6 Best Robot Mops, Tested by Cleaning Experts

The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab has been testing robot vacuums since 2002. It evaluates dozens of new robot vacuum and mop models each year, assessing their cleaning performance and ease of use. In addition to our Lab assessments, we have also collected data from consumer testers who have tried and reviewed models in their own homes.

When we test robot mops, we evaluate how effectively each device cleans up spills, such as sticky jelly and coffee dribbles, applied to test floor panels installed in our Cleaning Lab. We also assess how much moisture it leaves behind on wood, vinyl, and tile floors to determine any potential for water damage. For models with vacuuming capabilities, we follow established industry methods, adapted from the International Electrotechnical Commission and ASTM International, to assess how well they pick up debris from hard floors and carpets.

We see how well the robots pick up debris in a straight line from bare floors and carpets, and we set each model loose in a custom-made two-room testing enclosure with obstacles. We evaluate how much debris each model collects, how long it takes to clean, and how long each battery lasts. We also consider how well each robot can clean under low furniture and around tight corners, how it transitions from hard floors to carpet, and how effectively it climbs small thresholds. For robots that create maps, we evaluate them for accuracy and detail.

In our ease-of-use evaluations, we rate each robot mop's user manual and the ease of using its controls and app. We also consider how long it takes to set up and how difficult maintenance activities are. Consumer testers tell us how easy the robots are to set up and use at home, and whether they would keep using or recommend them.

Here are some things to keep in mind when picking the best robot mop for your home:

✔️ Dry-sweeping vs. vacuuming: While some robot mops only work for wet cleaning, most you’ll find on the market can do some type of dry cleanup as well. Some can vacuum your floors, and others only sweep using a dry pad. Combo models that double as vacuums will have the added task of emptying the dust bin after cleaning (unless they also have a self-emptying dock). Models that sweep will need the sweeping pads washed or discarded after each use. If your floors are particularly dusty, vacuuming with the device before mopping will yield better results.

✔️ Setup and maintenance: Maintaining a robot mop requires filling and emptying water tanks, removing or replacing the cleaning pads, and charging the robot itself. Some models have features that make upkeep easier. The most hands-off models self-empty into a base that only needs to be emptied every 30 days or more, and some can even wash and dry their mop pads between uses. Most of the new models we’ve tested in the Cleaning Lab come with a QR code on the packaging for easier app setup, too.

✔️ Battery life: We usually recommend models that can run for at least 90 minutes on a single charge. This is especially important if you have a large home. However, most robot mops now recharge and resume cleaning to finish the job if the battery starts to run low mid-cleaning. If a robot can clean quickly, its battery runtime is less important.

✔️ Surface type: While vinyl and tile floors are generally pretty resistant to damage, you have to be more careful with hardwood floors. If you have them, be sure the robot mop you select is well-suited for that surface. Models with hard-bristle brush rolls can scratch floors. Look for a robot with a large, fluffy brush roll, or one made of silicone or rubber. For mopping wood floors, look for a model that lets you adjust the amount of water in the pads.

If your home also has rugs, choose a robot mop that can detect the difference between carpet and bare floors to avoid wetting your carpeting. Many models can lift the mopping pads a bit when they traverse onto carpet, but in homes with thick, plush carpeting, this isn't always enough. Check that the pad lifts sufficiently to keep your carpet dry, or look for an app-enabled model that lets you set no-go zones.

✔️ App integration: Most new robot mops and vacuums can be paired with an app to save maps of your home, set cleaning schedules, or select cleaning modes. Some even let you see what your robot is up to while you are away. While not all robots require one to work, the best features are often only accessible through the app. If you’d prefer not to use an app, look for a model with a remote control, or consider one that lets you start a cleaning task with a button on the robot or its base.

Robot mops are worth it for homes with pets or small children, or for anyone who wants to spend less time cleaning floors. They won’t eliminate mopping entirely, but they can help keep floors consistently cleaner between deeper cleanings.

Like any mop, they work best when floors are picked up beforehand. You’ll still need to handle large spills and heavily soiled areas by hand, and if you choose a model that only mops, you’ll need to vacuum or sweep separately.

Robot mops require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly and cleaning effectively. This includes wiping the sensors for accurate navigation and regularly emptying and rinsing the water tank. If you have a combination vacuum and mop, check the brush roll for hair tangles and debris, and clean or replace the filter as needed.

Because robot mops use water, it’s important not to leave damp pads sitting in the machine for long. If your model doesn’t automatically dry its pads, remove them after each cleaning session and wash them if the manufacturer allows. If they aren’t dirty enough to launder, they should at least be rinsed and air-dried after each use to prevent them from becoming musty during storage.

For app-enabled models, turn on automatic updates so your robot has the latest software improvements, which can improve navigation and obstacle avoidance. As always, follow the maintenance instructions in your user manual.

No, you shouldn’t put vinegar (or anything other than plain water) in a robot mop unless the manufacturer recommends it. Doing so could cause damage to the appliance or your floors and could also void your robot mop’s warranty.

Many brands, including Dreame and Ecovacs, make cleaning solutions specifically formulated for their robot mops. Avoid using other floor cleaners in the water tank unless the manufacturer says they’re safe to use.

Noah Pinsonnault works as a product reviews analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where he helps design and perform tests on various product categories. For this story, he evaluated several of the latest combo robot vacuum mops and pored over previous testing data to compare them to some of our past favorites.