Robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi with wet cleaning: which is better to choose in 2021

The pace of life dictates its rules, and the time for household chores is becoming less and less, which is why robotic assistants are becoming a necessity for many families. Xiaomi has long established itself as a leader in the production of smart appliances for the home, offering devices that combine advanced technology and affordable prices. In 2021, the line of these gadgets has been replenished with models that can not only collect dust, but also clean floors.

Choosing a particular model can be challenging because of the abundance of features and modifications in the market, with the introduction of smart maps and a rag rotating system being a key difference in 2021 models, which has dramatically changed the perception of automatic cleaning quality, and users are no longer willing to put up with floor divorces or chaotic device movement.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what parameters should be paid attention to when buying, analyze real feedback from owners and help determine which robot vacuum cleaner will be the ideal solution for your home. We will look at both flagship models and budget options so that everyone can find the right gadget.

The evolution of wet cleaning in Xiaomi devices

Until a few years ago, the floor-washing function of robot vacuum cleaners was more sceptical than credible. Early versions simply carried a wet napkin with little touch on the surface. But in 2021, engineers at Xiaomi and sub-brands (such as Roborock and Viomi) made a breakthrough, with the emergence of vibrating platforms and discs that mimic circular hand movements while washing.

Now, it doesn't just wipe the dust, it actually wipes the dried stains. Electronic water control allows you to adjust the moisture of the rag depending on the type of coating. This is especially important for homes that combine laminate, tiles and linoleum. Incorrectly selected humidity could spoil the wooden floor, but new sensors eliminate this possibility.

⚠️ Note: Even the most modern models with wet cleaning function are not designed for washing carpets. Before starting, make sure that the carpets are removed or the device has the function of automatic bypass of carpet areas.

Navigation has become an important aspect, as robots used to move chaoticly, but models in 2021 use LiDAR sensors to map the room accurately, allowing the device to first vacuum the entire house, then return to the dock, change the module (if required), and start washing the floor strictly in the specified areas, which ensures that dirty water does not spread over the clean floor.

Choice Criteria: What to Look at First

When choosing a smart home assistant, it’s easy to get confused about numbers and marketing names. To be sure, you need to be clear about which characteristics really affect cleaning quality and which are secondary. First, pay attention to the type of navigation. A laser rangefinder (LiDAR) is much more effective than gyroscopic navigation or cameras, as it works in complete darkness and builds more accurate maps.

The second critical parameter is suction power: Long-pile carpets require a minimum of 2,500 Pa, while hard-coated carpets (tiles, laminate) require 2,000 Pa. However, suction power is less important for wet cleaning than the quality of the cloth's pressing and water supply system. Many users mistakenly chase maximum numbers, forgetting about autonomy.

• 🔋 Battery capacity: For apartments up to 60 sq.m. enough 2600 mAh, for large houses look for models from 5200 mAh.
• 🗺️ Map Building Function: Ability to save multiple maps and install virtual walls through the app.
• 🧹 Type of container: Combined containers (2-into-1) It is more convenient, but models with separate water and dust tanks are often washed more efficiently.

Make sure that the model you choose is compatible with the Mi Home or Xiaomi Home app you use. Sometimes different regions of devices require a change in region in the application, which can be uncomfortable when managing a smart home. Also check the availability of consumables: filters, side brushes and special wipes for your model.

Top models of 2021: comparison of market leaders

In 2021, the lineup expanded with several iconic models, each taking a different niche, with the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P, which offered a balance between price and functionality, and received laser navigation and electronic water management, making it a hit with customers.

For those looking for premium quality, Roborock introduced the S7 with a unique sonic vibration technology that allowed stains to be wiped at 3,000 motions per minute, which was a revolution for the class, and the carpet lifting system allowed carpets to be kept off the floors, which solved one of the main problems of previous generations.

A low-cost, but high-quality version was the Viomi V2 Pro, which had a high suction power and a Y-like trajectory for washing, which allowed for more careful processing of the angles, but had its own software features that were addictive, and each of these models had its own advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before buying.

Setup and management through the Mi Home app

So, configuring the device correctly is 50 percent of the success of the device, and after you connect the robot to Wi-Fi and add it to the Mi Home app, the first thing you need to do is build a map of the room, start the device to clean up completely, remove wires and small items from the floor, and the robot will tour the apartment and create a digital plan.

In the map settings menu, you can divide the room into rooms, name them, and set the order of cleaning. This is especially useful for wet cleaning: you can command to wash only the kitchen and the hallway, ignoring the living rooms.

⚠️ Note: For stable application and device operation, make sure your router distributes a network at 2.4 GHz.Most Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners do not support 5 GHz networks.

You can also set a schedule in the app, you can set cleaning times, for example, while you're away from home, remember to activate the "Do Not Disturb" function if the robot is noisy so it doesn't wake you up in the morning, and check the "Consumables" section regularly, where the app reports the status of filters and brushes based on engine running time.

Real reviews: pros and cons of operation

Analyzing user reviews for 2021, we can highlight common trends: Laser-navigated model owners are thrilled that the robot is no longer stuck or hitting furniture; intelligent algorithms allow the device to skirt around chair legs and cables on the first try; many note that the quality of wet cleaning does reduce the number of manual floor washings per week.

But there are complaints that robots can get stuck on dark carpets or black plinths, mistaking them for a cliff (fall), due to the peculiarities of the infrared sensors, and there are comments that some models are too loud at maximum suction power, making it impossible for them to work at night or during calls via video link.

• ✅ Pros: Saving time, the possibility of remote control, good application, quiet mode of operation.
• ❌ Cons: The need for frequent cleaning of the main roller from hair, the risk of getting stuck on dark surfaces, the cost of original consumables.
• 🤔 Nuances: Some models require removal of side brushes to travel under low furniture, which is not always convenient.

The build quality is worth mentioning, as 2021 saw an increase in the number of devices assembled in different factories, sometimes affecting the fitting of plastic cells. However, warranty support and availability of service centers in major cities mitigate these problems, and most users agree that the benefits of automation outweigh the small inconveniences.

Maintenance and care of the device

To keep the robot cleaner long and efficient, you need to take care of it. Regular cleaning of the dust container is an obvious step, but many people forget about the HEPA filter. It needs to be knocked out once a week, and changed every 2-3 months, otherwise the suction power will fall, and the motor may overheat. For wet cleaning, it is important to use only soft water or distillate, so that mineral salts do not clog the nozzles.

Special attention should be paid to the main brush, which is wound on the hair and fur of animals, which puts stress on the engine. Every 2-3 days remove the brush and clean it of wound threads. Also wipe the sensors on the body and bumper with soft dry cloth, as dust on them can disorient the device.

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Use magnetic tape (if supported by a model) or virtual walls in the app to restrict the robot’s access to places where toys or wires are scattered, which will save the device from getting stuck.

Remember to wash the wet cleaning platform itself. After each use, remove the napkin, rinse it and let it dry. The plastic tank and mount also need rinsing to prevent unpleasant odor and mold from forming inside the system. The hygiene of the device directly affects the air quality in your home.

Summary: Is it worth buying?

Buying a wet-cleaning robot from Xiaomi in 2021 is an investment in comfort and leisure. Technology has gone far beyond toys to full-fledged assistants. Laser navigation and smart water management models are doing better than many people expect.

If you choose a device for a flat with hard coatings and pets, it will be one of the best acquisitions of the year. The main thing is to correctly prioritize whether you need a carpet lift feature, whether maximum silence is important or a budget is limited. In any case, the Xiaomi ecosystem offers a solution for any request.

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A robot vacuum cleaner won’t replace general cleaning completely, but it will maintain perfect cleanliness between hand washes, saving up to 4-5 hours of your time weekly.