How to clean the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi Roborock: from brushes to sensors

Xiaomi Roborock’s robot vacuum cleaners have become indispensable cleaning aids, but their effectiveness depends on regular maintenance. S8 Pro Ultra, S7 MaxV or budget Q5 — They require systematic cleaning, otherwise the performance drops and the wear of the parts accelerates. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step cleaning procedure for all key elements, from the main brush to laser sensors, taking into account the nuances for different generations of devices.

Many users make typical mistakes: neglect cleaning the side brush, ignore the filter. HEPA Or they use aggressive detergents that spoil plastic and rubber seals, and we'll tell you what tools you'll need, how often you care, and what to do if you're not able to navigate or leave debris behind. You will also find unique recommendations for restoring sensors to health after heavy contamination, information that is rarely disclosed in standard instructions.

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

Before you start dismantling Roborock, prepare the workspace and tools.

• 🧴 Soft brush (a toothbrush or a dust brush is suitable) - for cleaning hard-to-reach places.
• 🧷 Plastic blade or blunt knife - to gently tuck the covers and panels.
• 🧼 Microfiber cloth and alcohol solution (70%) - for wiping sensors and body.
• 🔧 Screwdriver with a cross nozzle (for models with screw mounts, for example, Roborock) S6).
• 🧲 Magnetic vacuum cleaner or hair dryer – to remove dust from ventilation holes.

Important: Never use metal objects to clean internal components – they can damage contacts or leave scratches on the lidar, and avoid abrasives (such as soda or hard sponges) that spoil the anti-reflective coating of the sensors. If the robot is connected to a docking station with auto-emptying (as in the case of the S8+), disconnect it from the network before work begins.

⚠️ Note: Some Roborock models (e.g, S7 MaxV Ultra) have sealed electronics compartments. If you notice condensation inside after wet cleaning, immediately dry the device for 24 hours without a power connection - a short circuit can disable the control board.

2. Cleaning of the main brush and side rollers

The main brush (also known as the roller brush) is the fastest polluting element, and the animals' hair, threads and fur are wound onto the shaft, blocking rotation. S8 And the newer brush has a removable mechanism, which makes it easier to dismantle:

1. Turn the robot over and press the latches on the sides of the brush (in models) S6 And older, you might need a screwdriver).
2. Remove hair from the shaft with a knife or a special tool (comes complete with some models).
3. Wash the brush under warm water with soap, then dry for at least 12 hours.

Side brushes also require attention, and they need to be cleaned every 3 to 5 cleanings, otherwise they start sweeping garbage inefficiently, to remove the side brush.

• 🔄 Press the lock in the center of the brush and pull it on yourself.
• 🧹 Remove the wound hair and dust from the axle.
• 🚿 Wash your brush in water, but don’t use hot water – plastic can deform.

In rubber roller models such as the Roborock Q Revo, cleaning is easier than just wiping the roller with a wet cloth, but these brushes wear out more quickly when in contact with sand or small debris.

⚠️ Note: If the brush does not rotate or makes a grinding sound after cleaning, check the bearings of the shaft. In some cases, the entire brush module will need to be replaced - its article can be found in the model documentation.

3. Cleaning of the dust container and filter HEPA

Dust collector and filter are critical components that affect suction capacity and air quality, S8 Pro Ultra, the container is cleaned less often, but it still requires attention:

1. Remove the container by pressing the button (Release).
2. Remove debris from the main compartment and clean the small mesh inside (use a brush or vacuum cleaner).
3. Filter HEPA rinse under cool water without detergents. S7 And the newer filter has an antibacterial coating - do not rub it with hard sponges.
4. Dry the filter for at least 24 hours before installation.

For models with docking station and auto-emptying (for example, Q7 Max+):

• 🗑️ Clean the dust bag to the station every 1-2 months (or after 30 emptying cycles).
• 🔄 Check the air supply tube for blockages - it can be blown with a hairdryer in cold air mode.

Professional advice: If the robot becomes worse at sucking dust after cleaning the filter, check the sealing gums in the dust collector. Over time, they lose elasticity - they can be restored by lubricating them with silicone grease (do not use it). WD-40!).

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If the filter HEPA After washing it, it dries for a long time, place it next to the fan for 6-8 hours.

4.Care for sensors and laser scanner (LiDAR)

Roborock's navigation system is based on a laser scanner (LiDAR), optical and infrared sensors, and their contamination leads to loss of map accuracy, collisions with furniture, or a robot hanging in one place.

LiDAR (top rotating "turret"):

• 🧽 Wipe the lidar glass with a microfiber cloth soaked in an alcohol solution (70%).
• 🌀 Check if the head rotates freely. If not, drop 1 drop of silicone lubricant into the mechanism (don't overdo it!).
• 🚫 Do not use wet wipes – they leave divorces that interfere with scanning.

Optical sensors (bottom of the case):

• 👁️ Wipe the cliff sensors with a dry cloth, located under the front bumper.
• 🔦 To clean infrared sensors, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

In models with cameras (e.g, S7 MaxV or Q Revo):

• 📷 Wipe the camera lenses with a walnut-free cloth!
• 💡 To remove fat spots, use special wipes for optics.

⚠️ Note: If after cleaning the robot does not see the docking station or builds an error map, check the LiDAR calibration. → Maps. → Reset the calibration and start a new cleaning.

Cleaning of ventilation and cooling

Overheating is one of the main causes of Roborock malfunctions, and the dust clogs the vents, causing the engine to run at its limit and the battery to degrade faster.

Outer grilles:

• 🌬️ Use a narrow-fill vacuum cleaner or compressed air balloon to remove dust from holes on the case.
• 🔍 In models S8 Pro Ultra grilles are located on the side - they can be removed by poking a plastic blade.

Internal ventilation (for advanced users):

• 🛠️ Remove the bottom cover (some models will require a screwdriver).
• 💨 Blow the engine radiator with compressed air. Be careful not to touch the fan blades!
• 🔋 Check the battery contacts for oxidation. Clean them with a blower or alcohol if necessary.

If the robot shuts down on its own during cleaning or issues a system overheating error, it is a signal of critical clogging, in which case it may need to be completely disassembled with cleaning the thermal paste on the processor (this is better entrusted to the service center).

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Regular ventilation cleaning extends battery life by 20 to 30 percent, especially for high-suction models such as Roborock. S8 Pro Ultra with 6,000 Pa).

Caring for bumpers, wheels and moving parts

The bumper not only protects the body from impact, but it also contains microswitches that detect collisions, so if the bumper is contaminated, the robot may not respond to obstacles or may "think" that it is constantly bumping into furniture.

Bumper cleaning:

• 🚪 Carefully remove the bumper by pressing the latches on the sides (in models) S7 And newer, it's attached to magnets).
• 🧹 Remove dust from under microswitches with cotton swabs.
• 🔄 Check the spring mechanism - it should freely return to the original position.

Wheels and moving parts:

• 🚗 Remove the wheels by pressing the axle on the side. Clean them of hair and dirt.
• ⚙️ Lubricate the wheel axles with silicone lubrication (1 drop per axle).
• 🔄 Check the drive belt (in models with a mechanical brush) if it is stretched or torn, you need to replace it.

In models with a lifting mechanism of the brush (for example, S7 MaxV) Pay attention to rubber seals. They need to be dust-cleaned and lubricated every 3 months, otherwise the brush will get stuck.

7. Solving typical problems after cleaning

Even after a thorough cleaning, the robot may not work properly, and consider the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the robot produces a sensor error (code 1-5 in the application), it may indicate damage to LiDAR or optical sensors.

1. Reboot the robot (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Update the firmware through the Mi Home app.
3. If the error is repeated, contact the service (possible malfunction of the fee).

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If the robot is louder after cleaning, check the fan bearings. They can be lubricated with engine oil (1 drop), but it is better to replace them with heavy wear.

8. Prevention and guidance on care

For Roborock to last, follow these guidelines:

• 📅 Weekly: cleaning brushes, dust container, side sensors.
• 📅 Once a month: Filter washing HEPA, LiDAR cleaning, wheel checks.
• 📅 Every 3 months: deep cleaning of ventilation, lubrication of moving parts.
• 📅 Every 6 months: Replace the filter (even if it looks clean).

What can't be done:

• 🚫 Using a robot to clean up large garbage (nuts, coins) – this will damage the brush.
• 🚫 Wash the case under running water - getting moisture into the electronics will lead to a short circuit.
• 🚫 Store the robot in a wet room (bathroom, balcony) - this provokes corrosion of contacts.

For models with floor washing function (e.g, S7 MaxV Ultra):

• 💧 After each cleaning, empty the water tank and dry it.
• 🧼 Once a week, wash the tubes and pump with a special solution (acetic acid 5 can be used%).
• 🧽 Wash your cleaning cloth in the washing machine at 30°C without bleach.

Storage tip: If you haven't used the robot for more than a week, remove the battery (in models where possible) and store it at 40-60% charge.

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The use of original consumables (brushes, filters) increases the life of the robot by 30-40%. Cheap analogues are often inaccurate in size, which leads to increased wear and tear of the engines.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Roborock cleaning