A robot vacuum won't replace a full deep clean, but it's great at the daily sweep. It picks up crumbs, dust bunnies and pet hair before they pile up. Start by looking at your floors. Homes with lots of carpet need stronger suction, and many robots have a max mode for rugs that drains the battery faster. Brands measure suction in different ways, so independent test results tell you more than the number on the box.
Features worth paying for
Wi-Fi is the first thing to check on budget models. Without it, you can't start a clean from your phone or set schedules in an app. As prices go up, you get home mapping, no-go zones and better obstacle detection that steers around cables and socks. Combo models that vacuum and mop are now common, but on many of them you still fill and empty the water tank yourself. Self-emptying docks save a lot of hassle. Bagless docks also spare you from buying replacement bags.
- Empty the dustbin after every run
- Cut hair off the brushes regularly
- Replace filters every few months
A little upkeep keeps a robot vacuum working well for years. Keep in mind what it can't do. It won't clean stairs, sofas or the corners of a closet, so keep a stick or handheld vacuum around for those. Since you'll rely on the app for years, it's also worth choosing a brand that seems likely to keep supporting it. With realistic expectations, a robot vacuum is one of the most satisfying chores to hand off.
Source: Engadget
