Vacuuming is one of those dull and exhausting household activities that many people dread. It’s time-consuming, physically demanding, and often requires moving heavy furniture and navigating tight spaces.
Luckily, robot vacuums exist. These vacuums do all the work while you lean back and enjoy a nice cup of tea.
But are robotic vacuum cleaners worth it? Or are they just another luxury appliance you can live without? This article from our professional cleaning team lists the pros and cons of robot vacuums so you can decide if they fit your home and lifestyle.
4 Reasons Why You Should Get a Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
Once you experience the convenience of a robot vacuum, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Here are some of the best reasons why investing in a robot vacuum is a good idea:
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Cleans Instead of You
The biggest advantage of having a robotic vacuum cleaner is that it helps you with the time-consuming task of vacuuming your floors manually.
It runs on rechargeable batteries, so as long as it’s juiced up, it’ll vacuum your floors without complaint. This makes it the perfect gadget for people who dislike vacuuming or simply don’t have the time or energy to power up a full-sized vacuum every week.
Learn more: Washing Windows With Vinegar
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Hands-off Functionality
Modern robot vacuums can be controlled and scheduled with a dedicated smartphone app. The app allows you to tell the robot when to clean, where to focus its efforts (like under the couch), and which spots to target.
Some can even empty their dustbins and find their way back to the charging station, so you won’t have to worry about them being low on battery when you need them the most.
This hands-off functionality makes it especially beneficial for people with mobility issues or physical limitations—or just lazy people like me!
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Some Having Mopping Functionalities
Most modern robot vacuums have mopping capabilities alongside vacuuming.
These robot vacuums not only remove stains off the floor but also keep it nice and shiny. They have a built-in water tank that releases a controlled amount of solution as the microfiber pad removes dust and light spots.
It isn’t as effective for tougher stains. It works like a charm for accidental spills and light stains.
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Keeps Your Environment Clean
Robot vacuums keep your home free of dust, pet dander, dirt, and debris. For people with low immune systems and lung problems like asthma, this is huge.
Instead of spending hours vacuuming the house, stirring up allergens and potentially worsening symptoms, robot vacuums can handle the cleaning independently.
You can schedule cleaning sessions when you’re out to minimize your exposure to dust and allergens or set them at night to wake up to a clean home.
Learn more: How to Clean Your Toilet at Home
4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Robot Vacuum Cleaner
As with most household appliances, robot vacuums come with their own set of disadvantages. Some of these include:
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Can Be Expensive
If you want a robot vacuum that lasts (and cleans properly), you’ll likely have to spend a few hundred pounds.
Robot vacuums rely on technology to work. If the technology they’re using isn’t updated or poorly implemented, you’ll end up with a robot that gets stuck constantly or struggles to follow even the most basic commands.
Good-quality robot vacuums can cost anywhere between £150 to upwards of £300, with some models even reaching into the thousands for top-of-the-line features and performance.
Though costly, investing in a reliable vacuum cleaner can save you time and effort in the long run, especially if you have a busy schedule or a large home.
Advanced models often come with useful features like mapping technology, powerful suction capabilities, and efficient navigation systems, which make their cleaning capabilities unmatched by budget models.
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Gets Stuck a Lot
When I first got my robot vacuum, I found the ‘Help! I’m stuck!’ notifications are endearing. But after a while, it became an inconvenience.
No matter how advanced, robot vacuums can’t escape tricky obstacles. They can get stuck under furniture, on thick rugs, door thresholds, or get snagged on shoelaces, cables, stray clothes, and phone chargers.
These vacs also have a knack for eating quite literally anything. So if there’s a random lizard on its path, it won’t hesitate to turn it into a snack—and you’ll have to deal with the messy aftermath. Not fun.
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Difficult to Fix
Unlike manual vacuum cleaners, which have easily replaceable parts and basic troubleshooting steps, robot vacuums require specialized knowledge to fix.
If it breaks down outside the warranty period—usually no more than two years—you’ll have to spend quite a lot to have faulty parts fixed or replaced.
Robot vacs also need their wheels and brushes cleaned regularly and their batteries replaced every couple of years. Outside the warranty period, lithium-ion batteries can cost up to £150.
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Reliant on Updates
While robot vacuums can still be cleaned without an app, for optimal performance, you need to run the latest software updates.
Without regular updates, the robot vacuum may encounter compatibility issues with other smart home devices or struggle to adapt to environmental changes.
Some models also require software updates to use the robot’s full functionality, such as checking battery status, scheduling cleaning time, and viewing maps.
If privacy is a concern, you may not like that some models require you to hand over personal data to use the device. Manufacturers may share this data with third parties, which can be a security risk if the information gets leaked.
Closing Thoughts
Ultimately, deciding whether a robot vacuum is worth the investment is entirely up to your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
If you struggle to find the time to vacuum and mop your floors, a robot vacuum might be your new best friend. It cleans your floors with a touch of a button and keeps your surfaces free from dust, debris, pet fur, and dirt.
However, keep in mind that robot vacuums can get expensive and require a lot more maintenance than manual vacuums.
