How To Use a Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Ever wished your floors could clean themselves? While we're not quite there yet, robot vacuums come pretty close! These clever little devices can zip around your home picking up daily dust and debris while you're busy doing, well, anything else. Perfect for maintaining clean floors between your regular vacuum sessions, a robot vacuum can be a game-changer for your cleaning routine.

If you've recently welcomed a robot vacuum into your home or are thinking about getting one, you might be wondering how to get the most out of your new helper. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using your robot vacuum effectively.

How to use a robot vacuum: 5 simple steps for getting started

Setting up your robot vacuum properly is the first step to cleaning success. Most modern robot vacuums follow a similar setup process:

1. Find the right location for the charging base.

Choose a spot with at least 0.5m of clearance on either side and 1.5m in front to allow easy docking. Ensure the base is plugged into a consistent power source.

2. Charge your robot fully before first use.

This usually takes 3-5 hours for a complete charge.

3. Connect to your home Wi-Fi.

Download the manufacturer's app and follow the setup instructions. For example, with Hoover models like the HG4 series, you'll use the HG Robots app to control your device.

4. Allow your robot to create a map of your home.

During its first run, the robot will learn your home's layout. The Hoover HG4 can create an initial map in under 10 minutes, which can then be customised with room names, no-go zones, and cleaning preferences.

5. Start with a supervised clean.

Watch how your robot navigates during its first few cleaning sessions to identify any potential problem areas.

Can you use robot vacuums on different floor types?

Most robot vacuums are designed to work effectively on multiple floor surfaces. They can automatically detect transitions between hard floors and carpets, adjusting suction power accordingly.

On hard floors like wood, tile and laminate, robot vacuums excel at picking up dust, hair and small debris. For carpets, look for models with strong suction power – for example, the Hoover HG4 offers up to 4000Pa suction, making it effective even on medium-pile carpets.

One limitation to be aware of is very thick or high-pile carpets or rugs, which can challenge robot vacuums due to their limited ground clearance. However, most modern robot vacuums, including Hoover models, can handle transitions up to 2cm high, allowing them to move onto rugs without getting stuck.

Can you use a robot vacuum with rugs?

Robot vacuums generally work well with standard rugs, but there are some considerations:

Flat rugs without fringes are ideal for robot vacuums. However, to prevent bunching, you should secure the rug edges before running the robot vacuum.

Rugs with tassels or fringes can be a little trickier, as the loose strands may get caught in the robot's brushes. If your rugs have tassels, you can:

1. Use the app to create no-go zones around your tasselled rugs
2. Tuck fringes underneath the rug when possible
3. Temporarily move small rugs during robot cleaning sessions

For rugs with very long fibres or shag rugs, consider creating virtual boundaries using your robot's app. With the Hoover HG4, you can easily set up these boundaries in the HG Robots app by adding no-go areas or virtual walls.

How to use the mop feature on a robot vacuum

Many modern robot vacuums, including the Hoover HG4 Hydro and Hydro Pro, offer mopping functionality alongside vacuuming. To use this feature effectively:

1. Fill the water tank with clean water only (unless the manufacturer specifically states that a cleaning solution can be used).
2. Attach the mopping pad securely – most models use microfibre pads that can be machine-washed and reused.
3. Select the appropriate water flow level for your floor type. Less water is better for hardwood floors, while tile and stone can handle more moisture.
4. Use the app to enable mopping mode. Some advanced models, like the Hoover HG4 Hydro, use a Y-shaped mopping pattern that simulates manual mopping for more thorough cleaning.
5. Create no-go zones for carpeted areas when using the mopping function.

Remember that robot mops are designed for light maintenance cleaning rather than tackling sticky spills or ground-in dirt. For best results, use the mopping function regularly to prevent dirt build-up.

How often to use a robot vacuum

One of the greatest advantages of robot vacuums is the ability to clean more frequently with less effort. For optimal results depending on your home and lifestyle:

·       Daily or every other day: Homes with pets, children or high foot traffic benefit from daily cleaning to manage hair dander and tracked-in dirt.

·       2-3 times per week: For average households without pets, running your robot vacuum 2-3 times weekly helps maintain clean floors with minimal effort.

·       Weekly: At a minimum, a weekly clean helps prevent dust and debris build-up.

The beauty of robot vacuums is that you can easily schedule these cleaning sessions through the app. With Hoover HG4 models, you can set different cleaning schedules for different rooms, adjusting the frequency based on usage.

How often should I empty a robot vacuum?

Emptying frequency depends on your home size, cleaning frequency and whether your model has a self-emptying feature:

For standard robot vacuums, check the dust bin after each cleaning session and empty it when it's 2/3 full. Usually, this will be after 1-3 cleaning sessions.

For models with self-emptying stations like the Hoover HG4 Hydro Pro, the robot automatically empties its contents into the base station after each cleaning session. The base station's large capacity bag (3L in the Hoover model) can hold up to 60 days' worth of dust.

Even with self-emptying models, you should periodically check the robot's internal bin to ensure the transfer mechanism is working correctly.

Can you leave a robot vacuum plugged in all the time?

Yes, your robot vacuum's charging dock can remain plugged in continuously. This ensures:

1. Your robot can return to charge when its battery runs low
2. The robot maintains its mapping and scheduling data
3. The vacuum is always ready for scheduled cleaning sessions

Modern robot vacuums are designed for energy efficiency when docked. When not actively cleaning or charging, they enter a low-power standby mode that uses minimal electricity. The small amount of power consumed is outweighed by the convenience of having your robot ready to clean whenever needed.

Robot vacuum maintenance tips

To keep your robot vacuum performing at its best:

1. Clean the brushes weekly, removing tangled hair and debris
2. Wipe the sensors with a soft, dry cloth monthly
3. Replace the filter every 2-3 months
4. Check and clean the wheels regularly
5. For models with mopping functions, wash the mopping pads after each use 

Hoover robot vacuums: Advanced features for effortless cleaning

Hoover's range of robot vacuums combines powerful cleaning performance with smart features that make home maintenance easier than ever. The HG4 series offers:

·       Advanced Laser Navigation that methodically cleans your home while avoiding obstacles

·       Powerful suction (up to 4000Pa) that effectively cleans both hard floors and carpets

·       App control allowing you to schedule cleanings and customise cleaning zones

·       Mopping capabilities in the Hydro and Hydro Pro models for complete floor care

·       Self-emptying technology in the Hydro Pro model, reducing the need for frequent emptying

With features like auto-recharge, quiet operation and the ability to climb onto rugs up to 2cm tall, Hoover robot vacuums deliver exceptional cleaning with minimal effort required from you!

Ready to let technology handle your floor cleaning? Explore the range of robot vacuums at Hoover and find the perfect model for your home.