Complete cleaning of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: from brushes to sensors

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner is an indispensable cleaning assistant, but over time, its effectiveness is reduced by accumulated dust, hair and small debris in hard-to-reach places. Many users limit themselves to cleaning the container and side brushes, but maintaining maximum performance requires deep cleaning of all components, from a turbine fan to infrared sensors. Without regular maintenance, the vacuum cleaner begins to become less oriented in space, loses suction power and discharges faster.

In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo and video tutorial on how to disassemble and clean the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum, Viomi, Dreame and other Xiaomi-based models. We will reveal the secrets of cleaning the sensor modules that the manufacturer does not mention in the official manuals, and how to avoid typical faults that lead to breakdowns.

Preparation for cleaning: tools and safety measures

Before you start dismantling, prepare the workplace and the necessary tools. Do not use sharp metal objects - they can scratch the body or damage the internal parts.

• 🔧 Plastic blade or mediator (to separate latches)
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70% and higher) for sensor cleaning
• 🧹 Soft brush (for example, for makeup) or toothbrush
• 🧽 Microfiber wipe without pile
• 🔋 Screwdriver cross (usually) PH0 or PH1)
• 🧲 Magnetic mat (so as not to lose the screws)

If you're cleaning the vacuum cleaner for the first time, take a picture of each step of disassembly - this will help to properly assemble the device back. disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the charging station and remove the battery (if the model allows) to avoid short circuits when cleaning the contacts. Some models (such as the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) have hidden screws under the stickers - they need to be removed carefully so as not to break.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use water or household detergents to clean electronic components. Moisture on the control board or sensors can cause corrosion and failure of the device. To remove persistent contaminants, use only isopropyl alcohol or special wipes for electronics.

Cleaning of the main components: container, brushes and filters

Start with the most affordable items that get polluted the fastest, and the garbage container is recommended to be cleaned after each cleaning, but many users ignore this recommendation, and over time, fine dust accumulates inside, which compacts and reduces the volume of the container.

1. Remove the container by pressing a button (or similar on your model).
2. Remove the debris and vacuum the inner cavity with a regular vacuum cleaner.
3. Wash the container with warm water with a mild detergent (such as for baby dishes), then dry for at least 24 hours.

The side brushes and the master brush require special attention, and the hair and thread are wound on the axle, blocking the rotation, to clean them.

• 🧵 Remove the side brushes by pulling them down (on some models you need to press the retainer).
• 🔄 Remove the wound hair with scissors or tweezers. Don't pull the hair - it can deform the brush.
• 🧼 Rinse the brushes in a soapy solution, then lubricate the axles with silicone lubrication (for example, WD-40 Specialist).

Filter HEPA — These are "light" vacuum cleaners. It needs to be cleaned at least 1 time a month. Do not wash the filter with water unless it is marketed as washable by the manufacturer:

1. Remove the filter from the bay.
2. Tap them carefully on a hard surface to remove dust.
3. Walk on the surface with a vacuum cleaner at minimum power.
4. If you have a lot of pollution, replace the filter with a new one (the original filters for Xiaomi last 3-6 months).

Deep cleaning: turbine fan and ducts

If the vacuum cleaner is getting worse at sucking up garbage or making uncharacteristic noise, the problem is probably the turbine fan or the clogged ducts, which is part of the device that requires disassembling the body, so be careful. Most Xiaomi models have the following algorithm:

1. Turn over the vacuum cleaner and remove the lower cover, screwing 4-6 screws (their location depends on the model).
2. Disconnect the power connectors of the main brush and sensors.
3. Remove the module with a fan - it is usually attached to 2-3 screws.

The fan is the heart of the vacuum cleaner, and its blades eventually become covered with sticky dust mixed with fat and fiber.

• 🧴 Apply isopropyl alcohol to a cotton disc and gently wipe the blades.
• 🧹 Remove dust from ducts using a brush or compressed air (keyboard cleaner).
• 🔍 Check the fan bearings – if they make creaks, apply 1-2 drops of silicone oil.

Pay special attention to the rubber seals of ducts, which over time lose elasticity and pass air, reducing the suction power, and if the seals crack or deform, they need to be replaced.

⚠️ Attention: When assembling the fan, make sure all blades are flat and do not cling to the body.Incorrect installation can lead to vibration and premature wear of bearings.

Cleaning sensors and sensors: why the vacuum cleaner will go blind

If your Xiaomi has become less orientated in space, skips areas or often encounters obstacles, contaminated sensors are to blame. Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners use several types of sensors:

• 👁️ Lidars (laser sensors) - responsible for building a room map.
• 📏 Infrared sensors – detect obstacles and cliffs (e.g. stairs).
• 🧲 Hall sensors - control the rotation of wheels and brushes.
• 🔦 Photosensors – determine the level of floor pollution.

To clean the lidar (it is located under a rotating transparent cover on the top panel):

1. Remove the lid, carefully poke it with a plastic spatula.
2. Wipe the lidar glass with a napkin soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
3. Blow the inner cavity with compressed air to remove dust from the mirrors.

Infrared sensors are located around the perimeter of the body, and their lenses eventually become dusty, which causes the vacuum cleaner to stop "seeing" obstacles, clean them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Don't press the sensors, they are fragile and can shift, which will lead to incorrect operation.

Cleaning wheels and suspensions: why the vacuum cleaner is “sluggish”

Xiaomi's robot vacuum wheels are made up of several parts: a rubber rim, a plastic disc, and bearings. Over time, the rubber loses traction to the floor, and dust enters the mechanism, causing the wheels to slip or lock, to return the vacuum cleaner to maneuverability:

1. Remove the wheels by unscrewing the fasteners (usually 1-2 screws per wheel).
2. Remove the axis and clean it of the old lubricant with a cotton swab.
3. Apply the new silicone lubricant to the bearings and axle.
4. Wash the rubber rim with warm water and soap, then dry.

Pay special attention to the spring suspension mechanism (if you have one in your model), which is responsible for adapting the vacuum cleaner to irregularities in the floor. Dust and hair can block the movement of springs, which will "peck" the vacuum cleaner nose or get stuck on carpets. Clean the mechanism with a brush and compressed air.

If the rubber wheels are worn out (cracks or bruises appear), they are better replaced. The original wheels for Xiaomi are inexpensive (about 300-500 rubles per pair), and the difference in grip with the floor will be noticeable immediately.

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To keep the wheels elastic for longer, rub the rubber part with glycerol or a special rubber care product once a month, which will prevent cracking and improve traction.

Battery maintenance: how to extend the service life

The battery is one of the most expensive components of a robot vacuum cleaner. Xiaomi models typically use lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 2000-5200 mAh. Over time, their capacity decreases, and the vacuum cleaner starts to work less time.

• 🔋 Do not keep the vacuum cleaner constantly at the charging station. Optimal mode: charge up to 80-90% and discharge to 20-30%.
• 🔄 Calibrate the battery once every 3 months: completely discharge the vacuum cleaner, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 🌡️ Avoid vacuum cleaners at lower temperatures +5°C or higher +35°C – This accelerates battery degradation.

If the vacuum cleaner is quickly discharged, check the status of the battery in the Mi Home application.

1. Open the device card.
2. Go to Settings. → Battery status.
3. If the capacity has fallen below 60% of the nominal, it is time to replace the battery.

Replacing the battery at home is possible, but requires care.

1. Remove the bottom cover.
2. Disconnect the battery connector.
3. Remove the old battery and install a new one (it is important to observe polarity!).

⚠️ Note: When replacing the battery, do not use batteries from other models, even if they look similar.

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Regular calibration of the battery and compliance with the temperature regime can increase its life by 30-50%.

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

Models with wet cleaning function (for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop or Dreame) W10) They require additional care for the water tank and the mope nozzle, and if you ignore cleaning them, bacteria start to multiply inside, and the nozzle leaves a swell on the floor.

To clean the system:

1. Remove the water tank and rinse it with warm water with vinegar (1:1) to remove lime plaque.
2. Clean the water supply tube with a thin wire or toothpick – it is often clogged with detergent particles.
3. Wash the mope nozzle under running water, then wash it manually with a mild detergent.
4. Check the water pump (under the tank) if it makes uncharacteristic sounds, clear it of the plaque.

Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) or special tablets to clean the steam generators can be used to disinfect the tank, pour the solution into the tank, leave it for 1-2 hours, then thoroughly rinse it. Do not use chlorine-containing agents - they can damage the plastic and rubber seals.

If the vacuum cleaner has started leaving stripes on the floor, check:

• 💧 Water quality – hard water leaves divorces.
• 🧼 Concentration of detergent – too much foam impairs the quality of cleaning.
• 🧽 The condition of the mopose nozzle - if it is worn out, replace it.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions