If you have a robot vacuum, chances are you don’t think too much about how to clean it.
After all, that’s what they’re for, right? But just like any other appliance in your home, your robot vacuum needs a little bit of regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
In this article, we’ll show you how to clean your robot vacuum so it can keep doing its job day in and day out. Keep reading to learn more!
Tools Needed to Clean Robot Vacuum
Before you learn how to clean a robot vacuum, you should know what tools you will need to be prepared. Let’s check them out:
- Screwdriver: If you want to clean your vacuum right from within, then you will need a screwdriver to remove the base plate or side brush unless your vacuum has a snap-on base plate or side brush.
- Gloves: This is not mandatory, but you can wear gloves if you are allergic to dust or simply can’t send getting your hands dirty.
- Mask: You should wear a mask if you are allergic to dust while cleaning a vacuum cleaner.
- Microfiber Cloth: A microfiber cloth is best to clean the vacuum or any other thing for that matter because it has sticky properties that stick the dirt to it properly.
Also Read: 10 Best Robot Vacuum For Pet Hair
How to Clean Your Robot Vacuum?
Your robot vacuum is an important part of keeping your home clean. But like any appliance, it needs a little regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
Dust, dirt, pet hair, and other things can build up inside the vacuum, causing it to work less efficiently.
Here’s how to clean your robot vacuum:
1. Get Rid of Any Trapped Hair
The most common thing to become trapped in a vacuum’s brush roll, side brushes, and wheels is hair, whether it’s from your pets or your own head.
It is important to remove all hair from your robot vacuum’s inlets and brush roll since it might block airflow and reduce the suction power of your vacuum.
Many robotic vacuums include a built-in comb or blade tool for hair removal. However, it is not always effective.
We recommend using a small pair of scissors or a kitchen knife to remove hair from your vacuum’s brush roll.
Turn the robot on its back on a flat floor and prepare your cutting tool. Locate the brush roll, which is a cylindrical object with bristles or plastic teeth.
Pull the visible hair gently to allow the knife or scissors to cut through it. Be careful not to damage the brush roll in the process.
2. Clean Up the Sensors
Cleaning the sensors on your robotic vacuum is extremely important. After all, the sensor serves as the “eyes” of your vacuum, telling it where to go and when to avoid obstacles.
If the sensors are dirty, your vacuum might not be able to properly navigate and crash into things.
The first thing you’ll want to do is check your robot vacuum’s manual to see where the sensors are located.
Once you’ve located the sensors, use a cotton swab or soft cloth to gently wipe away any dust or debris that might be blocking them.
Some manufacturers may also specify special cleaning recommendations for the sensors.
For example, if the vacuum contains a camera and sensors, iRobot advises cleaning them using gently wet styrofoam, such as a Magic Eraser.
3. Check the Wheels
Your robot vacuum’s wheels play an integral role in its movement. If the wheels are dirty or clogged with debris, the robovac might not be able to move freely and could get stuck.
And if your robot is moving irregularly, there might be something trapped in the cavity or on the wheel itself.
If your vacuum’s wheels are removable, take them off and clean any dirt you see within the wheel cavity or any hair wrapped around the axle. Before installing the wheels again, wipe them down with a clean cloth.
If the wheels cannot be removed, try using a cotton swab or toothbrush to dislodge any dirt or hair.
While opening up your vacuum to check the wheels may seem like a good idea (if the wheels aren’t removable), it’s generally not recommended since doing so could void your warranty.
4. Filter Maintenance
You should clean your vacuum filters after every 5-10 cleaning sessions or roughly every other week.
To release any dust or debris, take the filter out of the vacuum and gently tap it in a garbage container. You can utilize a hand vacuum or a soft brush to remove dust from the filter.
Once the filter is clean, put it back in the vacuum and make sure it’s properly seated. If you think your filter is wet (maybe because it rolled over a wet spot on the floor), we recommend replacing it with a new one since wet filters can reduce the suction power of your vacuum.
5. Remove Scuff Marks
After you’ve cleaned all of the major components of your robot vacuum, it’s time for some final touches.
To remove any scuff marks on the external casing of your robot vacuum, give it a wipe-down with a clean cloth.
After this, you can also use a mild cleaning solution (like soap and water) if the scuff marks are stubborn.
6. Charging Base
To clean the charging base of the robot vacuum cleaner, you can simply use a microfiber cloth to remove the dust & dirt.
If your vacuum has a dirt collection bin, then ensure that the blower remains unclogged and replace the disposable back if it is full.
Here’s what Reddit users think:
How much maintainance do robot vacuums need and are they worth it
by u/blackclock55 in homeautomation
Cleaning a Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Tips to Ensure Your Robot Vacuum Cleaner Works Properly
- Check your robot vacuum weekly and make it a point to clean it monthly.
- If your vacuum has a dirt disposal bag, then make sure it is not clogged and is emptied from time to time.
- If you hear alerts or audio signals, then do not ignore them and pay attention.
Are Robot Vacuums Worth It?
Wrapping Up
Although robot vacuums are designed to be low-maintenance, it’s still important to clean them on a regular basis.
By following the helpful tips shared, you can keep your robot vacuum running smoothly and help it last for years.
FAQ’s
How often should I clean my robot vacuum cleaner?
If you have time on your hands, then you can clean the vacuum cleaner once a week, or else once a month would do.
Is it safe to put floor cleaner in my vacuum tank?
No, you shouldn’t add anything but only plain water to the vacuum tank.
Are robot vacuum cleaners as good as traditional vacuum cleaners?
The test shows that robot vacuum cleaners are not as effective as traditional vacuum cleaners, but they can be used nonetheless, especially if you have a small house.
Shefali Jain is a Content Editor & Writer at National Planning Cycles.
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes.
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