Remember the first Roomba vacuum cleaner? It debuted back in 2002, and it was unbelievably cool. Nobody had ever heard of a robot vacuum cleaner, and it only cost $199 back then. Well, technology has improved since then, and there are way more players in the game. Not only do they look better and do more, but they're also more versatile and they perform better than ever before. The range of prices for robot vacuums is wider these days, ranging from a little bit more than a $100 all the way up to over a grand. Of course, you don't have to spend an insane amount of money to get a good one. Here are all the reasons why you should consider one for your apartment.
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You Can Sit Back and Relax
A great modern robot vacuum cleaner can do so much. They're almost wholly independent and can be programmed to do what you want with virtually zero fuss, and they all dock on their own to charge. If you've typically spent tons of time vacuuming your apartment, you can get that time back and then some. You'll be surprised how much time you'll save.
Programming them to operate at a set time means you don't even have to take a vacuum out of the closet. Some high-end versions will even dump the debris on their own (yes, you still have to take out the trash, lazy bones). They also go places your regular vacuum cleaner won't. This is the result of a slim profile that allows them to get under beds, sofas, and cabinets. Your stick vacuum can't do that, can it?
It Can Run Independently or You Can Operate it Remotely
Most models that are available today can be both scheduled with a smartphone app or controlled on-the-fly with the same companion app. There's even software in the app that displays a map of your home, so you can choose what you want it to do and where. Apps can also send warnings when something is wrong with the vacuum, and some even come with a camera so you can see what's going on when you're not home.
One of the best aspects of app control is its ability to program the robot vacuum to use a specific mode in a certain area. You can select "strong" for deeper carpet and then choose a different mode for hardwood floors. The app and robot vacuum will know what to do and where. You can also set up virtual walls in certain locations without having to use those old-school infrared towers. The app can control how, where, when, and the frequency of the cleaning. You can even run it at night because they're very quiet.
Some of Them Will Mop Your Floors
It's hard to believe that some modern versions will use water and soap to mop your floors. Of course, it's not nearly as thorough as a real mop and some elbow grease, but it's pretty impressive what they're capable of. While they can't get rid of big messes, they can perform excellent maintenance cleaning on your hardwood and tile floors.
They have special reservoirs for both clean and dirty fluid/debris, so there's very little to worry about. Just don't ask it to tackle a huge cup of milk that got knocked over onto the floor by your cat. They can, however, clean some difficult floor stains without a problem, and that will also save you time and effort. You'll still have to dump out the dirty water and refill the water tank on your own (unless you're willing to spend $$$ for a top-tier model).
roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop ($1,400)
This is the mother of all robot vacuum cleaners. It's an all-in-one system that incorporates the robot, a docking charger, as well as reservoirs for fluid and dust. The S8 Pro Ultra also has an auto self-emptying function with a large dust bag that can hold up to 7 weeks of dust. Wow! The dock can even refill the robot's water tank, and it can even clean itself. The VibraRise 2.0 Mopping System has an expanded mopping zone with high-speed scrubbing and increased mopping pressure for stubborn stains. It even washes the mop and dries the floor. Change the water flow and suction power via the app. Fast charging takes place in four hours, and you can even get 180 minutes of run time out of it, more than enough to clean most homes. It's the Cadillac of robot vacuum cleaners.
Buy
ROPVACNIC Robot Vacuum Cleaner ($130)
The ROPVACNIC robot vacuum increases cleaning efficiency by 30 percent over conventional versions. It manages dust, pet hair, crumbs, and other debris on hardwood floors, low-pile carpets, tile, etc. It can get under almost any furniture with a sub-3-inch height. multiple surfaces such as hardwood floors, low-pile carpets, etc. The app allows you to personalize cleaning choices with time, cleaning modes, real-time status, and even voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. The 3-point cleaning system and the capacious 600ml dust box do a great job on pet hair without getting maxed or hung up. In case the internet is down, you can use the remote control, too.
Buy
iRobot Roomba Combo i5 Robot Vacuum & Mop ($297)
The brand that started it all is still around. One of its latest models is the Roomba Combo i5 robot vacuum & mop that can handle both wet and dry floors. All you have to do is swap out bins, and it's ready for your commands. There's a 4-Stage Cleaning System with Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes that adjust based on floor types and can avoid pet hair tangles. The built-in microfiber pad (replaceable) can remove footprints, dirt, and dust using a compatible cleaning solution or jsut plain water. What's more, the i5 can operate via voice command using Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant-enabled devices. Now, you can boss someone around who will listen to you.
Buy
