Modern wireless devices from Xiaomi, such as Roborock or Mijia Vacuum, are famous for their autonomy and smart control. However, even the most advanced robot vacuum cleaner eventually gets worse at cleaning if you ignore basic maintenance. Decreasing suction power, strange sounds at work or the appearance of strange errors in the application are the first signals that it is time to look inside the case.
Many owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to empty the dust container after each cleaning. In fact, deep cleaning requires a more careful approach to filters, brushes and sensors. Regular removal of contaminants not only returns the technique to its former efficiency, but also significantly extends the life of the engine and battery. In this article, we will discuss in detail the maintenance of all the components of your assistant.
Before you start disassembling, make sure that the device is turned off. This is critical for safety and electronics preservation. Next, we'll look at every step of maintenance, from simple actions to more complex procedures that require care. Proper maintenance of machinery is the key to keeping your home clean for years to come.
Preparation for maintenance and safety
You should start the maintenance process with the right preparation of the workplace. You will need a flat surface with good lighting so as not to lose small screws or parts. Prepare a dry soft fabric, a hard bristles brush (you can use an old toothbrush) and, if necessary, scissors to remove wound hair.
It is strictly forbidden to wash the vacuum cleaner body under a stream of water or immerse it in liquid. Internal electronics, including the motherboard and motors, do not have waterproof protection. Any moisture that gets inside the case can lead to short circuits and expensive repairs.
⚠️ Warning: Never turn on the vacuum cleaner if you have just washed the removable filters with water.They must dry completely within a minimum of 24 hours, otherwise water will enter the engine and disable it.
Also, disconnect the charging station from the network before work begins if you plan to wipe the contact areas, this will eliminate the risk of electric shock. All actions are done calmly and consistently, so as not to damage plastic latches, which are often made of rather fragile plastic in Xiaomi equipment.
Cleaning the main dust container
The first step is always to remove and clean the dust collector. In most Xiaomi models, it is removed by simply pressing a button on the top panel of the case. Inside, you will see a mesh filter of rough cleaning, which traps large debris.
Shake the contents of the container in the bin. Don't knock the container on the edge of the bucket too hard, as you can damage the plastic or damage the sealing gums. To remove fine dust that has stuck to the walls, you better use a dry brush or a slightly wet (but well pressed) napkin.
Pay special attention to the inlet through which air enters the engine, and there is often a lump of dust that blocks the flow of air, carefully remove this lump using tweezers or a wooden stick, trying not to damage the turbine impeller, if it is visible.
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If the dust has been compressed and does not get enough sleep, wash the container with water without using detergents, but dry it thoroughly before installing it back.
After cleaning, wipe the interior walls with a dry cloth. It is important that there are no villi left inside the fabric, as they can get into the engine. Regular cleaning of the container prevents the appearance of unpleasant odor, which often occurs due to the rotting of organic dust.
Washing and replacement HEPA-filter
The heart of the filtering system in the vacuum cleaners Xiaomi is HEPA-It's the filter that traps the smallest particles of dust, allergens and bacteria, and depending on the model, it can be located inside a dust container or in a separate compartment on the case.
Most of the modern HEPA-Xiaomi filters are cleanable, can be washed carefully under a stream of cold water, and the direction of the water flow should be opposite to the direction of air absorption (usually water pours from the outside of the filter). Do not use hot water as it can deform synthetic fibers.
After washing, the filter must be thoroughly shaken off from excess water and left to dry in a warm, well-ventilated place, drying time is at least 24 hours, using a wet filter will cause the dust to turn into dirt and clog pores, and can also cause corrosion of internal parts.
| Type of filter | Frequency of cleaning | Time of replacement | Can I wash? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reticulated (primary) | 1 time per week | 6-12 months | Yes. |
| HEPA (main) | 1 time 2 weeks | 6-12 months | Yeah (drying) |
| Premotor | 1 time per month | 12 months | Just dry cleaning. |
If the filter is gray or black even after washing, or if the material has begun to break down, it should be replaced. HEPA-The filter is equivalent to no filter at all — all the dust will go into the engine and into the air of your apartment.
☑️ Checklist of filter maintenance
Maintenance of the main brush and side brooms
The main working organ of the vacuum cleaner is the main turbobrush, which is located at the bottom, and it knocks out the dust from the carpets, and over time, hair, animal hair and thread are wound onto the shaft of the brush, which creates additional resistance.
To clean, flip the vacuum cleaner and remove the protective cover of the brush. It is usually attached to latches or screws (some Xiaomi models require a cross screwdriver). Remove the brush and scissors carefully cut the wound hair from both ends of the shaft. Be careful not to damage the bristles.
⚠️ Warning: When cleaning the bearings at the ends of the brush, don't use oil or lubricant. Dust will stick to the oil, and after a week the brush will jam permanently. Use only dry cleaning.
Side broomsticks (usually two or three) also require attention. They scrape debris from the corners to the center brush. Take them off by pulling them up and remove the hair wound on the axis of the mount. If the bristles of the side brooms are badly worn or broken, they're better replaced, because the efficiency of cleaning at the corners will drop dramatically.
Once cleaned, reassemble the mechanism in reverse order. Make sure the brush rotates freely from the hand. If you feel jammed, check if there is debris left inside or if the belt of the drive has twisted (in belt-driven models).
What to do if the brush does not rotate?
Cleaning sensors and wheelbase
Xiaomi relies on a complex system of sensors. Fall sensors (located at the bottom of the perimeter) and obstacle sensors (front) must be clean. If dust is stuck on them, the robot can “think” that there is a wall ahead, or, conversely, fall down the stairs.
Wipe the sensor windows with a dry microfiber after every 2-3 cleaning. For wheels, use a wet (not wet!) napkin to remove the gray plaque that forms from friction on the floor. This plaque can worsen grip and leave marks on light flooring.
Pay special attention to the charging contact areas, which are on the bottom of the case and on the docking station, and oxidizing or contaminating the contacts causes the robot to be unable to charge or permanently lose contact with the base, wipe them with an alcohol napkin or dry eraser.
Be sure to check the inlet of the side brush and the channel connecting the main brush to the container, which often forms "jams" of dust and wool, which block the air through, you can clean the channel with a long brush or a flexible spoke.
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Clean sensors are a guarantee that the robot will not randomly rush around the room and will be able to build a correct map of the room.
Care for the docking station and appearance
The docking station (base) also requires maintenance. The dust from the floor is often drawn into the lower part of the base where the contacts are located. Regularly wipe the surface of the base and the floor below it. Make sure that there are no obstacles around the base that can interfere with the robot's entry.
The vacuum cleaner can be wiped with a wet cloth. Do not use aggressive chemicals, solvents or abrasive sponges, as they can damage the glossy coating or erase inscriptions. Use a weak soap solution to remove persistent contaminants.
Check the base wheels (if mobile) and make sure they don't get stuck in the carpet pile or threads.The cleanliness of the base affects not only the aesthetics, but also the reliability of the robot docking for charging.