Buying a Robotic Carpet Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums do a great job of keeping floors tidy however, they're not 100% perfect. Some people choose to keep an upright vacuum cleaner to clean up spills that the robot isn't able to reach.

When buying a robot carpet cleaner, select one that has powerful suction as well as the capability to thoroughly clean rugs. Think about setting up virtual barriers to avoid accidental damage caused by strong suction.

Powerful Suction

The best robot vacuum for carpet and hardwood robot vacuums come with powerful suction, and are able to deal with carpets as well as a variety of other flooring surfaces. The top robot vacuums come with brushes that dig into various pile heights to collect dirt, hair and other debris. These vacuums also feature automatic suction adjustments to ensure an individualized clean. You can alter the power setting based on your floor. Additionally, a majority of our current top picks come with self-emptying docks that cut down on the frequency with the need to empty the garbage.

Most of our picks have smart mapping features that help them learn the layout of your home so that they can wash areas and rooms at the touch of a button. Some, like our top overall pick, the iRobot Roomba S9+, can even detect carpet and automatically increase the suction to better capture dirt and other particles that are embedded in the floor. This isn't a make-or-break feature, but it can be a useful addition particularly if you have several flooring types.

A variety of robotic cleaners also mop, and some -- like our top choice overall Ecovacs DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIV--are especially effective on carpet. The mop pad is designed to raise when the cleaner comes in contact with carpet. This keeps the pad from causing damage by soaking it. Some also offer a wet sensor for the material that will stop the cleaner if it comes in contact with something wet and sound an alarm.

Before you set up an agenda for cleaning, you should clear your floors of toys, clothing, cords, and other objects that can get tangled up in the brush, or block the robot's movements. This will enable your robot to clean more thoroughly and efficiently. Examine if your floor surfaces require additional maintenance such as sanding or refinishing before you begin your cleaning session. Then, turn the robot to its preferred mode--vacuuming or mopping and let it work. Even the most powerful robots can only accomplish a certain amount. They can't remove every last dust speck from crevices, corners and baseboards.

Virtual Barrier Function

For those who have a busy schedule and limited time, a robot vacuum cleaner is an easy method to keep your home clean. Before you buy one, think about your lifestyle and the layout of your house. Are you in a Victorian house with carpets that are high pile like for instance? You'll need a robot with a strong suction so it can remove threads and pet hairs that are trapped in carpets. You'll also need one that recognizes different flooring materials so it can switch to the appropriate cleaning mode.

Most robot vacuums and mop are smart. Equipped with cameras or lasers, they are able to "see" their way around your home and, on their first run, create an impressively detailed map of your space. This feature lets the robot to move from room to without crashing into furniture or walls. You can make use of the mapping function to create virtual barriers and no-go zones through the robot's application.

If you'd prefer to be hands-free, you can buy an entry-level robot that has basic navigation features. These models tend to have less powerful suction, and are typically designed to divert hair and other debris to the side brushes, rather than through the main suction opening. These models are louder than the smarter models, but they work great in minimalist homes with plain floors or a few rugs.

A lot of older or less expensive robot vacuums offer either manual or hardware options to block a particular area from being cleaned. This type of barrier typically comprises a physical piece of magnetic tape that can be place along the areas you do not want your robot to move. These strips can be used with all brands of robots provided they are equipped with sensors that can detect magnetism. The top-rated gyroscopic robot is the Lubluelu L20 has a compass which can detect magnetic strips.

There are also several smart home apps that allow you to set up and adjust boundaries with your smartphone or tablet. These apps can be used to set up virtual boundaries or no-go areas and some even can work with voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant. These apps are an excellent method of managing your robot's settings and schedule wherever you have an internet connection.

Silk and Wool Rugs

While almost every robot vacuum cleaner can perform admirably in clearing tile or hardwood floors of the dust and debris that blows across them as tumbleweeds, it takes more power and a concentrated airflow to uproot debris embedded in carpet. The most modern generation of robotic vacuums can accomplish this. Some models even have an option that allows them to create virtual barriers that stop the vacuum from gaining access to areas you don't want it to clean. This feature is particularly useful in large spaces with carpets that are high-pile.

A rug made from silk or wool will need special attention so that the fibers do not break down, get stained or discolored. Regular cleaning and routine maintenance can extend the lifespan of a silk or wool rug by keeping it free of dirt, dust, and other contaminants. This will also help to preserve its beautiful luster. Additionally, it's a good idea to periodically rotate the rug to ensure that all areas are exposed sunlight and air.

Silk or wool rug should be professionally cleaned by a professional rug cleaner who uses specific methods to prevent damage and to restore its color, sheen, and texture. Professional cleaners should utilize dry cleaning methods, as excessive moisture can harm both cotton and silk. It is also recommended to test the cleaning products on a small portion of your rug prior to deciding to use them.

If you are concerned about the impact of purchasing wool or silk rugs on the environment, choose one that has a base composed of cotton. These rugs are sustainable and won't break down as quickly as synthetic or fake silk carpets do. They're also usually made of Jute, an absorbent plant fiber that can take and hold grime hair, pet dander, hair and other pollutants until it's washed.

Another option is a silk and cotton blend rug. These rugs are typically cheaper than pure silk rugs, but they still have the elegance and beauty of more expensive materials. If you want to ensure that the rug is a silk and cotton mix, look for an official label from the manufacturer with details about its fiber content. You can also spot silk and cotton blends by looking at how the rug reflects light or touching its strands with your fingers. The real silk will feel smooth and soft to the touch, whereas synthetic and fake silks will have a coarser texture.

Pet Hair

The filtration system of a robot vacuum helps get rid of pet hair and dust, but the best robot vacuum for high pile carpet models have motors and filters that are able to manage pet hair and dust. These machines usually have a high suction capacity and utilize powerful brushes to break up dander and hair and draw it into the filter. They also have an anti-allergen filters as well as a specially designed nozzle that can sweep up the fur or dander without spreading it throughout your home.

A reputable robot carpet vacuum cleaner is one that can be used on all floors of your home including tile and hardwood and low-pile carpets. Some have the added functionality of mopping, which can be useful if you have many spills and wet mess.

Experts agree that robot vacuums, when used properly and under supervision, will not damage your carpets or rugs. However, you might prefer to use a regular vacuum cleaner for backup in areas with a lot of dirt. The best carpet floor vacuum robot vacuums are able to remove even the most difficult-to-reach particles such as food crumbs or Lego pieces from furniture, chairs, sofas and other furniture.

In our tests, we discovered that the iRobot Roomba J9 did an excellent job of picking up dog hair, and other messes, both on carpet and hardwood flooring. It cleaned up around 99%. It also has a dirt sensor, which allows the robot to concentrate on the areas where it sees messes that are important. It is also programmed to return to the charger when its battery gets depleted.

Roborock S8+ is another excellent choice. It's both an automatic vacuum and a robot mop. It automatically detects your flooring type, then removes and reattaches its mop pad to make sure your floors are completely cleaned. It also has the ability to stop cleaning to prevent over-wetting of area rugs. It can also establish no-go areas for areas that you don't wish to have your robot in.

When choosing a robot vacuum or mop be sure to consider your budget and the features you must have. The latest models have apps that allow you to schedule cleaning sessions, adjust vacuum settings, and set no go zones right via your phone. They can also clean their charging bases and empty their dustbins. A good robot vacuum for thick carpet is a good investment particularly when they are on sale during events like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.