Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop: review, specifications, pros/cons, reviews
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop - one of the first models of automatic robotic vacuum cleaners from Xiaomi, which began to be supplied to the global consumer market. It belongs to the budget price category, but in terms of functionality is not inferior to many competitors with a cost an order of magnitude higher. One of the key advantages is the support of wet cleaning mode.
The vacuum cleaner from Xiaomi is inferior only to the simple delivery set. It has no removable filters, no additional brushes (side, rotary). All you have to buy separately. Fortunately, the prices for consumables of this brand are low.
Contents
Technical Specifications
[irp posts="7451? name="Top 21 best robot vacuum cleaners: rating 2021-2022 by price/quality"] Declared by the manufacturer technical specifications of Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop:- maximum power consumption - 40 watts (when using the "intensive" cleaning mode);
- types of cleanings supported: dry, wet (with the help of a microfiber on which water is supplied);
- filter - HEPA, as well as an additional mesh filter (stops about 99.7% of all dust, including fine dispersion dust)
- side brushes - 1;
- programmed modes of cleaning: by perimeter, automatic (creation of local navigation map without memorizing it);
- weight - 3.6 kg;
- dimensions - 350 millimeters of diameter, height - 80 millimeters;
- suction power - 2500 Pa;
- operating time - up to 1.5 hours (battery capacity of the battery installed - 2500 mAh);
- charging time - 4 hours (maximum - 6 hours);
- tank - 600 milliliters;
- water tank - 200 milliliters.
The package contains only the power adapter, module for wet cleaning, charging station and instructions. No spare brushes, consumables - no (which explains the low cost of the robot vacuum cleaner with such a set of features). Robot vacuum cleaner is designed to clean the premises up to 80 square meters. The maximum height of possible obstacles, with which the vacuum cleaner "cope" itself - 18 millimeters. Not suitable for premises with high thresholds.
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
Experts highlight the following advantages of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop:
- low cost for its functionality;
- suction power - above average;
- a minimum of noise in operation (up to 72 dB);
- cheap consumables (it does not make sense to buy from third parties);
- "advanced" software (although sometimes works incorrectly, but for Xiaomi - this is the "norm").
Of the disadvantages we can mention:
- low battery life;
- You can not charge while the module for wet cleaning is installed;
- a small water tank (only 200 milliliters, competitors usually have 250-300);
- there are differences in software between the "Chinese" and "global" version of the robot vacuum cleaner (setting up the first one is often difficult for inexperienced users).
Setting up and preparing to work
After unpacking the robot vacuum cleaner it is necessary:
- Install and connect the charging station. Be sure to place it where there is no obstacle at a distance of 1 meter. The manufacturer generally recommends that the charging station was provided access to 0.5 meters to the side, and 1.5 meters in front.
- Set the robot vacuum cleaner on the charging station, press the power button.
- Synchronize the vacuum cleaner with your smartphone. To do this, you will need the MiHome app (available for iOS and Android devices). To synchronize, you must also connect your phone to your home WiFi network and have access to the Internet - this will be necessary to download and install the updated firmware of the robot vacuum cleaner.
- Select the cleaning mode. If necessary, specify the schedule by which the robot vacuum cleaner will work autonomously. The automatic recharging function is activated by default.
Without synchronization with your smartphone to start cleaning, just press the power button. Automatic mode will start. If you want to perform local cleaning (an area of 1.5 by 1.5 meters in the place where the robot vacuum cleaner is now), it is enough to press the "Home" button for 3 seconds (until the sound signal).
To perform a wet cleaning you will need to:
- put the robot vacuum cleaner on pause (or "stop" by holding the "Home" button for more than 3 seconds);
- pour water into the wet cleaning module (it is labeled as such);
- insert the module into the slot;
- select the appropriate mode through the app.
In the official program you can also:
- edit the navigation map (add labels, indicate where carpeting, thresholds, steps, and so on are located);
- create a schedule (regular, by calendar);
- test the operation of sensors;
- choose cleaning modes (standard, intensive, turbo mode, wet cleaning).
TIP! It must be taken into account that when the wet mode is on, the robot vacuum cleaner will not clean in places where there is carpeting. Also, in this case the automatic recharging to complete the cycle does not work.
Controls during cleaning
The following controls are available during the cleaning process:
- Forced sending the robotic vacuum cleaner to the charging base.
- Enabling Do Not Disturb mode. Until the set time, the robot will not work, even if the task was previously added through the calendar.
- Selection of the navigation map scheme (perimeter, automatic).
Using the app
It is preferable to use the Mi Home app, as there is a wider range of settings available. Available options for the user:
- Clean - start cleaning in automatic mode (if the module for wet cleaning is installed - it is also used);
- Doc - forced return of the robot vacuum cleaner to the charging station (even if cleaning has not been completed at the moment);
- Timer - allows you to set the amount of time the robot vacuum cleaner works in the room or room;
- Cleanup Mode - allows you to manually specify the parameters of operation (mode, suction power, number of rooms, etc.);
- Remote Control - remote control of the robot vacuum cleaner using the buttons on the smartphone screen.
Control with the buttons on the robot itself
Switching modes is not available in this case. The user can start only the basic cleaning of the room (according to the last settings set in the application), as well as the local cleaning (area 1.5 by 1.5 meters). The standard mode is selected by pressing the power button, the local mode by pressing the "Home" key. If you take the robot vacuum cleaner in your hands, it will automatically go into "pause" mode (until it is set back on the work surface).
To finish cleaning, it is enough to press the "Home" button. To turn off the device - press the "Home" button until you hear a beep.
The robot vacuum cleaner itself has a light indicator. If the battery level is higher than 15%, it lights up green, if lower - white.
Frequent problems and their solution
If the robot vacuum does not sync with your smartphone or the WiFi router has been replaced, you will need to reset the network settings of the vacuum to pair it again. To do this, press the power and "Home" buttons simultaneously until you hear a beep (the light will also start flashing). After that, you need to remove the device from the MiHome app and add it again. All settings will be automatically restored (backup through Xiaomi server is used).
In the application itself, the user can also access statistics on the work done by the robot vacuum cleaner, including an assessment of the quality of cleaning the room. There you can also get a list of errors that occurred during the operation of the vacuum cleaner.
If the navigation does not work correctly and the robot enters where the "virtual wall" is installed, it may indicate the presence of problems with the pairing of the device and smartphone. It is recommended to reset and reconnect.
Servicing your robot vacuum cleaner
Maintenance is recommended after each complete cleaning cycle of the room. It will be necessary to:
- Clean the debris collection tank;
- clean the filters;
- clean the sensors;
- If necessary, remove the module for wet cleaning.
Cleaning the debris collection tank
Located at the top, under the upward sliding cover. To remove it, simply pull the protruding handle - the container will automatically come out of the retaining grooves. Then it is necessary to unclip the HEPA-filter from the container (it is held by means of 2 spring-loaded latches). The container can then be released. It is not necessary to wash it (although this is not inadvisable according to the instructions).
Cleaning the filters
The vacuum cleaner is equipped with 2 filters. The first one is on the container itself, the second one is directly behind it (in front of the grill part of the body). The HEPA filter must not be washed or wet. It can only be shaken off and cleaned with a soft brush. The mesh filter can be washed, but without using soap and other detergents (this will clog the pores).
Filters should be replaced with new ones as needed. The manufacturer recommends that you do this every 3 to 6 months. If the robot vacuum cleaner is not used regularly, it should be done after 12 months.
Sensor cleaning
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop has 2 groups of sensors. The first is on the side (behind the bumper). The second is at the bottom (responsible for detecting the floor covering, carpets). It is enough to wipe them periodically with a slightly moistened sponge or cloth. Do not use detergents for this (you can get rid of heavy dirt with a window cleaner, which contains only ethanol from the "aggressive" components).
Maintenance of the module for wet cleaning
Conventionally consists of two parts: a reservoir for water, as well as a microfiber cloth. It can be cleaned under running water, but also without the use of detergents. The cloth should be replaced after every 10 - 12 cleaning cycles. The container only needs to be rinsed under running water.
Similar models from competitors
"Competitive" models for the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop include:
- Rowenta Explore Series 60;
- Samsung VR50.
Rowenta Explore Series 60.
In terms of technical characteristics - similar, it also supports wet room cleaning. But the consumables cost more (and it is more difficult to get them, as they are practically not found in stores). The suction power of Roventa is higher, but at the same time there are remarks to its appearance. Many people simply do not like it, including the strongly protruding bumper.
Samsung VR50
A similar cost model, but without the wet cleaning module. But it is equipped with 2 side brushes, due to what the cycle is completed much faster, as well as the vacuum cleaner does a better job of removing dust, hair, crumbs in the corners and other hard-to-reach places. Battery life is similar, although the installed battery capacity is slightly larger (250 mAh). The only significant advantage of Samsung's vacuum cleaner is a more attractive exterior design (darker shade). According to other characteristics, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop is clearly better.
Results
In summary, the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop is an excellent model, although not without flaws. For example, with high thresholds copes poorly. The warranty from the manufacturer - 12 months, but the operating life - more than 3 years (this is also confirmed by customer reviews). The model is suitable for most apartments and private houses, where linoleum, carpeting, parquet or tiles are used as flooring. Carpets - only with a small pile.