how economical this device is. The machine sprays stains to soften them, scrubs them away with the microfiber roller, removes the dirty water using suction, and then wipes away anything remaining with its rubber scraper.
The multiple cleaning modes are also great additions, allowing you to dynamically assign the mode most effective for the task at hand and room you’re cleaning in.
The Not-So-GoodWithout any advanced navigation features aside from basic sensors, its ability to efficiently clean your home is hampered. The device may become stuck, or have difficulty finding its way.
While the water collection is a welcomed and innovative feature, it’s not without its faults. Larger debris may clog the intake valve, affecting performance and the ability to suck up water.
What Customers SayPeople love how well this machine cleans, especially considering the cost. Users not looking for advanced premium features and just need a robot that mops their floors have been largely satisfied. Many users love how there are separate water takes for dispersion and collection.
The multi-stage cleaning mode is either loved or hated by customers. Under ideal circumstances, the machine leaves little behind. If there are issues with the intake for the collection, there may be water spots and streaks left behind.
Hybrid Vs Combo: Why Bother With A Floor Mopping Robot
To robot mop or not to robot mop, that is the question. We’re always looking for the next cool gadget we can control with an app or voice commands in our tech-loving time.
Robot vacuum and mop developers are listening. As more models arrive on the market, more improvements and innovations are coming while prices decrease. Where there was a time where you couldn’t find a robot vacuum for less than $1000, you can now get both robot vacuums and mops starting at prices below $200.
There are multifunctional machines that offer both robot vacuum and mop capabilities, also known as hybrid or combination machines. While not necessarily as powerful as single-function devices, they provide multiple degrees of convenience and make a great compliment to your cleaning routine.
What you WON’T get with a robot mop is a heavy-duty cleaning machine. They’ll never quite match the cleaning power of a traditional mop. You will always be the better mopper since you have almighty elbow grease and a smarter brain.
Are Robot Mops Worth It
Very few June Cleavers exist today. Even full-time moms are busy with side jobs, children’s activities, volunteering, laundry, dishes, grocery shopping… finding time to keep floors clean is hard. We often wait until we’re wading through cat litter or sticking to Kool-Aid spots before we break out the cleaning equipment because it’s just so time-consuming and tiring.
That’s where robot mops and vacuums can really save the day. You have to be realistic. Don’t wait until your floor is hidden under dirt to send these out. They’ll make a streaky path through it, get upset, and go back to their dock to escape.
The best thing to do is, once you give your floors a thorough sweeping or mopping, THEN set these guys up to run on a daily schedule. That will lengthen the time needed between deep cleanings, which in turn will save you time, energy, and cat litter sticking to your feet.
Robot Mops Are Maintenance Tools
It bears repeating: don’t throw out your mop and bucket. For heavy-duty cleaning, nothing beats a scrubbing with an excellent hand-held mop. Robot mops are best for maintenance between manual mopping sessions. They can take care of daily pet shedding and food splatters.
Some of the current models are gentle on delicate surfaces such as wood floors. Instead of only a strong jet of water, which can damage wood, some robot mops now use a slow drip with microfiber cloths. Some even act as dust mops. The most advanced models can be controlled with apps or voice control, and some can interact with other smart home devices.
When looking for a robotic mop, keep in mind that the tech isn’t on par with robot vacuums, especially when it comes to smart navigating and timed schedules. Robot mops with water tanks are a bit more challenging because the volume is limited, so large rooms may require a couple of refills.
For true “automation” during a workday, for instance, a robot mop might not clean your whole kitchen or family room, but could tackle the foyer or a bedroom or bathroom. Larger spaces will often require some babysitting.
What To Look For When Buying A Robotic Mop:
- Battery life: Robot mops for larger homes should have batteries that last around 90 minutes, where apartments and condos can get away with 60 minutes of runtime. Look for models that can return to the charging dock automatically so you won’t have to babysit them as much.
- Sensors: Your robot should be able to sense obstacles such as walls, rugs, and carpeting. Higher tech models can also map the floorplan. Many mop robots can’t tell one floor type from another, however, but they often come with some type of virtual barrier so you can block off carpeted areas.
- Setup: The simpler it is to charge, program, and fill water tanks, the better. If you’re not a tech lover, you may want to steer clear of those models that require WiFi and smartphone apps to operate them.
- Apps: Tech lovers love this feature in today’s “smart” mops. If available, apps should be intuitive, meaning you shouldn’t need a computer science degree and 5 hours to get to the menu you want. Look for those with apps that have the most practical features, such as scheduling and no-go zones.
- Performance: Under real-life situations, your robot mop should clean various hard floors without damaging them while picking up lots of grime in the microfiber cloth. If the cloth isn’t dirty when done, either your floor is already spotless, or the mop itself isn’t that thorough.
Tips & Tricks To Get The Most From Your Robot Mop
With these devices, there are less physical tips and tricks to use than manual cleaning tools, but there are still some little hacks you can keep in mind to make your robot vacuum or mop your BFF.
Wet it first – Yes, the robot mop will be continually dripping or spraying water as it goes (unless you want dry mopping only), but it will take a while for the cleaning pad to get wet enough to mop. By then, it’s made a few passes of just dry mopping. So, to give it a head start, spray the mop pad with a cleaning solution or a water/vinegar solution before you turn on the machine.
- Stains need some TLC – No mopping robot will tackle sticky or dried-on stains as well as a mop. Please take a minute to spray some cleaner or vinegar solution on those spots to pre-treat and soften them up for easier removal.
- One room wonders aren’t bad – Some people are annoyed if they have to refill the water tank or change a cleaning pad between rooms. Don’t be. This is NOT a bad thing. By the time your robot’s done with a room, the pad will be saturated with dirt. If you let it go off into another room, it’s just going to drag the dirt along and be unable to pick up new grime.
- Nobody likes streaks – You’ll probably see a few, especially on darker floors. So, opt for fast-drying cleaning solutions & always use distilled water. The same goes for steam mops.
- Read that manual – For some robot mops, you must only put water or a specific cleaning solution into the water reservoir. Make sure you follow those directions. It could void the warranty otherwise. If you find it’s not cleaning well with plain water, try spraying an undiluted floor cleaner like Mop & Go on the cleaning pad to wet it first.
Things To Avoid
We learn a lot from researching real customer reviews and testimonials. Homeowners care a lot about keeping their homes clean while holding down jobs and taking care of families. So anything that makes cleaning more comfortable and less costly is right up their alleys. They’re great about relating what works as well as what didn’t work. From reading these experiences, we’ve discovered a few things that robot mops don’t play nice with. Pay particular attention to these before you purchase and operate a robot mop, so you’re not out $200 – $800 for a broken hunk of plastic.
- Wires
Most of us have several wires in our homes for electrical and mobile devices. We don’t think twice about leaving them where they are on the floor if they’re not tripping hazards. Robot mops, despite their “smart” technology, aren’t that smart. They’ll go right under the end table or behind the couch, where they can easily get tangled up in the wires.
Then you may lose both robot wire AND your charging cord. Those with scrubbing rollers are especially bad at this. So, before you set your little mop loose, take a couple of minutes to get all electrical wires and charging cables off the floor where the robot may wander.
- Strings and Hair
These pose a similar hazard to wires and cables but aren’t always as obvious. Have a look around. Pick up any stray tennis shoes, ribbons, play jewelry, yarn, etc.
If you or your kids have long hair, make sure you’ve given your floor a good weekly/bi-weekly sweeping, so none of this stuff gets clogged up in your robot mop wheels or scrub rollers.
- Stairs
Even the best high-tech robot mops with room mapping capabilities and drop off sensors can sometimes take a tumble down stairs. Carpeted stairs provide a better cushion, but any stairs have the potential of damaging your robot mop.
The fall can also make dents in the stairs and wall on the way down. Consider blocking off stairs with a baby gate or pillows while the mop’s running for safety’s sake.
- Carpeting
Most robot mops are great with room mapping and virtual walls, so they’ll stay off the carpet and rugs. Others not so much.
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra has Automatic Mop LiftingIf you don’t want soppy rugs and a wet path through your carpet, you may want to pick up those rugs and block off carpeted areas with virtual walls or baby gates.
- Pet Waste
You may have come across one dad’s horrifically hilarious recounting of a run-in between a Roomba and a fresh pile of dog doo. He referred to the resulting mess as “a home that closely resembles a Jackson Pollock poop painting.”
As we said before, robot mops and vacuums are smart(ish). They have one job, and that is cleaning your floor. They can’t quite determine which messes they need to leave to the warm-blooded primates with opposable thumbs. As admirable as their work ethic is, you don’t want to run your robot mop as you sleep only to wake up to a floor covered with dog mess.
Not All Robots Clean a Floor Covered in Dog MessOf course, you can’t always control those accidents when you have pets, but if you have a puppy (or toddler) you’re potty-training or an incontinent older dog, consider NOT running the robot mop or vacuum while you’re asleep or gone. Sure it’s less convenient, but you’ll save yourself a late-night nightmare.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, a robot mop is a phenomenal investment in not only your space, but yourself. Your time is valuable, so why should you spend it exhausting yourself in a seemingly unending cycle of monotonous cleaning? Robot mops and other home cleaning robots help free you up to have more time to spend with your family, relaxing, on your hobbies, and so much more.
As mentioned above, the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra stands tall above competitors thanks to its powerful cleaning ability and wide array of features. However, for those looking for a more budget-focused model with a strict focus on mopping, the ILIFE Shinebot W400s is the perfect pick for you.
We hope this comprehensive breakdown of all things robotic mopping has been useful for you in navigating this fairly significant purchasing decision. Nobody wants to be excited to buy something, only to be disappointed once they actually have it. That’s where our extensive research and testing come in to help.
As a Cleanup Expert, I believe in helping homeowners and people who just want to make their cleaning routine easier. That’s why we’ve carefully tested and reviewed an array of cleaning appliances to showcase the very best that the market currently has to offer. Hopefully, my efforts can help you choose the right robot mop for you.
For additional reviews, articles, and advice surrounding all things home cleaning, check back often for more. If you have any questions at all concerning cleaning or anything mentioned on this list, feel free to drop them below in the comment section, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube for our latest posts and updates!
Robot Tips & Tricks
I’m looking for a good robot vacuum and mop combo. What are your thoughts?
This was not only informational and nicely detailed, but hilarious. I appreciate the author’s sense of humor.
Thanks for sharing
How does the Roomba and Braava jet on a combination of wood, tile and area rug situation. Approx 2200 sq ft? We have two dogs and a lot of clay soil under the grass, with winter snow and rain I’m vacuuming and mopping constantly to keep up? Any suggestions?
Hi
I have two questions
1) if I but two separate, one for vacuum and one for mop, is it possible to link (automatically does mopping upon finishing vacuum) even though both from two different manufactures
2) Which mopping robot does not restrict with proprietary solution from manufacturer?
yes visite here https://www.google.com
My house is pretty large—can a mopping robot handle it?
Most manufacturers will specify how many square feet an average cleaning session will cover with their robotic mop. Generally, the more expansive the water tank, the more floor coverage you will ultimately get. If you have multiple levels in your home, it may be advised to have separate devices for each floor, as the robotic mop may have difficulty overcoming stairs.
Do you have one? What about the Bissell robot vacuum and mop
Yes my farmhouse is huge. It did 79 sq mths and perfectly. I’m so happy
Wheels marks cause of crossing over previous mopped area, is really a drawback on this kind of robots. I’ve seen Xiaomi Zdg300 which design really promise. It has two clothing mops, one in front and another in back. By now, only available for Chinesse Market. Xiaomi Home Is available in English, but chinesse server connection is requiered for configuration. Some claims issues under iOS devices. Just waiting for World Wide availability.
Samsung design Is pretty cool but lacks of lot of features for the price.
We have a neato D7 vac and LOVE it. (I currently use a cordless standing bissell crosswave mop, which I love also but want something that I don’t have to manually operate.)
We have one cat and one dog; both which shed. I’m open to either a robot mop or combo vac/mop combo. I like that the robot mop would likely do a more thorough mop job. Due to Covid, we are looking for some thing cost effective but willing to invest for a great product, as it will save us time.
I do love multi tank cleaning, which dispenses clean water onto the floor and remove sturdy water to make for a cleaner scrub, rather than the ole’ dragging a wet cloth situation. However, I would love if the robot mop could clean under furniture. It’s important that the mop doesn’t miss any spots, and therefore must have some sort of mapping technology and not just randomly bounce around the room.
Do you have any suggestions as to what would be the best product for these needs?
We’re currently considering the braava m6, shinebot w400 and the new bissell spinwave wet/dry robot.
* hoping to make a decision in the next day or two to purchase as an early Christmas present!
Thank you for any information!
The iLife W400 Shinebot is definitely an excellent option for deep cleaning tiles thanks to its unique liquid vacuum feature. Another great option for deep cleaning tiles is the Braava Jet m6. These types of robots do more than just pass once over the floor, significantly increasing the effectiveness.
Does the Shinebot work better to clean tile grout or are they all roughly the same? Does the Shinebot come close to a deeper clean than the others?
We keep seeing these robot mop and vacuum combos, but are they really worth it? Or is a single robot mop better?
That depends on your cleaning priorities. If you want decent mopping ability, go with a single function robot mop. The hybrids are all good vacuums, but the mopping is only so-so and good for touch-ups, comparable to a light pass with a Swiffer wet mop. The single function robot mops have a bigger water tank, and more real estate dedicated to the task. For instance, the iRobot Braava Jet m6 actually sprays water, while the ILIFE Shinebot W400 sprays, suctions, and dries the floor. Hybrid mops usually only have a drip system that keeps the pad damp, but can’t do much more than that.
Our advice is to invest in a Roomba i7 or s9+ vacuum and a iRobot Braava Jet m6. They work like a tag team with Imprint Technology. Once the vacuum is done and docked, the mop then sets out automatically.
Isn’t there a Roomba that also mops the floor? We have dogs that shed and track wet paw prints through the house. It would be nice to have one that swept and mopped at the same time.
There are a few hybrid robot mop / vacuums. However, most of them are not that great at doing both tasks, especially the mopping part. We found just one – the Roborock S5 – that was pretty good at both, but still was a better vacuum.
We’d recommend getting two separate robots. The most impressive pairing we found so far is the Roomba i7+ or S9+ paired with the Braava Jet m6 robot mop. Dock them close to one another. Then when the Roomba is done with its cycle and returns to charge, the mop will set out and clean the freshly vacuumed floor. You can operate them both via the iHOME app.
We recently got a Roomba i7 and love it. But we were wondering if adding a mopping robot would be worth the extra expense? I’m not convinced they’re as good at mopping as the vacuums are at sweeping.
You’re right in that robot mops are a little behind tech-wise compared to robot vacuums. They’re still relatively new on the market, whereas the Roombas have had a couple decades of evolution.
You have to weigh the benefits over the drawbacks. For the price, robot mops are cheaper than robot vacuums, but more expensive than a regular mop and bucket, even the high-end spin mops. They’re maintenance machines only, to be used between heavy duty mopping. However, they can extend the time between manual mopping.
They can suffer from some of the same problems robot vacuums have, in that they can get lost or stuck. Some also have very small water tanks that won’t make it practical to run while you’re not at home. But many of them can do different modes like dry, damp, or wet mopping. They can reach under furniture and cabinets easily. Some can even spot clean.
Since you have the Roomba i7, a REALLY good option for you is the BraavaJet m6 robot mop. It pairs up with the i7 so that when the vacuum is done, the mop then sets off to do its thing automatically.