How to clean the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: detailed instructions with expert advice

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners have become indispensable cleaning aids, but their effectiveness depends on regular maintenance. Even the most advanced models — the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, S7 or X10+ — require thorough cleaning every 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the intensity of use. Neglecting care leads to reduced suction power, navigation errors and even engine failure.

In this article, we will look at all the steps of cleaning, from basic procedures (such as emptying a dust collector) to deep cleaning of sensors, turbine fan and wet cleaning system. Special attention will be paid to hidden areas that 90% of users miss – for example, cleaning infrared sensors from dust plaque or washing water supply tubes in models with a function of floor washing.

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

Before you start, make sure that the robot vacuum cleaner is completely off and disconnected from the charging station.

• 🧴 Soft fabric (microfibre or flannel) - for cleaning the case and sensors.
• 🧽 Toothbrush with soft bristles - for cleaning hard-to-reach places.
• 💧 Warm water and neutral detergent (e.g. dishwashing liquid).
• 🔧 Flat screwdriver (for models with removable bottom panel, for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum) 1S).
• 🧲 Magnetic vacuum cleaner (optional) - to remove metal shavings from brushes.

⚠️ Warning: Never use abrasive sponges, alcohol or solvents, which damage the anti-reflective coating of sensors and plastic parts, and avoid dipping electronic components (such as a control unit or battery) into water. If the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner is equipped with a wet cleaning function, do not pour water into the tank before cleaning - first remove all dust from the dust collector.

For models with a laser rangefinder (LDS) — for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P — prepare a dry wipe of microfiber without pile. Dust on the rotating prism of the sensor can lead to error 10 ("Laser sensor problem") and require the device to restart.

Cleaning of dust collectors and filters: Step-by-step

The vacuum cleaner is the lungs of a robot vacuum cleaner, and it's recommended to empty it after each cleaning, and to clean it deep every 1-2 weeks.

1. Remove the container: press a button or lever (depending on the model) and pull the container on yourself.
2. Remove the garbage: shake the contents out into the urn. For sticky dust (such as animal hair), use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle.
3. Wash the filter: 🌊 HEPA-filter (if removable): rinse under running water without detergents, then dry at least 24 hours. 🔄 Sponge filter (in Xiaomi models) S5/S6): gently rub with a soft brush soaked in soapy solution.

Wipe the sealing gums:

⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning, the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner makes a whistling sound or loses its suction power, the likely cause is the wrong installation of the filter or its deformation. X10+ and S7 The filter has a flow direction (indicated by the arrow on the body), and the rear-front installation will cause the engine to overheat.

Empty the container|Flush HEPA-filter (if removable)|Wipe the seals.|Check the filter fixing|Dry all the details before assembly-->

For models with automatic emptying (for example, Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra), cleaning the dust collector will become less common, but the dust bag in the docking station requires replacement every 1-2 months. It can be washed manually in warm water, but dry only naturally - the hair dryer or battery deforms the material.

3.Brushing: main and side

Brushes are the fastest polluting element, and hair, thread and wool are wound onto the shaft, blocking rotation and increasing the engine load, and you need to clean them every 3 to 5 cleaning cycles.

Main brush (roller):

• 🔄 Remove the brush: press the latches on the sides and pull up.
• ✂️ Remove the windings: Use scissors or a special brush cleaning knife (comes with some models).
• 🧼 Wash: if the brush is removable (as in Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum) 1C), Soak it in warm water with soap for 10-15 minutes.
• 🔧 Check the bearings: if the brush rotates with difficulty, drop 1-2 drops of silicone lubricant (not oil!) in the attachment places.

Side brush:

• 🔄 Unscrew the mount: in most models, it is enough to turn the brush counterclockwise.
• 🧹 Remove garbage: hair and threads often accumulate at the base.
• ⚠️ Check the wear: if the length of the bristles has decreased by more than 30%, it is time to replace the brush.

⚠️ Attention: In Xiaomi models S5 Max and the newer main brush has rubber nozzles for better wool collection. They can't be cleaned with hard brushes or knives -- use a plastic scraper or fingers with gloves.

Cleaning of sensors and navigation system

Sensors are responsible for mapping accuracy and obstacle avoidance, and contamination causes the robot to move around in a chaotic manner, skip cleaning areas, or crash into furniture.

For models with a camera (such as Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2T), clean the lens with a dry wipe for optics. Dust or fingerprints on the camera lead to incorrect object recognition and error 12 ("Visual navigation problem").

⚠️ Attention: If Xiaomi's robot vacuum cleaner still moves chaotically after cleaning the sensors, check the firmware updates. In some cases, navigation bugs are patched software. → Update in the application Mi Home.

5. Care of wheels and moving machinery

Wheels and their drives require attention as much as brushes. Contaminated wheels slip, and a jammed drive can disable the engine.

1. Inspect the wheels: remove the threads and hair that are wrapped around the axle. Use tweezers or a toothpick.
2. Remove the wheels: in most models, it is enough to pull the wheel on yourself (for example, in Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1). S7 And the newer one will need to unscrew the screw.
3. Clear the drive: 🔧 Rubber pads: wash with soap solution, dry. ⚙️ Coats: blow with compressed air or clean with a cotton swab.

Grease the axles:

silicone lubricant

⚠️ Warning: If one of the wheels spins slower or creaks after cleaning, check the integrity of the rubber rim. X10+ and S7 MaxV wheels have an asymmetrical tread - when installed, watch the arrow of the direction of rotation (indicated on the inside of the wheel).

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If the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi has started to "dance" in one place or can not overcome the thresholds, check the pressure in the wheels. In models with shock absorbers (for example, S6 MaxV) just press on the body from above - if the stroke is hard, lubricate the rods with silicone grease.

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

Xiaomi’s floorwashing robots (such as Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro or X10+) require special care for the water supply system, and contaminated pipes or pumps cause leakage or error 17 (“water tank problem”).

Step-by-step:

• 💧 Empty the tank: drain the remaining water and rinse the container with warm water. Use vinegar (1:1) to remove plaque once a month.
• 🧴 Clean the tubes: blow them with compressed air or rinse them with a syringe of water. S7 Removable tubes - soak them in a solution of citric acid for 30 minutes.
• 🧽 Wipe the mope pad: remove the sticky dirt from the microfibre nozzle. Wash it by hand at 30.°C without bleach.
• ⚙️ Check the pump: if water is not supplied, clean the valve (located under the tank) from lime plaque.

⚠️ Never use hot water (over 40)°C) or aggressive detergents (e.g. mole) which break down seals and lead to leaks in electronically controlled models (e.g, X10+) After cleaning, perform calibration through the Settings menu → Calibration of the mop in the Mi Home app.

7. Deep cleaning: turbine fan and ductwork

If Xiaomi's robot vacuum cleaner has lost suction power, but the filters and brushes are clean, the problem may lie in the turbine fan or ducts, and cleaning them requires disassembling the body, but you can do it yourself.

Instructions for Mi Robot Vacuum 1/1S/2 models:

1. Blow the ducts: Use a vacuum cleaner or a cylinder with compressed air.

For the S5/S6/S7 models with a brushless engine, it is more difficult to disassemble – you will need to remove the top cover. If you are not sure of your abilities, contact the service center. In the Xiaomi 2022 and later robot vacuum cleaners (for example, the X10+), the turbine unit is sealed – it must be cleaned only by a qualified master, otherwise the warranty will be canceled.

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Regular cleaning of the turbine fan extends the life of the engine by 30-50%, in service centers for this procedure is charged from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles, while self-cleaning will take no more than 20 minutes.

8. Prevention and care advice

To make Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner last longer, follow these guidelines:

• 📅 Make a schedule of care: keep a record of cleaning dates in the Mi Home app (section "Journal").
• 🚫 Avoid cleaning construction debris: cement dust or plaster clog filters and disable the engine.
• 🔋 Keep an eye on the battery: if the robot is not used for more than 2 weeks, store it with a charge of 40-60%.
• 🛠️ Use original consumables: non-original filters or brushes may not fit in size and impair performance.

For self-cleaning models (such as Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra), it is enough to wash the dust bag once a month and clean the suction channel of the docking station. Remember to update the firmware - new versions often improve cleaning algorithms and add self-diagnostic functions.

If the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner has started to glitches (for example, does not return to base or does not respond to commands), perform a reset to factory settings:

1. Hold the home and food buttons for 5 seconds.


2. In the Mi Home app, go to Settings → Device Reset.




3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner