It seems like yesterday that robot vacuums started becoming popular. All of a sudden there was a quantum leap from pushing the same old vacuum cleaner from days of yore, to now something that is straight out of the Jetson’s: absolutely autonomous. It sounds like science fiction, but it has now become science fact, as these little robotic helpers are taking the world by storm. While these are handy gadgets, one of the most common questions that people have is “How do I maintain this vacuum?”
Because these are a relatively new household appliance and gizmo, they aren’t as commonplace as their older counterparts. Read on as we give you some tips on how to extend the life of your new found robot assistant.
Robot Vacuum Maintenance Tips
Wheels
As you can imagine, the wheels might be one of the first things that can start to cause issues with a robot vacuum cleaner. They might squeak or not rotate as easily and freely as they had in the past, but don’t worry, this can be a simple and quick fix. First to check and make sure that the wheels are functioning and rolling properly, use your hands to move them. If they are resisting movement more than normal, it’s time to take action.
The first step is to remove the wheel from the body. Depending on the make and model of robot vacuum cleaner that you have, you might be able to do this by hand or might need a screwdriver to gain access to the wheel. Take a look around and see if there might be any lint, hair, string, or anything else that might be stuck inside the wheel housing that is preventing it from rotating properly and remove it.
If this doesn’t solve the issue, then it might be time to replace the wheel or wheels that are giving you issues. If your vacuum is still covered by the warranty, then reach out to the company and work with them to fix the issue.
Main Brush
Like any old vacuum cleaner, your robot vacuum cleaner works by using a brush and suction to remove dirt and debris from your floors or carpets. Just like the old upright vacuum cleaners, your robot vacuum cleaner’s brush will also get tangled with hair, string, or anything else that can get caught and wrapped around it. You should regularly check and make sure that nothing is caught around this brush and be sure to remove it.
About once a month, try to make a point to remove the brush from the vacuum itself and do a manual cleaning of it. Start by cutting and removing anything that might be tangled around it and then gently washing it with warm water and some dish soap. Once you finish this, be sure to let it dry completely before reattaching and sending it off on its next cleaning cycle. Again, keep in mind that depending on the make and model of your vacuum cleaner, you might need a screwdriver to carefully remove this important part of the robot.
Side Brushes
Most, but not all, robot vacuum cleaners have a side brush on the underside as well. These are smaller than the main brush but are just as important. They work by getting the harder to reach spots that the main one can’t reach, and funneling it into the suction so that it can be properly disposed of.
Because these are just as vital to the robot vacuum, it is important that you pay attention to these and make sure that they are properly taken care of.
Over time these will become tangled with hair and other bits of debris that are pretty easy to fix: simply cut or untangle the bits that are causing issues. With time and use the bristles might also become warped and bent. If they are still relatively intact but bent at an odd angle, try using a hairdryer. Heat the bristles for a few minutes and then gently guide them back into place and hold until they have cooled.
Sensors
The sensors on any robot vacuum cleaner are extremely important to how they operate, so it is a good idea to maintain them. Don’t worry, they might be complicated pieces of technology but maintenance is simple. If you have access to Magic Eraser or anything that is similar, that is all you need.
Take a piece of Magic Eraser that is slightly damp and wipe the sensors clean. Clean both the inside and outside ports, but be careful not to damage any of the electronics inside.
By performing this quick and easy task, you are actively removing dirt and debris that might be inhibiting the sensors thus causing your vacuum to not run as effectively or efficiently in the past. Be careful to not use any harsh chemicals or other detergents in order to preserve your sensors and the electronics and lenses.
Filter and Dustbins
Your robot vacuum cleaner might clean your floors and self-empty itself, but you should take special care of the collection bins. Emptying them out on a regular basis and ensuring they don’t get too full is very important. If they get too full then they won’t work as well and could lead to other issues later on.
Keep an eye on the filters as well and make sure that they are cleaned regularly. The cleaner they are, the more dirt that they can suck up. If the filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, guess what. Your floor stays dirty.
There are two types of filters that robot vacuum cleaners come with: washable and non washable. Washable ones are easily rinsed out to rid them of the dirt and debris that are stuck within. Let them fully dry before re-inserting them into your vacuum and letting it run again. Non washable filters are just that: non washable.
This means that you will have to replace them periodically. Alternately, you can use a can of compressed air to blow debris out of them in order to extend the life before inevitably having to replace them.
Batteries
One of the most expensive things to replace on a robot vacuum cleaner is the battery. Even though they come outfitted with a powerful 5200mAh battery, you should pay close attention to doing whatever you can to extend its life.
There are two ways to keep your vacuum’s battery lasting longer. The first is to make sure that your vacuum is always plugged into the charging base when not in use. By making sure that it is at full charge whenever it is running puts less stress on the battery to perform. The second is to charge it as soon as it finishes a cycle and not wait a long time to recharge it.
If the battery is left dead or on low power for a long time and not charged regularly, this will diminish its power and lifetime. Be sure to consult the manual as well; different brands and models might have other specifications and tips on how to get the most from the battery..
Firmware and Software
Like cellphones and computers, your robotic vacuum cleaner will need software and firmware updates to keep it performing at its best ability. Be sure to check and double check regularly about updates and installing them.
Other Tips
Removing Hair
If you have pets, then hair and fur is likely one of the most common things that your vacuum is picking up. Hair is a huge detriment to the wheels, filters, and brushes. It is important to be sure that you regularly check for excess hair in any of these problem areas and remove it. This will ensure that your vacuum is running at the best of its abilities for longer.
Clean The Floor
While most robot vacuums can clean just about any floor surface, you should make sure that you pick up anything that might cause any issues. If you happen to have large pieces of food, pet waste, or a large spill, then it might be wise to clean that area before running the vacuum. The robot is meant to do basic cleaning tasks, not a deep clean.
Summary
These robot vacuum cleaners are a great addition to any home, especially those that are busy and constantly on the go. No matter how busy you are, it is important to be sure to perform some basic maintenance to keep your helper running for longer and protect your expensive household assistant.
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