Ready to jump on the robot mop and vacuum cleaner bandwagon? If you’re a busy person or someone who loathes the thought of everyday mopping, that’s right about the best decision you can make. Robot mops can clean your floors with a push of a button, and you don’t even have to be in the same room with them!
In recent years, the technology and the algorithms in robot mops have improved by leaps and bounds. These improvements have become a harbinger of good and bad news– good because it created better products, and bad because there is just so much to choose from!
If you’re one of those who loves to cover all the bases before making an informed purchasing decision, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will assist you in choosing the best model that fits your needs.
What To Consider When Choosing a Robot Mop – 7 Essential Features
Robot mop cleaners offer a wide range of models– from the most basic floor cleaning functions to self-emptying mechanisms. It’s vital to consider what you need instead of simply buying the most “popular” or expensive robot with features you won’t even use. After thoroughly researching customer demands, we identified 5 essential features to look for when selecting a robot mop for your household.
- Cleaning Capabilities
If you want help cleaning the floors, you must put a robot’s mopping abilities at the top of your checklist. Ensure that the robot mop’s cleaning modes are enough for the type of hardwood floor you have or if it’s going to deal with carpets in specific locations.
Most robot mops have three basic modes– spot, auto, and edge. Other manufacturers may have different settings (wet mopping, dry and damp sweeping, etc.), but the idea is to ascertain that the robot mop is up to the task as far as its cleaning capabilities are concerned.
- Mapping Capabilities
A robot’s mapping technology dictates how efficient it can be as it does its job. Because of this feature, the robot stays away from potentially unsafe areas and follows the shortest and most practical route to complete the cleaning cycle.
Manufacturers may use different technologies or combine two or more mapping features inside a unit. Some may use LiDar, some Not everyone needs the latest mapping technology, especially if your floors are mostly bare with minimal furniture and appliances. Otherwise, this feature should be at the top of the list.
- App Integration
Some robots do not have an app integration, but you may find it handy, especially if you’re away from home most of the day. Most modern robot mops and vacuums come with an app that allows you to save maps of your house, does scheduling of cleaning times, choose cleaning modes, and monitor what your robot is up to while you are out.
Remember that not all robots require an app to function. However, they enhance your cleaning experience, and the convenience it brings is terrific, especially when you get the hang of it. If you don’t want to use an app, choose a model with a power and dock button on the robot or a charging base and remote control.
- Quality
Whether you spend $200 or $2,000 on a robot, you’d want it to last as long as it should. After all, it doesn’t take much to frazzle this thing apart. You can read and examine the materials used and if the body can handle the daily wear and tear. The cleaning pads must also be made from durable materials such as top-of-the-line microfiber.
- Cliff and Obstacle Detection
No matter how durable the materials are, it would not matter if it’s up against a 12-foot fall. That’s why a robot mop’s sensors are highly critical and probably the single most significant factor in determining how long the robot lasts. The same thing with obstacle detection. Recognizing a cable wire and working around it can mean the difference between a clean house and a cornered robot with no way out.
