Robot vacuum-mops have become one of the most significant home upgrades in Israel in recent years. Instead of a bucket and a worn-out mop, a small device leaves its charging dock, vacuums, washes, dries and returns on its own. Floors stay clean almost all the time, with no physical effort and even when no one is home.
But behind this simplicity lies a sophisticated and delicate technological system, made up of water pumps, thin tubing, suction motors, filters and sensors.
Precisely because these devices are used so intensively on a daily basis and have become common in so many homes, a gap has emerged: this is a system that requires regular maintenance, and not every user knows how to handle it. Stas Gladishev, national sales manager at Ronlight Technologies, has compiled 10 rules that can protect your vacuum and your wallet for years to come.
1. The robot does not “clean itself” (even if it has a dock)
One of the most common mistakes is relying exclusively on the docking station. Once every month or two, you must manually dismantle the brushes, rollers and washing tray. Dust, hair and debris tend to accumulate in joints and areas the automatic cleaning does not reach. Rinse them with water only to ensure proper water flow and maximum contact between the brush and the floor.
2. Never put wet parts back into the device
This is one of the most frequent causes of malfunctions. If you washed any component — a dustbin, filter or brush — make sure it is completely dry before reinstalling it. Moisture left on a part with dust creates internal “mud” that clogs openings, causes moldy odors and can even lead to short circuits in electronic components.
3. Always activate the self-drying function
After every washing cycle, check in the app that the device performs drying. Drying removes moisture from the system and washing components that is not visible to the eye. This is the most critical step in preventing bacteria and germs that cause the smell of an “old mop” every time the robot starts working.
4. Filter: dry cleaning only (no water)
The air filter prevents dust particles from entering the suction motor. Because it is made of special filtration paper with microscopic pores, water ruins it and makes it impermeable. The correct way to clean it is with gentle brushing, light tapping to release dust or vacuuming it with another handheld vacuum.
3 View gallery
This is what it looks like on the inside, DEEBOT X11 OmniCyclone
(Photo: Courtesy of ECOVACS)
5. A clean filter is the motor’s insurance policy
When the filter is clogged or too old, air cannot pass through properly and the motor is forced to run in constant “turbo” mode to generate suction. This strain causes overheating and significantly shortens the motor’s lifespan. Keeping the filter clean and replacing it on time is the cheapest way to avoid costly repairs.
6. Most connection problems are a network issue, not a device issue
The robot will not connect to the app? Do not rush to the service lab. Most robot vacuums work only on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi frequency. In many homes, a 5 GHz or hybrid network is defined, confusing the device. A quick call to your internet provider asking to open a dedicated 2.4 GHz network solves the problem in about 90% of cases.
7. Cleaning solution: more soap does not mean more fragrance
Unlike washing with a bucket, where we tend to pour in half a bottle of detergent, the robot operates with a delicate tubing system. Excess cleaning solution creates foam inside the system, which can penetrate the suction motor and cause clogs. Stick to the exact dosage listed on the bottle — usually a very small amount that is more than sufficient.
8. Use only manufacturer-approved solutions
Regular cleaning products contain chemicals that can damage the device’s tubing and seals. Moreover, some substances become more aggressive when heated during the automatic drying process. Using a dedicated solution that has undergone lab testing ensures the internal plastic components and seals remain intact.
9. The critical step before first use
Before the robot goes out for its first cleaning run, it is recommended to wash the floor once manually with hot water only, without any cleaning solution. Over the years, floors absorb old soap residue. This preliminary wash removes the sticky layer and prevents it from being absorbed into the new roller and causing streaks on the floor.
10. Know your washing mechanism
Maintenance differs between device types. Vacuums with self-cleaning rollers usually require less hands-on care, as they are washed and dried in the dock. In contrast, scrubbing brushes, vibrating pads or silicone brushes require more frequent manual dismantling to ensure no foreign objects are stuck in them, which could scratch the floor or stop the motor.
Gladishev points to the gap between those who enjoy their expensive, convenient device for years and those who are disappointed after a short time, stressing that it does not depend only on technology but on the person using it.
“Israelis embraced the robot vacuum revolution at record speed, and what was once a luxury product has become a standard in almost every home,” he says. “But it is important to understand: no matter how advanced this technology is, it is not ‘set it and forget it.’ Whether you bought a basic model for 1,000 shekels or a premium model at a much higher price, the pumps, tubing and filters all operate on the same principles.
“Without proper maintenance and the use of suitable materials, wear and tear will defeat the device. At the end of the day, the lifespan of your vacuum depends less on the price tag and more on the care you give it.”