Cleans itself and doesn't get stuck in furniture. 5 things a good robot vacuum cleaner can do

1. Not only vacuums, but also washes floors

When the robot has a wet cleaning function, you can forget about buckets and rags in the bathroom. But if you want the device to do more than just distribute water throughout the apartment, its washing discs must fit snugly to the floor. This model will even cope with stubborn stains in the kitchen from spilled coffee or greasy food. It is also important that the robot vacuum cleaner distinguishes between different surfaces, otherwise it may flood your expensive carpet with water. In some models, you can select the intensity of pressure of the discs depending on the surface in order to protect delicate surfaces, such as parquet. In addition, soft brushes and rubber tires are desirable in the device - these will not scratch wooden floors during dry cleaning.

Pay attention to the type of water supply. In primitive models, liquid can flow even when the device is standing still. Then puddles will appear in the apartment. In higher-end models, water is sprayed in front of the vacuum cleaner, and then it is passed over the wet surface with cleaning discs. But this method may not be suitable for parquet, because the liquid will get deep into the cracks and spoil the coating. Modern robotic vacuum cleaners first moisten the discs at the base station, and then additionally supply water through a special valve during cleaning.

Another important parameter is the size of the water tank inside the vacuum cleaner. A standard capacity of up to 100 ml is enough to clean a room of 35 square meters. For a large house, you need a model with a 300 ml tank. But if the area is too large, you may need to add water inside the vacuum cleaner during cleaning. An option with a self-cleaning station will help out: if the vacuum cleaner runs out of liquid, the device will fill the tank itself and continue working.

2. Has high suction power

A vacuum cleaner with a weak suction system is no different from a regular broom. Sometimes you have to finish cleaning with your hands. The suction power in different models varies from 850 to 6000 Pa. A device with a low rating can remove dust from smooth surfaces, such as laminate and linoleum, and will become an assistant in daily light cleaning. But it most likely won’t cope with heavier particles, such as cereal on the kitchen floor.

If you need an option that can remove animal hair and clean carpets, it is better to choose a model with a power of 3,000 Pa or more.

The device may make noise during operation, but even powerful robot vacuum cleaners are rarely as loud as regular ones. In addition, some models can be programmed to clean at certain times, for example, when everyone in the household is at work.

3. Cleans itself

When replacing bags and capsules in a vacuum cleaner, it is easy to spread dirt around the apartment again. Modern models are cleaned without your participation. They have a special base where the vacuum cleaner shakes compacted debris into a large reservoir. You don’t have to put your hands into the device; you just need to empty the sealed container installed at the station every few months.

The washing robot vacuum cleaner should also be self-cleaning. Then he will independently change the water, as well as clean and dry the discs for wet cleaning. Such models have tanks for clean and dirty water installed at the station. The first is needed to fill the vacuum cleaner tank before a new cleaning cycle and rinse the nozzles. And the second is for the robot to pour liquid there after cleaning the floors. You only have to occasionally fill in clean water and remove dirty water.

4. Orients in space

So that the robot vacuum cleaner does not have to be pulled out from under sofas and chair legs, it must have an obstacle recognition system. It can be different:

• Mechanical. The device rolls around the room in a random order, changing direction when it encounters an obstacle.
• Ultrasonic. A vacuum cleaner with such a system can detect obstacles, doorways and crevices under furniture.
• Infrared. The robot not only sees the obstacle, but also recognizes the height of the object and the distance to it. Therefore, he will not crawl under the sofa, from under which he cannot get out, or will not hit the baseboards at full speed. It can also “see” the steps and, unlike simpler models, will not roll down the stairs.
• With laser sensor. Such vacuum cleaners distinguish different rooms and can create virtual maps. In addition, they will better recognize the types of obstacles: they will not get tangled in wires or try to suck in the tail of a sleeping cat.
• With laser sensor and camera. This option is the most accurate. The vacuum cleaner will be able to “see” the space and remember the location of objects in it.

If a model does not have a laser sensor, it can still sometimes be customized for a specific apartment. Modern devices allow you to set movement trajectories through a mobile application.

5. Has a stylish design and is easy to store

Ideally, a place for a robot vacuum cleaner should be provided when planning the design of an apartment. A niche with an outlet under cabinets in the kitchen, hallway or even bathroom is suitable. If the repair has already been done, you can store the device under a cabinet or table - there it will be less conspicuous.

Self-cleaning models have stations. Some of them reach a height of half a meter. These are difficult to hide somewhere, so it is better that their design is stylish. But you won’t have to take much care of the vacuum cleaner - most of the time it will clean itself and save time that the owner spends on cleaning.