Mopping isn’t really an activity most people enjoy.
So, if you want to skip this time-consuming chore…
You’re most likely thinking if getting a robot mop would be worth it.
Well, you found the right person to ask.
Because I’ve been using this device for years.
Continue reading to find out:
- 13 must-read pros and cons of robot mops.
- What robot mop you should buy if you’re on a budget.
- Whether or not getting a robot mop is actually worth it.
- And a lot more…
Are robot mops actually worth it?
The only way to know if robot mops are actually worth it is to compare their pros and cons.
And to see whether getting this device fits your lifestyle and budget.
So, before you proceed to decide if a robot mop is something that’ll help you or not…
Check out the sections below to know the advantages and disadvantages of this device.
Robot mops – 7 pros
#1: Convenient
The best advantage of getting a robot mop is its convenience.
Because this cleaning device has your back when:
- You don’t want to mop.
- You’re too busy to do the chore.
See, all you have to do is press a button on your robot or use its app if it has one.
And your device will immediately clean the area you want it to.
Moreover…
Some modern models are even compatible with voice commands.
So, you literally don’t need to lift a finger to make your robot clean.
For example, this smart mop from the brand Laresar is compatible with Alexa.
Hence, you can just say:
“Alexa, tell my robot mop to clean my bedroom.”
And your device will immediately do so.
Editor’s pick: Alexa vs Echo: What’s The Difference & Do You Need Both?
#2: Clean hard-to-reach places
Sure, mopping your floor in an open area isn’t too hard.
But cleaning under your sofa, bed, or other furniture?
Well, talk about an exhausting activity.
Some regular mops have bendable handles meant for mopping under tight floor gaps.
But you’ll still need to exert effort to clean these places.
I still remember squatting for 5 minutes just to mop under my bed.
See, it’s very inconvenient to clean under your furniture using regular mops.
But with the smart models?
It’s a piece of cake.
Robot mops physically fit under most furniture.
So, they’ll clean those areas as easily as any other floor space in your house.
#3: Schedule mopping routines
It’s highly recommended to mop your floor weekly.
But honestly, it’s hard to adhere to this commitment.
Especially if your work or studies take up most of your day.
Luckily though, with a smart mop…
You can keep your floor clean without spending hours doing the chore weekly.
Because you can schedule your robot to mop whenever you want in just seconds.
#4: Spot cleaning
Some people think robot mops only clean randomly.
But that’s not necessarily true.
Because most modem smart mops have a spot-cleaning feature.
With this, you can place your robot in a specific area.
And your device will intensively mop that limited space until it’s clean. Without moving elsewhere.
#5: Suitable for different floor types
Even if your house has various floor surfaces…
You won’t encounter problems using a smart mop.
Because most mopping robots, like this Deebot X1 from Ecovac…
Lets you control the amount of water you wish to expel from your device.
So, if you have a wooden floor, for example…
You can set your mop to use minimal water/cleaning solution.
This way, you won’t damage your liquid-absorbent floor.
Likewise, if you have tiled surfaces…
You may allow your robot mop to use as much liquid as possible. So it can mop away even hard dirt.
#6: Quiet
Are you sensitive to sound?
Luckily, that won’t be a problem even if you get yourself a robot mop.
See, most models stay under 60 dB during operation.
And that level of noise is quieter than most air conditioners or refrigerators.
#7: Some can vacuum
If you need an all-in-one solution for keeping your floor clean…
You can always get a smart mop that also doubles as a vacuum.
Want to see how a device would do both of these chores simultaneously?
Watch this video:
Robot mops – 6 cons
#1: Expensive
The number 1 downside of getting a robot mop is its hefty price.
Yes, you’ll occasionally find models that cost less than $200.
Like this one from the brand UONI.
However, most robot mops cost almost $500. With the highly-proven ones even listed for more than 1000 bucks.
And this is a huge price difference compared to handheld mops you can buy for $50.
#2: More maintenance
If you’re familiar with smart vacuums like Roomba…
You’ll realize that their design looks similar to robot mops.
However, apart from their different primary purposes…
Another big difference between these 2 devices is the extent of maintenance you must do.
See, with smart vacuums…
At most, you’ll have to empty out your device’s cleaning bin twice a week.
But if you have a smart mop…
You’ll have to do more chores to maintain your robot.
See, most smart mops don’t automatically wash their cleaning pads.
So, if you don’t want your robot to drag the same dirty cloth over and over again…
You’d need to wash its pad yourself.
On top of this, you also have to deal with the fact that robot mops have…
#3: Limited water tanks
Most models can clean 3 rooms at most before running out of water/cleaning solution.
Hence, you’d need to check your device’s dock regularly so it can keep operating.
Now, some high-end models have tanks that hold up to 4L.
Take this robot from Dreametech, for example.
And with these smart mops…
You can keep your hands off your robot for a whole week. Without it running out of cleaning liquid.
However, these mops usually cost over $1000. Which isn’t within most people’s budget.
So, if you’re planning to buy a model in the mid-price range ($300-$700)…
Expect to refill your robot’s water tank 2 to 3 times a week.
#4: Can’t take care of big spills
Let’s say you accidentally spilled your water-filled glass.
Well, that won’t be a problem.
Because your robot mop can dry that up in minutes.
However, if you tip off a whole jug of juice on your floor…
Long story short, you’ll have to clean that mess yourself.
See, mopping robots’ pads are smaller than the ones on handheld, manual models.
So, even if your smart device tries to dry up a liter of juice off your floor…
You’ll still see liquid trails when your robot finishes its cleaning routine.
#5: Can’t clean grout lines efficiently
While smart mops excel the most when cleaning hard surfaces…
These devices don’t clean the grout lines between your tiles thoroughly.
Because robot mops can’t apply enough pressure to reach deeper surfaces.
So, if you don’t want the lines between your tiles to accumulate dirt over time…
You’d still need to manually mop your tiled floor at least twice a month.
#6: Sensitive to cleaning solutions
When you manually mop your floor…
You can freely choose the cleaning solution you want to use. Regardless of its brand.
But unfortunately, if you have a robot mop…
You won’t have this freedom of choice. Because the majority of smart mops are sensitive to cleaning solutions.
See…
Your robot will only be compatible with disinfectants made by its manufacturer.
So, you won’t have too many options.
On top of this, unfortunately…
Robot mops’ cleaning solutions are often more expensive. Compared to the basic cleaning agents you can buy in your local supermarket.
For example…
The brand iRobot sells this less-than-1L cleaning solution for its robot mops for $18.
And that’s way more expensive than regular multipurpose floor disinfectants. Which can cost as low as $5 per liter (34 oz).
Which mopping robot should I buy?
There are hundreds of mopping robots you can choose from.
Hence, picking out 1 model you’ll spend years with can be confusing.
So, let me help you shorten the process…
By showing you the 2 best robot mops I’ve used over the years.
Best for budget: iLife V8s
You don’t need to break the bank just to get a high-quality robot mop.
Because the iLife V8s model can offer you all the basic features you’d need from a mopping robot.
See, for a little over $200…
This cleaning device efficiently sweeps and vacuums your floor in your stead. Similar to the models that are listed for twice as much.
And it’s also compatible with surface types such as:
- Tile.
- Wood.
- Carpet.
So, you won’t have to worry about cleaning every floor area at home.
However, the iLife V8s’ battery life does fall short compared to others.
See, it only has a 90-minute continuous run time. While other models can clean for several hours at once.
I should also mention that this robot mop lacks an app and voice-control support.
But don’t worry.
You can control this device using its physical remote instead.
Best for value: iRobot Braava Jet M6
Coming from 1 of the most respected brands in the cleaning robots industry…
The Braava Jet M6 is the smart mop you should use to get the best bang for your buck.
This device can cover 1000 square feet per session. Which makes it suitable for both small and larger homes.
Its compatibility with the iRobot app (iOS/Android) also makes it extremely convenient.
Because at the tip of your fingers, you can:
- Direct your device to mop a specific room.
- Make your smart mop clean at certain times and dates.
- Use Alexa or Google Assistant to command your robot mop verbally.
The only downside I can find about this device is its relatively high price ($350).
But considering all the features you can get from this robot…
Trust me. Paying this much is more than worth it.