The Best Robot Mops Based on Extensive Testing

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Every day, my two untidy dogs track a seemingly unending supply of dirt and grime into my house. If you have the same problem, you know that vacuum does not remove all the dirt from your floors. But who has time to pull out a standard mop twice a week? The best robot mops overcome this issue by washing hard floors autonomously and leaving them clean and shiny—all without you having to lift a finger. After thoroughly testing eight models over several weeks, my pick for the finest robot mop is the Bissell SpinWave, a strong device that uses rotating mop heads to lift messes and stains.

After weeks of testing, the Bissell SpinWave is the greatest robot mop on the market… [+] marketplace.

“The biggest benefit of having a robot mop is that you aren’t the one mopping, and you can run it frequently on a timer at your preferred schedule,” Michael Silva-Nash, executive vice president of Molly Maid of Greater Little Rock, Arkansas, adds. These devices are useful and simple to use for basic maintenance, and they can even combine with a robot vacuum to automate all of your floor cleaning. “A robot mop can eliminate allergens, dust, and other debris from your floors, which prevents them from tracking throughout your home,” he explains.

However, not all robot mops can remove difficult stains; some can cause more harm than good by scattering dirt around. I put today’s popular robot mops through weeks of testing to find the most effective, evaluating their ease of use, cleaning effectiveness, navigation ability, and other factors.

All of the winners from my testing method are listed below:

• Best Robot Mop Overall: Bissell SpinWave
• Best Value Robot Mop: iRobot Braava Jet 240
• Best Robot Mop For Roomba Owners: iRobot Braava Jet m6

Regarding cleaning performance and ease of use, the Bissell SpinWave 2-in-1 Wet Mop and Dry Robot Vacuum came out on top. This robotic mop was one of only two models I tested that had rotating mop heads (the others merely moved a flat mop pad across the floor), and the scrubbing action significantly improved its ability to lift all types of stains from the floor. Even better, the microfiber pads are reusable, so you can pitch them in the washing machine once you’re done cleaning.

When cleaning, the mop goes over its path numerous times, which results in fewer streaks while prolonging each cycle and allows the machine to treat stubborn stains more effectively. Because of its revolving heads, the SpinWave lifted a dried mud stain from the floor in just two passes, a task numerous other mops failed. I used the mop’s spot cleaning mode to clean up a sticky soda spill, which employs more scrubbing and works in a spiral pattern covering a roughly 3-foot diameter. It went over the spill several times and removed most of the stickiness—there was a little residue left behind, but only if you looked for it.

This 2-in-1 robot vacuums and mops come with two distinct canisters, one for each duty. When the vacuum canister is attached, two spinning edge brushes help remove dirt from corners, and the rotating brush roll sucks up debris. While vacuuming, it cleans low- and medium-pile carpets; however, when mopping, the robot automatically avoids soft surfaces such as area rugs. When it returned to the area, its cleaning algorithm “knew” to turn around before it ran into the carpeting. On its initial run, it would bump into the edge of the rug I had set out.

The Bissell brand is popular, and it’s easy to see why. (It may still recognize and avoid obstacles when cleaning.) However, you can start and stop the robot remotely, create an automatic cleaning schedule, and even monitor when the mop needs maintenance, such as a filter replacement.

The Bissell SpinWave comes with a backup set of cleaning pads and a trial-size bottle of one of their cleaning formulations in addition to the device. (Unsurprisingly, the brand only suggests using its formulae in the mop; using another cleaning solution may harm the machine and ruin its guarantee.)

iRobot Braava Jet 240

$200

Water tank: 5.07 oz. | Pad type: Reusable or disposable | Vacuuming: No | Smart features: No | Battery life: 60 minutes | Warranty: 1 years

Best for:

• Wet and dry mopping
• Small rooms
• Navigating obstacles

Skip if:

• You have lots of large rooms
• You want more comprehensive smart features

Most robot vacuums are fairly expensive—in general, a top-tier model will cost around $400 or more. If you’re looking for something a little less expensive for a smaller space, I recommend the iRobot Braava Jet 240. This low-cost alternative doesn’t have as many features as other models I tested, and it will work best in tiny areas. You may find yourself in a situation where you must deal with many types of stains and spills. It may be used for dry, damp, or wet mopping and comes with single-use and washable pads.

The Braava Jet 240 will clean dirt and grime from your floors, but its biggest shortcoming is that it could be more convenient to use. It features a small square design and, unlike most robot mops, a replaceable battery and charger rather than a docking station. This means you must remember to remove and recharge the battery after each use, but I appreciated that it can be neatly tucked away in a closet when not in use. The mop can be synced to the iRobot app through Bluetooth, but the functionality is severely limited. You must physically turn on the robot, but you can start and stop cleaning from the app as long as you are within Bluetooth range.

Furthermore, the Jet 240 features a “virtual wall” feature that is exceedingly easy to set up and keeps the robot in one room. The mop avoided obstructions effectively in my tests. Because it is compact, it can fit under chairs and other pieces of furniture that other mops cannot. Because of its back-and-forth motion, it performed an excellent job cleaning a mud stain off the floor, and I couldn’t find any sign of dirt when it was through. When tested against a spill of 12 cups of water, the mop performed an excellent job soaking up a sticky spill with a disposable pad. However, it did leave the floor slightly wet. The pads are quite small—roughly half the size of those on other models—and can only absorb a certain amount of liquid. When you’re finished cleaning, a “eject” button on the mop releases the pad, saving you from having to pull it off by hand.

One of the primary drawbacks of this mop is its low battery life. It can run for about 60 minutes on a single charge, but cleaning a single room takes a long time because it mops in a back-and-forth motion. The mop kept dying before it could finish cleaning my 200-square-foot testing room (which required approximately 90 minutes), so I put it in a smaller bathroom for subsequent tests. This mop was around half the size, and in the reduced area, it could complete its cleaning in around 40 minutes and return to where it began. As a result, I recommend this mop just for small places.

The iRobot Braava Jet m6 is the brand’s more advanced robot mop, and it is the greatest option for anyone who already has an iRobot Roomba robotic vacuum. This mop works with some Roombas—during testing, it automatically imported the map made by my Roomba i7+. After the vacuum is cleaned, the two devices will work in tandem, with the Braava mopping. The mop performs a wonderful cleaning job, moving gently and back and forth over each region, and even overlaps its routes for optimal coverage. During testing, it could remove all types of spills and stains, and you can put the brand’s floor cleaning solution into the water tank for a complete clean. It’s also whisper quiet.

The only way to get a good deal on a car is to drive it. The mop did an excellent job cleaning all around the room’s edges. However, it did get tangled up on the area rug at one point and ended up beneath the corner. It released itself without assistance, and the robot knew to avoid that area on subsequent runs.

The only thing that could go wrong with this is that it’s the only way to get the job done. It can be used to “dry mop,” which collects dust and hair; however, when I tested this feature, it required a new dry pad halfway through cleaning since it became clogged with pet hair. Before this mop can perform, you must clean your floors to remove huge debris and hair; otherwise, it will push the hair or dirt about the floor. As a result, I generally recommend this mop to folks who already possess a Roomba because the two devices can work together.

Other Robot Mops I Tested

In comparison to the winning models, the following robot mops did not cut:

Roborock S7+ Robot Vacuum And Sonic Mop: While the Roborock S7+ is one of the best 2-in-1 models I tested, it didn’t have the same mopping power as my other top recommendations due to its wide range of settings. During testing, the S7+ would frequently do a full lap around the room before it started getting wet on the floor, and while it avoided obstructions and lifted sticky stains, it didn’t fair as well against muck. I also found the app to be clumsy.

Dreametech Bot W10: Despite having self-cleaning mop pads and the ability to fill its water tank from a supply of clean water in the base, the Dreametech Bot W10 fell short of expectations. The app isn’t user-friendly—I had pop-ups obscuring my view and got lost in numerous menus. Furthermore, the robot frequently becomes stuck in spots, and its cleaning efficiency was not as good as that of other mops I tested.

Neabot N2: The Neabot N2 is a good robot vacuum with a self-emptying dust container. However, its mopping abilities still need to be improved. It drags a wet pad across the floor, and while you can adjust how much water it uses, the robot didn’t do as good of a job as some of the other mops.

Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid: While it works well as a vacuum, I wasn’t impressed with the Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid’s mopping ability. It left streaks on the floor and mopped straight over an area rug, and when we left the water tank attached to the robot overnight, it leaked on the floor.

Eufy RoboVac L70 Hybrid: The L70 Hybrid, like the previous Eufy model I tested, did not wow us with its mopping abilities. Despite having a larger water tank, it failed to remove stains from the floor and mopped directly over an area rug, leaving dirt streaks behind.

How I Tested The Best Robot Mops

When choosing devices to test, I sought highly rated robot mops from well-known manufacturers like iRobot (the maker of Roomba), Bissell, and Eufy. There are fewer models because robot mops are newer and less adaptable than robot vacuums.

I started by evaluating how easy it was to unpack and set up each mop. I noted how easy it was to sync each model I tested to my phone because they were connected to an app via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Then, I put it to the test in a 200-square-foot room with linoleum floors. “Robot mops typically work best on hard floors with lots of open space and minimal obstacles,” Samson explains. I set up many impediments for the mops to avoid, including a small area rug and a dining room chair. The mop had to navigate past curtains and the occasional dog toy.

I ran the device four or five times to test each model, depending on the different settings they provided. During the first cleaning cycle, I let the mop run on its preset settings. I noted how well it covered the floor, whether it could avoid obstructions, and how loud it sounded. (I ran a vacuuming cycle first for machines that can also vacuum.) On successive runs, I added other spills and stains for the mop to attack, including 12 cups of water, 14 cups of soda dried into the floor, and dried mud stains. I then assessed how well each mop handled these scenarios while taking notes on the robot’s battery life, app design, and other features.

How To Choose A Robot Mop

There are a few key things that you should examine to help you find the best robot mops on the market.

Room Size

It’s critical to consider where you intend to utilize a robot mop while shopping for one. If you put the device in a big room or open floor plan, you need a model with a lengthy battery life or the ability to recharge and keep cleaning. “You will want to evaluate the battery life of your robot mop,” says Jessica Samson, a cleaning specialist at Maids.com. “The longer the battery life, the less hassle it will be for you to charge and keep it operational.”

If you only need a mop to clean a small bathroom or foyer, a smaller model like the Braava Jet 240 would be better. It has a lower battery life but can fit into a small area and be stored in a closet when not in use.

Mop Style And Settings

There are two types of robot mops on the market now. The greatest robot mops use rotating pads on the bottom of the robot (the Bissell CrossWave and Dreametech Bot W10). Spinning pads are generally more effective at cleaning difficult stains, but flat pads can be just as effective if the mop does many runs over the same floor. You can find this design on both Braava models.

You should also consider the mopping settings provided by each robot. Some robot mops, such as the Bissell SpinWave and Braava Jet m6, allow you to choose how much water they use and how aggressively they scrub—an important feature for eliminating dirt or stains from your floors.

Vacuuming

There are several robot mops that also vacuum. My testing indicated that 2-in-1 models often need to do better regarding deep cleaning, even though having one gadget performs both is convenient. If you want a model that can do both, I recommend the Bissell SpinWave, which has vacuuming and mopping attachments. Otherwise, check the robot mop’s water tank capacity (ranging from 5 to 15 ounces) and determine if it can be utilized with a floor-cleaning solution. It would help if you also considered whether the gadget learns to avoid carpets while mopping; otherwise, it may track dirt over your area rugs.

Smart Features

You can sync many of today’s greatest robot mops to your smartphone via an app, which makes them much easier to use. “The number one feature I recommend consumers invest in is app integration,” says HomeClean owner and operator Andrii Gurskyi. “I can’t tell you how convenient it is to have a phone application that allows you to control and manage your robotic mop from wherever you are.”

When your robot mop includes smart features, you can set it up on a cleaning plan, start and stop it from your phone, and even monitor when it needs maintenance. Furthermore, some apps include “smart mapping,” meaning the robot will create a virtual map of your home. Once the map is complete, you can use it to create virtual barriers and no-go zones for your mop and direct it to clean a specific area of the floor.

Noise Level

One typical issue regarding robot vacuums is that they may be extremely noisy when used, so keep this in mind when you shop. Then again, if you’re looking to save money, consider buying a used car. (Of all the models I tested, the Braava Jet 240 was by far the quietest—you could easily watch TV or talk in the same room while it was cleaning.)

“Some robotic vacuums are noisier than others, so keep that in mind if you want something quiet,” Gurskyi explains. “You also want something that fits your lifestyle in terms of noise because robotic mops require more time to clean a space.”

Maintenance

Before and after use, most robot mops require some maintenance. Before you run the mop, pick up any electrical wires, toys, or other items on the floor, and fill the water tank. Samson says, “You must ensure that your floors are decluttered.” “If too many things are on the floor, the robot will become confused.” They also feature little water tanks that must be replaced regularly.”

The only way to know if you’re doing anything right is to look at your search results. If you have a model that also vacuums, you may need to empty its dust bin unless it is self-emptying.

My Expertise

For more than seven years, I’ve worked as a professional product tester and written for sites such as Consumer Reports, The Spruce, and Business Insider. I’ve had direct experience testing various cleaning equipment, including robot vacuums, robot mops, and traditional mops. I also consulted with cleaning specialists during the testing process, including Jessica Samson (cleaning expert at Maids.com), Andrii Gurskyi (owner and operator of HomeClean), and Silva-Nash. Each shared their perspectives on the merits and drawbacks of robotic mops, how to operate the cleaning devices effectively and what to look for while shopping.

Do Robotic Mops Actually Work?

True, some robot mops are more effective than others. The best way to get a good night’s sleep is to have a good time. On the other hand, models that only utilize water do not do as thorough a job when cleaning and are better suited for routine maintenance rather than cleaning up severe messes.

Furthermore, most robotic mops are best suited for routine maintenance and little cleanup duties rather than large spills or messes. “One disadvantage of using robotic mops is that they aren’t particularly effective at cleaning large messes,” Samson explains. “You will still have to vacuum and mop big messes because if you just let the robotic mop clean it, it will likely just smear the mess around and do little to clean it up.”

Are Robot Mops Safe For Hardwood Floors?

Robot mops, including hardwood, tile, and laminate, can be used on almost any sealed hard floor. Furthermore, some models, such as the Bissell SpinWave or the iRobot Braava Jet m6, can be used with a hardwood-specific cleaning solution.

Most manufacturers recommend only using specific cleaning solutions in their robot mops, so examine your user manual before dumping in your preferred floor cleaner. Using an incompatible cleaning solution, you may damage your machine and void the warranty.

How Do You Clean A Robot Mop?

The following is a list of all the ways you can get your hands on a copy of the book. Along with emptying the dust and water tanks, wash all reusable pads per the manufacturer’s directions or dispose of single-use pads. The only way to know if you’ll be able to get a job is if you have a job.

Check the brush roll and edge-cleaning brushes if you buy a vacuum model that also functions as a cleaning app to ensure no hair or other debris is wrapped around them. You should also regularly clean the mop’s sensors and charging station by gently wiping away dust or dirt