I hate hoovering.
It’s never ending, it’s boring, it’s tiring, and it usually ends up making me sneeze because I have dust allergies.
We have machines to wash and dry our clothes, wash our dishes, and even wash us to some extent (electric showers), and now there is even a machine to do our hoovering for us too.
Kind of.
Robotic vacuum cleaners, once a futuristic concept, are now a reality, promising effortless floor cleaning with minimal human intervention. However, as with any new-fangled tech that promises to save you time and effort, we have to question how effective it actually is. Do they actually work?
Especially since robot hoovers are a substantial purchase. So the question arises: are these autonomous cleaning companions genuinely worth the money? Since taking the plunge and buying one I have some experience in this area, so I’ll give you my thoughts on the subject here.
What Are They?
In case you have been living under a rock for the past 5 years, let me explain what a robot hoover is.
These ingenious devices are essentially autonomous vacuum cleaners equipped with intricate sensors, mapping technologies, and intelligent navigation systems. They roam freely around your home, meticulously cleaning floors without the need for constant human supervision.
Robotic hoovers typically feature one or two spinning brushes, a rolling brush, and a compact dustbin. As they navigate through your living spaces, they collect dust, debris, and pet hair, storing it in their removable dust containers. While their dustbins are much smaller than traditional vacuums, their automated nature ensures consistent cleaning, but they require frequent emptying to keep them optimal.
They look like big hockey pucks with lights and buttons.
Automated Cleaning at Your Fingertips: The Benefits
One of the primary draws of robotic vacuums is the unparalleled convenience they offer.
Imagine a world where your floors are consistently kept clean without you ever having to lift a finger (or a vacuum, for that matter). With robotic hoovers, you can schedule automated cleanings to occur even when you’re away from home, keep your home perpetually pristine – at least that’s what they tell you.
Many robotic vacuums come equipped with advanced features that further enhance their convenience.
Some models boast smart home integration, allowing you to control and monitor them using voice commands or mobile applications. Others offer self-emptying capabilities, where the vacuum automatically transfers collected debris into a larger bin.
Much of this isn’t that much use in all honesty, much of it is a gimmick that allows the company to charge more, but if you like that sort of thing it’s an added appeal.
Cleaning Under the Sofa
One of the most significant advantages of robotic hoovers is their ability to reach areas that traditional vacuums often struggle with.
Thanks to their compact size and advanced navigation systems, these autonomous cleaners can effortlessly glide under furniture, into tight corners, and along baseboards, getting to areas that are usually left to gather dust for 6 months at a time.
They are cordless too, so they can go where they want.
Furthermore, many robotic vacuums are designed with multiple cleaning modes, catering to various floor types and cleaning requirements. From spot cleanings to edge trimmings, these versatile machines offer a range of options to ensure every inch of your floors receives the attention it needs.
Allergy Relief
For those like me who suffer from allergies, robotic hoovers can be a huge relief. Hoovering triggers allergies, but if the hoovering happens while you are upstairs asleep, or out at work, that problem disappears.
Many high-end models are equipped with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters too, which effectively capture microscopic particles, including dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, improving indoor air quality and further reducing allergy triggers.
Additionally, the hands-free nature of robotic vacuums eliminates the need for manual vacuuming (although I have more to say on this shortly), minimizing the disturbance and subsequent dispersal of allergens into the air.
Potential Drawbacks and Limitations
One of the most significant drawbacks is their initial cost, which can be higher than traditional vacuum cleaners, especially for models with advanced features and self-emptying capabilities.
Additionally, robotic vacuums may not be suitable for all floor types and living spaces. Homes with uneven flooring, high-pile carpets, or irregular room layouts may pose challenges for these autonomous cleaners, potentially hindering their performance or causing them to become stuck.
It’s also important to note that while robotic hoovers excel at routine maintenance cleaning, they may not entirely replace the need for deeper cleaning with a traditional vacuum. Their compact size and limited suction power can sometimes fall short when dealing with heavily soiled areas or embedded dirt and debris.
Plus, when my kids leave their stuff all over the floor it basically renders my robot hoover useless. The sensors make it change direction whenever it detects something, so it ends up barely cleaning anything.
Even when you clear the floor before setting it off, it might leave patches uncleaned. It randomly changes direction so will inevitably miss small areas of the carpet.
So it misses bits, it isn’t powerful enough to suck up other bits, and you is less effective if the floor is cluttered. This all means you end up having to hoover anyway half the time.
Oh, and if you have a puppy who still goes to the toilet on the laminate floor like my friend does, your helpful robot hoover will gladly roll over it and help to spread the mess around the whole room. So that’s something to be aware of!
Robotic Vacuums vs. Traditional Vacuums
Despite the drawbacks, if you have the money I do think robot hoovers can be worth owning. The decision ultimately depends on your specific needs, living space, and cleaning preferences.
Robotic vacuums shine in their ability to provide effortless, automated cleaning, making them ideal for busy households or individuals who struggle to find time for regular vacuuming. They excel at maintaining clean floors on a daily basis, preventing the buildup of dust and debris that can lead to more significant cleaning challenges down the line. But they can’t do the whole job alone.
On the other hand, traditional vacuums offer more powerful suction and larger dust capacities, making them better suited for deeper cleaning and tackling heavily soiled areas. They are also more versatile, with the ability to clean carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces beyond just hard floors.
In many cases, the optimal solution is to own both a robotic vacuum and a traditional vacuum. You will find yourself using the vacuum less often, but you won’t be able to forget about it completely.
Cost-Effectiveness
This is the real barrier for most people.
There are some cheaper models available from around £100 to £250, but I wouldn’t expect much from them. If you want something reliable you are going to be looking at spending more like £300 to £500. That’s a lot of money, and there are plenty that are even more expensive than that.
Is hoovering a few times less each month worth that sort of cost to you?
If you earn £100k and hate housework it may well be. If you are on £25k than it’s a hefty price to pay for not much time saved overall.
We went mid-range and I would say it was worth the money, but only just, and only because I hate hoovering so much. Long term it will save me a decent amount of time, and we are lucky that the cost wasn’t too much of a burden for us.
It’s a personal choice though.
Getting the Most from Your Robot Hoover: Tips and Tricks
To truly unlock the full potential of your robotic vacuum and ensure optimal performance, there are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned and will share with you:
- Strategic Placement: Position the charging dock in a central location, free from obstructions, to allow your robotic hoover to navigate and return to its base seamlessly.
- Clutter-Free Zones: Remove loose cables, small toys, or other potential obstacles from the floor before initiating a cleaning cycle. This will prevent your robotic vacuum from becoming entangled or stuck.
- Regular Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and replacing filters, brushes, and other components. This will ensure that your robotic vacuum always operates at peak efficiency.
- Automation: Take advantage of scheduling features and smart home integration to ensure your robotic hoover is cleaning consistently, even when you’re away from home.
- Combination Cleaning: Incorporate your robotic vacuum into your overall cleaning routine, using it in conjunction with spot cleaning or deep cleaning with a traditional vacuum as needed.
Do They Pick Up Dog Hair?
For pet owners, one of the most pressing concerns is the ability to effectively handle pet hair. After all, furry companions can shed copious amounts of hair, creating a constant battle against unsightly and potentially allergenic buildup.
The good news is that many robotic vacuums are specifically designed to tackle pet hair with ease. Advanced models often feature specialized brushes and suction systems optimized for capturing and containing pet hair, ensuring that your floors remain fur-free and your furry friends’ shedding is kept under control.
However, it’s important to note that not all robotic hovers are created equal when it comes to pet hair management. Some models may struggle with excessive shedding or tangled hair, leading to frequent brush maintenance or clogging. Do plenty of research and choose a robotic vacuum that is specifically tailored for homes with pets, taking into account factors such as brush design, suction power, and dustbin capacity.
Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of your robotic hoover’s brushes and filters are even more essential for pet owners.
