Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum (including Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P, and others) has become an indispensable cleaning assistant, but it requires regular maintenance to work efficiently and not break down. Many users make mistakes: ignore brushing the side brush, incorrectly flush filters or forget about the sensors, as a result, the vacuum cleaner loses power, is less oriented in space or refuses to turn on at all.
This article is a detailed guide to cleaning all components of the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum, including hidden nodes that are not mentioned in the standard instructions, we will discuss how often you need to maintain each part, what tools to use and what errors lead to breakdowns, and you will learn how to restore the vacuum cleaner if it has already started to βglutβ due to contamination.
Unlike conventional vacuum cleaners, Xiaomi robots have complex navigation systems, obstacle sensors, and laser sensors, and their pollution affects not only the quality of the cleaning, but also the deviceβs ability to βseeβ a room. For example, dust on a lidar (laser sensor) can cause the vacuum cleaner to beat against walls or miss sections of the floor.
If you notice that the robot has become worse at collecting garbage, working louder or often stopping with an error, most likely the problem is pollution. 90% of malfunctions Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum is due to insufficient care. In this article, we will show you how to avoid expensive repairs and keep the vacuum cleaner in perfect condition.
1.Preparation for cleaning: what will be needed and safety measures
Before you start dismantling the vacuum cleaner, prepare the necessary tools and workplace.
- π§Ή Soft brush (an old toothbrush or makeup brush is suitable)
- π§΄ Soap solution (neutral detergent diluted with water)
- π§» Microfibre wipe or lilac-free fabric
- π§ Cross screwdriver (for some models, for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro)
- π¨ Compressor or canister with compressed air (optional, for blowing out hard-to-reach places)
Important: Never use abrasive sponges, hard brushes, or aggressive chemicals (such as acetone or bleach) that can damage plastic parts and rubber seals, and avoid direct water ingress on electronic components, which can cause short circuits.
Before cleaning, be sure to turn off the vacuum cleaner and take out the battery (if possible for your model). To do this, turn the robot over and find a latch on the bottom cover. In Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P models and the newer battery is removable, in older versions (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum). 1S) β no.
β οΈ Warning: If the vacuum cleaner has been working recently, let it cool for 15-20 minutes.Heated parts (especially the engine and electronics) are sensitive to moisture and mechanical stress.
Cleaning of the main dumpster and filters
The garbage container is the heart of the vacuum cleaner, which requires the most frequent maintenance. In Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum models, it consists of two parts: the garbage tank itself and the garbage tank itself. HEPA-filter that traps fine dust and allergens.
How to clean the container:
- Press the lid opening button (usually located on the top panel of the vacuum cleaner).
- Remove the container by pressing the lock from the side.
- Remove the large garbage manually, then rinse the container with warm water and soap.
- Dry it in the air for at least 2-3 hours. Using a vacuum cleaner with a wet container leads to mold and an unpleasant smell.
How to clean HEPA-filter:
- π The filter is located inside the container (in some models, for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite, it is removable, in others - built-in).
- π§Ό Carefully rinse it under running water without a strong pressure. Don't rub the filter, it will damage its structure.
- βοΈ Dry the filter away from direct sunlight and heaters, and leave it in a ventilated place for a day.
HEPA-The filter is recommended to be completely replaced every 3-6 months (depending on the intensity of use).In Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P and newer models, the filter has a wear indicator that signals the need for replacement through the Mi Home app.
| Detail | Frequency of cleaning | Replacement frequency | Signs of pollution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garbage container | After every cleaning. | Not required | Smell, visible debris |
| HEPA-filter | 1 time in 1-2 weeks | Every 3-6 months | Reduced suction power, dust at the output |
| Pre-filter (grid) | 1 time per week | Every 6-12 months | Clogged cells, weak airflow |
β οΈ Warning: If the vacuum cleaner is louder or less suction after cleaning the filter, the filter may have deformed, and then it should be replaced, not rebuilt.
Remove the container and remove the garbage manually|Wash the container with soapy solution|Dry the container for at least 2 hours|Flush HEPA-filter|Dry the filter 24 hours before installation-->
3. Maintenance of brushes: main and side
Brushes are the parts that are most susceptible to wear and tear in a robot vacuum cleaner, and they come in constant contact with debris, hair and threads that wind up on the shafts and reduce the efficiency of cleaning.
Cleaning the main brush (roller):
- Turn the vacuum cleaner over and find the brush locks (usually the latches on the sides).
- Remove the brush by pulling it up.
- Remove the hair and threads with a knife or scissors. Be careful not to damage the bristles!
- Wash the brush underwater if it is heavily contaminated. Dry for at least 12 hours.
In Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro and later, the main brush has removable tips that can be replaced separately, which is cheaper than buying the entire brush.
Side brush cleaning:
- π§ The sidebrush is mounted to a screw or latch, and in most models, you can remove it without tools.
- π§Ά Remove the hair and debris from the axis of the brush. Use tweezers for hard-to-reach areas.
- π¦ Wipe the brush with a wet wipe. Don't immerse it in water, it can damage the bearing.
The sidebrush wears out faster than the main one, signs of needing replacement.
- The brush doesn't rotate or rotates with jerks.
- There's a backlash.
- The bristles are more than 50 percent gone.
In the Mi Home app, you can track the brush life, and when it comes to the end, the system sends a notification that you need to replace it.
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If the brush is heavily clogged with hair, before cleaning, put the vacuum cleaner in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. The hair will become brittle and will be easier to remove.
Cleaning sensors and sensors: why the robot is βblindβ
One of the most common problems with the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum is the contamination of the sensors, and the dust, grease and dirt on the sensors cause the vacuum cleaner to:
- π€ It's a piece of furniture, even though I've seen it before".
- π It spins in place or moves in a spiral.
- π« Refuses to start cleaning by issuing a Sensor Error error.
What sensors should be cleaned:
- Lidar (laser sensor) β placed under a transparent cap on the top of the vacuum cleaner, wipe it with a soft napkin dipped in alcohol. Don't use paper napkins, they leave a pile.
- Obstacle sensors are located around the perimeter of the body, and you can clean them with a cotton swab dipped in soap solution.
- The drop sensor is located on the bottom of the vacuum cleaner (a small round hole) and blow it with compressed air or clean it carefully with a toothpick.
- Infrared sensors -- usually located under the front bumper. Wipe them with a dry napkin.
If the vacuum cleaner is still acting strange after cleaning the sensors, check it in a dark room, turn on the flashlight on your phone and shine on the lidar β if the laser beam is not visible or intermittent, the sensor is defective and needs to be replaced.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use aggressive solvents (e.g. white spirits or gasoline) to clean sensors, which can damage optical surfaces and cause irreversible damage.
How to check the operation of sensors without disassembly?
5. Care of wheels and moving machinery
Xiaomiβs robot vacuum cleaner wheels eventually collect hair, threads and small debris, which leads to difficulty moving, and if the vacuum cleaner starts to βtwistβ, creak or not get through the thresholds well, itβs time to clean the wheels.
How to clean the wheels:
- π Turn the vacuum cleaner over and remove the wheels. Most models have them mounted on latches or a single screw.
- π§΅ Remove the wound hair and threads from the wheel axis. Use tweezers or needles.
- π§Ό Wash your wheels with warm water and soap, and pay special attention to rubber treads, which collect fat and dirt.
- π§ If the wheel is hard to rotate, apply 1-2 drops of silicone lubricant (do not use it). WD-40 solvent!).
In models with rubber tracks (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro), additionally check the tension. If the caterpillar sags, it should be tightened or replaced.
Also, notice the main drive belt, which connects the engine to the wheels, if it stretches or breaks, the vacuum cleaner will move in jerks or stop driving altogether, and you'd better trust the service center to replace the belt.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The vacuum cleaner doesn't go in a straight line. | Pollution of one of the wheels or uneven wear | Clean both wheels, check the balance |
| Screaming while driving | Getting sand or dirt into bearings | Wash the wheels, lubricate the bearings. |
| Vacuum shaking when driving | Wear of rubber treads or weakening of fasteners | Replace the wheels or tighten the fasteners |
π‘
If the vacuum cleaner still doesn't move well after cleaning the wheels, check the condition of the floor. On smooth surfaces (for example, tile), the wheels can slip, in which case it will help to wipe the floor with a dry cloth or use special linings on the wheels.
Cleaning of the wet cleaning system (for models with wash function)
If you have a model with a floor wash function (for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P or Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro), then in addition to dry cleaning, you need to maintain a wet cleaning system, ignoring this will lead to mold, unpleasant smell and clogging of the tubes.
How to clean a water tank and cloth:
- Remove the water tank by pressing the lock button.
- Wash it with warm water with vinegar (1:1) - this will help remove lime plaque.
- Wipe the inner walls with a soft sponge. Don't use hard brushes, they scratch the plastic.
- Wash the washing rag by hand in a soap solution or in a washing machine (in delicate mode, without pressing).
Cleaning pumps and tubes:
- π§ If the water doesn't get to the cloth, check the pump. It's located next to the tank and it can clog.
- π Clean the tubes with thin wire or a toothpick. Blow them with compressed air.
- π After cleaning, run a clean water test cleaning to remove any dirt from the system.
In electronically controlled models (such as Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro), calibration may be required after cleaning. β Calibration of the washing system.
β οΈ Warning: If there is black plaque or mucus in the water tank, it is a sign of mold, in which case, rinse the system with a solution of hydrogen peroxide (3%) or a special antibacterial agent for household appliances.
7. Deep cleaning: disassembly of the vacuum cleaner to remove dust from electronic components
If the vacuum cleaner becomes overheated, spontaneously shuts down, or produces errors like Main Brush Stuck or Fan Error, the dust may have penetrated the electronic components, in which case a partial disassembly will be required.
How to disassemble a vacuum cleaner for deep cleaning:
- Turn off the vacuum cleaner from the network and take out the battery (if it is removable).
- Unscrew the screws on the bottom cover (usually 4-6 pieces, depending on the model).
- Carefully remove the lid without pulling the wire.
- Blow the insides of the vacuum cleaner with compressed air, paying attention: π Engine and control board contact. π Cooling fan (located next to the engine). π‘ Wi-Fi antenna (if the vacuum cleaner is connected to the network).
dry-brush
What can not be done in the disassembly:
- β Disconnect the plumes and connectors without the need.
- β Use metal objects for cleaning (you can damage the tracks on boards).
- β Trying to disassemble the engine or lidar - it requires special skills.
If the vacuum cleaner does not turn on after cleaning, check:
- Correct connection of all connectors.
- Condition of the fuse (it is located on the main board).
- Battery contacts (they can oxidize - wipe them with a rinse).
How to check the operation of the cooling fan?
8 Frequent cleaning errors and how to avoid them
Many users make mistakes that not only don't improve the vacuum cleaner, but also speed up the wear and tear.
Error 1: Cleaning the filter under a strong stream of water
HEPA-The filter has a thin structure that deforms easily, and if you wash it under a high pressure, it will lose its properties and stop trapping fine dust. Right: Wash the filter in a pelvis of warm water, gently compressing it with your hands.
Mistake 2: Using a vacuum cleaner with wet parts
Many people rush to assemble the vacuum cleaner immediately after cleaning, without waiting for it to dry completely.
- π¦ The appearance of mold in the dumpster.
- β‘ Short circuit in electronics (if moisture gets on boards).
- π Rapid discharge of the battery (moisture accelerates the oxidation of contacts).
Right:
Mistake 3: Ignoring sensor cleaning
Users often focus only on brushes and filters, forgetting about the sensors, which causes the vacuum cleaner to go blind, bump into furniture, can't see stairs, or move randomly. Right: Clean the sensors every 2-3 cleanings, especially if there are animals or carpets with a long pile.
Mistake 4: Use of non-original parts
Cheap brushes, filters, or wheels may not be the right size or material. HEPA-Filters often let the dust through, and cheap brushes break quickly. Right: Buy parts only from official Xiaomi dealers or trusted sellers.
Mistake 5: Cleaning the vacuum cleaner "in a hurry"
Many people limit themselves to surface cleaning without disassembling the vacuum cleaner, and as a result, dust accumulates inside, leading to overheating and breakdowns. Right: Once every 3-6 months, conduct a deep cleaning with disassembly of the case (see section 7).
π‘
If the vacuum cleaner has started to work worse after cleaning, check if you have assembled all the parts correctly. Often users forget to install sealing gums or loosely close the garbage container, which leads to a loss of suction power.