How to remove the side brush from the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi Mop: instructions with photos and nuances

Xiaomi’s wet-cleaning robots (Mop, Sweeping Robot or Vacuum-Mop) require regular maintenance — especially for side brushes. These parts collect debris around the edges of the room, but over time get clogged with hair, threads and dust, leading to reduced cleaning efficiency or even engine breakdown. Removing a brush seems like an easy task, but ignoring the nuances can lead to damage to the mounts or loss of small parts.

In this article, we will discuss how to safely dismantle the side brush on popular models Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop, Xiaomi Mijia 1C/1T, Xiaomi Dreame Bot and others equipped with a floorwashing system. You will learn what tools you need, how to avoid typical errors (for example, breaking threads or damage to plastic latches), and get recommendations for cleaning and replacing brushes.

What Xiaomi models are equipped with side brushes and require maintenance

Not all Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners have side brushes, and some have them integrated into the body and are not removed separately. Below is a list of models for which this instruction is relevant:

• 🤖 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite/Pro is a classic model with a single side brush and wash function.
• 🤖 Xiaomi Mijia 1C/1T — budget options with a simplified brush attachment mechanism.
• 🤖 Xiaomi Dreame Bot D9/W10/L10 are premium models with dual side brushes and automatic lifting system.
• 🤖 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra is the flagship with an automatic wash base and two brushes.
• 🤖 Xiaomi Roborock S7/S7 MaxV – although the Roborock brand is now separate, many users still associate it with Xiaomi.

In models without washing function (for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S), side brushes are removed easier - their attachment is not associated with the lifting mechanism. If your robot is not on the list, check for the brush visually: it is located on the side of the case and rotates during cleaning, picking up garbage to the center roller.

Preparation for withdrawal: tools and precautions

Before you start dismantling, prepare the workspace and tools, which will help to avoid loss of small parts (such as springs or screws) and damage to the body of the robot.

• 🔧 Cross screwdriver (usually suitable PH0 or PH1) - for screw-mounted models.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or bowl – so as not to lose screws and nuts.
• 📸 Smartphone – Take a picture of the brush attachment before disassembly, this will help with reverse assembly.
• 🧴 Alcohol wipes - to clean the axis of the brush from dirt and old lubricant.
• 🔦 Flashlight - lighting will help you see small details in the grooves.

⚠️ Warning: If your Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner is warranted, removing the brush yourself may invalidate it. In this case, contact the service center. It is also not recommended to use metal tools (such as pliers) to dismantle plastic latches - this can lead to cracks.

Before starting work, turn off the robot and remove the battery (if possible without disassembling the body). For models with lithium-ion batteries (Dreame Bot W10, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro), it is enough to turn off the power button on the body. Make sure that the brush does not rotate - a sudden switching on of the motor can lead to injury.

Step-by-step: how to remove the side brush on different models

The dismantling process depends on the type of brush attachment, and below we will look at three main options: latches (the most common), screw mounting and a mechanism with automatic lifting (for premium models).

1. Latch brush (Mijia 1C, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite)

This is the simplest type of attachment, and the brush is held by plastic latches that need to be bent carefully.

1. Turn the robot upside down and find the side brush, which is on the right or left of the center roller.
2. Take the base of the brush (not the bristles!) and pull it away from the body with little effort.
3. If the brush does not lend itself, press the plastic fixture (usually located on the inside of the mount) and try again.
4. After removal, check the axis for dirt - if necessary, clean it with a napkin.

2. screw mount (Dreame Bot D9, Roborock S7 models)

Some models have a brush that is locked with a screw that is hidden under a plug. To dismantle, you need a screwdriver.

1. Remove the protective cap (it can be on the latches or glued - put it with a flat screwdriver).
2. Turn the screw counterclockwise. Don't put too much effort into it, because the carvings in the plastic case are easily broken.
3. After removing the screw, pull the brush over you. If it does not remove, check for additional locks.
4. When reverse assembled, twist the screw without effort - enough to hold the brush tightly.

3. the mechanism with automatic lifting (models Xiaomi Dreame Bot W10, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra)

In premium models, the brush not only rotates, but also rises when washing floors, and here the attachment is more complicated, it includes a spring mechanism and a position sensor.

1. Open the cover, closing the lifting mechanism (usually it is fixed with 2-3 latches).
2. Relax the spring holding the brush in the upper position. This may require a thin screwdriver or tweezers.
3. Disconnect the sensor connector (if any) - gently pull the plastic tongue.
4. Take the brush off the axle by pulling it upwards. Be careful, there may be small balls or bearings inside.

⚠️ Warning: When disassembling the lifting mechanism, don't lose the spring -- without it, the brush won't lock in the top position, and the robot will give you a Side Brush Error error. If the spring pops out, set it back, focusing on the slots in the body.

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If the brush doesn't come off even after the screw is loosened, try swaying it slightly from side to side, often with a swing on the spin axis.

Cleaning and maintenance of the side brush: what to do after removal

Remove the brush is half the battle, and in order for Xiaomi's robot vacuum cleaner to work efficiently, it needs to be cleaned properly and replaced if necessary.

• 🧼 Bristlesh Wash: Wash your brush under warm water with soap, removing hair and thread. Use a toothbrush for complex contaminants.
• 🔧 Axis cleaning: Remove the dirt from the metal axis with an alcohol napkin. If the axis is rusty, treat it WD-40 (a few drops).
• 🛠️ Bearing check: In models with automatic lifting, check the back of the bearings. If the brush is hanging, the bearings need to be replaced.
• 🔄 Lubricant: Apply silicone lubrication to the axle (do not use oil-based oils - they attract dust).

If the brush is worn (fibers shorter than 5 mm), it is better to replace it.

When buying a replacement, pay attention to the length of the bristles and the diameter of the axis - they must match the original. Universal brushes (for example, from Ecovacs) may not fit on the mount.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when removing the side brush, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔩 Thread failure: Occurs when you unscrew the screw excessively. Solution: Use a magnetic-tipped screwdriver and don't push too hard.
• 🧩 Spring loss: In lifting mechanisms, the spring can pop out and get lost. Solution: Work on a table with high sides or use a magnetic mat.
• 🔌 Sensor damage: When you disconnect the position sensor connector, you can break the wires. Solution: Pull by the plastic tongue, not the wires.
• 🔄 Improper assembly: If the brush rotates backwards after installation, you've got the sides mixed up. Solution: Most brushes have L (left) and R (right) tags.

⚠️ Warning: If the robot produces a Side Brush Stuck error after assembly, check if the debris has hit the lifting mechanism, if the spring is installed correctly (it should fix the brush in the upper position), if the sensor wires are clamped.

When a brush replacement is required and when cleaning is sufficient

You don't always have to buy a new brush -- sometimes a thorough cleaning is enough -- and here are the criteria by which you can determine if you need a replacement:

The average life of a side brush is 6-12 months for daily cleaning. If there are pets in the house, the brush will have to be cleaned more often (every 1-2 weeks) and replaced every 3-6 months.

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Regular brush cleaning prolongs the life of the robot vacuum cleaner motor. Clogged bristles increase the load on the engine, which can lead to overheating and breakage.

Alternative maintenance: if the brush is not removed

Sometimes the brush sticks to the axis or jams because of debris in the machine, and in these cases, you can try alternative methods:

• 🔥 Heating: If the brush is plastic and "stick" to the metal axis, carefully heat the hair dryer attachment (temperature not higher than 60°C). The plastic will expand, and the brush will be removed more easily.
• 🧴 Penetrating lubricant: Apply WD-40 or an analogue on the axle and wait 10-15 minutes. Then try removing the brush with swinging movements.
• 🔧 Disassembly of the body: If the brush is not removed due to a breakdown in the lifting mechanism, it may be necessary to partially disassemble the robot. It is a complicated procedure, you should contact the service.

If none of the methods worked, don’t put too much effort into it – you risk breaking your axle or mount, in which case contact Xiaomi’s service center or order a new brush with a mount.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions