Xiaomi’s robot vacuum brush is the heart of the device, which determines the quality of cleaning, and over time, it accumulates hair, animal hair, thread and small debris, leading to reduced efficiency, increased noise and even breakdowns. Regular cleaning not only prolongs the life of the vacuum cleaner, but also prevents the appearance of unpleasant odor that can spread throughout the apartment during cleaning.
In this article, we will discuss how to properly clean the main rotating brush (roller) and side brushes on popular Xiaomi Mi Robot, Dreame and Viomi models. You will learn what tools you will need, how to avoid typical errors (such as bearing damage), and how to care for brushes with silicone blades and bristles. We will also give recommendations on the frequency of cleaning depending on the intensity of vacuum cleaner use.
Why it is important to clean your Xiaomi vacuum cleaner brush regularly
Many users underestimate the importance of cleaning the brush in a timely manner until the vacuum cleaner starts to "glut", while a polluted brush leads to the following problems:
- 🔊 Increased noise – coiled hair and threads create an imbalance, which causes the engine to work with overload.
- 🐛 Bacterial reproduction – organic residues (wool, dust, food particles) become a breeding ground for microbes and mold.
- 🔄 Decreased cleaning efficiency – clogged bristles are worse at capturing trash, especially on carpets.
- ⚡ Increased power consumption – vacuum cleaner spends more battery power trying to turn a contaminated brush.
According to service centers, up to 40 percent of Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner breakdowns are due to untimely cleaning or improper brush care, such as wound hair can block the spin of the shaft, which leads to overheating of the engine, and the accumulated dust in the bearings accelerates their wear and tear, and after 1-2 years the brush begins to “luft” or creak.
⚠️ Warning: If the brush is still hard to rotate after cleaning, check the fastener shaft for rust. In Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro and Dreame models D9 The shaft is covered with an anticorrosive composition, but when moisture enters it can oxidize.
What tools will be needed to clean
To clean a brush properly, you don't need professional tools, you just need what's on hand. Here's the full list:
| Tool. | What do you need? | The alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Scissors with sharp ends | Carefully cut off the coiled hair and threads | Stationery knife or tweezers |
| Toothpick or plastic spatula | Remove debris from hard-to-reach places (for example, between bristles) | Old bank card |
| Soft brush (dental or for clothing) | Cleaning bristles from dust and small debris | Sponge for dishes (non-abrasive) |
| Warm water (not higher than 40°C) | Wash the brush after mechanical cleaning | Soap solution (without aggressive detergents) |
| Microfiber wipe | Drying details without divorce | Paper towels |
Do not use metal objects (screwdrivers, needles), hard sponges or abrasive powders to clean your brush, which can damage plastic parts or silicone blades, and avoid aggressive chemicals (such as Domesos or Belize), as they erode rubber seals and shorten the life of the brush.
Step-by-step: how to disassemble and clean the main brush
The process of cleaning the main brush is the same for most Xiaomi models, but there are nuances depending on the type of bristles. Below is a universal instruction with specific features.
Disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the charging station and remove the battery (if possible)
Take out the garbage container and clean it.
Turn over the vacuum cleaner and remove the main brush (click on the locks on the sides)
Disconnect the side brushes (if they interfere with access)-->
Step 1: Removing Hair and Large Waste
This is the most time-consuming phase, especially if you have pets or long-haired people in your home.
- Take scissors and cut the wound hair at the base of the brush, trying not to damage the bristles.
- If the hair is tightly wrapped around the shaft, use a toothpick to tuck in and pull them out one by one.
- For models with silicone blades (such as the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P), be especially careful - the blades are easy to tear.
Don't pull your hair with force, it can deform the shaft or break the bristles attachment. If the debris doesn't lend itself, moisten it with warm water for 5-10 minutes to soften it.
Step 2: Washing the brush
After mechanical cleaning, the brush needs to be washed, and it's important not to overdo it with water.
- 💧 Pour warm water into the basin (temperature not higher than 40)°C) and add a few drops of liquid soap or dishware.
- 🧼 Immerse the brush in water for 10-15 minutes, then clean the bristles of the remaining dirt with a soft brush.
- 🚫 Don't wet the bearings! Hold the brush so that water doesn't get on the fastener shaft.
You can use vinegar solution (1 tbsp. per 1 liter of water) or hydrogen peroxide (3%) to disinfect, but don't leave the brush in solution for longer than 5 minutes, which can damage the plastic.
Step 3: Drying and Assembly
Improper drying is one of the main causes of brush failure.
- ☀️ Dry the brush outdoors for 12–24 hours (depending on the humidity in the room).
- 🌬️ Use a fan to speed up the process, but don’t direct hot air (such as from a hair dryer) – this can warp the plastic.
- 🔄 Before installation, check if the shaft is rotating freely. If you feel resistance, repeat drying.
⚠️ Attention: In Dreame models Z10 Pro and Viomi V3 The brush has a built-in wear sensor, and after washing, it may falsely trigger, and the vacuum cleaner will give an error. To reset the error, restart the device (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
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If the brushes are worn or deformed, don't try to straighten them, replace them with a new one: ZNMS17AWM (for Mi Robot or DMY-CL01 (for Dreame).
How to Clean Xiaomi Side Brushes
Side brushes (also called "mustache") are often ignored, although they are equally important for quality cleaning. They are cleaned less often - about 1 time every 2-3 months, but if the vacuum cleaner works on carpets or in the house a lot of wool, then monthly.
The algorithm is simple:
- Remove the side brush from the vacuum cleaner. Most models have it on the latch -- pull it up with a little effort.
- Remove the debris from the spin axis. This is where the most hair and thread accumulates. Use tweezers or a toothpick.
- Rinse the brush in soapy solution, then rinse under running water. Don't use hot water, the bristles can sit.
- Dry for at least 6-8 hours. Reset the brush only after drying completely.
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite and Dreame D10 Plus side brushes have an asymmetrical shape - make sure that when installed they are directed forward in the course of the vacuum cleaner movement (usually there is a mark in the form of an arrow).
What to do if the side brush does not rotate?
Features of brush cleaning in different models Xiaomi
While brush cleaning is the same, some Xiaomi models have design differences.
| Model | Type of brush | Features of cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1/1S | Breadbread + rubber-paddle | The blades are easily detached when sloppy cleaning. It is recommended to use silicone shaft lubricant after washing. |
| Dreame D9 / D10 | Double bristles (short) + long-distance) | You have to clean both parts separately. Long bristles tend to get tangled -- straighten them after drying. |
| Viomi V2 / V3 | Silicone microfiber brush | You can't use alcohol or solvents, they destroy the microfiber, but dry it horizontally. |
| Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro | Hybrid (bristles) + silicone) | After cleaning, check the wear sensor – it may work falsely due to moisture. |
In models with self-cleaning station (for example, DreameBot) X30 Ultra) The main brush is washed automatically, but the side brushes still require manual cleaning. Don't rely entirely on the automatic system - check the brush every 1-2 weeks.
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Brushes with silicone blades (for example, in Xiaomi) S10) can not be cleaned with hard brushes or abrasives - this leads to microcracks, due to which the brush ceases to efficiently collect wool.
Frequent mistakes when cleaning the brush and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that shorten the life of the brush or render it inoperable.
- 🌡️ Hot water, which deforms plastic parts and detachs bristles, is the optimum temperature between 30 and 40.°C.
- 🧴 Aggressive detergents – chlorine, acetone or concentrated acids corrode rubber seals and silicone.
- 🔧 Strong mechanical impact - if you pull the hair with effort, you can damage the shaft or break the bristles fastening.
- ⏳ Inadequate drying - moisture in bearings leads to corrosion and creaking. Minimum drying time is 12 hours.
- 🔄 Incorrect assembly – if the brush is not installed to the end, the vacuum cleaner may give an error “Brush Error".
Another common mistake is to ignore the side brushes, which, although less polluted, cause the vacuum cleaner to take a worse job along the walls and in the corners. In Dreame models, the side brushes have a metal axis that can rust when moisture is injected, and after cleaning, wipe it dry and apply a drop of machine oil.
How often should you clean the brush of the Xiaomi vacuum cleaner?
The frequency of cleaning depends on the intensity of the vacuum cleaner and the conditions in the house.
| Conditions of operation | Frequency of cleaning of the main brush | Frequency of brushing of side |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment without animals, laminate / tile | 1 time 2-3 weeks | 1 time 2 months |
| House with 1-2 cats/dogs, carpets | 1 time 5-7 days | 1 time per month |
| Long-haired residents, furry pets | After every cleaning. | 1 time 2 weeks |
| Office or high-dust room | 1 time per week | 1 time per month |
Also, be aware of the behavior of the vacuum cleaner:
- If it starts to hum louder than usual, check the brush - most likely, it is wound hair.
- If the vacuum cleaner does not clean the carpets well, it is possible that the bristles are clogged with dust or worn out.
- If there is a smell of burning during operation, immediately turn off the device and check the shaft of the brush for locking.
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In the Mi Home app, some models of vacuum cleaners show how much wear the brush is wearing, and if the indicator is below 30 percent, it's time to think about replacing it.
How to replace a brush if it breaks
If the brush is damaged (blades are torn, shaft is broken, bristles are worn), it should be replaced. You can't use a vacuum cleaner with a broken brush, and this will lead to:
- Increased load on the engine and its overheating.
- Deterioration of the quality of cleaning (vacuum cleaner will “pass” through the garbage).
- The appearance of scratches on the floor (if the silicone blades are broken).
Here's how to pick a replacement:
- Clarify the vacuum cleaner model – brushes from Xiaomi Mi Robot are not suitable for Dreame and vice versa.
- Check the brush type: 🔹 Standard (bristles) + Rubber blades – suitable for most models. 🔹 Silicone – for vacuum cleaners with wet cleaning function (Viomi) V3, Dreame W10). 🔹 Hybrid (bristles) + Microfiber – for premium models (Xiaomi) S10+).
Buy the original or certified analogue
The average cost of the original brush for Xiaomi is 800-1500 rubles. Replacement can be ordered at official sites:
- 🛒 Xiaomi official website (quality guarantee, but long wait).
- 🛒 AliExpress (cheap, but the risk of running into a fake).
- 🛒 Yandex Market or Wildberries (fast delivery, there are reviews).
⚠️ Attention: In DreameBot models L10 Pro and Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum X10+ The brush has a built-in chip that syncs to the vacuum cleaner, and if you replace it with a non-original brush, you may get an "Accessory Mismatch" error, which requires you to reset your settings through the app.