Investing in a robot vacuum cleaner was the best decision of your life. Not only has it saved you time, it has made your home cleaner with little effort on your end. Like any piece of modern technology, a robot vacuum will run into technical problems, but you can troubleshoot the common problems easily. Here, we tackle the most common robotic vacuum and mop issues, how to fix them, and the maintenance steps you can take to avoid problems in future.
Robot Vacuum Not Charging or Turning On
Even the best robotic vacuum has hiccups. A robot vacuum not charging or turning on is a common troubleshooting issue for robot vacuum and mop owners. The most common cause of this issue is a drained battery or dirty charging contacts.
The first step is diagnosis is: inspect your robot vacuum and the charging station. Look for corrosion, dirt, and debris in the charging contacts. If they are clean, check the power supply to ensure it's working properly.
If there is dirt or debris, use a dry cloth to clean the charging contacts on the robot vacuum and its charging station. The next step is to ensure the charging dock is securely plugged in. If there's still an issue, you may want to try the reset button (the instruction manual will detail where you can find this). If the issue still persists, it might be time for a brand-new battery.
Robot Vacuum Not Cleaning Properly
If your robovac isn't cleaning properly, the most common causes of this problem include obstructed sensors, full dustbins, and dirty brushes. These areas should be the first step in diagnosing the problem. The best solution is to give your robot vacuum cleaner a thorough clean and see if that solves the problem. You should make regular cleaning a weekly activity to keep your robot vacuum in tiptop condition moving forward, including wiping sensors, checking brushes for tangles, and emptying the dustbin regularly.
If you're still having issues, the app can take you through a recalibration process that may fix the problem. Don't forget to check your app for a self-cleaning mode!
Robot Vacuum Getting Stuck or Losing Navigation
Robot vacuum cleaners have more advanced navigation than ever before, so if yours is constantly getting stuck or losing navigation, you have a problem on your hands. The usual cause of this problem is a software or firmware issue that is disrupting its navigation or an obstacle it can't handle for some reason. Take a look at the area where it keeps running into problems – is there a rug, cord, or obstruction that's tripping it up? You can look at your maps in the app to see whether it's having the same issue with a similar obstacle. The first step is to update the firmware and the manufacturer's app to ensure it has all the latest updates.
If there's a particular obstruction your robot just can't handle, do your best to remove it from its path. If you have the best mopping and vacuum robot, you can use virtual walls or no-go zones to avoid the problem. If you know the robot vacuum gets caught up beneath the coffee table, create a no-go zone around the coffee table.
Robot Vacuum Brushes Not Spinning Or Making Strange Noises
If your robot vacuum is making strange noises or the brushes aren't spinning, there's a good chance there is debris in the brush motor or there is a clog in the brushes themselves. Start by inspecting the brushes for tangles, debris, or hair buildup. If that's not the issue, you can check the brush motor – when you activate a cleaning session, you should hear the motor activate. If you can't see a problem, look for a cracked or broken brush. The issue could be a damaged brush.
If there's a clog, remove the debris to ensure the brushes rotate freely. If there is a damaged brush, purchase a replacement part.
The best way to avoid this problem in the future is to clean your brushes regularly, especially if you have pets or small children who may enjoy testing the robot vacuum's capabilities.
Robot Vacuum Losing Connection to Wi-Fi or App
The most common cause of a connectivity issue is a weak signal or the vacuum's app connection. Start by checking whether your Wi-Fi network is on and the vacuum is within range of the signal. The next step is to ensure your app is up-to-date.
Some robot vacuums don't support 5 GHz networks, ensure yours is connected to a 2.4GHz network. Likewise, reboot your router, vacuum, and phone for good measure. If the issue persists, you may want to disconnect your robot and set up the connection from scratch. However, you'll find connectivity advice in your app's troubleshooting section.
How to Keep Your Robot Vacuum Running Smoothly
You could purchase the best robot vacuum in Australia, but if you don't look after it, it won't operate efficiently. So, use these maintenance tips to keep your robot vacuum running smoothly. Regularly clean the machine's sensors, brushes, dustbin, and filters. In addition to the machine itself, be sure to clean the charging dock too. While many models are set to update software and firmware automatically, many gadgets fail to do this regularly so you should check for updates.
Connect robot vacuum maintenance to another weekly chore to make it a habit.
Final Thoughts
The most common robot vacuum issues are simple fixes and by carrying out maintenance regularly, you'll prevent most of them from occurring. That being said, there are plenty of DIY fixes to troubleshoot any issue that does crop up. The best way forward is proactive maintenance to keep your machine functioning optimally.
If you're dealing with a persistent issue or it's time to buy a new model, take a look at our stellar range of robot vacuums and accessories at Tech Sales Online.