Xiaomi Cleaner: A Complete Guide to Selection, Setup and Maintenance

Xiaomi’s cleaners have become a hit in the past few years with smart home appliances, combining the functions of a classic vacuum cleaner and a parquet machine to not only collect dust, but also clean floors with detergent. But before buying, it’s important to understand the nuances of what models are relevant in 2026, how to use them properly, and what “pitfalls” may arise when using them.

In this article, we will examine all aspects of the model selection to the intricacies of maintenance, you will learn how to distinguish robot vacuum cleaners with the function of washing from vertical vacuum cleaners, how to properly prepare the device for the first cleaning and what mistakes users often make, and pay special attention to the current models Xiaomi Dreame, Viomi and MiJia, which are currently leading the market.

If you already own a Xiaomi cleaner or are planning to buy one, you will find answers to everything from specifications to tips on saving detergents and extending battery life.

How to choose a Xiaomi cleaner: key criteria

When choosing a Xiaomi cleaner, it is important to consider not only the price, but also technical parameters that directly affect the quality of cleaning, the main criteria are the type of device (robot or vertical), suction capacity, tank volume and autonomy.

Let's start with the type of device. Robot vacuum cleaners (like DreameBot). W10 viomi V3 Max are suitable for regular cleaning without your involvement, but require prior preparation of the room.Vertical models (such as MiJia Handheld Vacuum Mop) 2C) They're more maneuverable and powerful, but you'll have to do the cleaning yourself, and it depends on your lifestyle: if you're short on time, a robot, if you need deep cleaning, a vertical vacuum cleaner.

Suction power is measured in Pascals (Pa). 15,000–20,000 Pa is enough for high-quality cleaning, but some flagship models (e.g. Dreame) H12S) offer up to 27 000 Pa. However, high power increases battery consumption, so for small apartments, average values are enough.

• 🔋 Battery capacity: from 2500 mAh for robots and 4000-5000 mAh for vertical models. The larger, the longer the battery life.
• 💧 Volume of tanks: for water - from 200 ml (robots) to 800 ml (vertical), for dust - from 300 to 600 ml.
• 🧹 Type of brushes: roller (for carpets), flat (for hard surfaces) or combined.
• 📱 Smart features: control via Mi Home app, voice assistant, laser navigation (for robots).

It's also important to pay attention to the self-cleaning system. Some models (like DreameBot) X30 Ultras are equipped with automatic washing and brush drying station, which makes it much easier to care for. Also check compatibility with detergents: some vacuum cleaners work only with Xiaomi branded cartridges, which can increase costs.

Top.-5 Xiaomi cleaners in the 2026 year: model comparison

In 2026, Xiaomi’s line of cleaners comes in both low-end and premium models, and we’ve selected five of the most popular devices that are worth looking at, based on specifications, user feedback and price/quality ratios.

When you choose, look at real user feedback about the durability of brushes and the reliability of electronics. V3 Max often notes problems with humidity sensors after a year of operation, and Dreame H12S They are praised for their reliability, but criticized for their high noise level (up to 80 dB).

If you want maximum autonomy, look for robots with a base station (DreameBot). X30 Ultra or W10). For cleaning large areas, a vertical vacuum cleaner with a capacious battery is better suited. And for small apartments or cleaning furniture, a compact MiJia Handheld Vacuum Mop is optimal. 2C.

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Before buying, check if the model supports detergents from other brands.Some Xiaomi vacuum cleaners block the use of non-original cartridges through software.

First Enabling and Configuring Xiaomi Cleaner

After buying a Xiaomi cleaner, it needs to be properly prepared for the first cleaning, starting with unpacking and checking the equipment, the box should include: the device itself, the charging station (for robots), brushes, water and dust tanks, power supply, instructions, make sure that all parts are in place and are not visible damage.

Following the step-by-step instructions:

1. Charge the device. Connect the vacuum cleaner to the mains and wait for full charging (usually 4-6 hours). Do not interrupt the first charging cycle, this can reduce the battery life.
2. Install tanks. Wash the water and dust tanks with warm water (no detergents!) and dry. Make sure the sealing gums fit tightly.
3. Connect to the Mi Home app. Download the app, create an account and add the device via Add Device → Household care. Follow the instructions on the screen.
4. Calibrate the sensors (for robots) and put the vacuum cleaner on a flat surface and start calibrating in the application settings, which is necessary for the laser sensors to work properly.
5. Test run. Pour clean water into the tank and run cleaning in test mode (no detergent).

For robot vacuum cleaners, additionally adjust the virtual walls and cleaning areas in the application, which will help to avoid getting the device into undesirable places (for example, on carpets that are not designed for wet cleaning).

If you have a vertical vacuum cleaner (for example, Dreame) H12S), And you can look at the suction power adjustment, and if you want to use a laminate or a tile, you need to use a medium-sized laminate, and if you want to use carpets, you need to set the maximum power, and you need to check how the brush is attached, and it needs to be fixed with a specific click.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use hot water to fill the tank - this can damage seals and cause leaks. Optimal water temperature: 15-30 °C.

How to properly wash the floors with a Xiaomi cleaner: step-by-step instructions

The quality of cleaning with a washing vacuum cleaner depends not only on the model, but also on the correct technique of use. H12S and the DreameBot robot. W10.

For vertical vacuum cleaners:

1. Prepare the room: remove small objects from the floor, lift curtains and wires.
2. Put clean water in the tank (up to mark) MAX) and add a detergent (no more than 10 ml per 1 liter of water).
3. Select cleaning mode: 🧼 Wet cleaning: for laminate, tiles, linoleum. 🧹 Dry + Wet: for highly contaminated surfaces. 🌀 Deep cleaning: for persistent stains (increases water consumption).

15–30°

After cleaning, wash the tanks and dry the brush.

For robot vacuum cleaners:

1. Make sure there are no obstacles more than 2cm high on the floor (the robot may get stuck).
2. Fill the tank with water and add a detergent (use only compatible cartridges!).
3. In the Mi Home app, select the cleaning mode: 🏠 Standard: for regular cleaning. 🧽 Intense: for severe contamination (the robot passes in one place 2-3 times). 🚫 Only vacuum cleaner: if you need dry cleaning.

Zone cleaning

After completion, clean the tanks and check the brushes for wound hair.

For both types of devices, the rule is: do not use a cleaner on leaky surfaces (for example, on unpaved parquet or drywall); also avoid cleaning in rooms with high humidity (bathroom during showering).

If you use a robot vacuum cleaner, pay attention to the floor drying mode (if supported by the model), which is activated automatically after washing and helps to avoid slippery surfaces. Vertical vacuum cleaners do not dry, so after cleaning it is recommended to ventilate the room.

Care and maintenance: how to extend the life of a cleaning vacuum cleaner

The life of Xiaomi's cleaner is directly dependent on regular maintenance, and many users experience breakdowns due to non-compliance with simple rules.

1. Cleaning after each cleaning:

• 🧽 Wash the tanks with warm water and dry. Do not use aggressive detergents!
• 🧹 Clean the brush from hair, thread and debris. For roller brushes, use a special knife (it comes with a kit).
• 🔋 Wipe the charging station contacts with a dry cloth (for robots).

Monthly maintenance:

• 🔧 Check the filters (HEPA If you have severe contamination, wash under running water and dry for 24 hours.
• 🛠️ Lubricate the bearings of the brush with silicone lubrication (if this is provided by the instructions).
• 📱 Update your firmware through the Mi Home app – it improves navigation and cleaning algorithms.

Every 3-6 months:

• 🔄 Replace the brush (lifespan of about 6 months with heavy use).
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: completely discharge and charge the vacuum cleaner 2-3 times in a row.
• 🧪 Check the tightness of the tanks – over time, sealing rubbers may lose elasticity.

⚠️ Attention: If the vacuum cleaner stops turning on or starts to switch off arbitrarily, check the contacts of the battery. Often the problem lies in the oxidation or poor fit of the battery. Do not try to disassemble the battery yourself - this can lead to a short circuit!

For robot vacuum cleaners, it is also recommended that you clean the infrared sensors on the bottom panel once a month, and they are responsible for detecting obstacles, and contamination can lead to collisions with furniture. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

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Regular cleaning of filters and brushes increases the life of the vacuum cleaner by 30-50%, neglect of care is the main cause of breakdowns in the first 2 years of operation.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even the most reliable Xiaomi cleaners can be affected by malfunctions, and let’s look at the typical problems and how to fix them.

1. The vacuum cleaner does not turn on or suddenly switches off:

• 🔌 Check the charger and cable for damage.
• 🔋 Try resetting (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
• 🛠️ If the problem persists, the battery or power supply may have malfunctioned.

Weak suction power:

• 🧹 Check if the air channel or filter is clogged.
• 🔄 Make sure the correct mode is chosen (for example, carpets need maximum power).
• 🛒 If the vacuum cleaner is new – it is possible that a power limiter is installed (check in the application settings).

Water leakage:

• 💧 Check the tightness of the tank and sealing rubbers.
• 🔧 Make sure the tank cover is tightly closed.
• ⚠️ Don’t use too hot water – it will warp the plastic.

4. The robot vacuum cleaner does not return to base:

• 📍 Check if the charging station has moved.
• 🧭 Update the room map in the Mi Home app.
• 🔦 Clean the infrared sensors on the base and vacuum cleaner.

5. The appearance of an unpleasant odor:

• 🧼 Wash the tanks with vinegar solution (1 tbsp. spoon per 1 liter of water).
• ☀️ Dry all the details in the sun for 2-3 hours.
• 🚫 Avoid using flavored detergents – they can leave a sticky plaque.

If none of the tips worked, contact the official Xiaomi service center. Do not try to repair the device yourself, this can lead to loss of warranty. In most cases, problems are solved by replacing consumables (brushes, filters) or updating the firmware.

Saving detergents and water: life hacks

Using a Xiaomi cleaner can be costly if you don’t optimize your water consumption and detergents. Here are some proven ways to save money without compromising cleaning quality:

Optimization of water consumption:

• 💧 Use eco-wash mode (if your model has one) to reduce water consumption by 30 to 40%.
• 📏 Divide the room into zones and wash them in turn, for example, today - the kitchen and the corridor, tomorrow - the bedroom.
• 🔄 Use the same water for pre- and primary cleaning (unless the floor is too dirty).

Savings in detergents:

• 🧼 Dilute branded detergents with water in a 1:1 ratio.Most Xiaomi concentrates are designed for high concentration.
• 🧴 Use universal detergents (such as for washing dishes), but check first for compatibility with your model.
• 🍋 For disinfection, add a few drops of lemon juice or tea tree essential oil to the water.

3. Maintenance of equipment to reduce costs:

• 🧹 Clean brushes regularly – contaminated villi require more water for quality cleaning.
• 🔋 Watch the battery level. A battery discharged below 20% reduces the suction power, which means you have to waste more water.
• 📱 Set your cleaning schedule when you're not home, and that's to avoid unnecessary starts.

Another way to save money is to buy reusable wipes instead of disposable wipes, which are attached to a brush and reduce water consumption by 50 percent. H12S Microfiber wipes that can be washed in a typewriter are suitable.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use bleach or chlorine products, they destroy the plastic of tanks and seals. Also avoid products with abrasive particles (such as soda), which can damage the brushes.

If you're using a robot vacuum cleaner, adjust areas with different cleaning intensity, such as the kitchen, where you can set an intense mode, and the bedroom, where you can set an eco mode, which will reduce water consumption and detergents without loss of quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)