Smart vacuum cleaners from Xiaomi and its ecosystem partners, such as Roborock and Dreame, have become an integral part of modern life. However, even the most advanced gadget requires regular maintenance to maintain maximum suction efficiency. The brush of the main module is the first element that takes the brunt of collecting dust, wool and large debris. Over time, hair can wind on the shaft, which blocks rotation and creates extraneous noise.
Many owners are afraid of damaging the mounts when trying to clean themselves, for fear of losing the warranty or breaking plastic latches. This is a common misconception, since the modules are designed for regular maintenance by the user. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to properly remove the cleaning element without damaging the drive mechanism, and consider the nuances for different generations of devices.
Proper care of the roller brush prolongs the life of the engine and the battery. The pile-clog mechanism causes the engine to work at high loads, which can lead to overheating. We'll look at the algorithms for actions for different models so that you can quickly return your assistant to the factory suction power.
Preparation for maintenance and security measures
Before disassembling any components, it is necessary to ensure safe operating conditions. The first step should always be to disconnect the device from the charging station. Although modern models are equipped with sensors that extract current when lifting, complete shutdown eliminates the risk of accidental switching on of the motor during the procedure.
You'll need a flat surface with good lighting to work. Prepare the tools in advance: they're usually your hands, but in some cases you might need scissors or a special cleaning knife that comes with it. Xiaomi Vacuum and its counterparts are designed to minimize the amount of tool you need.
If you plan to not only remove but also wash your brush with water, make sure you have room to dry it completely. You can't put the wet roller back into the vacuum cleaner, as this will cause mold to form inside the container and the possible oxidation of the engine contacts.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to remove the brush while the vacuum cleaner is on or charging, which can result in short circuits or injury to the fingers by a rotating shaft.
It is also important to check whether there are large objects stuck in the holes that can interfere with the normal removal of the module, sometimes a coin or a pebble can block the fixation mechanism.
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Use the flashlight of the smartphone to highlight the insides of the main module - so you will better see the places of attachment and accumulation of debris.
Dismantling brushes on classic Vacuum models
Classic models like the Xiaomi Vacuum 1, 1S or 2 have a time-tested core design. To access the cleaning element, you have to turn the robot upside down. On the bottom panel, you'll see a round cover covering the main brush.
The lid is fixed by a rotary mechanism, and it has pointer arrows that show the direction of rotation to open, and you normally have to turn the lid counterclockwise until you click or match the marks, and then the lid is easily removed, allowing you to access the shaft.
The brush itself in these models is simply removed from the seats, but you should pay attention to the bearings on the sides of the shaft. If they are heavily contaminated, they should also be cleaned. When installing a new or cleaned part, make sure that it is standing up straight and there is nothing preventing it from freely rotating.
☑️ Checklist of dismantling of the classical module
In some versions, the lid can be fixed with additional screws, although in recent revisions, this was moved away. If the lid does not turn, do not use excessive force - perhaps the mechanism is jammed due to debris.
Features of models with a side notch (Mijia, Roborock S5 and newer)
More advanced devices, including the Roborock S5, S6 and Mijia Robot Vacuum, have improved access, where engineers have abandoned the full round cover in favor of a convenient side notch, which makes maintenance much easier.
To remove the brush, you just have to press the lock on one side of the main module and pull the protective grille upwards. In some models, the grille is removed completely, in others it folds back on the hinge, which allows you to get to the roller mechanism in seconds.
The shaft design in these models often has removable end caps, so that you can easily remove the sidewalls and the hair wound on the axis. End bearings are critical points where most often "knocks" of wool are formed.
When you reverse assemble, make sure the grille is in place before you click. If the locker doesn't snap, the module may not be determined by the sensors, and the vacuum cleaner will give an error of the main engine.
Specificity of cleaning modules Dreame and Xiaomi V10-V12
Dreame devices (often the technological basis for new Xiaomi) and the V10-V12 series vertical models have their own characteristics: in hand-held vertical vacuum cleaners, the brush is accessed through the bottom of the nozzle, usually requiring the pressing of two lock buttons on the sides or one central one.
Dreame robotic models often use a quick-removal shaft system, and once the module lid is opened, the shaft can be removed along with one of the side supports, making it easier to clean the ends where the waste is usually collected.
It is important to consider that in models with V-shaped bristles or combined shafts (pillow + rubber), the structure of the hair winding can be more complicated.
| Model of the device | Type of module opening | Removable sidewalls | Tool complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Vacuum 1/2 | Turning cover | No. | Cleaning knife |
| Roborock S5/S6 | Side latch. | Yes. | Knife + key |
| Mijia 1C | Side latch. | Partially. | Knife |
| Dreame V11 | Lock buttons | Yes. | Knife on the handle |
Do not ignore the condition of the fixers themselves. Plastic can become brittle over time, especially if the vacuum cleaner is stored on the balcony at low temperatures.
The process of cleaning and maintenance of the shaft
Once you have removed the brush from the Xiaomi vacuum cleaner, the main maintenance phase begins. Visually assess the bristles. If the pile is badly dented or damaged, replacing the element will be more advisable than cleaning.
Use a special knife included in the package (usually orange or gray with an angled blade). Carefully cut the layer of hair and dust wound around the shaft. Move from center to edge. Be careful not to damage the main shaft and cut your own fingers.
After removing the main lump of dirt, wipe the shaft with a dry or slightly wet cloth. If the design permits, remove the side caps and clean the bearings. A toothbrush is great for removing fine dust from hard-to-reach areas.
Can I wash my brush with water?
Notice the condition of the plastic gears at the ends of the shaft, and if the teeth are worn or broken, the brush will not rotate even with a proper engine, which will lead to system error.
Frequent errors in installation and operation
One of the most common mistakes is putting the wet element back into the body. Moisture trapped in the engine or on the control board causes contact corrosion and can disable electronics. Always let the parts dry naturally.
The second mistake is the shaft's misalignment when it's installed, and there's often a marking on the ends of the shaft (color or letter) that tells you which side is the right or left end, and if you mix the sides up, the mechanism can jam.
The third mistake is ignoring the cleaning of the module itself, and when you take off your brush, you forget to look inside the well where it rotates, and often there is dust that blocks the suction channels, and you wipe the inside of the module with a dry wipe.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive chemicals or solvents to clean the brush. Aggressive substances can destroy the structure of plastic and rubber, making the brush unusable.
It is also not recommended to lubricate the brush bearings with oil.The dust will stick to the oil, and after a week you will get a dense lump of dirt that will block the rotation.
When the main module needs to be replaced
The resource of the main cleaning element is not infinite. On average, with active use (2-3 cleanings per week), it is recommended to change the brush every 6-12 months. Signs that replacement is inevitable include loss of the bristles, cracking on the shaft body or a persistent smell that does not go away after washing.
If you notice that the vacuum cleaner has started to pick up dirt from the carpets worse, even though the filters are clean, the problem may be in the worn shaft. It just stops effectively knocking out dust from the carpet pile due to loss of stiffness of the bristles.
When buying a new part, pay attention to compatibility. Modules for Xiaomi Vacuum Mop may differ from modules for Roborock E4, despite the appearance of similarities. Use original accessories or proven counterparts.
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Regular cleaning of the brush (once a week) increases its service life by 2-3 times and maintains the suction power at the maximum level.
Replacing consumables on time is an investment in the durability of your smart assistant, cheaper to buy a new brush than to repair an engine that has burned out from overload.