How to clean a robot vacuum cleaner in 6 easy steps
Brushes, rollers, filters, oh my! Here's how to keep them all running

The biggest selling point for robot vacuums is their ability to keep floors clean with little to no effort from you. Full automation, self-charging, and self-emptying make them a pretty 'hands-off' investment.
But, that doesn't mean you can set them running one day and never touch them besides saving them from 'perilous' situations (getting stuck under your TV unit). You need to clean a robot vacuum cleaner to keep it running on all cylinders.
Even the best robot vacuums require regular maintenance. Read on for how to clean your robot vacuum in six steps.
How to clean a robot vacuum cleaner
We spoke to Elizabeth Shields, operations manager of Super Cleaning Service, on the ins and outs of cleaning a robot vacuum to keep your cleaning supplies clean.
She begins, 'Each brand has its own way of designing and building its vacuums and that can affect how you clean and maintain them. For example, iRobot and eufy by Anker are easy to use and clean with removable brushes, filters, and dustbins,' she explains.
Other brands might not make it as easy to access the different parts but will make up for it by using designs that are easy to take apart and reassemble, or by including special cleaning tools or colorful markers on elements that can be removed.
Elizabeth warns, 'If you let dirt and grime build in your robot vacuum, it can cause problems down the line. So, try to clean it after every few uses to keep it working at its best.'
Many of the best robot vacuums have great apps that will prompt you when cleaning or maintenance is needed.
To deep clean a robot vacuum, you will usually need:
- A trash bag, such as these extra strong bags from Walmart.
- A clean, dry microfiber cloth, also at Walmart.
- A small pair of scissors. Nail scissors, from Walmart, are usually small enough for the job.
- Warm water with a few drops of dish soap, such as Dawn, from Walmart
- A screwdriver set, from Walmart, to remove parts easily
1. Power off
Before you start disassembling or trying our cleaning tips, 'power down your robot and unplug it from the charging dock,' says Elizabeth. This simple precaution will help to avoid electrical hazards and accidents.
2. Empty dustbin
We all do this as part of our regular maintenance anyway, but it's important to make sure the vacuum's dustbin is fully empty before cleaning the rest of the robot. Neglecting to do so is one of the most common vacuum cleaner mistakes.
Elizabeth explains, 'You’ll usually find this compartment at the back or underneath your vacuum. When you’re done vacuuming, make it a habit to remove the dustbin and empty the contents into a trash bin.' Being able to skip this step is one of the top reasons why you need a self-emptying vacuum, such as the eufy Omni Pro S1, which we reviewed and awarded 5/5 stars.
Elizabeth continues, 'If you notice that there’s some residue sticking around in there, rinse it with some mild detergent and water. Just make sure it’s dry before you put it back in place.'
Many of today's robot vacuums, like the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1, empty themselves into the charging station. These will most likely be empty when you come to clean them, so might just need a rinse like mentioned above. Remember to empty the station, too, giving the interior a similar dusting with a dry cloth to keep it in good working order.
3. Disassemble and clean parts
To deep clean your robot vacuum, it is best to take it apart, removing the rollers, brushes, and filters according to the manufacturer's instructions (you can often find these manuals online at iRobot, Shark, eufy, Dyson, and Proscenicif you have lost the copy that came with your appliance).
Elizabeth advises, 'Then, take your time to inspect them carefully.' This is where you'll find trapped debris and tangled hair, especially in the best robot vacuums for pet hair. Remove the clogs as carefully as you can using a brush or scissors if needed, trim away hair from the brushes, and be careful not to clip the brushes themselves.
If your robot vacuum doubles up as a mop, now's a good time to clean those parts too. Mopping pads can be washed with mild soap and water or can be thrown in when doing laundry. As with washing microfiber cloths, avoid using fabric softener when washing these pads, to ensure they remain absorbent for fresher floors.
Cleaning filters is usually straightforward but will depend on its material. Our guide on cleaning vacuum filters breaks down each type to ensure you don't damage this vital component.
These odd pieces of plastic don't look like much, but they are idea for picking away hair and debris from robot vacuum beater brushes without needing to resort to sharp tools.
4. Check the wheels and sensors
While you have your robot vacuum upside down, check that the wheels and sensors are not clogged with hair or grease. Before tipping it over, lay down a towel underneath if yours has a mop function, to catch any residual water.
The wheels can easily get hair and threads wrapped around the axles, limiting their movement and forcing your vacuum cleaner to work harder, increasing wear and tear. You should be able to pull this away with your fingers, but you may need to cut through with a small pair of scissors.
The sensors can be wiped over with a soft cloth to remove any film that could be hindering your vacuum's cleaning efficiency. Buff it dry to ensure watermarks don't lead to uneven cleaning, avoiding a common counter-productive cleaning practice.
5. Wipe exterior
Before you can reassemble, wipe down the exterior of your robot vacuum with a clean cloth dampened with warm soapy water and wrung out, suggests Elizabeth.
She explains, 'This will get rid of any dirt or residue that might be clinging on. Never use any harsh chemicals or scratchy materials that could damage the finish.'
Don't forget to remove dust from the charging station, too, for a clean home.
6. Reassemble
To finish off, Elizabeth says, 'Put everything back together, ensuring any washed components are fully dry, and reinstall any accessories or attachments that you removed while cleaning.'
With everything physically reset, check your vacuum's control app for any firmware updates for a thoroughly refreshed cleaning tool.
Now you've covered your robot's cleaning needs, learn how to clean your vacuum to update your other equipment.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.

Chiana has been at Homes & Gardens for two years and is our resident 'queen' of non-toxic living. She spends most of her time producing content for the Solved section of the website, helping readers get the most out of their homes through clever decluttering, cleaning, and tidying tips. She was named one of Fixr's top home improvement journalists in 2024.
- Dan FauziHome Tech Editor
-
Blending two contrasting styles in a small city apartment was no easy task – but this home brings together California casual and classic Upper East Side charm with ease
'The finished interior blends quiet luxury with laid-back elegance to mix New York and California’s best qualities'
By Karen Darlow
-
Stripes move over, I have surprised myself by deciding to decorate with dots instead – and designers agree they can be far more sophisticated than you might think
They might be known for their playfulness, but I've seen a whole new sophisticated side of this whimsical print
By Eleanor Richardson
-
This is one of the worst things you can do to your vacuum cleaner – experts warn it will slash its lifespan by years and damage the motor
Overfilling your vacuum can cause real, long-term damage and is best avoided
By Dan Fauzi
-
This is the single best upright vacuum we've ever tested – and it's on offer with $130 off at Shark for a limited time only
You won't want to miss this one
By Dan Fauzi
-
I'm an expert vacuum tester, and no, you really don't need a mattress vacuum – here's what to use instead
Before investing in a new gadget, the tried-and-true methods still work
By Dan Fauzi
-
Should you dry your clothes outside if you have hayfever? Allergy specialists warn sufferers to steer clear of this 'major trigger'
Doing so can trigger asthma, coughing, itchy eyes and more
By Sophie Warren-Smith
-
'It's not something I'm willing to budge on' – shoes on vs. shoes off, what type of household are you?
Our professional cleaners are all in agreement on this one, but would you consider a switch?
By Ottilie Blackhall
-
Bissell Hard Floor Expert canister vacuum review – if your home has smooth floors, this is all you need
As the name suggests, this canister vacuum works wonders on hard floors, but even a low-pile rug is too much of a challenge
By Camryn Rabideau
-
I tried this one easy dishwasher trick and made the annoying need for manual drying a thing of the past
If you hate those little pools of water left on your cups and crockery, this towel trick is for you
By Punteha van Terheyden
-
5 freezer cleaning mistakes you must avoid – or risk compromising your food quality and shortening the lifespan of your appliance
Avoid these blunders for a safer kitchen
By Seraphina Di Mizzurati