Cleaning sensors robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: a complete guide with photos and tips

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners are smart assistants that save you time, but their effectiveness depends on the state of the sensors. Dusty or contaminated sensors lead to chaotic cleaning, collisions with furniture, falls from stairs or a complete stop of the device. For example, a laser sensor (LDS) It is responsible for building a map of the room, and infrared sensors prevent falls – if they are covered with dust, the vacuum cleaner begins to “blind».

In this article, you will find unique tips for cleaning each type of sensor (including hidden sensors that are not mentioned in the official instructions), and learn how to avoid typical errors that lead to breakdowns. We will analyze Mi Robot Vacuum, Xiaomi Mijia, Roborock and others, taking into account their design features. If your vacuum cleaner becomes less orientable, skip zones or beat walls, this instruction will help to restore its previous accuracy.

What sensors are in the vacuum cleaners Xiaomi and what they are responsible for

Before cleaning, it is important to understand which sensors are installed in your model and how they work. Depending on the Xiaomi or Roborock series, the sensor set may differ, but the main types are the same for most robot vacuum cleaners:

• 🔦 laser sensor (LDS) — It scans the room, builds a map in real time, and it's used in laser-navigated models like Roborock. S7, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro).
• 🛡️ Bumper sensors detect collisions with obstacles, located around the perimeter of the body.
• 🌉 Fall sensors (cliff sensors) – infrared sensors that prevent falling from stairs or rapids.
• 🌀 Gyroscope and accelerometer - responsible for orientation in space and smoothness of movement.
• 📶 Approximation sensors – help the vacuum cleaner to drive close to the walls (for example, in the mode of cleaning around the perimeter).
• 🔋 Charge sensor – monitors the battery level and docking with the docking station.

In budget models (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum) 1S) It may not have a laser sensor, but instead it uses an optical camera or infrared sensors for navigation. S8 Pro Ultra added 3D-sensors for object recognition and ultrasonic sensors for precise obstacle avoidance.

Signs that the vacuum cleaner sensors have become contaminated

How do you know if the sensors need cleaning? Usually, the vacuum cleaner starts to behave inappropriately.

• 🤖 The robot moves chaoticly, does not build a logical route (problem with the use of a computer). LDS gyroscope).
• 🚧 Often encounters furniture, although previously circumvented obstacles (contaminated bumper sensors).
• 🪜 Falls down stairs or gets too close to the edge (cliff sensors don’t work).
• 🔄 Does not return to base or dock poorly (problems with charge sensor or infrared sensors).
• 🗺️ The map of the room in the Mi Home application is displayed incorrectly or with tears.

If the vacuum cleaner starts to “glue” after prolonged use (for example, after 6-12 months), in 90% of cases, contaminated sensors are to blame, except for mechanical failures (for example, a damaged bumper) or software failures (flashing is required).

⚠️ Attention: If the robot is completely unresponsive to obstacles or not turning on, the problem may be a wiring break or a control board failure.

Preparation for cleaning: what will be needed

For safe and efficient cleaning of sensors, prepare the following tools and materials:

Also, prepare a well-lit workplace and take pictures of the location of the wires if you plan to disassemble the case. S7) They have fragile latches - they are easy to break when opened carelessly.

⚠️ Warning: Never use water, acetone or abrasive materials (such as sandpaper) to clean sensors, which will damage the sensors' lenses and cause permanent damage.

Step-by-step: how to clean the sensors

We'll break down the cleaning process for each sensor type, starting by disconnecting the vacuum cleaner from the mains and removing the battery (if possible without disassembling the case).

1. Cleaning the laser sensor (LDS)

The laser sensor is located under a rotating transparent dome on top of the vacuum cleaner to clean it.

1. Carefully scroll the dome counterclockwise and remove it.
2. Remove dust from the inner surface of the dome with a soft brush.
3. Wipe the laser sensor lens with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
4. Blow the cavity with compressed air to remove fine dust.

If the dome is not removed (for example, in Roborock). S6 MaxV), use a compressed air canister, guiding the jet at an angle.

Remove the rotating dome|Remove dust with a brush|Drain the lens with alcohol|Blow in the air|Check the rotation of the dome after assembly-->

2. Cleaning bumper sensors

The bumper sensors are placed under a rubber lining around the perimeter of the vacuum cleaner.

1. Remove the rubber bumper, carefully poke it with a plastic spatula (in some models it is attached to the latches).
2. Wipe the sensor contacts with a dry cotton swab.
3. Check the integrity of the wires – they are often rubbed during heavy operation.

If the bumper is not removed, blow the gaps between the body and the rubber lining with compressed air.

3. Cleaning of cliff sensors (fall sensors)

These sensors are located on the bottom of the vacuum cleaner (usually 4-6 pieces), they look like little black windows.

1. Turn the vacuum cleaner over and find the sensors (their location can be specified in the instructions for the model).
2. Wipe the windows with a cotton swab with alcohol.
3. Make sure there are no scratches or chips on the sensors – this can lead to false positives.

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If the cliff sensors continue to work falsely after cleaning (the vacuum cleaner is afraid of dark carpets), try calibrating them through an engineering menu. To do this, hold the Home and Spot Clean button simultaneously for 5 seconds (does not work on all models).

4. Cleaning of charge sensor and IR sensors

The charge sensor is located on the back of the vacuum cleaner (near the docking station contacts), and its contamination leads to poor docking with the base.

1. Wash your contacts with a dry wipe (do not use alcohol!).
2. Clean the IR sensors (small windows next to the contacts) with a cotton swab.
3. Check if the metal contacts at the docking station are bent.

5. Checking the gyroscope and accelerometer

These sensors are located on a board inside the case, and cleaning them requires disassembling the vacuum cleaner.

1. Remove the top cover (usually it is attached to 4-6 screws).
2. Find a board with chips (usually marked as ICM-20602 similarly).
3. Gently blow the board with compressed air.

If after cleaning the vacuum cleaner continues to “drunk” (moving along the curve), it is possible that the gyroscope has failed and requires replacement.

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After cleaning the sensors, be sure to reset the vacuum cleaner settings through the Mi Home application (section "Settings" → Reset. This will help recalibrate the sensors.

Frequent errors in cleaning sensors

Many users make mistakes that cause sensors to break down.

• 🧹 Using a vacuum cleaner to clean sensors creates static electricity that can damage electronics.
• 💦 Wash sensors with water – even a drop of moisture can cause contacts to corrosion.
• 🔧 Use metal tools – they scratch the lenses and body.
• 🔥 Dry sensors with a hair dryer – high temperatures deform plastic and damage chips.
• 🔄 Lubricate moving parts of sensors (e.g., a rotating dome) LDS) — It'll lead to dust sticking.

Another common mistake is cleaning the sensors when assembled, for example, if you try to wipe the cliff sensors without flipping the vacuum cleaner, you risk damaging them or putting dirt deeper, always disassemble the device as much as you need to access the sensors.

How often do you need to clean the sensors?

The frequency of cleaning depends on the intensity of the vacuum cleaner use and the conditions in the room:

• 🏡 Home use (2-3 cleanings per week) – cleaning the sensors every 3-6 months.
• 🐕 Pets – cleaning every 1-2 months (wool quickly clogs sensors).
• 🏗️ Repair or construction – cleaning after each cleaning cycle (dust and small particles are highly polluting) LDS).
• 🌿 High humidity in the room - cleaning every 2 months (wet dust sticks to the sensors).

If you use a vacuum cleaner with a wet cleaning function (e.g. Roborock) S7 MaxV Ultra, sensors become contaminated more quickly due to vaporization. In this case, a monthly preventive cleaning is recommended.

Prevention of sensor pollution

To clean your sensors less often, follow these tips:

• 🧹 Clean the main filter and dust container regularly – this reduces the amount of dust that gets on the sensors.
• 🚫 Do not use the vacuum cleaner in wet rooms (bathroom, kitchen during cooking) - moisture accelerates the adhesion of dirt.
• 🪟 Keep the vacuum cleaner in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• 🔋 Watch the battery level - a discharged battery can cause failures in the operation of sensors.
• 📱 Update your firmware through the Mi Home app – newer versions often improve sensor signal processing algorithms.

If you use a vacuum cleaner to clean construction dust or sand, after each cleaning, blow the case with compressed air. Small particles quickly penetrate the crevices and clog the sensors.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions