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Tired of making a mess and causing back strain by cleaning floors with a conventional mop and a bucket? Consider outsourcing the chore to a robot for automated floor cleaning. Battery-powered self-propelling mops are an effortless way to remove dirt, grime, and stains from tile, stone, wood, and many other types of hard flooring surfaces. Plus, select models come with robot vacuums to clear dirt and debris before mopping.
After extensive research, we chose 12 of the most popular robot mops to test, and the top 10 made our list. Ahead, this guide explains some of the essential features and functions to seek in a good robot mop and provides an honest look at the pros and cons of each tested model.
- BEST OVERALL: Roborock Q Revo Robot Vacuum and Mop
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: ILife V5s Plus Robotic Vacuum and Mop
- UPGRADE PICK: Narwal Freo Robot Vacuum and Mop
- BEST SCRUBBER: Everybot Edge2 Hyper Performance Mopping Robot
- BEST VACUUM-MOP COMBO: Yeedi Cube Robot Vacuum and Mop
- BEST MOP ONLY: iRobot Wi-Fi Connected Braava Jet M6 Robot Mop
- BEST FOR HARDWOOD: Roborock Q7 Max Robot Vacuum and Mop
- BEST FOR LAMINATE: Yeedi Vac Station Robot Vacuum and Mop
- BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: MAMNV Robot Vac and Mop Combo
- BEST FOR LARGE SPACES: Shark Matrix Plus Self-Empty Robot Vacuum and Mop
How We Tested the Best Robot Mops
We researched 20 popular robot mops, looking at user ratings, features, and price points. We selected the top 12 models to put through real-world hands-on testing. Our tests included running each mop on a 1,000-square-foot first floor at least three times to assess the cleaning ability of everyday dirt. We then spilled a sticky drink and dribbled pasta sauce on the floor to gauge how well each mop could tackle bigger messes.
We kept track of testing results in a rubric where each mop was given a score of 1 to 4 based on its ease of use, additional features, and cleaning ability. The top 10 robot mops made our list, and we assigned each an award based on performance.
We also kept advice from Gretchen Boyd, president of NYC House Cleaners, in mind: “Intelligent navigation, economical water usage, and configurable schedules are all important things to consider. The lifespan of robot mops varies depending on usage and upkeep.” She suggests investing in respected brands and models to assure long-term performance.
Our Top Picks
Whether a shopper is searching for a single-purpose robot mop or a multitasking robot vacuum that can also mop, there is an option on this list that will serve most every user’s specific needs. The following picks have passed our extensive hands-on testing and represent some of the most innovative and capable robot mops available.
Best Overall
Roborock Q Revo Robot Vacuum and Mop
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Product Specs
- Cleaning mode: Vacuuming and wet mopping
- Runtime: 180 minutes
- Smart maps: Yes
What We Like
- Powerful suction and 2 spinning mopheads leave the floor spotless
- Robot auto detects carpets and raises mop pads 7 millimeters to avoid getting them wet
- Multifunctional base empties the dustbin, washes and dries the mop pads, and refills the mop
- App functions include smart mapping, routines, keep-out zones, and scheduling
What We Don’t Like
- Too tall to fit under all low-to-ground furniture
Shoppers looking for a powerful mop and a hands-off cleaning experience may appreciate the Roborock Q Revo. The vacuum on this model features 5,500 pascal suction, and the mop has two spinning heads that lift dirt and buff the floor to a streak-free shine. The robot self-empties, and the multifunctional dock fills the robot with water and washes and dries the mop pads.
The Roborock app allows users to create maps, mark no-go zones, adjust the moisture level of the mop, and create routines and one-off or repeated cleaning schedules. Hooking the Roborock Q Revo up to Wi-Fi and its app was easy and took us less than 5 minutes. After connection, we immediately put the vacuum to the test by spreading 2 tablespoons of flour, a crumbled chocolate chip cookie, and a handful of chocolate chips on our floor. We pressed the “clean” button on the app and watched as the Q Revo suctioned up every last food crumb. As the robot vacuumed the food from our floor, the spinning mopheads cleaned it; they were able to clear a sticky drink and pasta sauce from our hardwoods.
As the robot worked, it periodically returned to the multifunctional dock that washed and dried the mop pads, keeping them from developing bacteria or odor. The Q Revo was such a hands-off cleaning tool that it quickly became one of our favorites, and we used it every morning for more than 3 weeks. Even when we left a stray toy or sock on the floor, the Q Revo had no problem maneuvering around these obstacles. It also lifted the mop pad 7 millimeters high every time it encountered an area rug, so our carpets never got wet.
Get the Roborock Q Revo robot mop at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
ILife V5s Plus Robotic Vacuum and Mop
Product Specs
- Cleaning mode: Wet mopping and vacuuming
- Runtime: 110 minutes
- Smart maps: No
What We Like
- Separate vacuum and mopping modes for complete hard floor cleaning
- Controllable via remote control or companion app; remote control doesn’t require Wi-Fi connectivity
- Less expensive than most other robot and vacuum mop combos
What We Don’t Like
- Robot doesn’t avoid area rugs, carpet, or doormats in mopping mode
- Cleans in a random pattern versus neat rows; misses some spots
The ILife V5s is a robotic vacuum and mop that users can operate via the included remote control or through the ILife home app. Use through the remote control doesn’t require Wi-Fi connectivity.
Rather than vacuuming and mopping simultaneously, the ILife V5s Plus has an interchangeable dustbin and water tank. When we first received it, we let it charge overnight per the instructions and then pressed play on the remote. The robot bounced across the room, vacuuming in a seemingly random pattern. It got stuck once on a doormat, but other than that, it didn’t require manual intervention from us.
Once the vacuum had made its way to all the rooms, we emptied the dustbin and inserted the filled water tank. We also installed the mop pad and bracket and then pressed play. Again, the robot bounced around, mopping the floors. We were worried that the floors would be streaky due to the zig-zagging pattern of the mop, but our hardwoods dried clean and without streaks.
This model did a good job of vacuuming and mopping. It also allowed for scheduling via the remote or app. However, because this robot vacuums and mops in random patterns versus neat rows, it tends to miss some spots. Overall, the ILife V5s Plus is a decent budget-friendly choice, but it doesn’t perform as well as high-end models.
Get the ILife robot mop at Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
Narwal Freo Robot Vacuum and Mop
Product Specs
- Cleaning mode: Wet mopping and dry vacuuming
- Runtime: 180 minutes
- Smart maps: Yes
What We Like
- Allows users to select a vacuum-only, mop-only, vacuum and then mop, or vacuum and mop mode
- Automatically senses dirt levels and cleans multiple times if needed
- Dock station washes and heat dries the mop pads to prevent odor and bacteria
- App allows for scheduling and customized cleaning routines for the whole house or individual rooms
What We Don’t Like
- Dock doesn’t self-empty the dustbin; requires manual emptying
Shoppers looking for a robot vacuum and mop that’s just as beautiful as it is feature packed might find what they want from the Narwal Freo. This model is equipped with DirtSense technology that determines the level of dirt in a room and then decides how many times to clean it. It also has an LED touch screen on the top of the dock station and an easy-to-use app that creates 2D and 3D maps. Its multifunctional dock washes and dries the mop pads to prevent odor and bacteria.
We set up the Freo by following the quick-start instructions in the box and on the LED screen. The app then gave us the option to vacuum then mop, vacuum and mop, vacuum only, or mop only. It also asked us if there were pets, stairs, or carpets in the house so it could customize the way it cleans.
We mapped our house and tried the vacuum and mop mode. The vacuum suctioned all of our test debris and regular dirt. The two spinning mopheads scrubbed the floors clean and tackled the dried-on tomato sauce and sticky drink. The cleaning power was impressive.
We left our area rugs on the floor, and when the Freo encountered them, it lifted its mopheads, never getting them wet. About every 5 to 10 minutes, it returned to its dock, washed the mop pads, and then got back to cleaning.
Those who enjoy innovative designs will likely appreciate the Freo. It vacuums and mops exceptionally well, offers a customizable clean, and has a sleek look.
Get the Narwal robot mop at Amazon or Narwal.
Best Scrubber
Everybot Edge2 Hyper Performance Mopping Robot
Product Specs
- Cleaning mode: Wet mopping and dry sweeping
- Runtime: 120 minutes
- Smart maps: No
What We Like
- Doesn’t require an app or Wi-Fi connectivity; operational via a remote control
- 2 spinning mopheads scrub light dirt and stuck-on messes from hard floors
- 6 cleaning modes and 4 adjustable water levels for a customizable clean
What We Don’t Like
- No app, smart mapping, or scheduling features; limited functionality
- Occasionally left some minor streaking on hardwood floors after use
The Everybot Edge2 is a floor mopping robot that can also dry sweep. There’s no need to download an app or connect to Wi-Fi to power the Edge2. Instead, it comes with a remote control for easy operation. The remote offers six cleaning modes plus adjustable water control.
After receiving the Everybot Edge2, we charged it for several hours before putting it to work. We filled the water tank, attached the mop pads, and turned the robot on using the auto cleaning mode. It worked its way around our kitchen, and the spinning mop head did an excellent job of cleaning the floor. We tried the other modes, including focus, edge, 50 minutes, and step. We regularly returned to the 50-minute mode, allowing the robot to scrub around our first floor for 50 minutes before powering off.
The Everybot Edge2 had no problem lifting regular dirt buildup, but there were a couple of occasions where it left minor streaks behind. To test the mop’s cleaning power on tough messes, we dried pasta sauce and apple juice on our hardwoods and then set the mop on focus mode so it would concentrate on the dirty area. It took a few passes, but Edge2 removed the mess without our intervention.
Overall, this is a good choice for users who want an easy-to-operate mop that doesn’t require Wi-Fi or an app. It doesn’t offer scheduled cleaning or voice assistant integration, but it can wash floors and spot-clean tougher messes.
Get the Everybot robot mop at Amazon.
Best Vacuum-Mop Combo
Yeedi Cube Robot Vacuum and Mop
Product Specs
- Cleaning mode: Wet mopping and dry vacuuming
- Runtime: 150 minutes
- Smart maps: Yes
What We Like
- Features 5,100 pascal suction and sonic mopping for a spotless floor
- Self-emptying, self-washing, and self-drying dock for user maintenance
- Auto detects rugs and lifts mop pads 8 millimeters to prevent saturation
What We Don’t Like
- Occasionally gets stuck on thick area rugs, requiring manual intervention
Those looking for a robot vacuum and mop that delivers exceptional suction and scrubbing power may appreciate the Yeedi Cube. Equipped with 5,100 pascal suction, the vacuum on this model was one of our best performers. This robot also has sonic mopping capabilities, utilizing 2,500 vibrations per minute to scrub the floors. In addition, it features a self-emptying, self-washing, and self-drying base that makes maintenance a breeze.
Hooking the Yeedi up to Wi-Fi was simple. We followed the prompts on the app and had it connected within a few minutes. After charging the robot, we filled the onboard water tank, attached the mop pad, and put it to work. As with all other models, we scattered flour, cookie crumbs, and chocolate chips on the floor to test the vacuum. The Yeedi cube picked up all the debris, leaving our floors spotless. The mop also passed all tests with flying colors, scrubbing a sticky drink and pasta sauce from our hardwoods. The mop lifted when it detected our low-pile area rugs, so they never got wet.
After the Yeedi finished cleaning, it returned to its dock where it self-emptied, washed the mop pads, and dried them with heated air. We used this model for several weeks, and the mop pads never developed any bad odors.
This model quickly became one of our favorites. It mapped our home on its first try, had a user-friendly app, and our only maintenance was filling the clean water tank and emptying the dock’s dirty water tank as needed.
Get the Yeedi Cube robot mop at Amazon.
Best Mop Only
iRobot Wi-Fi Connected Braava Jet M6 Robot Mop
Product Specs
- Cleaning mode: Wet mopping and dry sweeping
- Runtime: 150 minutes
- Smart maps: Yes
What We Like
- Compatible with iRobot Home app, Alexa, and Google Home
- Includes a patented navigation system, so the mop avoids obstacles
- Programmable cleaning schedule allows users to set regular cleaning times
What We Don’t Like
- Took multiple attempts to smart map a closed-concept layout
Boasting a single-charge battery life of more than 2 hours, the Braava Jet is well-suited for larger homes. Its navigation system allows it to create a map of the house, which is accessible via the app. Users can program schedules, mark keep-out zones for the mop to avoid, and select targeted cleaning areas.
The Braava Jet has two modes: dry sweeping and wet mopping. It comes with two disposable dry sweeping pads, two disposable mopping maps, and one washable wet mopping pad.
Downloading the app and connecting to the Braava Jet was easy. With the app setup, we instructed the Braava to create a map of our home, which it attempted to do in its dry sweeping mode. Our first floor is a closed concept with five distinct rooms. Unfortunately, the Braava Jet kept missing some of the rooms, and it took several attempts to create an accurate map.
Once we finally got the Braava Jet to map our home, we attached the reusable mop pad and instructed it to clean. It mopped in neat rows, ensuring it didn’t miss a spot. Its precision jet spray did a great job of cleaning everyday dirt and tough messes. When it was finished, our floors looked clean and streak-free.
Get the iRobot robot mop at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, or iRobot.
Best For Hardwood
Roborock Q7 Max Robot Vacuum and Mop
Product Specs
- Cleaning mode: Wet mopping and dry vacuuming
- Runtime: 180 minutes
- Smart maps: Yes
What We Like
- PreciSense LiDAR Navigation creates customizable maps of the user’s home
- 180-minute runtime is longer than many other comparable models
- A 470-milliliter dustbin and 350-milliliter water tank allow for longer cleaning sessions
What We Don’t Like
- Does not automatically avoid carpet on mop mode; must mark no-go zones in the app
The Roborock Q7 Max vacuums and mops simultaneously and offers 30 water-flow levels so users can fine-tune the cleaning process to best suit their flooring type. Since hardwood floors should never become too wet due to the risk of damage, the Q7 Max is an excellent choice for anyone with hardwoods in their home.
It can automatically detect carpeting and increase its suction to the maximum level for deep-cleaning. PreciSense LiDAR Navigation creates automated maps of the user’s home, allowing for distinct programming in each room. This model’s long runtime and the large dustbin and water tank make it perfect for larger spaces.
The Q7 did an excellent job of cleaning the hardwoods in our home. The 4,200 pascal suction was adequate for picking up regular dirt and bigger messes, like chunks of mud and food crumbs. On its default setting, the mop provided enough moisture to damp mop our floors and lifted dried-on pasta sauce and apple juice. It mapped our home and then broke down each room into four zones, cleaning the perimeter of each zone and then zigzagging in the middle so that it didn’t miss a spot.
The Q7 doesn’t automatically avoid carpet or area rugs in the mopping mode, so we had to mark no-go zones for it to avoid on the app.
Get the Roborock Q7 robot mop at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, Target, or Best Buy.
Best for Laminate
Yeedi Vac Station Robot Vacuum and Mop
Product Specs
- Cleaning mode: Wet mopping and dry vacuuming
- Runtime: 200 minutes
- Smart maps: Yes
What We Like
- Self-emptying dock station holds up to 30 days’ worth of debris
- Mopping mode auto detects and avoids carpet and area rugs
- Smart maps allow users to mark areas to avoid and choose specific rooms to clean
What We Don’t Like
- Occasionally gets stuck in tight spaces and on medium-pile rugs
Designed with a self-emptying dock station that holds 30 days’ worth of debris, the Yeedi Vac Station offers a hands-off vacuuming experience. This model is also equipped with a water tank and mopping pad. It can work as a vacuum only or vacuum and mop simultaneously. In mopping mode, the robot auto detects and avoids carpet, but users can also mark no-go zones within the app.
We set the Yeedi Vac Station up on our first floor, and the 3,000 pascal suction power picked up all regular dirt and most of the test debris. The mop lifted everyday dirt and cleaned dried apple juice and about 70 percent of the dried-on pasta sauce we placed on the floor. We appreciated the customizable cleaning options in the app, allowing us to choose from four water-flow levels and three suction power modes. The ability to adjust this robot mop’s moisture to a low level makes it a suitable choice for laminate flooring.
The robot was slim enough to fit under most low-to-the-ground furniture. When finished cleaning, it returned to the dock to recharge itself. We removed the mop pad, washed it by hand, and set it out to dry.
Overall, the Yeedi Vac is an efficient cleaning tool. It doesn’t have some of the more advanced features, such as an auto-filling or self-cleaning dock, but is a good choice for those looking for a low- to mid-priced robot vacuum-and-mop combo.
Get the Yeedi Vac Station robot mop at Amazon or Walmart.
Best for Small Spaces
MAMNV Robot Vac and Mop Combo
Product Specs
- Cleaning mode: Wet mopping and dry vacuuming
- Runtime: 100 minutes
- Smart maps: No
What We Like
- 5 cleaning modes: auto, zig-zap, edge, focus, and manual
- Vacuums and mops simultaneously with 2 water level flows
- Inexpensive compared to other robot vacuum-and-mop combos
- Works via an included remote control or through a Wi-Fi connection and app
What We Don’t Like
- Suction not adequate for dealing with larger messes; better suited for everyday cleaning
- Mop is a bit spotty; may dry streaky when cleaning extra-dirty floors
The MAMNV is a robot vacuum and mop that’s safe for both hard floors and low-pile carpet. It works via an included remote control but is also Wi-Fi compatible and can be operated through its companion app. On auto mode, it vacuums and mops in a random pattern for 90 minutes and then returns to its base. It also has four other modes, including edge, focus, zigzag cleaning, and a manual mode that lets users control the robot’s direction via the remote.
The MAMNV has an onboard water tank that we filled after charging it overnight. The user manual instructed us to wet the mop pad before mopping, so we ran it underwater, squeezed out the excess moisture, and then attached it. We used the included remote and hit play, allowing the MAMNV to clean our house on auto mode for 90 minutes.
It did a great job of avoiding obstacles. We had a couple of boxes on the floor as well as a stray toy or two, and it cleaned around them. It also made it into all of the rooms of our house.
The vacuum has only 1,400 pascal suction power, which is far less than the higher-end options on our list. It did a good job of clearing everyday dirt produced by our family of five but didn’t suction all of the extra debris in our test. The mop was also decent. It lifted regular dirt and left our floors looking clean but didn’t have the power to scrub deeper messes.
Get the MAMNV robot mop at Amazon.
Best for Large Spaces
Shark Matrix Plus Self-Empty Robot Vacuum and Mop
Product Specs
- Cleaning mode: Vacuuming and wet mopping
- Runtime: 110 minutes
- Smart maps: Yes
What We Like
- Works in vacuum-only mode or can vacuum and mop simultaneously
- Self-emptying bin in vacuum-only mode can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt
- Powerful vacuum and sonic mop cleans in an overlapping matrix pattern for extra-clean floors
- Smart maps allow users to name rooms, create keep-out zones, and schedule floor cleanings
What We Don’t Like
- Auto-empty dustbin only works in vacuum-only mode; users must manually empty after vacuuming and mopping
- Doesn’t automatically avoid carpet or area rugs in mopping mode
The Shark Matrix, a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop, has a regular vacuum-only dustbin and a vacuum-and-mop combo dustbin. In vacuum-only mode, this robot empties itself into its bagless base, which can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt. When used in vacuum and mop mode, users must empty the dustbin.
Connecting the Matrix to the Shark app was easy. We enabled Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities on our phone and followed the prompts on the app. After connecting to the app and charging the Matrix, we let it explore. It made it through every room of our closed-concept layout without issue. As it explored, it created a map that enabled us to name rooms and mark no-go zones.
We tested the vacuum-only mode first, and it did a phenomenal job. It provided enough suction to lift everyday dirt and bigger messes like a crumbled chocolate chip cookie and flour we had spread on the floor. We then switched to the mop-and-vacuum mode, adding water and mopping solution to the tank before installing it. The Matrix vacuumed and mopped, working around the room’s perimeter in an overlapping pattern. It never missed a spot, and our floors dried clean and streak-free.
Get the Shark robot mop at Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Robot Mop
There are many things to consider when choosing a robotic mop, including the size of the space to be cleaned, the mop’s cleaning functions, and its battery life. According to Hashi Mohamed, president of Minneapolis-based cleaning service Ivy Cleans, “Robot mops can work well and be effective time-savers for cleaning. Depending on the model, they can efficiently clean hard floors and even some types of carpets.” Mohamed says that robot mops are especially helpful in maintenance cleaning: “They can perform scheduled cleanings, ensuring that your floors stay consistently clean with minimal effort.”
Before deciding on a mopping robot, consider the following functions and features that frequently set the best robot mop choices apart from the rest of the pack.
Functionality
Single-use robot mops that only mop floors are generally among the least expensive options. Hybrid models are offered at a higher price point and can meet more floor cleaning needs with mopping and vacuuming included.
Both types of mops include a cleaning pad, and most include a reservoir that must be filled with a special cleaning fluid or water. Hybrid models also contain a dustbin that can be removed and emptied after vacuum cycles.
Mopping-only models are suitable for users who have predominantly hard floors in their home and who already have a standard vacuum to clean any carpeted areas. If a home has a mixture of hard and carpeted floors—or if separate robot vacuums aren’t on hand—the hybrid models can be worth the higher price point.
Cleaning Modes
When shopping for a robot mop, there are cleaning modes to consider. Each option may have different modes, and the following options can typically be included.
- Wet mopping: The robot mop releases a large amount of cleaning fluid and makes multiple passes over the floor to deep-clean it. For safety reasons, it’s best to stay out of areas where the mop is programmed to clean since this setting increases the risk of slips and falls.
- Damp mopping or sweeping: During damp mopping or sweeping, the mop releases less fluid and makes fewer passes over the floor than wet mopping. If the flooring is made of a material that’s sensitive to moisture, like wood, make sure that the model includes a damp-mop mode, as this setting sprays a minimal amount of liquid on the floor and will stave off damage to the floors.
- Dry mopping or dry sweeping: While dry mopping or sweeping, the mop makes a single pass over the floor to clean and pick up any moisture on the surface. These cycles can run either after a wet-mopping or damp-sweeping session to dry the floor, or when floors need a light cleaning. In hybrid models, the vacuum function may run concurrently with the dry mopping, the sweeping cycle, or as a separate vacuum mode.
Battery Life
For cordless robots, the amount of time a mop can run when fully charged is important. Battery life can range from 30 to 200 minutes for a robot mop. To avoid the need for frequent recharging mid-clean, seek out a robot mop that can clean for between 60 and 90 minutes on a single charge. Keep in mind that battery life may decrease gradually with every recharge.
Most robot mops must be recharged with an included charging dock. Some automatically return to the dock and recharge when the battery runs low, while others must be manually returned to the charging station. Some mopping robots do not come with a dock at all. These have a removable battery that must be recharged in an included charger that uses a wall outlet.
Coverage Area
The coverage area is the amount of floor surface space a robot mop can wipe down in a single cleaning cycle. It can range from 100 to 1,000 square feet, depending on the model and the cleaning mode. Since the mop makes more passes over the floor in wet-mopping and damp-sweeping modes, these settings generally cover less surface area in a single cleaning cycle.
Determine the square footage of the flooring that would typically be mopped to figure out the minimum coverage area needed. However, refrain from purchasing a device based on coverage alone. A significant element of a robotic mop’s performance is cleaning power, which relies on multiple factors.
Cleaning Power
Though some other robot mops use an onboard water tank, those without a water tank are capable of damp mopping, but users must manually dampen the mopping pads periodically. Those equipped with water tanks operate either by slowly dripping the solution onto the mop pads or spraying the cleaning solution directly onto the floor ahead of the device. Onboard water tanks offer more cleaning power.
Microfiber cloth pads are the industry-standard mopheads. The way the mophead is deployed makes a difference in cleaning effectiveness. Some of these units simply push the damp cloth across the floor, while others employ a scrubbing approach with a rotating or a spinning mophead. Some models include brushes as well as the microfiber mophead for additional scrubbing action.
The most powerful cleaning ability comes from a combination of an onboard water tank, a jet spray in front of the mop to loosen dirt, and scrubbing action.
Additional Features
While there are basic robot mops on the market, there are also models that include handy features. Some added functions help to improve cleaning efficiency, autonomy, and user convenience. The following are some of these additional features.
- Sensors: Furniture or stairs can interrupt the path of robot mops, but most come with sensors to work around such obstacles. The most advanced models have sensors that are intelligent enough to clean only within predefined areas of the floor.
- Cleaning schedules: Advanced robot mops allow scheduled cleaning for a preselected date and time. This optional feature is handy for tidying up floors at home while at work or on vacation. Without this capability, starting up the robot is manual, which can be helpful if it ever needs to be pulled out of a stuck position.
- Control mechanisms: Located on the mop or on an included remote, most models have controls for starting, stopping, and navigating. More advanced devices also allow control via smartphone applications or voice commands. This can be advantageous when the mop isn’t nearby or while cleaning a tight space.
- Corner access: Most robot mops can clean inside corners as long as there are no obstructions. Although most of these units are round, square designs offer a leg up for corner access.
- Dirt disposal: For best results, robot mops must start with a preswept floor. Hybrids can perform both tasks; some will even automatically empty their debris chambers. While mopping, dirt collects on the mop pads, which can be removed after mopping.
- Automatic shutoff: Automatic shutoff is a protection mechanism in most robot mops. If battery life or water level is low, or if the unit becomes entangled with a shredded dog toy, it will automatically stop to reduce possible damage. Some will also sense that the cleaning cycle is complete and return to the charging station for sleep mode.
Portability
The smaller and lighter the mop, the easier it is to transport as needed from room to room, floor to floor, or to and from the charging dock. While robot mops with a longer battery life are likely larger and heavier, smaller models tend to require charging more frequently.
The sizes of robot mops range from under 10 inches wide and 3 inches high to more than 14 inches across and 5 inches high. They vary in weight from less than 4 pounds to more than 8 pounds. The water reservoirs may hold anywhere from 5 ounces to more than 17 ounces.
FAQs
A robotic mop or the best robot vacuum-and-mop combo can save serious cleaning time. If you’re thinking of getting one, you may have a few lingering questions. Below are answers to some popular questions about robotic mops.
A robot mop uses sensors and navigation software to map an efficient pathway to clean the floor. Most have an onboard tank for the cleaning solution that either soaks through the mop pad or is jet sprayed ahead of the device as it rolls across the floor. Some are simply remote-control operated, but many are controlled by a mobile app or can be voice controlled via smart-home devices.
Generally speaking, robot mops cannot be used for deep-cleaning carpets, though many hybrid robot vacuum and mop devices may be used to vacuum carpet. Check the device’s owner’s manual for specific functionality. However, the mop function is limited to use on hard floors.
Laminate floors are more delicate than hardwood or tile flooring, and some can be damaged by excessive moisture. Most robotic mops are safe for laminates. Be sure to check with both the flooring manufacturer and the robot mop maker to ensure that the two are compatible.
Robot mops don’t need anything more than water to clean floors effectively. Many brands, however, recommend a specific cleaning solution for an even deeper clean. Generally speaking, you shouldn’t use any commercial or DIY cleaning solutions in a robot mop other than the ones sanctioned by the manufacturer to avoid damaging the device.
Meet the Tester
Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on GOBankingRates, Realtor.com, Yahoo!, Cabin Life, and more. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks to determine efficacy. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.
Additional research provided by Mark Wolfe and Manasa Reddigari.