How to clean the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi Mi: instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi Mi vacuum cleaners have become indispensable cleaning aids, but their effectiveness depends on regular maintenance. Many users find that after a few months of operation, the device begins to collect less dust, hums or even refuses to turn on, the reason most often lies in the contamination of key elements: brushes, filters, sensors and turbine unit.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to clean the Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum cleaner properly (including Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, and others) so that it works like new, learn what tools you’ll need, how often to clean, and what mistakes lead to 90% of robot vacuum cleaners breakdowns (spoiler: it’s not just late cleaning!).

Why it’s important to clean Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner regularly

Many people think that the robot vacuum cleaner is a "put and forget" thing, and in practice, every single piece of the device needs attention, otherwise:

• 🔋 Reduced operating time – contaminated filters make the engine work for wear, which leads to a rapid discharge of the battery.
• 🌀 The suction force falls - hair and threads are wound on the brushes, blocking their rotation.
• 🤖 Navigation worsens – dust on sensors prevents the robot from correctly building a room map.
• 🚨 Risk of failure – accumulation of debris in the turbine unit can lead to overheating and failure.

The manufacturer recommends a basic cleaning after each 3-5 cleaning cycles, and deep - once in a while 1-2 But if you have animals or long-pile carpets in your house, you should cut the interval.

⚠️ Warning: If the robot starts making an uncharacteristic noise (squeaking, whistling) or stops responding to commands, this is a sure sign that cleaning is required immediately. In 70% of cases, these symptoms are caused by blocking brushes or getting foreign objects into the turbine.

What you need to clean the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi

To clean the device properly, you don't need expensive tools.

• 🧹 Soft brush (a toothbrush or makeup brush is suitable) - to clean hard-to-reach places.
• 🧴 Alcohol wipes or cotton swabs dipped in isopropyl alcohol - for sensors and contacts.
• ✂️ Scissors or tweezers – to remove coiled hair.
• 🧽 Warm water and soap – for washing containers and filters (but not all!)
• 🔧 Cross screwdriver (for some models) - if you need to disassemble the body.

What can't be used:

• 🚫 Abrasive sponges or metal brushes – they scratch plastic and sensors.
• 🚫 Cleaning products with chlorine or harsh chemicals – they destroy seals.
• 🚫 Hair dryer or hot water – this deforms plastic parts.

Step-by-step: how to clean the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi Mi

We'll start with a basic cleaning, which you do regularly. 1-2 month) will need to disassemble the device - we will talk about this in the next section.

Cleaning of the dust collector and filter

This is the simplest but most important step: the dust collector and the filter are clogged the fastest.

Remove the container by pressing the button on the case

Throw the trash in the urn (don't shake it over the robot!)

Wash the container with warm water and soap (do not use dishwashers!)

Dry in the air (at least 2 hours)

Clean the filter with a soft brush (models with a HEPA-filter-wash!)|true

Put everything back in place, making sure the seals are intact.-->

Pay attention to the type of filter in your model:

⚠️ Attention: If the robot is less able to suck after cleaning the filter, check if it is properly installed. A loosely attached filter results in a power loss of up to 40%!

2. Cleaning of the side and main brushes

The brushes are the most vulnerable element, and the hair, the threads and the fur of the animals are wound on them, blocking the rotation, and the robot starts sweeping instead of vacuuming.

How to clean a side brush:

1. Disconnect the brush by pulling it to the side (on some models you need to press the lock).
2. Remove the wound hair with scissors or tweezers.
3. Wash the brush under running water if it is heavily contaminated.
4. Check the rotational axis, it should spin freely. If not, grease it with silicone grease.

Main brush (clip):

• Remove the lid by snapping the latches (usually) 2-3 stuff).
• Remove the brush and clean it of debris, and pay special attention to the end parts, which are where the dirt accumulates.
• Check the bearings for backlash. If the brush is hanging, it's time to replace it.

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If the brush is worn out, don't try to resuscitate it with tape, which will cause imbalances and vibrations that will damage the robot's engine.

Cleaning of sensors and sensors

The sensors are responsible for navigation, obstacle detection and charging, and if they're contaminated, the robot can:

• 🤖 Become blind: Beating furniture or falling down stairs.
• 🔋 Don't find a charging station.
• 📱 It is wrong to build a map in the Mi Home app.

How to clean:

1. Wipe the infrared sensors (located around the perimeter of the body) with an alcohol napkin.
2. Clean the laser rangefinder (in models with the LDS) You can only rotate it by hand, don't turn it on!
3. Check the charging sensors -- metal contacts on the bottom -- they should shine. If there's oxidation, gently strip them with a stripe.

Deep cleaning: disassembly and maintenance of the turbine unit

If the robot becomes worse sucking, humming or turning off after 5 minutes of operation, the problem may lie in the turbine unit (fan).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the power and remove the battery (if possible).
2. Turn the device over and unscrew the screws on the bottom (usually) 4-6 piece).
3. Remove the bottom cover, gently disconnecting the latches.
4. Once you reach the turbine unit, remove the dust accumulations with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush.
5. Check the fan blades, they should rotate freely. If there are backlashes or cracks, the unit should be replaced.

On some models (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro), the turbine unit is removable, in which case it can be washed under a stream of water, but only after the power is completely turned off!

⚠️ Warning: If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service center.Incorrect assembly after disassembly can lead to loss of leakage of the dust collector or short circuit.

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Deep cleaning of the turbine unit is recommended to be carried out once in a while. 6-12 If the robot is used daily or in conditions of heavy dust (for example, during repairs), the interval is shortened to 3-4 months.

Cleaning of the wet cleaning system (for models with mop function)

Robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi Mi with mop function (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, etc.) require additional care for the water supply system.

What to clean:

• 💧 Water reservoir – wash after each use to avoid mold.
• 🧽 Mop platform - remove sticky dirt and hair from microfiber wipe.
• 🔧 Pump and tubes – once a month pump the system with clean water to remove deposits.

How to wash the water supply system:

1. Pour warm water into the tank with the addition of vinegar (1:10).
2. Install the robot on the base and turn on the wet cleaning mode on 2-3 minute.
3. Pour the solution and rinse the system with clean water 2-3 once.

If the robot has stopped supplying water, check:

• 🔌 Pump contacts - they could have oxidized.
• 🚰 Pipes – they may be clamped or clogged.
• 📱 Settings in the application - sometimes the intensity of the water supply is lost.

Frequent mistakes when cleaning the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns.

• 🚫 Using a vacuum cleaner to clean the robot can damage the sensors and seals.
• 🚫 Washing HEPA-filter, it loses its properties after contact with water!
• 🚫 Ignoring App Errors – If Mi Home shows “Error 10” or “Error 12”, it is a signal that your brushes are blocked or overheated.
• 🚫 Storing the robot in a wet room - this leads to corrosion of contacts and the appearance of mold.
• 🚫 Self-repair without warranty - if the robot is warranty, disassembly will cancel it.

Another common problem is that you don't build properly after cleaning, so if you forget to put the sealing ring on the dust collector, the robot loses its suction power.

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After cleaning, always check the robot in test mode: run it on the 1-2 Just a minute and see if there's any noise, and if something goes wrong, turn it off and double check the assembly.

How to extend the life of a robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi

Regular cleaning is only part of care, so to make the robot last longer, follow these tips:

• 🔋 Charge correctly -- don't keep the robot permanently on base. Optimal: discharge to 20% and charge to 80%.
• 🧹 Handle large debris – the robot is not designed to collect construction debris, pebbles or shards.
• 📱 Update your firmware – newer versions often fix navigation errors and optimize battery consumption.
• 🏡 Limit cleaning areas – use virtual walls in the app to prevent the robot from getting into dangerous places (stairs, fringed carpets).
• 🔄 Change the consumption on time - the brushes wear out for 6-12 months, filters, for 3-6.

If you use a robot in a house with animals, pay attention to special accessories:

• 🐶 Brushes with antistatic coating - less wind the coat.
• 🧹 Filters with a carbon layer - better retain smells.
• 🛡️ Protective casings for sensors – prevent dust from entering.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions