Owners of modern cleaning equipment often wonder about the proper maintenance of the device, especially when it comes to wet cleaning. If you have a cleaning robot vacuum cleaner or a vertical model from the Chinese giant, it is important to understand the design of the tank. Incorrect use of the water compartment can lead to breakdown of electronics or a decrease in the quality of cleaning.
The main difference between detergents and conventional ones is that there is a special liquid tank. In Xiaomi's lineup and sub-brands like Roborock or Dreame, this system can be implemented in different ways. In some cases, it is a removable tank, in others, an integrated system with a pump. Let's figure out where the filler hole is and what nuances are worth considering.
Before starting operation, you need to study the technical documentation, because the design of the tanks varies from model to model. Some devices require the removal of the entire module, others allow you to add water through the top hole without removing parts.
Types of tanks in Xiaomi technique
Understanding your device type is the first step to a cleaner operation, and wet cleaning techniques fall into several categories, each with its own tank design features, most commonly wet-washing robots and vertical cleaners.
Robotic models like the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop use a combined or separate tank. In a combined version, two independent cameras are inside the same housing: one for clean water, the other for collecting dust. The separation wall is sealed, but requires accuracy when extracted. The separate tank is a plastic container that is inserted into the vacuum cleaner module.
Vertical models, such as the Dreame H12 or Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, are equipped with a more complex system, there are two full tanks: one for clean water with detergent, the second for collecting dirty water after suction.
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Always check the labeling of the tanks: Blue (blue) or Clean for clean water, Red (red) or Dirty for dirty water.
The volume of tanks also varies: in robots, it is usually 150-300 ml, which is enough for 1-2 rooms. Vertical models can accommodate from 700 ml to 1 liter, allowing longer autonomous operation without refueling.
Where is the water-filling hole
The location of the hole depends on the specific model of your device. Most modern robot vacuum cleaners access the tank through the top cover, you need to lift the lid of the case, remove the dust container and find the module with water.
If you have an electronically controlled model, you can have a rubber plug on the tank, which is on the top or side of the tank, and you need to bend the valve carefully to open it, without putting too much effort into it, so that you don't damage the silicone, and in older or budget models, the hole can be hidden under the removable lid of the tank itself.
In vertical vacuum cleaners, the situation is different: the tanks are located in the front or back of the housing, often have convenient handles for carrying, the filling hole is on top and closed with a swivel cap or folding valve, and the lid is usually marked with a water drop or the word "Water".
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Use only cold tap water. Hot water can warp the plastic elements of the tank and damage the seals.
It is worth noting that some flagship models, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV, use vibration cloth technology, where the tank is integrated directly into the platform, where the filling is only made after the module is fully removed from the robot body.
Step-by-step: how to properly pour water
The process of filling the tank requires a certain sequence of actions, which ensures that the system is tight and prevents leaks during operation of the device, and a violation of the procedure can lead to moisture on the electronic components.
First, you need to remove the tank completely from the vacuum cleaner body. Don't try to top up the water while the tank is inside the device, even if the aparentemente design allows it. Then open the valve or remove the lid. If you use detergent, you need to add it right now, before filling it with water, so that it dissolves evenly.
☑️ The tank refueling algorithm
Pour water slowly, keeping track of the level. There are risks of Min and Max on the transparent walls of the tank. Exceeding the maximum level is unacceptable, because when you vibrate or tilt, water can enter the air channel or directly into the engine. Once filled, close the lid tightly until you click.
Put the tank back in place, making sure it's in the grooves to the point. The device without a properly installed tank can be blocked by software, as reported by a voice assistant or display on the case.
Use of detergents: what can and cannot
One of the most common questions is about adding chemicals to water, and Xiaomi's manufacturers are extremely cautious about this, and using the wrong tools can lead to nozzles clogging, foaming, and pump failure.
It is strictly forbidden to use:
- 🧼 Conventional gels for washing dishes - they create abundant foam that disrupts the vacuum system.
- 🌿 Bleachers and chlorinated liquids – Aggressive chemistry corrodes plastic and rubber seals.
- 🌡️ Hot water – temperature expansion can deform a thin-walled tank.
- 🍶 Laundry air conditioners - they leave a greasy plaque clogging the sprayer microchannels.
Only specialized cleaning products for robotic vacuum cleaners are allowed, they have low foaming and a safe pH balance. Branded solutions from Xiaomi or Roborock are ideal for this purpose. Also, distilled water is allowed if your region has very hard tap water, which will help avoid scaling.
Can vinegar be used?
If you do decide to use a third-party remedy, add it at the minimum dosage specified by the manufacturer of the chemical, usually a cap for 5 liters of water. A 300 ml tank will require only a few drops.
Table of compatibility of models and volumes of the tank
For the convenience of users, the following is a summary of popular models, which will help you understand how much water your device holds and how often it will have to be refilled.
| Model of the device | Type of cleaning | Tank volume (ml) | Features of refueling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro | Robot. | 250 (water) / 550 (dust) | Removable combined tank |
| Roborock S7 | Robot. | 300 | Separate tank, vibration cloth |
| Dreame H11 Max | Vertical | 900 (clean) / 700 (dirty) | Two separate tanks |
| Xiaomi Mi Handheld Vacuum | Hand-held | Not provided | Just dry cleaning. |
These volumes are averaged and may vary slightly depending on the region of delivery and the revision of the device. Always check the instructions on the box or in the application.
Intensive or Max consumes liquid 2-3 times faster than the Economy mode.
Caring for the tank and pollution prevention
Regular maintenance of the water module will prolong the life of the vacuum cleaner. After each cleaning, it is recommended to drain the remaining water, even if you used a distilled liquid.
Once a week, do a preventive flushing of the tank, rinse it with warm water without chemicals, pay special attention to the valves and holes, if you notice plaque or mucus, use a soft brush to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Filters, if provided by the design (e.g, HEPA-The filter in the water tank in some models, require regular replacement or drying. Wet filter can not be installed back in the vacuum cleaner, this will lead to engine failure.
⚠️ Warning: Never immerse the entire electronics tank (if it's built in) in water. Wash only plastic containers. Electronic contacts and water level sensors should remain dry.
To dry, leave the tank open in a well-ventilated area. Do not use a hair dryer or heater to speed up the process, as a sudden temperature drop is harmful to plastic.
Solutions to problems in operation
Users may encounter a number of typical problems, such as an indicator that indicates a lack of water even though the tank is full. Often the cause is contamination of the contacts of the level sensor.
If the water is not supplied to the cloth, check if the outlet is clogged. Sometimes a villi or grain of sand enters the channel. Carefully clean the hole with a thin needle or use the self-cleaning function if it is provided in the Mi Home app.
If there are puddles under the robot after cleaning, check the integrity of the tank and the density of the lid, and the problem may be too much detergent, which caused excessive foaming and overflow.
⚠️ Warning: If you notice water entering the vacuum cleaner case (on board or motor), immediately turn off the device and remove the battery.
If you have any errors that cannot be fixed by standard methods, contact the service center. Self-repair of complex electronics can lead to final failure of the device.