How to disassemble the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential vacuum cleaner: a step-by-step guide

The Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential series of robot vacuum cleaners have proven to be reliable cleaners, but even the best-quality equipment requires periodic maintenance. Over time, dust, pet hair and small debris accumulate in the mechanism, which can lead to a decrease in suction power or the appearance of extraneous noises during operation.

The complete disassembly of the device often scares owners, as it seems to be a complex engineering process that requires special equipment. In fact, the design of this robot is designed in such a way that basic maintenance can be performed independently using a minimum set of tools and using caution.

In this article, we will take a look at all the steps of disassembly, from the extraction of consumables to access to internal components. You will learn to safely open the device for deep cleaning of sensors, battery replacement or fixing the stuck turbobrush.

Workplace preparation and necessary tool

Before you start dismantling, you need to have a comfortable space to work with, you need a table with good lighting to see the small details and not lose the screws during the dismantling process, and the absence of (chaos) on the table is the guarantee that after maintenance you will not have any extra parts.

To work with Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential, you will need a minimum set of tools, the main tool will be a cross screwdriver, preferably magnetic, so that the screws do not fly around the room, and a plastic blade or mediator can also be useful for neatly opening the latches without damaging the plastic.

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Cross screwdriver (size) PH1 or PH2) screw-twisting.
  • ๐Ÿงค Antistatic gloves to protect electronics from static electricity.
  • ๐Ÿงน Soft brush and dry fabric to clean internal components.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Smartphone with camera for photographing the stages of disassembly.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the charging station and turn it off with the power button.

It's recommended that you pre-prepared the screw folding tank. The screws in different parts can vary in length, and if you mix them up when you build them, you can damage the body or the screw will go right through the inside, and taking pictures of each step will help you remember the order of the reverse assembly.

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Use a magnetic mat or just a piece of cardboard, on which you can sign a marker, where each screw is removed - this will save you a lot of time when assembling.

Extraction of consumables and initial inspection

The maintenance process begins with dismantling all removable elements that the user normally retrieves for daily cleaning.Turn the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential robot vacuum cleaner upwards to access the bottom panel and dust container.

First, remove the main dust collector, and then press the lock and pull the container up. HEPA-The filter and the mesh filter, which also need to be taken out and put aside, and even if you want to disassemble the elements in depth, cleaning them is a must.

Then we go to the side brush, which is mounted on the screw in the center, and carefully twist the screw and remove the brush, and notice the condition of the hair and threads wound on the axle, which are the ones that most often cause the rotational mechanism to break.

๐Ÿ“Š What is most often stuck in your vacuum cleaner?
Animal fur
Long hair.
Strands and pile
Small debris and dust

The turbobrush (main) also requires removal. Turn the locks over the sides of the casing and pull the roller out. Carefully clean it of the wound hair, as it creates additional resistance to the motor. If the brush has worn out, now is the time to think about replacing it.

Dismantling the lower panel and access to the wheels

To access the insides, remove the bottom protective panel. On the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential model, it is mounted with several screws around the perimeter. Carefully examine the bottom of the device: screws can be hidden under rubber plugs or stickers, although in this model they are most often open.

Unscrew all the visible screws holding the bottom platform. The number can vary, but usually there are about 6-8 pieces. After removing the fastener, do not pull the panel sharply, as it can be connected to the wires of the drop sensors or charging contacts.

ComponentType of attachmentTool.Nuances of dismantling
Side brushScrew + slitScrewdriver.Take off carefully so as not to break teeth
Bottom cover.Perimeter screws.Cross screwdriverCheck for hidden screws under stickers
TurbobrushSide-holdersNo tool.Requires regular hair cleaning
Dust containerMechanical latchNo tool.Don't wet electronic contacts

Carefully lift the panel and inspect the interior space, and there are the main moving mechanisms, the motor-wheel and the turbobrush engine, which often accumulates fine dust, which is better removed with a dry brush or compressed air.

โš ๏ธ Attention: When the bottom panel is removed, be careful with the wires going to the sensors.A sharp jerk can cause the plume to break, which will require soldering to recover.

Disassembly of the main body and removal of the upper cover

If you want access to a battery or motherboard, you need to remove the top of the case. On the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential, the top cover (top case) is held on screws that become available only after the bottom panel and dust collector are removed.

Carefully inspect the perimeter of the device. The screws may be under decorative elements or in recesses. Unscrew all the fasteners. After that, the body can remain on plastic latches. Use a plastic blade to open them, passing along the junction between the top and bottom of the housing.

  • ๐Ÿ” Examine the junction of the body in a circle for the presence of hidden screws.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Use a thin tool to lick the latches, moving gradually.
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Do not use excessive force, plastic can crack if handled carelessly.

When all the latches are snapped, gently lift the top cover, below which you will see the main electronics, the battery and the control unit, at which point it is important not to damage the plumes connecting the control buttons or indicators to the main board.

Why does plastic crack when disassembling?
ABS plastic used in robotic vacuum cleaners becomes more fragile over time due to temperature changes and engine operation. Before actively affecting the latches, you can slightly warm the body with a hairdryer (not hot air) to make it more elastic.

Battery replacement and electronics maintenance

One of the most common reasons for disassembly is to replace the battery. Over time, the capacity of lithium-ion cells decreases, and the robot starts to work less or stops charging altogether. In the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential model, the battery is a unit connected to the board via a connector.

To replace the battery, disconnect the power connector from the motherboard. Don't pull the wires, hold on to the plastic connector itself. The battery can be fixed with screws or double-sided tape. Gently remove the old module and install the new one while respecting polarity.

Procedure for replacing the battery:


1. Disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the network.




2. Remove the top cover.




3. disconnect the battery connector from the board.




4. unscrew the battery mount screws (if any).




5. Remove the old battery.




6. Install a new one and connect the connector before clicking.

In parallel with the replacement of the battery, it is recommended to conduct an audit of the charging contacts on the case and at the docking station. Contact oxidation is a common reason why the robot does not see the base.

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When replacing a battery, always use models with similar voltage and capacity characteristics to avoid damaging the power management system (BMS).

Sensor cleaning and motor-wheel cleaning

The inside of the body is the perfect place to accumulate dust on the sensors. The fall sensors (located around the perimeter of the lower part) and the collision sensors (in the bumper) require cleanliness for proper navigation. A contaminated sensor can make the robot think it is getting stuck in the air and it will stop.

Motor wheels also need attention. If you notice one of the wheels spinning heavier or making a creak, you may have got wool or dirt inside. Carefully clean the wheel axle and the motor itself with a brush. In some cases, you may need a drop of silicone lubricant, but don't use WD-40, as it can damage the plastic.

  • ๐Ÿ‘๏ธ Wipe the lenses of the drop sensors with a soft dry cloth.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Check the free running of all wheels by twisting them manually.
  • ๐Ÿงน Remove dust from suction engine vents.

Notice the charging contacts on the bottom of the robot, if they're coated with oxide or plaque, the charging will be slow or intermittent, and use a cotton swab lightly soaked in isopropyl alcohol to carefully clean the metal pentacles.

โ˜‘๏ธ Checklist of service

Done: 0 / 5

โš ๏ธ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to use water to clean electronic components and sensors. Moisture that gets on the board will cause a short circuit and disable the device.

Device assembly and testing

After all the necessary cleaning and replacement work, the assembly stage begins, and the assembly is done in the reverse order: first, the internal components are installed, then the top cover is snapped, and at the end, the bottom panel is mounted.

Make sure all plumes and wires are stacked in their channels and not clamped by the body. When twisting screws, be moderate: plastic is easy to pull over, which will lead to cracks around the screw cap. The screws should be twisted tightly, but without excessive effort.

Once fully assembled, install the dust collector, filters and side brush. Turn on the device and start the cleaning test cycle. Pay attention to the noise level: if new sounds appear, it is possible that some screw remained unscrewed or the wire touches the fan.

What if the robot makes a mistake after the assembly?
If you have an error on your screen or app after you build it, check all the connectors you've turned off, and most often the problem is that the sensor or motor connector is not fully inserted.

Successful disassembly and maintenance of Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential not only prolongs the life of the device, but also returns it to its original suction power. Regular cleaning of internal mechanisms is the best prevention of serious breakdowns.

Can I wash the filter with water?
HEPA-The filter that comes with the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential can usually be washed, but only with cold water without detergents, and most importantly, it must dry completely before installing it back (at least 24 hours). Installation of a wet filter will lead to moisture entering the engine and its combustion.
How often should you take out the vacuum cleaner completely?
Complete disassembly and opening of the enclosure is not required often, approximately every 6-12 months, depending on the contamination of the premises and the availability of animals. However, filters, brushes and sensors should be cleaned weekly or after every 2-3 cleanings to maintain efficiency.
What to do if the plastic latch breaks?
If a plastic latch breaks off during dismantling, don't panic. You can lock it with a small amount of special plastic glue, or at least carefully use thin tape from the inside to hold the lid, and the main thing is to ensure that there are no gaps through which air can escape, bypassing the filter.
Where can I find original parts?
Original consumables and spare parts for Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential are best ordered from authorized service centers or at official sites of the brand. Use of substandard analogues of batteries or motors can lead to unstable operation of the device.