A robot vacuum is a great device to keep your home clean of dirt, pet hair and other dust particles that can cause allergic reactions. They require maintenance regularly to ensure they function at their peak.
Even the most expensive models can get stuck under door thresholds, furniture or get caught up in shoelaces and cords. Follow these suggestions to keep your robot vacuum running smoothly:
Object Detection
Robots can't climb up stairs or reach into tight corners, so having a set of sensors for detecting obstacles is important. They make it easier for them to avoid running into things and falling over them. Some have cliff sensors that bounce infrared beams off the walls and floors to determine the distance a drop will travel. If the robot is too close to a ledge or steep threshold, it will reverse and return to its original position.
Robots equipped with advanced sensors can also detect objects such as furniture legs and walls edges, allowing them to better navigate around them. They can then go right to the edge of the furniture piece or room and then vacuum up the dirt that has accumulated there for a more thorough cleaning.
You can add additional functionality to a robot cleaner by selecting one with an app that lets you to create maps of your home, establish exclusion zones and schedule cleaning times. Some robot cleaners have an alarm built in that sounds when it is time to clean the filter or dust bin. Some of these apps allow you to control other functions like changing the suction, or letting them clean the carpets, floors, or walls with different settings.
The best robots can recognize a wide variety of objects, including fine dust particles, orzo pasta, metal screws, tangled dog hair and pet hair. They can also pick up most messes however not as efficiently as a vacuum.
Your robot is likely to last for years as long as you regularly check and remove any tangled or stuck-on hair, empty the dustbin after each cleaning session, and wipe down any cameras or sensors (and recharge ports if necessary) between cleanings. Request instructions from your manufacturer on how to clean the rotating brushes. You can also replace any components that require replacement. Some manufacturers have heard from consumers who've used the same model over 10 years.
Mapping
It is important that your robot vacuum cleaner understands where it's going to avoid bumping into things or falling down the stairs. This is why robot vacuum cleaners with mapping technology are so useful.
Most basic robot vacs will simply start cleaning the moment they're turned on, but more advanced models may map the room or even your entire home before starting to clean. Usually, you can see this map in the app that goes with it and make use of it to help your robot navigate more easily.
To create this map The robot will usually bounce infrared light off the floor, and then determine the distance to the floor. This helps it identify obstacles such as walls, furniture or a sunken space. It will then reverse or change direction if needed to avoid running into them.
The cliff sensors in more advanced robots are designed to detect sudden changes in the distance between the robot's base and the floor. This means it is nearing the edge, such as an escalator. It will then reverse up to prevent falling.
It's impossible for a robotic device to "see" an obstacle from its own point of view. For this reason, obstacle-avoidance systems have become an integral feature of many robots, allowing them to weave their way through shoes and toys as well as cords.
The majority of robots allow you to create your own exclusion zone by drawing virtual boundaries into the app. You can then indicate where you do not want the robot to move. This is a great solution for those who have an unclean home and can't trust the robot to avoid obstacles on its own. Be aware that this type mapping could consume lots of energy, which can result in a lower runtime and a lower performance.
Battery Life
Robots are more advanced than vacuum cleaners. However, they do require a battery. Like any battery that is used, the battery of a robot will degrade over time. The life span of a robot could be extended by taking proper care. This means charging the robot thoroughly prior to every use and wiping it down with a dry towel to prevent corrosion. It is also important to avoid exposing it extreme temperatures and to use it less often.
It's worth noting that battery life differs between models. Some models can power entire homes on one charge, whereas others might only be sufficient for the area of a tiny apartment or room. Be sure to check if the model comes with an charging dock or if it requires manual plugging into. This will affect the time it takes to charge between cleaning sessions.
The size of the dustbin is another aspect to consider, since smaller bins fill faster. Look for a bin with at least 400ml of capacity, particularly if you're looking for a self-emptying option.
A robot can also be programmed to clean up areas that are frequently used. For example you could program a daily mowing in your kitchen or mudroom, but only run the entire home on a regular basis. Some robots also feature a low-power cleaning mode that can help save batteries for tasks that are routine.
Other things to keep in mind when buying a robotic vacuum cleaner are to stay clear of models with a short warranty since they tend to be less reliable than models with longer warranties. The registration of your robot vacuum cleaner with the manufacturer will enable you to benefit from their support and warranty services that can help you in resolving any issues that may arise in the course of time. It's also important to keep an eye at sales and discounts on robot vacuums around holidays and other shopping occasions. These are great ways to save money on quality products.
Connectivity
Robot vacuums can help you save time and energy by removing the need to mop floors. More and more models have mopping capabilities. You don't need to worry about a bulky cord or hoses, and a lot can be controlled via an app on your smartphone (or even voice commands via smart speakers). Some models will also allow you to create virtual barriers that they will keep out of the way