Cleaning the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi S1: detailed instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop S1 (plainly S1) β€” It's one of the most popular cleaning assistants, but it's very much dependent on regular maintenance. 2-3 And in the months of use, it starts to pick up dust, it hums, it even makes errors, and it's almost always caused by contaminated filters, clogged brushes, or dust on sensors.

In this article, we will discuss how to clean Xiaomi properly. S1 You'll learn what tools you need, how often you need to maintain them, what critical errors 90% of owners make, and what to do if the robot stops working after cleaning.

Let me warn you right away: not all the details S1 You can wash under running water. HEPA-The filter is afraid of moisture, and the side brushes deform when they're not drying properly, so we'll go into detail about what you can wash, and what you can just wipe or blow.

πŸ“Š How often do you clean your robot vacuum cleaner?
Once a week.
Once a month
Only when you stop working.
Never cleaned.

1.Preparation for cleaning: what will be needed and safety measures

Before you take down Xiaomi S1, Get the workspace and the tools ready:

  • 🧹 Soft brush (for example, for drawing or cleaning the keyboard) – to remove dust from the case and sensors.
  • πŸ”§ Plastic blade or mediator - to fit the latches of the cover without scratches.
  • 🧴 Alcohol wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol) – for cleaning contacts and optical sensors.
  • πŸ’¦ Warm water and neutral detergent (for example, for children's dishes) - for washing containers and brushes.
  • 🧻 Microfiber cloth - for wiping the case and glass sensors.

Important: Never use metal objects (knives, screwdrivers) to disassemble – they will damage plastic latches, and avoid aggressive detergents (such as chlorine or abrasive particles) that can eat seals or damage the coating.

⚠️ Attention: If your Xiaomi S1 If you're under warranty, disassembling the body (for example, to clean the fan) can lead to its loss. In this case, limit yourself to removable elements: container, brushes and filters.

Before starting work, completely discharge the vacuum cleaner (wait for automatic shutdown) or remove the battery if you can do this, this will prevent accidental switching on during cleaning, and we recommend filming the process so you do not confuse the assembly order.

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If you have pets, clean the robot vacuum cleaner in the bathroom or on the balcony.Wool and dust raised during dismantling can cause allergies.

2. Cleaning of removable elements: container, filters and brushes

Start with the elements that you can remove without tools, which are the dust collector, the filters and the brushes, which are the quickest to pollute and directly affect the suction power.

Dust collector (waste container)

Container in Xiaomi S1 It's made up of two parts, a main compartment and a fine mesh filter to clean it:

  1. Press the lid opening button (located on the top panel of the robot).
  2. Remove the container by pressing the lock from the side.
  3. Separate the mesh filter from the main body (it is attached to the latches).
  4. Remove the garbage manually, then rinse both parts with warm water with a mild detergent.
  5. Dry thoroughly (preferably 12-24 hours in the open air).

Don't use a hair dryer or battery to speed up drying, because plastic can deform, and don't rub the net with hard brushes to avoid damaging the cells.

2.2. HEPA-filter and thin-cleaning filter

Xiaomi S1 It is equipped with two filters: pre-filtered and HEPA-The first one can be washed, the second one can only be blown or replaced.

  • πŸ”„ Pre-filter (grey): rinse under running water with a little pressed. Don't twist it out - it can tear the material.
  • 🚫 HEPA-filter (white, with the inscription) HEPA): You can't wash it, just blow it with compressed air (like a sprayer to clean your appliances) or replace it with a new one. Wet cleaning destroys the fibers, and the filter stops trapping fine dust.

Term of service HEPA-The filter is about 6 months with regular cleaning. If you notice that the vacuum cleaner has become worse to suck or there is an unpleasant smell, this is a sure sign that the filter should be changed.

Side and main brushes

Side brushes and a main brush (roller brush) collect most of the trash, so they need to be cleaned weekly.

Remove the wound hair and threads with scissors

Wash brushes in warm soapy water

Wipe the axis of rotation with an alcohol napkin

Dry for at least 8 hours before installation-->

For side brushes:

  1. Remove the brush, pulling it on yourself (it is attached to the axis with a lock).
  2. Remove the wound hair and wool with scissors or tweezers.
  3. Wash under water, paying attention to the base where the dirt accumulates.

For the main brush:

  1. Open the bottom cover of the robot (latches on the sides).
  2. Remove the roller brush by pressing the locks on both sides.
  3. Remove the caps from the bearings and clean them of dirt (use a toothpick).
  4. Wash the brush, preventing water from getting on the bearings.

⚠️ Warning: If the brush is rotating with difficulty or creaking after cleaning, check if water has entered the bearings. In this case, dry the part for 24 hours or replace it.

Cleaning of sensors and optical sensors

Xiaomi sensors S1 And they're responsible for navigation, obstacle detection, and charging, and if they're contaminated, the robot can do that:

  • πŸ€– Become blind and fight against furniture.
  • πŸ”‹ Don't find the dock.
  • ⚠️ Sensor Error Error Error Error.

You need to clean the sensors with a dry microfiber cloth or an alcohol wipe.

Sensor.WhereverHow to cleanSigns of pollution
Lidar (LDS)Upper rotating "tower"Wipe the glass with a napkin, blow the holes with compressed airRobot moves chaoticly, doesn't build a map
Infrared sensors (IR)On the sides of the body (black round holes)Wash with cotton soaked in alcoholHe doesn't see obstacles, he gets stuck.
Charging sensorOn the bottom panel (metal contacts)Clean with a swallow or alcohol from oxidationNot docking with the dock.
Optical sensor (cliff)Under the front bumper (transparent window)Wash with a dry cloth without scratchingFalls down the stairs, can't see the edge

Lidar is the most important sensor, and if its glass is covered with dust, the robot will lose orientation.

  1. Carefully tuck the plastic lidar cover (it is on the latches).
  2. Wipe the glass with a microfiber cloth soaked in alcohol.
  3. Blow the holes around the lidar with compressed air (don’t blow with your mouth – saliva can remain on the lenses!).
What if after cleaning the lidar, the robot still does not build a map?
If cleaning didn’t work, check: 1. Is the lidar cable damaged (it’s easy to touch it when disassembling it). 2. Is there any cracks in the glass (in this case, you need to replace it). 3. Is the firmware updated (old versions had navigation bugs). If the problem remains, contact the service, as the laser module may have failed.

4. Deep cleaning: fan, engine and internal cavities

If the vacuum cleaner is still weak after cleaning the removables, the problem may lie in a clogged fan or dust inside the housing, a procedure that is more complicated, but you can do it yourself.

To access the fan:

  1. Turn the robot over and unscrew the 4 screws on the bottom cover (use a cross screwdriver). PH0).
  2. Carefully remove the cover, disconnecting the plumes of the side brushes (do not pull them!).
  3. You'll see a fan and an engine, and you'll see dust off the fan blades with a brush.
  4. Blow the internal cavities with compressed air (hold the balloon vertically so that no liquid is splashed).

Don't touch the motor contacts, static electricity can damage them. If there's white coating on the board, remove it with an alcohol tampon.

⚠️ Note: If you hear metal grinding during the vacuum cleaner, this may mean that a solid object (for example, a paper clip or a coin) has hit the fan.

Once cleaned, assemble the robot in reverse order, make sure all plumes are tightly connected, or the sensors won't work.

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Cleaning the fan and internal parts is enough to carry out 1 time in 6-12 months. More often, it is not recommended to disassemble the robot - this increases the risk of damage to plumes or contacts.

5. Cleaning Frequency: Service Schedule for Xiaomi S1

Regular care depends on the intensity of use and the type of garbage.

ElementFrequency of cleaningSigns it's time to clean up
Dust collectorAfter every cleaning.Suction power decreased
Filters1 time in 1-2 weeksThere's a smell, the dust blows back out.
Brushes.1 time per weekHair is wound, brushing is eating.
Sensors.1 time per monthThe robot is not well oriented, does not see obstacles
Fan and insides1 time in 6 monthsNoise heard, productivity decreased

If you have pets in your house or you remove building dust, you need to clean 1.5-2 times more often, for example, filters - every 5-7 days, and brushes - after each cleaning.

Tip: Keep a maintenance diary (e.g., notes on your phone) and write down the cleaning and replacement dates to help you track when it’s time to update a particular item.

6.Typical cleaning errors and how to avoid them

Many users accidentally ruin Xiaomi S1 Here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

  • 🚿 Washing HEPA-filter β†’ It loses its properties. Solution: just purge or replace.
  • πŸ”₯ Drying by a hairdryer β†’ Plastic deforms. Solution: dry naturally 12+ hours.
  • πŸ”§ Use of metal tools β†’ Scratches on the body, broken latches. Solution: plastic blades only.
  • 🧲 Cleaning sensors with a wet cloth β†’ Short circuit. Solution: just dry microfibre or alcohol.
  • πŸ”„ Incorrect assembly after cleaning β†’ Sensor errors. Solution: photograph the disassembly process.

Another common problem is tug-of-twisting the screws when assembled, which can cause cracks in the body, twist them tightly but without effort (until light resistance).

1. whether the brushes are properly installed (they should rotate freely).

Is there any foreign objects in the fan?

3. whether the lower cover is tightly closed (sometimes it touches the wheel).-->

7. Replacement of consumables: what and when to change

Some details of Xiaomi S1 They have a limited lifespan and need replacement:

  • πŸ”„ Side brushes – every 3-6 months (depending on the intensity of use).
  • πŸŒ€ Main brush - every 6-12 months (a sign of wear - worn bristles).
  • 🧻 HEPA-filter – every 6 months (or more often if you have allergies).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery - every 2-3 years (signs: quickly goes down, does not hold the charge).

For Xiaomi. S1 Suitable original consumables with articles: ZNMS02WM (sidebrush), ZNMS03WM (mainbrush), ZNMS04WM (HEPA-filter).

You can use analogs, but make sure they are compatible in size and mountings.

Where to buy? Official consumables are sold at Xiaomi's branded stores, AliExpress or service centers. Avoid cheap fakes, which are often made of low-quality materials and break down quickly.

8 What to do if the robot does not work after cleaning

Sometimes after Xiaomi service S1 They refuse to turn on or they give you errors:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Not included.Unconnected plume or discharged batteryCheck all connections, charge 2-3 hours
Sensor Error Error ErrorContaminated or incorrectly connected sensorsWipe the sensors, reconnect the plumes.
The brushes don't rotate.Water gets into bearings or bristles are wound on the axisDry your brushes for 24 hours, clean your hair
Weak absorptionFilter or fan clogged, hose damagedCheck all air ducts, replace the filter

If a robot gives out an error code (e.g., Error 10 or Error 5), look at the code decryption in the manual or on the Xiaomi website, for example: Error 10 is a sidebrush problem, Error 5 is a lidar malfunction.

If you can't fix the problem yourself, go to the service. Don't take the robot any further, it can lead to more serious breakdowns.

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Before contacting the service, reset the robot to factory settings (Settings) β†’ Reset in Mi Home application. Sometimes it solves software errors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi cleaning S1

Can I wash a robot vacuum cleaner underwater?
No, you can't wash the whole body underwater, you can only wipe the outer surfaces with a damp cloth (without touching the connectors and sensors). For internal cleaning, use dry methods: brush, compressed air or alcohol wipes.
How to remove the smell from the vacuum cleaner?
The unpleasant smell is usually caused by mold in the filters or stagnant dust. To eliminate it: Wash the container and filters with vinegar (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water). Dry all the parts in the sun (ultraviolet kills bacteria). Place a bag of activated carbon or soda in the container for 12 hours. HEPA-filter.
How to replace the original brushes if they are not on sale?
You can use brushes from other Xiaomi models (for example, from Mi Robot Vacuum). 1S), If they're the same size, AliExpress general brushes will also work, but check: bristles length (should be) ~Diameter of the axle (for) S1 β€” 6 mm. Material (preferably nylon, not metal) Avoid cheap Chinese counterparts with hard bristles - they scratch the floor.
Why did the robot become louder after cleaning?
There are several reasons for this: Incorrect assembly -- check if the bottom cover is tightly closed and if it's hitting the fan; wear on bearings -- if the brushes or fan are making grinding, they need to be replaced; dust in the engine -- blow the insides with compressed air. If the noise is not gone, record the sound and contact the service -- this can be a sign of engine failure.
How to extend the life of the battery?
Battery in Xiaomi S1 calculated ~500 charge cycles, so it lasts longer: πŸ”Œ Don't keep the robot constantly charging. After you're fully charged, turn off the power to the dock. πŸ”‹ Calibrate once every 3 months: discharge the vacuum cleaner to 0% and charge up to 100% without interruptions. 🌑️ Store the robot at a temperature of 10–30Β°C. Overheating or cold reduces battery life.If the battery starts to run down quickly (holds charge for less than 30 minutes), it is time to replace it.