Introducing a robot mop, similar to a robot vacuum cleaner but equipped with a water tank and microfiber cloths or mop pads, that effectively cleans your floors alongside or instead of a dust bin. Incorporating this automated assistant into your regular cleaning routine can provide immense convenience.
To identify the most efficient and effective automated assistants for maintaining clean floors, we conducted tests on eleven models. Our evaluation encompassed three dedicated robot mops and eight mop-vacuum hybrids.
iRobot Braava Jet 240
The iRobot Braava Jet 240 emerged as the top performer among the robot mops we tested, offering excellent value for its price. If you’re seeking a convenient solution for maintaining your hard floors without the need for manual mopping on a daily basis, the iRobot Braava Jet 240 is an affordable and indispensable tool for your cleaning needs.
Right from the start, the compact design of the Braava Jet 240 won us over. Weighing a mere 3 pounds and featuring a handle, it’s effortlessly portable, allowing you to carry it between rooms with ease. Its slim profile of just 3.3 inches enables it to navigate underneath furniture and access hard-to-reach areas, while its squared-off edges make it proficient at reaching corners and cleaning along baseboards—something round-shaped robots struggle with. Impressively, it even maneuvered skillfully around a toilet base. Moreover, the robot employs a removable rechargeable battery, eliminating the need for a charging dock and saving valuable floor space.
Don’t let its small size fool you—the Braava Jet 240 delivers a powerful cleaning performance. Equipped with a vibrating cleaning head akin to our favorite affordable hybrid, the Bissell SpinWave, and the option to use iRobot’s dedicated cleaning solution in its water tank, this robot mop goes beyond mere wiping and genuinely mops the floor. It utilizes proprietary cleaning pads (available in both disposable and washable variants) attached to its underside, which dictate the cleaning mode to be employed. Users can choose from three modes: dry sweeping, damp sweeping, and wet mopping.
Although the robot lacks Wi-Fi connectivity and smart features (though it can be controlled via Bluetooth using the iRobot Home app), it employs an efficient cleaning pattern that thoroughly covers your kitchen floor, particularly along the baseboards. Notably, the Jet 240 adeptly maneuvers around a hallway carpet, diligently cleaning the adjacent open floor while skillfully avoiding the carpeted area. This is a feat that many pricier and advanced hybrid robot mops struggle to achieve. Furthermore, you can easily confine the Braava Jet 240 to a specific space by creating a virtual “wall” using just two buttons on the robot itself—extremely convenient functionality.
On tile and hardwood floors, the Braava Jet 240 performed admirably, leaving no streaks as it efficiently eliminated cat-litter-dusted paw prints. However, on tile floors, we observed some water accumulation in certain grout areas, as the cleaning pads don’t exert enough pressure to penetrate crevices. Although it dried quickly, it remains uncertain if the grout receives the same level of cleanliness as the rest of the floor. Additionally, while it struggled with dried dirt and stubborn stains, it’s important to note that none of the robot mops excelled in this particular area.
Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni
Why We Chose It Among the floor-cleaning robots we’ve tested, the Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni stands out as the most advanced, albeit with a higher price tag. Its charging station, which is both functional and visually appealing, comprises three key components: a clean water tank, a dirty water tank, and a dust chamber. During mopping, it utilizes two spinning pads to scrub your hard floors with water (or Ecovacs’ cleaning solution) until they gleam, all while intelligently avoiding area rugs and carpeted rooms to prevent them from getting wet. Once the task is complete, it automatically empties the dirty water, cleans the pads, dries them with hot air, and refills the water tank.
This top-of-the-line hybrid robot also boasts AI-powered obstacle avoidance, a built-in voice assistant, home security camera functionality, and automatic dustbin emptying. Through a companion app, you can customize settings such as the number of cleaning passes (once or twice), water flow level (low, medium, or high), cleaning sequence, and more.
Who It’s For The Deebot X1 Omni model is ideal for those who are willing to invest in convenience. With its ability to clean its own mopping cloth, refill its water tank, and empty its dustbin, the X1 Omni requires significantly less maintenance compared to other two-in-one robotic floor cleaners. Its extended battery life, powerful vacuuming suction, and AI-powered obstacle avoidance technology make it particularly suitable for large homes and households with pets.
While the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra offers similar features and performance at a slightly lower price point, we have chosen the X1 Omni as our Editors’ Choice due to its sleeker design, larger water tanks, hot-air mop-drying feature, and built-in virtual assistant.
PROS
- Self-emptying dustbin
- Self-washing, drying, and refilling mop
- Built-in voice assistant
- Carpet sensor
- AI-powered obstacle avoidance
- Functions as a security camera with two-way audio
- Good battery life
CONS
- Expensive
- Large charging base
- Mop scrubbing capability inferior to main competitor
- Mopping pads cannot be installed or removed while the robot is docked
roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop
PROS
- Can be used with or without the self-emptying base
- Gentle contact with furniture
- Washes mop pad after cleaning session
CONS
- Bulky self-emptying base
- Struggles with smaller objects
We have extensively tested numerous robot vacuums and mops from Roborock in our Cleaning Lab and previously recognized an older version of this model as a winner in Good Housekeeping’s 2021 Cleaning Awards. Now, the latest iteration, the S7 MaxV Ultra, has arrived, surpassing its predecessor in terms of automation and performance. This robot vacuum and mop combination utilizes sonic vibration technology to deliver exceptional floor cleaning. During our tests, it impressed us with its thorough floor coverage. Just when we expected it to miss corners, it circled back and covered any overlooked areas on its initial pass. The S7 MaxV Ultra automatically raises the mop pads when it detects carpets and adjusts its suction and mopping intensity based on the specific room it is cleaning. Remarkably, there’s no need to label rooms in the app, as the S7 MaxV Ultra can identify the room by observing the furniture as it maps its surroundings. While it excelled at avoiding large furniture, it encountered some difficulty with smaller objects, such as a pair of slippers, in our test area.
The sizable charging base of the S7 MaxV Ultra houses three tanks: one for clean water, one for dirty water, and another for dry debris. It autonomously refills the water tank on the robot, washes the mop cloth, and can hold debris from multiple cleaning sessions, making the essential task of robot maintenance a little more convenient. However, it’s worth noting that the charging base’s appearance may not be aesthetically pleasing in a living room setting. If you don’t mind manually filling the water tank and emptying the dust bin, you have the option to purchase the S7 MaxV robot vacuum and mop without the self-emptying base. Through the Roborock app, you can adjust the suction power, select different cleaning modes, define no-mop zones, track the robot’s cleaning route, and schedule cleaning sessions for various rooms in your home.
Narwal Freo Versatile Self Mop Clean Robot with DirtSense
What We Like
- Impressive mopping and vacuuming performance
- Quiet operation
- Effective drying feature
What We Don’t Like
- App setup can be confusing
- No self-emptying function
The Narwal Freo is undeniably a significant investment. However, according to our tester, it’s not just a collection of fancy features; it’s a robot that performs exactly as one would hope. Initially skeptical about its ability to effectively mop and vacuum, our tester was pleasantly surprised by its performance, especially compared to other robot mops on the market. The robot’s skillful navigation around obstacles, coupled with its efficient cleaning that left no water or residue behind to damage or soak gift boxes during the holiday season, was nothing short of impressive.
In addition to its exceptional wet and dry cleaning capabilities, our tester appreciated the Narwal Freo’s quiet operation. She found it to be one of the quietest robot vacuums she had encountered, even while simultaneously vacuuming and mopping. Its unobtrusive presence allowed her to watch TV at a normal volume without disruption. The drying feature of the Freo also received praise, as the floors dried remarkably fast after mopping.
However, it’s worth noting that the initial setup process wasn’t entirely straightforward. Our tester found it challenging to connect the robot to the app since the app had to be running continuously during setup. Understanding this requirement from the beginning would have been helpful, as it took them about an hour to realize why the setup wasn’t progressing. Nevertheless, once they resolved the issue and received assistance from customer service, the mapping and scheduling features proved to be seamless and highly enjoyable to use. Other potential drawbacks for prospective buyers include the absence of a self-emptying function (replaced with a one-touch button process) and the ongoing cost of refill solutions. However, these minor inconveniences pale in comparison to the overall impressive performance and effective features offered by the Narwal Freo.
Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop Self-Empty XL
Who it’s for: Individuals seeking an exceptional robot vacuum and mop with features like object avoidance, self-emptying capability, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Who it isn’t for: Individuals seeking a basic, no-frills robot mop.
The Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot is a valuable addition to your cleaning routine, allowing you to conveniently schedule daily vacuuming and mopping sessions according to your preferences. One impressive feature of this robot is its remarkably quiet operation, enabling you to enjoy television or engage in conversations in the same room without disturbance. Unlike other robots, it incorporates object avoidance technology, effortlessly maneuvering around or circumventing obstacles on the floor.
When employed as a mop, this robot truly excels. It effectively cleans various messes, particularly dirt and mud tracked in by pets. Notably, it utilizes water sparingly, as the reservoir can last approximately 3-4 days of cleaning. For heavily soiled surfaces, it offers a spot clean mode that allows you to concentrate on specific areas and achieve a deeper clean, akin to using a steam mop. The robot includes two reusable mop pads that can be conveniently washed in a washing machine as needed.
The Shark AI Ultra employs bursts of air to access hard-to-reach corners and edges, and it also boasts a self-emptying feature while in vacuum mode. Pet owners and individuals with allergies will appreciate the inclusion of a HEPA filter, renowned for its effectiveness in home filtration, as well as an anti-tangle roller. In fact, we observed no hair entangling in the roller during the cleaning process.
Setting up the Shark AI Ultra requires downloading the Shark App (a QR code card is provided in the package for easy access) and connecting to Wi-Fi, a process that typically takes about 5-10 minutes. Creating a basic map of your home is relatively straightforward, although you have the option to spend extra time customizing and fine-tuning settings for carpeted areas, no-go zones, and high-traffic areas to optimize the performance of your robot vacuum and mop.
Buyer’s Guide
Before making a purchase decision for a robot mop, it is crucial to consider the design and specifications that can impact its performance and user experience. Here are three important factors to evaluate before buying a mop:
- Battery Life: Robot mops typically rely on rechargeable batteries, offering an average runtime of approximately two hours on a single charge. For mopping medium-sized floors, most models with a two-hour runtime are sufficient. However, for larger homes, it may be advisable to opt for models like the Ecovacs Deebot Robot Vacuum and Mop, which provide at least three hours of runtime.
- Control Options: Most robot mops offer various control methods, including remote controls, voice assistants, or mobile apps. For instance, the iRobot Braava Jet M6 can be controlled through voice assistants and a mobile app, providing customized cleaning maps and recommendations. On the other hand, models like the Samsung Jetbot Robotic Mop include a remote control for adjusting cleaning settings.
- Mopping Functions: Robot mops offer a range of mopping capabilities, from automatic cleaning to spot cleaning. Automatic cleaning, found in models like the Ecovacs Deebot Robot Vacuum and Mop, is a popular feature that utilizes object and carpet detection to effectively and safely clean hard floors. Alternatively, some models like the iRobot Braava Jet M6 are equipped with spot cleaning technology, allowing them to focus on smaller areas within your home.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select a robot mop that meets your specific needs and preferences.
FAQs
How do robot vacuum mops work?
Robot vacuum mops are a type of device that automatically clean your home. Using technology like sensors and cameras, it can memorize the rooms in your home and seamlessly navigate its way around while vacuuming and scrubbing your floors.
“Robot vacuum mops can navigate through your home, detecting and avoiding obstacles, and can clean under furniture and other hard-to-reach areas,” says Laura Avila, a professional cleaner who runs Cleaning Fan. “Robot vacuum mops can be programmed to clean your floors on a regular schedule, which can help ensure that your floors are always clean and tidy.”
Is a robot mop worth the money?
A robot vacuum mop requires an investment, which leads many homeowners to wonder whether it is even worth it.
Avila says yes. “Robot vacuum mops can be a worthy investment for many households, offering a level of convenience that traditional cleaning methods cannot match.
Larry Snider, VP of operations of Casago SB Rentals, adds another consideration. “One of the major benefits of using a robot vacuum mop is that it can help to improve indoor air quality by reducing airborne allergens and pollutants. By removing these allergens from floors and carpets, the robot vacuum mop can help improve the air quality in your home. They can also help remove other pollutants, like mold and bacteria, by using water and cleaning solutions to mop the floors.”
Plus, there is the issue of time. “These machines can automatically clean floors without requiring any manual labor, which is a significant time-saver, especially for busy individuals who don’t have much free time,” explains Avila.
How much do robot vacuum mops cost?
The cost of robot vacuum mops can vary significantly. While some are only equipped for certain floors, others may specialize in expanded features like advanced room mapping and voice control. The best robot vacuum mops range in price from $400 to $1,600, depending on the model that you choose.
Are there alternative best robot vacuum mops worth considering?
With the celebration of the Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni launch, we take a look at other popular models from Ecovacs. This company is the proud manufacturer of several of the best robot vacuum mops, including the Ecovacs Deebot N10+ and the Ecovacs Deebot T9+.
