All about washing robotic vacuum cleaners

What was impossible 20-30 years ago is quite common today for us. Various gadgets, functional household appliances, innovative units and robotic assistants have long become a part of our life and made human labor easier. Among other recent human inventions, a washing robot vacuum cleaner has appeared. Before choosing such a device for the home, you need to have an idea of ​​its functions and operating features.

Home appliance stores offer a wide selection of both conventional and robotic cleaning vacuum cleaners, usually from American, Chinese and Japanese manufacturers. Of course, this technique will not replace high-quality floor cleaning with a mop, but the “smart” assistant is ideal for frequent wet cleaning. But not all robots are created equal. Below are the main features, and a more detailed design of robots is described in the next section.

• Some are designed specifically for wet cleaning, others specifically for cleaning floors. But everyone has the same principle of work. All are supplied with a damp sponge cloth, during cleaning, dust and dirt adhere to it. Also now you can see new models with additional functions.
• Another distinguishing feature of robots is their height. To find the right unit for your home, you need to determine the minimum height between furniture and the floor in your apartment.
• Robot vacuum cleaners are able to independently navigate in space, choose the direction of movement and avoid obstacles.
• A timer can be set depending on the model. For example, during your absence from the house, you can set the cleaning time, basic and additional functions of the device. After finishing the work of the robot vacuum cleaner, you only need to clean the dust container.

It is necessary to determine immediately that the washing robot vacuum cleaner for wet cleaning is different from the robot designed for cleaning floors. The wet vacuum cleaner is equipped with a special container for a constantly wet sponge. Such a robot only wipes the floor, while in a floor vacuum cleaner this is only an additional function. The vacuum cleaner for cleaning floors is equipped with a small container from which water is supplied. The construction of vacuum cleaners differs depending on the models.

• Typically, vacuum cleaners are equipped with a plastic dust collector, but there are also those that collect dirt in a paper bag. The capacity of such containers is different, from 250 ml to 1 liter.
• Washing robotic vacuum cleaners differ among themselves and in height. There are low models at 7-8 centimeters and higher ones at 9-10 centimeters.
• In appearance, robots can be either round or square. But it should be understood that in both cases the corners do not remain quite clean. A round vacuum cleaner will leave about 4 centimeters of dust in hard-to-reach places, a square one - a couple of centimeters. In any case, for clean corners, you will need to either manually sweep the dust or work with a simple vacuum cleaner.
• And, of course, all washing robotic vacuum cleaners are equipped with rechargeable batteries, which provide a long work without recharging. Batteries can be either lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride. The second battery option is less efficient.
• Depending on the price of the model, the robots are equipped with several additional functions. These include additional holes on the sides with extra-long dust brushes. The "virtual wall" function controls and blocks the entry of the vacuum cleaner into the non-working area.Another additional function is programming the cleaning time.

It is extremely difficult to say unequivocally which model is better. Ratings of cleaning robotic vacuum cleaners are different and are based on a comparison of different indicators. Below we have tried to compile an objective review of 5 popular models. At the same time, budget options were also taken into account.

• The leader in the production of washing robotic vacuum cleaners in the world and on the Russian market is the American company iRobot. Robots of the South Korean company YUJIN ROBOT, in particular, the iClebo model, are also widely known and in demand.

• In the first place, the iRobot Scooba 450 washing robot vacuum cleaner with a dry and wet cleaning function. He not only wipes, but thoroughly washes the floor, is equipped with a liter water tank, which is enough for about 28 square meters. m. The set includes a bottle of Scooba washing concentrate (118 ml), which is enough for 30 cleanings. The robot is 91 mm high, 366 mm wide, which allows it to penetrate into hard-to-reach places. Full wet and dry cleaning program for 25 minutes. The main advantage of the model is the high quality of cleaning.

• The second place belongs to Xiaomi Mi Roborock Sweep One. This robot works in several modes and easily copes with cleaning large rooms. The robot is designed for wet and dry cleaning. The performance reaches 150 minutes without recharging. The unit has more than 10 sensors that help it move in space.

• In third place is the iClebo Pop robot vacuum cleaner for wet cleaning. Ideal for rooms with a lot of furniture, it is easy to navigate in space. In terms of its dimensions, it is quite compact and copes with obstacles up to 18 mm high. It is able to work for quite a long time without recharging, but the relatively budget price shows the absence of such options as a "virtual wall" and a timer.

• The fourth place is taken by Clever & Clean AQUA-Series 01. Works in 6 modes, 120 minutes without recharging. Suitable for any home, apartment or house. The peculiarity of the model is that it can do separate types of cleaning. For wet cleaning, a container with water and a special nozzle is used. Equipped with an ultraviolet lamp to fight bacteria.

• In fifth place, the small Philips FC8794 SmartPro Easy vacuum cleaner with basic functions for dry and wet cleaning. Easy to clean, ideal for medium-sized rooms. Equipped with a 400 ml dust collector. The timer for work can be set a day before the start of cleaning. With any choice, you need to soberly assess your requirements, technical characteristics and the price of equipment. A wide range of robotic cleaning vacuum cleaners is available in modern home appliance stores.

When choosing robots, you need to consider for which rooms and flooring you plan to use the equipment. There are several criteria that will not allow you to make a mistake when choosing a particular model. Below we present the main selection criteria.

• Room area. Depending on the area of ​​your house or apartment, you can choose the most suitable and maneuverable model.
• Passability. We have already said that the model of the vacuum cleaner must be selected depending on the dimensions of your furniture so that the robot can easily penetrate under it. If you find it difficult to assess the height of all the furniture in the house or there is a lot of it, then it is best to get a slim model.
• Obstacles. If you have stairs in your house, you need to consult with the shop assistants how the robot will climb or bypass them. Skirting boards, curtains, etc. can also be obstacles.
• Maneuverability. How much the robot can independently leave hard-to-reach places. There are robots that can turn on the spot, other models you have to release yourself.
• Directionality. You need to decide exactly for what types of cleaning and what surfaces you need a robot. For example, robots with a wet cleaning function are suitable for laminate flooring. For linoleum, a unit with a floor cleaning function, which is equipped with a special container for water, is suitable.
• Completion and spare parts. When buying a robot while still in the store, unpack the box. Make sure that all parts and components stated in the technical specifications are available. The main components are the turbo brush option, microfiber cloths, water containers and tanks. Also check for the presence of a remote control, coordinator, motion limiter and other options.

For owners of large apartments or for those who have pets, cleaning the house with a robot vacuum cleaner will be much easier and more enjoyable. The robot not only removes dust, but also collects small debris, wool. If any of your household members are allergic to dust, such an assistant is a must. Before you start using the robot, you need to carefully read the instructions and check that all parts are installed correctly. It is important and competent to take care of the equipment, to constantly clean the units. Below are a few important tips for using your robotic cleaning vacuum cleaner.

• After the robot has finished its work, it is necessary to clean out the garbage from its containers in a timely manner, it is best to do this after cleaning each room. In this case, the garbage container does not need to be washed, it is enough to wipe it with a damp cloth. It is advisable after a couple of sessions to check the condition and clean the brushes, sensors, wheels.
• If the model includes aquafilters or containers for detergents, they must be rinsed under running water. After rinsing, they must be thoroughly dried and reinstalled. Failure to do this may result in unpleasant odors and dirt build-up.
• Also, in some models designed specifically for cleaning floors, water sprayers are installed. It needs to be cleaned about twice a year, once, since particles of dust and dirt, getting inside the vacuum cleaner, usually settle on all parts of it.
• Before turning on the machine, make sure that all accessories are installed correctly. The containers for water and floor cleaning products are sufficiently filled.

When choosing a washing robot vacuum cleaner, as well as when choosing any other modern technology, it is necessary to focus not only on the technical characteristics, but also to look at the opinions of people who have already made their choice.

Advantages - control via a smartphone is available, an ideal price-quality ratio, a quiet unit. Programming functions are provided, removes dust and debris well. Disadvantages - side brushes are not always enough, the cleaning scheme is chaotic, and movement in space is not limited by anything.

Advantages - good quality equipment with excellent cleaning functions. A reliable and efficient gadget. Disadvantages - there is no indicator for filling the dust container.

Advantages - well cleans the floor from hair of pets (cats, dogs), simple and effective navigation, stylish design, reliable and durable equipment. Disadvantages - there is no "virtual wall", the limiter of the cleaning area, high price.Objectively, it is impossible to say unequivocally good or bad about each specific model.

For information on how to choose a washing robot vacuum cleaner, see the next video.