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 reach under furniture and into corners to clean up messes you can't see.
Jodhaira has tried a variety of floor-cleaning devices in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. This includes a wide range of robot vacuum and mops combinations. She has compiled a list of the top models to deal with pet hair.
1. Battery life
When shopping for a robot mop and vacuum, you should take into consideration the size of your house and the number of pets you own. The larger your home, the more power a robot cleaner will need. More pets typically result in more hair. It's also important to take into consideration the flooring type in your home, as certain models are better for cleaning hard floors.
A robotic vacuum and mop ought to be able to get rid of pet hair from any floor surface, including hardwood, tile, and carpet. If you have more than one pet, you might want to consider a model with a high-efficiency hair picker. Some robot cleaners come with water features to assist with sticky spills or staining. These units also disinfect floors with water.
Robot mops with integrated vacuuming tend to have longer battery life than mops that only mop. This is due to the fact that you're combining two functions in one device, which reduces the time needed to charge and then shut down. Some models even empty themselves into the charging station after every run, drying the pads while doing so. This prevents bacteria from forming on wet pads.
For the best robot vacuum and mop combo that can cope with pet hair and footprints We recommend the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni. This model is a strong performer in our tests and boasts many smart features, including TrueMapping 2.0 and TrueDetect 3D technology to map your home for ideal cleaning patterns and avoid bumping into furniture or other obstacles. best robot vacuum for pet hair and carpet has an all-in-one base that houses both the clean and dirty water tanks, which makes an easy task of maintaining them.
2. App control
Many robot vacuums and mop combos come with an app which lets you save maps of your house as well as create cleaning schedules, and monitor maintenance requirements. Some even let you control the robot remotely. There are still models that have the power button on the charging dock, base station or remote included.
In general, search for a model with an option to clean up that vacuums, mops or performs both, and doesn't require the user to press a manual button to shut off. Then, you can send the robot to its dock to empty its dirty bin, change a wet mop pad or mop cloth, wash it, or refill its water reservoir. It is also important to determine whether the robot is compatible with your voice-activated assistant. This allows you to use simple commands such as "OK Google" and "OK Alexa" to begin a cleaning session, ask for assistance with a problem, or even more.
Consider how much time you want to spend tending to your robotic cleaner and how often your floors receive before settling on a model. For example, if you have low furniture or a large floor plan you might choose a model with a smaller vacuum and mop capacity. It is also important to be aware that some mopping robots come with recurring expenses since they can be costly to purchase. Then you'll need to buy mop pads or mop cloths, on top of the need to replace filters, side sweeping brushes and other components that might be suggested for maintenance on a regular basis. Be sure to take into consideration the cost of the cleaning product itself, as some brands might suggest purchasing an additional cleaning product to keep your floors tidy.
3. Carpet Recognition
The most effective robot vacuums and mop combinations can distinguish between carpets and hard surfaces. This means they don't saturate spills or staining. They can also identify areas with more than one type of flooring and automatically schedule cleanings according to your home's layout. These features are usually easy to use, but you'll need to download a separate app to your smartphone.
Some hybrid models don't use any liquid. They usually empty into a bag which is kept in the base. Some even have a self-emptying feature which lets you empty the contents into a trash can.
Some robots have a variety of mopping settings, while others are designed for dry floors like hardwood or tile. The most effective robot vacuum and mop combos for pet hair are designed to work on both types of flooring, 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 when selecting a robot mop or vacuum. If you have pets or children, you'll need a model that is powerful enough and has a battery to cope with the regular cleaning of your floors.
The best two-in-one robots are equipped with top-quality features that are worth the cost. For example the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni can vacuum and mop in one sweep, with 8,000-Pa suction and two mop heads that rotate. It can also scan your furniture and other objects to keep them from getting damaged while cleaning, and even communicate with using two-way audio. It also takes care of its own dirt so it will automatically go back to its dock when it's time to take washing.
4. Water tank capacity
Robot vacuums remove dirt from the floor and deposit it in a dustbin or bag. Robots mops the cleaning solution on the floor and scrub off the dirt with pads. Some models can do both, while others offer specific capabilities for dealing with various surfaces. To ensure that you get the appropriate type of cleaning for your home, take note of your floors' surface types and the amount of foot traffic they receive.
Most robot vacuum and mop combinations require a cleaning formula that'll vary between brands. While it's possible to purchase third-party cleaners to use with these machines, it's best to stick with the brand suggested by the manufacturer. This will protect your machine from the possibility of damage and keep your robot operating as efficiently as it can.
If your mop/robot vacuum combo includes a dustbin that you can use, you'll need to empty it on a regular basis. Most vacuums come with an indicator that tells you when it's time to get the replacement of the bag. Similarly, you'll likely need to replace the filters and side sweeping brushes, rollers and other accessories from time time to ensure that they are operating at their best.
A self-emptying robot can make this process a lot easier, allowing you simply dump the contents of the bin into a trash container or recycling bin. However, most of these machines don't automatically wash and dry their mopping pads or rags, which can lead to bacterial growth and mildew. If your machine does not have this feature, make sure to remove and wash the pad after each use, or place it in a flat area 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 focuses on minimalistic design by removing this feature.
5. Mop mode
If you're looking for a robot vacuum and mop combo that can clean your floors while you're away, the best option is the IRobot Roomba j7. It's expensive but its AI obstacle avoidance is among the most effective in the market. It can identify poop, vacuum up Cheerios and even sift through the mess of socks and phone cords that tend to build up on your floors. This makes it a great choice for homes with children and pets who like to keep the floor clear of clutter.
It's also one of the few robots we tested that can mop hard floors, including hardwood, tile and Linoleum. It did a good job cleaning sticky mess, wet spills and pet hair from carpets.
The only downside is that it's not a 2-in-1 robot, and it could take up to 6.5 hours to fully charge. In addition, while the majority of robots automatically empty into dust bags that are stored at the base station, this one requires you to empty the dust bin when full. That can be a hassle, especially in larger homes with stairs or high ceilings.
If you're looking for a 2-in-1 that is more traditional, look into the Ecovacs T10 Plus. It has excellent suction power that is able to clean pet hair on carpets, as well as a self-emptying dustbin. It has scented pods, which allows you to pick your preferred scent. However it has a lower battery life than the best models we looked at and has to be charged frequently.