Xiaomi Roborock Robot Cleaner S5 — It's a smart device that makes cleaning easier, but its effectiveness depends on the state of the sensors, and over time, the sensors accumulate dust, hair and small debris, which leads to navigational failures, false bumper alarms, or even a complete shutdown. For example, a contaminated lidar sensor (laser scanner) can begin to “blind”, because of which the vacuum cleaner will move randomly around the room, and clogged infrared sensors on the bumper lead to the fact that the robot does not see obstacles and hits furniture.
In this article, we will discuss what sensors are in Roborock. S5, How to clean them properly, what tools to use, and give recommendations for preventive care. We will focus on the critical mistakes that users make when cleaning lidar – it is easy to damage if you use inappropriate materials or apply excessive effort, you will also learn how to recognize the symptoms of sensor contamination and when to contact the service center.
What sensors are in Xiaomi Roborock S5 And what are they responsible for?
Roborock S5 It's equipped with several types of sensors, each of which performs a different function, and understanding their purpose will help to more accurately diagnose problems and purposefully clean only those sensors that need it.
The main sensors of the device:
- 🔦 lidar (LDS-sensors, laser scanners on a rotating tower that map the space, and are responsible for precise navigation and route planning.
- 🛡️ Infrared bumper sensors - located around the perimeter of the front panel. Detects obstacles at a distance of up to 10 cm.
- 🌑 Fall sensors (cliff sensors) – infrared emitters at the bottom of the housing, preventing falling from stairs or rapids.
- 🧹 Dust sensor – determines the level of floor contamination and regulates the suction power.
- 🔋 Charging sensor – helps the robot to dock accurately with the docking station.
Lidar and cliff sensors are the most vulnerable, because they are located in open areas and actively contact with dust. For example, if a robot has begun to “lose” in familiar rooms or has started to run into walls often, the most likely problem lies in the contamination of the lidar or infrared bumper sensors.
Signs of Sensor Pollution: When to Clean
Roborock S5 It doesn't always make obvious mistakes when it's contaminating sensors, but it's changing behavior:
- 🤖 Robot moves chaotically, wanders around a room or builds inaccurate maps (problem with lidar).
- 🚧 Often runs into furniture, chair legs or walls (contaminated infrared bumper sensors).
- 🪟 Refuses to drive to the docking station or does so with several attempts (problems with the charging sensor or cliff sensors).
- 🌀 Rotates in one place as if "stuck" (possibly blocking the dust sensor or wheel encoders).
- 📉 Falling suction power for no apparent reason (clogged optical sensor in the dust collector).
If the robot starts to behave unusually, don't rush to reset or update the firmware. First, check the sensors -- 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved by cleaning them. For example, lidar may seem to be working, but if a thin film of dust has accumulated on its lens, it will give inaccurate data, which will lead to errors in map construction.
⚠️ Attention: If the robot is not fully responsive to obstacles or is not activated at all, it may be not only pollution, but also mechanical damage to the sensors.
Preparation for cleaning: tools and precautions
Before you start cleaning the sensors, prepare the necessary tools and material. Using the wrong tools can damage optics or electronics.
You'll need:
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) – for degreasing lenses and contacts.
- 🧻 Microfiber wipes (no pile!) - for cleaning sensors.
- 🪒 Plastic spatula or toothpick – to remove dried dirt in hard-to-reach places.
- 💨 A container with compressed air (optional) - for blowing dust out of the crevices.
- 🔍 Lump or flashlight – to better consider the small details.
What can't be done:
- 🚫 Use wet wipes, paper towels or rough fabrics – they leave scratches on the lenses.
- 🚫 Apply acetone, gasoline or other aggressive solvents – they destroy plastic and rubber seals.
- 🚫 Blow on sensors by mouth – saliva contains fats that leave divorces on the optics.
- 🚫 Disassemble lidar or other modules without experience - it is fraught with loss of warranty.
Turn off the robot and remove the battery (if possible)|Prepare all the tools in advance.|Work on a clean, well-lit surface|Take a picture of the sensors before cleaning.|Do not put excessive effort into cleaning.-->
If you're cleaning the sensors for the first time, we recommend that you take a video or a photo at each step, which will help you avoid building errors and track if something goes wrong.
Step-by-step: how to clean sensors on Roborock S5
Now, let's get to the practice. Below is a detailed instruction manual for cleaning each type of sensor with its specific features.
1. Cleaning lidar (LDS-sensor)
Lidar is the most important and vulnerable sensor, and pollution causes the most serious navigation problems, and you have to clean it carefully, following an algorithm.
- Turn off the robot and turn it upside down with lidar.
- Carefully remove the protective glass (if any) or simply open access to the lens. S5 Lidar is located under a transparent cap that can be turned counterclockwise.
- With a compressed air spray, remove dust from the lens and interior surfaces. Keep the balloon vertically to avoid fluid.
- Soak the microfiber napkin in isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the lens in circular motions from center to edge.
- Allow the alcohol to evaporate completely (1-2 minutes) and collect the lidar back.
An important caveat: if the lidar still doesn't work properly after cleaning, check if the dust has got inside the module, in which case it may need professional cleaning or replacement.
Cleaning of infrared bumper sensors
The bumper sensors are placed under a black plastic panel in the front, and the contamination causes the robot to not "see" the obstacles.
- Wipe the outer surface of the bumper with a wet microfiber wipe.
- With a toothpick or plastic shoulder blade, carefully remove dirt from the gaps between the sensors.
- Use compressed air to blow out dust from infrared emitters (they look like little black circles).
- Wipe the sensors with a napkin soaked in alcohol to remove fat deposits.
If the bumper is removable (in some versions of Roborock) S5), You can remove it completely for a more thorough cleaning, but be careful, there are wires inside that are easily damaged.
3. Cleaning of fall sensors (cliff sensors)
Cliff sensors are located on the underside of the housing, and contamination causes the robot to "see" the cliffs and may fall down the stairs.
- Turn the robot over and find black, round or oval windows of sensors (usually 4-6).
- Wipe them with a dry microfiber wipe, removing dust and hair.
- If the dirt dried, use alcohol, but do not pour it on the sensor - wet the napkin.
- Make sure that there are no scuffs left on the sensors after cleaning – they can scatter the infrared signal.
💡
After cleaning the cliff sensors, test them by bringing the robot to the edge of the table (without letting go!).If the sensors are working properly, the robot should stop 2-3 cm before the cliff.
4. Cleaning of the dust and charging sensor
The dust sensor is inside the dust collector, and the contamination causes the robot to misjudge the level of floor pollution, and it cleans this way:
- Remove the dust collector and remove the garbage from it.
- Find a small window of the sensor (usually closed with a transparent film).
- Wipe it with a napkin soaked in alcohol. Don't use sharp objects!
The charging sensor is located on the back of the robot, and its contamination prevents you from docking exactly with the dock, and clean it with a dry wipe, avoiding moisture.
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After cleaning all the sensors, be sure to test the robot in real-world conditions, run a small room cleaning and observe its behavior: whether it builds the map correctly, sees obstacles, or does it dock properly.
Frequent mistakes when cleaning sensors and how to avoid them
Many users make the same mistakes that can cause sensors to fail, and here are the most common ones and ways to avoid them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Using Wet Napkins for Optics | Scratches on lenses, divorces, deterioration of lidar accuracy | Use only microfiber and isopropyl alcohol |
| Cleaning sensors of the robot on | Short circuit, damage to electronics | Always turn off the power and remove the battery |
| Use of sharp objects (knife, screwdriver) | Scratches on plastic, damage to contacts | Use only plastic or wooden tools |
| Liquid entering sensors | Corrosion of contacts, failure of sensors | Do not pour alcohol on the sensors, wet only a napkin. |
| Excessive effort in cleaning lidar | Optic shift, loss of focus | Move gently, without pressure |
Another common mistake is ignoring preventive cleaning, and many users only think about sensors when the robot starts to malfunction, but regular care (every 1-2 months) avoids most problems and prolongs the life of the device.
⚠️ Warning: If the sensors still don't work properly after cleaning, don't try to disassemble them yourself. S5 Many sensors are calibrated in the factory, and improper assembly can lead to complete loss of functionality.
Prevention: How to prolong the life of Roborock sensors S5
Cleaning sensors is good, but it's even better to prevent them from getting dirty, and here are some tips to keep them working longer:
- 🧹 Clean the dust collector and filters regularly – this reduces the amount of dust that gets to the sensors.
- 🚫 Do not use a robot on a construction site or in heavily dusty areas - fine dust quickly clogs sensors.
- 🛡️ Install a protective case on the bumper (sold separately) - it reduces dirt on infrared sensors.
- 📅 Plan a preventive cleaning once a month, even if the robot is working normally.
- 🌡️ Store the robot in a dry place - humidity accelerates the formation of plaque on the optics.
Also worth paying attention to is the quality of the filters: cheap, non-original filters let in more dust, which then settles on the sensors, use only certified consumables from Xiaomi or proven manufacturers.