To spend less time dealing with pet hair, first check how well the robot picks up hair from your floors and carpets, and how easy it is to access the brushes and dustbin. An emptying station is mainly useful if you need to empty the bin frequently, while mopping is only worthwhile if your hard floors need it. UFC-Que Choisir assesses how well robots pick up fibres from carpets, among other things. A robot can maintain accessible floors, but it won’t replace cleaning stairs or furniture, or the occasional spot clean.
You want to keep clumps of hair off the floor and stop hair wrapping around the brushes, without assuming that an anti-tangle feature means no maintenance at all. UFC-Que Choisir explains how it assesses fibre pick-up on carpets, while iRobot Support notes that debris can block the brushes or wheels.
If the dustbin fills up frequently, a collection station may be worth considering. However, you’ll still need to check the station’s container, brushes and sensors, as iRobot Support points out.
You have carpets, hard floors or thresholds, and want to check which areas the robot can clean. UFC-Que Choisir assesses vacuuming across different floor types; Les Numériques also noted limitations in obstacle detection during its Roborock Qrevo Edge test.
| What matters | What to check | Who should pay most attention |
|---|---|---|
| Pet hair and brush maintenance | Check the results for fibre pick-up on carpets similar to yours, as well as the instructions for removing and cleaning the brushes. | If I want to pick up pet hair without having to untangle the brushes often, I also check how easy they are to access. Around 36 % of consumers prioritise pick-up and brush maintenance. |
| How often you need to empty the bin | Check that the version you choose includes an emptying station, and find out how easy it is to access the dustbin and the station’s bag or container. | When pet hair fills the bin quickly, I look for ways to reduce interruptions without forgetting about the station’s container. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise emptying the bin less often. |
| Carpets, thresholds and obstacles | Compare test results for your types of flooring and check the thresholds and any preparation instructions. In its Qrevo Edge test, Les Numériques noted limitations in obstacle detection. | If I need the robot to clean carpets and move between rooms, I check how well it actually covers these areas. Around 21 % of consumers prioritise mixed flooring and tricky transitions. |
| Mopping hard floors | Look at mopping results, carpet handling, and the maintenance required for the mop and water tanks. The presence of a mopping function alone doesn’t tell you how well it works. | If I also want to clean my hard floors with water, I compare mopping performance separately from pet hair pick-up. Around 14 % of consumers prioritise wet cleaning. |
Fibre pick-up varies depending on the floor covering and type of debris. A suction figure alone won’t tell you how well the robot will perform on your carpets.
Look for tests involving fibres and carpets, then check how easy it is to access and clean the brush.
Automatic emptying applies to the dustbin on models that include this feature. Debris can still affect the wheels, brushes or sensors.
Check the instructions for the exact model you’re considering to see which parts need checking and what maintenance is recommended.
Allow time to clean the brushes, wheels, sensors or station, and check which consumables are compatible with your model.
Picking up pet hair and mopping hard floors are two separate tasks. Mopping also means maintaining the mop and, depending on the model, the water tanks.
If mopping is important to you, check the relevant test results and how the robot handles carpets.
The shape of a threshold and the presence of obstacles can limit which areas the robot can actually reach. In its Qrevo Edge test, Les Numériques highlighted limitations in obstacle detection, among other things.
Measure the doorways and transitions in your home, and check the test conditions for the exact model before relying on its stated capabilities.
The Roomba Max 705 Vac and Roomba Combo 10 Max are examples of a vacuum-focused option and a version that also mops, respectively.
The Qrevo Edge combines vacuuming, mopping and a station, making it a combination worth considering if you have mixed flooring.
The D20 Pro Plus is a robot vacuum and mop to consider if you’re comparing both brush design and hard-floor care.
The DEEBOT T80S OMNI is an example of a robot vacuum and mop with a station that handles some of the maintenance involved in caring for the roller mop.
These Joybuy models include robot vacuums and robot vacuum mops, with features to compare for pet hair, mixed flooring and maintenance frequency.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a robot with a mopping function and automatic emptying to keep your floors clean regularly.
The model name lists 8 000 Pa suction, LiDAR navigation, a dual anti-tangle system and automatic mop lifting.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a robot vacuum with an advertised anti-hair brush and a large-capacity dust container.
The model name lists 8 000 Pa, DuoDetect AI 3D obstacle avoidance and a dust container advertised as holding up to 45 days’ worth.
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Worth considering if you want to compare a robot vacuum and mop with a station and features designed to maintain the mop.
The model name lists 16 200 Pa, anti-tangle technology, liquid detection and brush lifting. It also mentions hot-water cleaning at 75 °C and a self-cleaning function.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a station and vacuuming and mopping features for hard floors and carpets.
The model name lists 12 000 Pa, a station, FlexiArm mops, a dual anti-tangle system, hot-air drying, obstacle avoidance and intelligent navigation.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a robot with a liftable mop and a system designed to reduce hair tangles.
The model name lists 10 000 Pa HyperForce suction, a dual anti-tangle system and automatic mop lifting.
No. It can maintain accessible floors, but it won’t clean stairs or furniture. Les Numériques also points out that robots don’t clean skirting boards. Keep a manual cleaning option for these areas and for occasional spot cleaning.
Clear the floor in line with the model’s instructions. For the Roomba Combo 10 Max specifically, iRobot says PrecisionVision detection is inactive during mapping and asks you to remove pet waste and cables, among other things, before the session. This instruction may not apply to other robots.
The station empties the dustbin on models that include one, but it doesn’t necessarily clean the wheels, brushes or sensors. If pick-up or the robot’s return to the base gets worse, check these parts according to the instructions.
Check that bags, filters, brushes and mop pads compatible with the exact model are available. If you buy as a private individual from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity applies. For a new product, the Ministry of the Economy states that it lasts for two years and that you should make your claim to the seller. An optional commercial warranty may also be available, but it doesn’t replace the legal guarantee.