How to Clean Your Robot Vacuum
If you aren't cleaning your cleaning tools, how well can they do their job? Normally, your robot vacuum is relatively out of sight and out of mind. Many models have automatic cleaning and self-emptying bins. But if proper care on a monthly cleaning schedule goes neglected, your vacuum may get clogged or begin to malfunction. Note: If you have a heavily shedding pet around, you may want to make this regular maintenance a weekly event!
Cleaning the Caster Wheels
Clogged robot vacuum wheels are the most common issue, especially if your home has a lot of long, loose hair and fur.
Start by flipping your robot vacuum upside down to access the caster wheels.
Check for any obstructions that might hinder smooth movement and remove them carefully. Scissors or tweezers are handy for this.
Use a damp cloth or a cleaning brush to wipe dirt and debris built up
on the wheels.
Inspect the clean wheels for any signs of damage and replace them when they are worn down or cracked (some brands recommend you change them once a year).
Emily Fazio
Cleaning the Roller Brush and Edge-Sweeping Brushes
There are usually two types of brushes on robot vacuums. The roller brush and edge-sweeping brushes. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for removal tips.
Use a pair of scissors or a soft-bristled brush to remove tangled hair and debris that has wrapped around the rotating brush.
Be gentle when dislodging stuck debris, particularly from plastic bristles which can crack.
Wash the robot vacuum brushes with mild soap and warm water. Rinse until the water runs clear.
If you notice dirt built up in the brush chamber, a hair dryer can help dislodge dust.
Allow the brushes to dry completely before reinstalling them into the robotic vacuum.
Emily Fazio
Cleaning the Charging Base and Sensors
Your smart vacuum operates by optical sensors. Keeping the electronic sensors clean allows your robot vacuum cleaner to "see" the floor conditions and find its charging dock.
Unplug the charging base. Dust it with a dry cloth and wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth to remove stubborn dirt.
Pay special attention to the charging station's electronic contact points to ensure a reliable connection.
Use a soft cloth to clean the cliff sensors on the vacuum and the docking sensor window on the charging base.
Tidy up the area around the charging base. If there is clutter or electrical cords in the way, the vacuum may have trouble reaching the charger.
Related: Why to Clean Your Phone’s Charging Port
Can you clean a robot vacuum filter?
While it's common practice to tap the air filter and a removable dust chamber in a garbage can or on an outdoor surface to dislodge built-up debris, from time to time you'll need to replace the filter. Most manufacturers recommend doing so every one to three months for optimal performance. The timeline will vary by brand and usage. Usually, a light will come on, or if you have a modern, Wi-Fi-connected robot vacuum, you may get an alert to your phone. But if you notice that your smart vacuum isn't cleaning like it usually does, it's a good idea to replace the filter.
How do you know if it's time to replace parts?
A good rule of thumb is to look for problems during each monthly cleaning session. If you notice poor cleaning performance, run the vacuum through a self-cleaning cycle and check for decreased suction power, irregular movement, or unusual sounds. The maintenance guide will give standard replacement intervals for your specific smart vacuum cleaner. These usually predict low battery life and wear and tear on brush rolls, vacuum side brush, dust brush, and caster wheels.
Related: 15 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Clean With Your Steam Cleaner
