Modern cleaning devices like the Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner have become an integral part of the smart home, taking on the routine work of keeping clean. However, even the most advanced models lose their suction efficiency over time, start making noise or leave squashes on the floor, the reason for this is the banal clogging of internal channels, the sticking of hair on rotating mechanisms and the wear of filter elements.
Many users mistakenly believe that emptying the dust collector is enough, but a deeper approach is needed to ensure full maintenance. Disassembly of a robot vacuum cleaner is a necessary process that allows you to extend the life of the engine and keep the battery in working order. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to safely disassemble the device, clean hard-to-reach places and replace consumables without damaging the electronics.
It is worth noting that the design of different models can differ from the classic round Roborock S5 to newer versions with wet cleaning function. Despite the visual differences, the principles of layout of the nodes at the manufacturer Xiaomi and its sub-brands are often unified.
Workplace preparation and necessary tool
Before you start the active disassembly phase, you need to organize a comfortable space to work. You need a flat surface with good lighting, since many screws and fasteners are small and can easily get lost. It is also important to ensure that there is no static electricity, which can be detrimental to sensitive electronics inside the case.
You'll need a minimum set of tools to clean and build it, and the main tool will be a cross screwdriver, but depending on the model, you may need other tools, and you may not use metal objects with sharp edges to smear plastic so you don't scratch glossy surfaces.
☑️ Disassembly tools
Pay special attention to clean hands and tools. Fat fingerprints on optical sensors or laser rangefinder can lead to improper navigation of the robot. If you plan to clean the contacts of the battery, prepare isopropyl alcohol or a special contact cleaner.
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Before starting disassembly, take a picture of the location of all screws and plumes at each stage, which will help to avoid errors when reassembling, especially if you are doing it for the first time.
Primary cleaning of external elements and removal of the cover
You should always start the process from the outside of the device. Turn the robot vacuum cleaner upside down, first disconnect it from the charging station. First of all, remove the side brush: it usually attaches to the screw in the center or simply wears on a scissor shaft. If the brush is on the screw, carefully twist it counterclockwise.
Then you have to remove the main dust container, and you press the lock on the top panel, and you pull the module up. Inside, you'll see the main one. HEPA-filter and cleaning nets, which must be removed and washed with water, but dry for at least 24 hours to keep moisture out of the engine.
Now, we're going to remove the bottom cover, which closes the turbobrush, which is locked in a few perimeter screws and plastic latches on most Xiaomi models, and then use a plastic card or a mediator to gently snap the locks around the circle after you unscrew the screws.
What to do if the lid is not removed?
When you remove the lid, you get access to the main dust collection node, the turbobrush, which is where most of the hair, thread and fur of animals are wound, blocking rotation. Clean the brush shaft from contamination using scissors or a special knife included in the delivery.
Dismantling of wheel modules and side brush
Wheeled modules are the second most common source of problems after the turbobrush, and they accumulate fine dust inside them, which eventually turns into a dense mass that makes it difficult for the robot to move, and to remove them, you need to twist the screws located directly on the wheel body or under the decorative lining.
After removing the wheel from the seat, carefully examine the axis of the motor. Often long hair is wound on it, which penetrates deep into the mechanism. Remove all foreign objects with tweezers. If the wheel creaks when you rotate with your hand, it is recommended to drop one drop of silicone oil (not WD-40!) on the axle.
The side brush also requires attention. If the pile on it is badly worn or deformed, the cleaning efficiency along the walls decreases. It is easy to replace it: just install a new one on the shaft and lock it with a screw. Don't drag the screw so that the mounting plastic does not crack.
It is important to check the free running of all wheels after cleaning. The robot should move easily on the surface. If the wheel is jammed, it may require a deeper disassembly of the module itself, which entails the risk of losing the warranty.
Cleaning of sensors and laser rangefinder (LDS)
The robot vacuum is based on the readings of many sensors located around the perimeter of the housing, and on the bottom panel are the drop sensors, which prevent the device from falling down the stairs, and they need to be wiped with dry soft cloth, because the dust layer can distort the infrared signal.
Special attention is required by the laser rangefinder (LDS), located in a characteristic "drum" on the top of the body. If the robot has begun to build curved maps or crash into walls, the problem often lies in the contamination of the protective window of the laser, you can get to it by carefully removing the upper decorative cover (usually it is held on the latches).
| Type of sensor | Location. | Symptoms of pollution | Cleaning method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall sensors | Lower panel (closer to the edges) | Robot thinks there's a cliff ahead, or falls down stairs | Dry wipe |
| Laser rangefinder (LDS) | Top-outer module | Curved map, collisions, chaotic movement | Cleaning the glass with a cotton swab |
| Wall sensor | Body side | Does not clean up walls, ignores virtual barriers | Brushing of the side surface |
| Charging contacts | Bottom of the hull (back) | The robot doesn't see the base or charge | Cleaning with alcohol or swallow |
When cleaning the laser module, be extremely careful. The mechanism of rotation inside the drum is very fragile. Never rotate the head of the rangefinder manually with effort, this can lead to breakage of the gears of the drive. A can of compressed air is ideal for removing dust from hard-to-reach places.
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Regular cleaning of drop sensors and LDS-The module is critical to the proper mapping of the room, and the dirty sensors make the robot run in a chaotic mode.
Battery replacement and electronics maintenance
Reduced battery life is a sure sign that the battery needs replacement or maintenance. In Xiaomi models, the battery is often accessed through the bottom cover, but some versions require partial disassembly of the body. Before any manipulation, make sure that the robot is turned off.
The battery is usually represented by a block of several elements connected to the main board through the connector. Attention: before turning off the battery, it is recommended to discharge it to a minimum or work very carefully so that the contacts do not shorten when extracting.
⚠️ Attention: Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to puncture and overheating. If you notice a bloating battery, it must be disposed of immediately.
When installing a new battery, it is important to connect the power connector correctly. Often a lock connector is used, which must be bent before being removed. After replacement, it is recommended to conduct a full charge-discharge cycle to calibrate the battery controller.
If you get to the main board, check it for dust, carefully blow the space around the processor and radiators, but never use a vacuum cleaner to clean the board directly, as static electricity from the air flow can knock out the electronics.
Assembly of the device and check of performance
Once all the units have been cleaned successfully, you can start building, act in reverse disassembly, first install the wheels and the turbobrush, and make sure that all the screws are tightly twisted, but without undue effort, so that you don't break the threads in the plastic seats.
When you install the turbobrush cover, check if the brush is in the right place. It should rotate freely. Then you install a dust collector with dry and clean filters. You can't put wet filters, because it will cause the engine to burn.
Robot buzzes after assembly
Turn on the device and start the test cleaning. Pay attention to the noise level: foreign knocks or hums may indicate poorly secured parts or debris left inside. Check the side brush and wheel movement.
If the robot successfully connects to Wi-Fi and starts building a map, the procedure can be considered complete. Regular maintenance, conducted every 1-2 months, will allow your assistant to serve faithfully for many years without losing productivity.
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Use only specialized silicone lubricants to lubricate wheel bearings. Conventional oil-based oils can break down the plastic and rubber of robot parts.