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Sure, they save a lot of time and energy by doing the cleaning for you.

But, they also need to be cleaned to function properly.

a robot vacuum in front of a sofa

Luckily, maintaining them is a relatively simple process and needs to be done weekly at most.

With all that in mind, lets get down to business.

It might seem unnecessary for a how-to guide.

How to clean your robot vacuum

Check the app if applicable

Most newer robot vacuums come with an app.

This can also give you some insight into where the biggest issue might be.

Do this first to know exactly what to expect and if theres an issue youre not seeing.

How to clean your robot vacuum

Untangle and clean side brushes

Whether you have one or two side brushes, cleaning them is the same.

You should be able to completely clear any hair or debris tangled in the brushes.

Youll have to remove the side brushes next so check whether you have to unscrew them.

How to clean your robot vacuum

Remove the side brushes.

Reinstall the side brushes.

Untangle and clean brushroll

The brushroll is usually held into place by a brushroll cover.

How to clean your robot vacuum

So, first,you should probably open or remove the cover.

Though every robot vacuum is different, this will be secured by a lever so no screwdriver is required.

Once the cover is out of the way,pull out the brushroll completely.

How to clean your robot vacuum

Check either end of the brushroll as well.

Just like the side brushes, there may be buildup where it connects to the robot vacuum.

Remove any buildupon both ends of the brushroll, thenput back the brushroll and cover.

How to clean your robot vacuum

Check the wheels

Just like with the brushes, debris can build up around the wheel axles.

Since the wheels are typically not easily removable, youll have tocarefully cut away debris using scissors.

Empty dustbin

Ideally, the dustbin is getting emptied after every time you use your robot vacuum.

How to clean your robot vacuum

So, you need toflip the robot vacuum back uprightfirst.

Thenremove the dustbin.Open it and empty the contents into the trash.

Go onto the next step before putting it back into place.

How to clean your robot vacuum

Check and clean or replace filter

The filter is often attached to the dustbin.

Unless your manual tells you otherwise,remove the filterandrun it under waterto wash away any build-up.

Every company has its own guidelines iRobot suggests that you replace the filter every two months.

Youre now ready to return the robot vacuum to its charging station and resume regular use.

FAQs

How often should you empty a robot vacuum?

If you have one with a self-emptying base station, then the calculus changes.

How can I make my robot vacuum last longer?

A tangled side brush is enough to keep it from picking up what its supposed to.

And, a dirty filter or full dustbin can backup.

Anyway, cleaning out a robot vacuum takes less time than vacuuming everything yourself.