Whether you already have a standard robot vacuum or you’re looking at ditching the upright corded vacuum for something less DIY, this guide is for you. The best robot vacuums have come a long way from the days of a giant, clunky novelty which you had to break the bank for, with many being able to multitask and make housework a breeze.
Nowadays, the variety of models to choose from continues to grow. Bagless self-emptying systems, high-tech mapping systems that avoid dents in the furniture, and now robot vacuums that can mop the floor as well as sucking up the dust and crumbs.
But is it worth it to upgrade it to a robot vacuum and mop combo? Is the tech there yet to justify the big spend? We'll run through whether a robot vacuum/mop hybrid is right for your home, with help from cleaning expert Toby Schulz.
Toby Schulz, CEO of Maid2Match, says: “Robot vacuums have stopped being a simple trend – they’re now a serious consideration for homeowners when it comes to keeping things tidy. There’s a lot to weigh up before you get one, though. The biggest advantage of a robot vacuum – and especially a hybrid model with a mop – is convenience.”
Toby Schulz is the CEO and one of the co-founding brothers of Maid2Match. He manages everyday operations and oversees the recruitment of new professional cleaners for the company. Toby previously worked as a professional cleaner, while raising the money to set up his own business.
What kind of robot mop and vacuum combos can I buy?
There are robot vacuum mops for every budget. The most basic models require you to manually put on and take off the mop and set up no-go zones in your house in order to prevent it from soaking the carpet. There are then higher tech versions which have built in sensors which can detect carpet, so that the robot will retract the mop, saving you from a soggy rug.
Vacuums like the eufy clean X8 Pro require the mop to be clipped on, with a small capacity water tank, and will set you back $649. The Roomba Combo J7+ is a heftier $999, but features the rug/carpet sensor – so if you have many rugs in your home this could be a worthwhile investment. Some robot vacuum mops like the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni even have separate tanks for clean and dirty water, and the base station has a hot water mopping function. You get what you pay for though, and this model will set you back around $1,499.
What are the pros and cons of robot mop and vacuum combos?
Pros
“Robot vacuum cleaners are also better at getting to hard-to-reach spots," Toby explains. This avoids the work on your part to move beds and furniture out of the way as the robot vacuum can "putter its way under furniture with ease."
By having a robot vacuum with a mop, you are killing two birds with one stone when it comes to keeping the house clean and tidy. Previously, it would require you to vacuum everywhere with a hefty corded upright vacuum, before mopping everywhere manually, before waiting for it to dry (hoping the kids and pets don’t run all over your damp, freshly cleaned floor) before going over the edges again with a vacuum.
Robot vacuums with mops do it all in one go, and the higher-end models can empty the dirty water for you too, meaning you have minimal contact with any muck and grime. As mentioned above, some robot vacuum mops can also sense the change in texture and height To avoid soaking your rugs and carpets.
Many of the apps which accompany the robot mop and vacuum combos also allow you to schedule a clean, whether it’s daily or weekly. You can time it for when the kids are at school, or even for when you know it will have been a messy morning of muddy boots in the kitchen at a weekend.
They can cut down on dust and allergens as well, and with this hands-off approach it can be highly beneficial if you have asthma or other illnesses worsened by being in close contact with dander and fluff.
Cons
Toby explains: “The biggest disadvantages to a robot vacuum with a mop attachment are cleaning power and efficiency. Even the fanciest hybrid robot vacuum won’t match up to a traditional vacuum and mop. Moreover, robot vacuums perform best on flat hard floors – if you’ve got carpets or stone, you’ll have more difficulty.”
“Robot vacuums with mops have smaller motors, so they have less power. They’re also less efficient since their containers are smaller, as are their batteries. So a robot vacuum mop might not be able to clean a stain on your floor, leaving you to tackle that for yourself.”
They're not massively effective for large homes either, as the robots won't detect changes in elevation. Depending on the model, they may also not have enough power to get around the whole house before needing to be charged again.
The cheaper models require you to manually add on and remove the mop, which can be as basic as a piece of fabric attached to a plastic cover by a strip of Velcro.
Not all robot vacuum mops can sense when there is a rug or carpet, requiring you to set up “no go” zones on the app or manually block off the area you do not want it to go on.
Water tank size can also vary, with some only using cold water that requires manual refilling and emptying, while others can use hot water and self-drain.
Not all robot vacuum mops can use detergent, either, so be sure to check the manual for your chosen model.
What features should I look for in a robot mop and vacuum?
Check how much pressure the mop can apply. For example the DEEBOT X2 OMNI has a “deep scrubbing” mode for trickier stains, while the iRobot Braava Jet m6 Robot mop prides itself on tackling even dried-on stains – but it doesn’t vacuum. Double check the size of the water tanks too, as they vary from a tiny 125 ml / 4.23 fl oz all the way up to a whopping 4 litres / 135.26 fl oz. The bigger the tank, the larger an area you can have mopped without having to intervene and refill the tank.
If you are just looking for an occasional surface clean but want to prioritise a vacuum cleaner, the eufy X8 Pro could do the trick, but for more serious mopping something like the DEEBOT X2 Omni would be more suited.
You also want to check the battery life to make sure it doesn’t give up the ghost midway through a clean, and it’s worth checking whether you need to manually remove the mop head to clean it, or whether it will clean them itself.
Verdict: Should I buy a robot mop and vacuum combo?
If you already have a robot vacuum and are looking for something that can do a surface level freshen up every once in a while, and you have a lot of hard floors, then a robot vacuum with a mop could be worth your while. If you have a lot of carpets or rugs, it would be better to invest in a standard robot vacuum and stick to manual mopping.
If you regularly have sticky spills and messes, most combined robot vacuum and mops will struggle to tackle it, however they can be handy for a daily freshen up to keep on top of things. If you are going to invest, it’s worth spending the extra cash for one with a dirty and clean tank, and a larger capacity.
