Xiaomi's robot vacuum cleaner side brush is one of the most vulnerable design elements. It collects debris along the boards, but quickly clogs with hair, threads and dust. Regular cleaning or replacing the brush prolongs the life of the device and preserves the quality of cleaning. However, many users face difficulties in dismantling: the mount can jam, plastic latches break when handled carelessly, and the manufacturer's instructions often lack details.
In this article, we will discuss how to safely remove the side brush on the popular models Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop, Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, S10 And then we'll look at the typical bugs, the cleaning methods, and the signs that it's time to replace the brush, and if you're taking a robot apart for the first time, don't worry, because it's easier than it sounds if you know a few tricks.
Xiaomi’s modern robot vacuum cleaners come with two types of side brushes: disposable (fixed) and reusable (removable) ones, the former requiring full replacement when worn out, the latter being cleaned and reused. The main rule is that you don’t pull the brush by force, which causes the fastener to break or the wires to break (in models with motorized brushes).
If your Xiaomi is getting worse at picking up garbage around the edges or making extraneous noises when working, it's probably a side brush problem. Next, we'll discuss how to remove it without risking damage to the robot.
Preparation for the dismantling: what will be needed
Before you start removing your brush, prepare the tools and the workplace, which will speed up the process and protect the robot from accidental damage.
You will need to:
- ✅ Flat screwdriver (or plastic mediator) - for careful latching.
- ✅ Tweezers – to remove stuck hair or threads from the brush axis.
- ✅ Wet wipes - to clean the fastener from dust.
- ✅ New brush (if you are planning a replacement) – check compatibility with your Xiaomi model.
- ✅ Light bulb – will help to consider the small details of fastening.
Place the robot on a flat surface, preferably on a table. Turn it off the power (take out the battery or turn it off with a button) to avoid accidental start-up. If the brush is heavily contaminated, manually vacuum it beforehand, which will make it easier to clean further.
Types of mounting side brushes in Xiaomi robots
The manufacturer uses three main types of side brush attachments, and the way it is dismantled depends on it:
1. Latch with side lock (the most common option). The brush is held on a plastic pin with a spring latch. To remove, you need to press the lock and pull the brush aside. Used in models: Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop, Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, S10.
2. Screw mount (less commonly) The brush is fixed by a small screw that requires a screwdriver, found in early versions of robots, such as the Mi Robot Vacuum 1.
3. Motorized brush (in premium models) Here the brush is connected to a miniature motor, and its removal requires care so as not to damage the wires. Example: Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra.
The type of attachment can be determined visually:
- 🔍 If you see a plastic tongue or button, it is a latch.
- 🔧 If there is a hole under the screwdriver - screw fastening.
- ⚡ If the brush rotates independently of the main shaft, it is most likely motorized.
How to distinguish a motorized brush from a regular one?
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove a side brush
Consider the universal algorithm for most Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop latched models (the most common case). If you have a different type of mount, skip irrelevant steps.
Step 1. Find the lock.
Turn the robot so that the side brush is on your right. On the case next to the brush attachment, find a small plastic tongue or button. It can be hidden under a rubber band or dust — wipe it with a napkin.
Step 2. Pull the latch.
Carefully press the lock with a screwdriver or nail (do not use metal objects to avoid scratching the body).
Step 3. Take off your brush.
Pull the brush sideways (left if you look at the robot in front) parallel to the body. Don't pull up or down, it could break the mount! If the brush doesn't lend itself, check if the latch is fully squeezed.
Step 4. Clear the axis.
After removing, examine the axis (metal or plastic rod) often with wound hair, remove it with tweezers, and if the axis is contaminated, wipe it with an alcohol napkin.
Check the compatibility of the brush model with your robot|Clean the axis of debris and dust|Make sure the lock is moving freely.|Lubricate the axis with silicone lubrication (optional)-->
For screw-mounted models:
- Take a cross screwdriver of the appropriate size.
- Turn the screw counterclockwise (don’t put too much effort!).
- Take off your brush by pulling it on yourself.
⚠️ Warning: In robots with motorized brushes (Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra) be sure to turn off the power before dismantling.
Cleaning and maintenance of the side brush
Remove a brush is half the battle, and regular cleaning extends its life by 2-3 times.
1. Hair and thread removal
Use tweezers or a special cleaning tool (often included with a robot). Carefully tuck the coiled hair at the base of the villi. Don't pull them - so you can pull the pile.
2.Brush washing
If the brush is heavily contaminated, wash it under warm water with soap. Do not use aggressive detergents - they can damage the plastic. After washing, dry the brush thoroughly (at least 24 hours) before installing it back.
3.Valvet checks
Check the pile for wear:
- 🔴 Replace your brush if the villi are worn more than 50% or stick out in different directions.
- 🟡 Tighten the pile with scissors if it is strayed into lumps.
- 🟢 The brush is normal if the villi are smooth and elastic.
4. Axis lubrication
For smooth rotation, apply 1-2 drops of silicone lubricant to the axis (do not use oil-based oils!).
💡
If the brush after cleaning still does not rotate well, check if the shaft has bent. In this case, the entire fastening assembly will need to be replaced.
When to change the side brush: 5 signs
Even with regular brushing, the brush wears out. Here are the signals that it needs to be replaced:
| Sign. | What's going on? | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The robot does not clean well along the walls | Worse is worn, the brush is not catching garbage. | Replacement of brush |
| Extraneous noise or creaking | Wear of bearing or axle | Replacement of brush or lubricant |
| The brush is spinning in jerks. | Wrapped hair blocks the mechanism | Cleaning or replacement |
| Villi stick out in different directions | Deformation of material | Replacement |
| Robot reports brush error | Motor problems (for motorized brushes) | Diagnosis or substitution |
The average life of a side brush is 3-6 months for daily cleaning, and if you have animals in your home, that period is reduced to 2-3 months.
When buying a new brush, pay attention to:
- 📌 Vacuum-Mop and Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro may differ.
- 📌 Type of fastening - latch or screw.
- 📌 Pile material - soft brushes are suitable for laminate, for carpets - hard.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users break the brush attachment due to careless actions. Here are the most common mistakes:
1. Strong pulling of the brush up
This causes the plastic fixture to break down, right: pull the brush strictly to the side, parallel to the body.
2. Use of metal tools
Screwdrivers or knives scratch the body and can damage the latch. Right: use a plastic mediator or nail.
3. Cleaning the brush without removing
You can't remove hair from the axle with a vacuum cleaner or a wet cloth. Right: take off the brush and brush with tweezers.
Eye-brush installation
If the brush is not inserted to the end, it will dangle and quickly break. Right: make sure that the lock is snapped with a characteristic click.
5. Ignoring robot errors
If Xiaomi issues a Side Brush Error, don’t delay the diagnosis. It can be either pollution or engine failure (in motorized brushes).
⚠️ Attention: In Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra models, if you remove your brush incorrectly, the protection against children can work, and the robot will lock. To unlock, hold the power button for 10 seconds.
Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop models: features of brush removal
Despite the general principles, some models have nuances.
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop (1st generation)
The brush is mounted on the latch, but the lock is hidden under the rubber seal. Carefully tuck the rubber band with a screwdriver to reach the latch.
Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro
Here, the brush is removed in the standard way, but the axis is longer, so you need to clean it more carefully.
Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop S10
The brush is motorized. Before you take it off, turn off the robot and wait for the rotation to stop completely, otherwise you could damage the wires.
Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra
The most difficult to maintain model, the brush is mounted on two latches (front and back), and to remove you need to press both at the same time.
💡
If your robot model is not listed above, look for its name on the case (usually under the battery cover) and check the instructions on Xiaomi’s official website.