How we selected the best robot mop
Mopping is a challenging task. It could be because there are no shortcuts, and your hard work is easily undone by a muddy footprint or even a tiny amount of spilled food. No wonder the idea of a robotic vacuum with a mop is appealing. Before getting too excited, remember that these robots still have limitations and are in their relative youth. Even the most advanced robot mop cannot do everything a human-powered mop is capable of. Robot mops can be a good option if you’re looking for a way to clean up after your kids or pets.
Imagine how you would clean a floor in the past. You would probably vacuum the floor first, then apply a mixture of water with detergent to the surface. Once you have done this, you will get a bucket of clean water and wash away the dirty soap and water.
This is different from how mopping robotics works. Most mopping robots are similar to Swiffer-style sweeper mops in that they either spray water on the floor (many specifically warn against using any detergent, although some have proprietary formulations) or use a cloth to remove any dirt. The robots then use a damp pad or cloth to clean the surface. There are also the best robot vacuum and mop combos and scrubby spin mops to consider. Before making our recommendations, we tested dozens of robotic mops.
Reviews and recommendations for the best robot mops
Robot vacuum cleaners are nothing new. You may even have one in your living room. Upgrade to a robot mop and maximize the cleaning of your surfaces. Our favorite robot mop for different needs is listed below.
Best vacuum combo: Ecovacs Deebot T8 AIVI Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Some robot mop machines can be switched seamlessly from vacuuming to mopping. Others require that you fill the tank with water and swap out a mopping unit before they can mop. This robot vacuum and mop has sophisticated mapping software to set up no-go and no-mop zones. The 240ml tank will enable it to clean over 2,000 sq. feet. The robot vacuum and mop are protected by object recognition technology, which ensures that socks and cables will not trip it up. The built-in security camera can be a remote device that provides live video on demand.
Braava Jet M6 Ultimate Robot Mop
This smart mop has smart charge and resume technologies, allowing it to continue cleaning where it left off. It also integrates with the home assistants, so you can tell it “mop before the kitchen table after a spill.” It can be used with water or a proprietary cleaning solution, and it comes with washable or single-use pads.
Best for hardwood flooring: BISSELL Hard Floor Expert Wet & Dry Robot Vacuum
This robot vacuum is also a mop. It comes with machine-washable pads and a cleaning agent that cleans floors efficiently. Its soft surface avoidance sensors allow it to avoid carpets and rugs while in mopping mode.
Ecovacs Ozmo N8 pro+ Best self-emptying vacuum:
Ecovacs Deebot is a robot mop that makes use even more accessible. The device has a powerful suction of 2600Pa, which is especially useful for carpets. The device is designed with 3-D Technology and LIDAR, which allows it to map out your home more precisely and avoid furniture or other obstructions. Deebot will empty itself when you are done.
Best budget: iRobot 240 Braava robot mop
Use disposable pads to damp or wet mop tile, stone, hardwood, and other surfaces. This iRobot robotic mop is designed to clean around furniture, under cabinets, and up to the edge of walls. This model is best suited to small rooms due to its compact battery and a relatively small tank.
What to look for when choosing the best robot mop
Combo v. solo device
It seems logical at first: one machine can do everything. If you buy a combo product, check a few things before purchasing. The first vacuum-mop combination models were criticized for being unable to distinguish between carpet and hard flooring. Instead, they left a soggy area rug. With technological advancements, these devices are much more intelligent and can map your entire home with just a bit of preparation (see below). You can then designate certain areas as “no go areas,” where you don’t want it to move, or “no mop areas,” where you only want it to vacuum.
Power
A watched robot is often thought to perform less well when observed. Battery life is not something you should be concerned about. You can set it and forget about it.
This is only possible if your robot mop has a feature that ensures that when the battery runs low, it automatically returns to its base station and charges itself. It will then be able to return to where it was left to complete the task. You’ll end up with an unreliable device that leaves half the job undone. Don’t just focus on battery life. You can only tell how long the battery will last once you start using it, so look for gadgets with this return, recharge, and reboot feature. Unfortunately, this type of technology has a unique name. Some brands call it “smart charging,” while others call it “pinpoint returns.” It would help if you always read the fine print.
Mapping
You can “tell” your robot vacuum where and where not to go. You can use magnetic tape or barrier tape to make the process simple. You tape the areas you do not want your mop to enter, like around your pet’s bowls or the perimeter of your Persian carpet. Virtual barriers like beacons emitting infrared light can also communicate with your robot.
These rudimentary, unsightly methods have been replaced by much better technology. The robot mop uses several sensors to move around your home, creating an accurate map of its layout. Most sophisticated devices can generate and store multiple maps, which is ideal for houses with several floors. These maps can be viewed on a smartphone application. With this app, you can track your robot’s progress in real-time, designate zones to be cleaned more often, and virtually cordon off areas. While good mapping technology can add to the price of a robot mop, it is a worthwhile investment when it is effective.
