Xiaomi's robot vacuum cleaners are smart assistants that save time cleaning, but even they require regular maintenance. One of the most common procedures is replacing or cleaning brushes that get clogged with hair, thread and dust over time. If you've never taken a brush off a robot vacuum cleaner, the process can seem complicated: afraid to break the mounts, don't know where the fixtures are, or worry that you can't put them back together. In fact, 90% of the time, it takes no more than 5 minutes -- if you know the nuances.
In this article, we will discuss how to remove side and main brushes on all popular Xiaomi models β from the budget Mi Robot Vacuum to the premium DreameBot and Viomi. You will learn what tools you need (spoiler: usually enough hands!), how to avoid typical mistakes during dismantling, and what to do if the brush is βstuckβ to the axis.
If your vacuum cleaner is getting worse at picking up garbage, making noise or spitting your hair, that's a sure sign that your brushes need attention. Don't delay the procedure: clogged brushes not only reduce the efficiency of cleaning, but also increase the load on the engine, which can lead to breakdown. Next, step-by-step photo instructions, video tips and answers to frequent questions.
What brushes are in Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners and where they are located
Before you take off your brush, itβs important to understand which part of the vacuum cleaner youβre dealing with. Xiaomi robots typically have two types of brushes:
A side (edge) brush is a small circular brush on a movable bracket that sweeps debris from corners and along walls, and is mounted on the axis of the side of the body and rotates at high speed.
2. The main (wall) brush is a long roller with bristles or rubber blades located at the bottom of the vacuum cleaner under the lid, responsible for collecting garbage from the floor and directing it to the dust collector.
Some models (e.g. DreameBot) Z10 Pro or Viomi V3) equipped with double side brushes or hybrid rollers (bristles) + There are also turbobrushes, reinforced versions for better collection of animal hair.
π How to determine which brush requires cleaning?
- π Side brush β if the vacuum cleaner does not clean up well along the boards or βscattersβ garbage around the room.
- π The main brush β if the robot began to buzz loudly, βjumpβ in place or leave strips of dirt.
- π Both brushes β if they show wound hair, threads or lumps of dust.
Preparation for dismantling: what will be needed and security measures
Removing brushes is a simple procedure, but it requires care. Here's what you need to do before you start.
β Turn off the power. Even if it's off, the residual charge in the capacitors can come as a nasty surprise: Remove the battery (if it's removable) or just don't plug the robot into the charging station.
β Turn the vacuum cleaner over. Place it on a flat surface (like a table) with a dust collector upwards so you don't lose any small details.
β Make sure you have some tools (most of them are at home):
- π§ Flat screwdriver (for models with hidden latches).
- π§ Tweezers or scissors β to remove coiled hair.
- π§ Lubricant (silicon or silicone) WD-40) β sourΒ».
- π§ Napkins and alcohol - for cleaning axles and fasteners.
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β οΈ Warning: Do not use metal objects (knives, stitches) to clean brushes - they can damage plastic parts or cut off seals. If the hair is badly wound, it is better to cut them with scissors, and remove the remains with tweezers.
π‘ Tip: Take a picture of the brushes and mounts before dismantling, which will help you put everything back together, especially if you're taking a vacuum cleaner apart for the first time.
βοΈ Preparation for brush removal
How to remove the side brush: step-by-step instructions for all models
Side brushes are the easiest to remove β usually enough fingers, but there are nuances depending on the model.
πΉ For most of Xiaomi robots (Mi Robot, Viomi, Dreame):
- Take the brush off the axle. Some models have it attached with a splint, and you have to pull it out with tweezers.
πΉ For models with quick brushes (for example, DreameBot) W10):
Just pull the brush up - it will be removed without additional manipulations thanks to the magnetic mount.
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β οΈ Note: Some robots (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) have left and right threads on the side brushes. Don't confuse them when you reverse-mount them, otherwise the brush will rotate backwards!
π What to do if the brush is not removed?
- π οΈ Check if the mount is jammed because of the dirt.
- π οΈ If the axis is rusty (occurs after wet cleaning), drop WD-40 And wait 10 minutes.
- π οΈ Donβt put too much effort into it β itβs better to watch the video manual for your model.
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If the side brush is worn out, don't rush to buy the original replacement. In most cases, versatile brushes from Ecovacs or Roborock will suit - they are cheaper and do not inferior in quality.
Dismantling the main (valve) brush: analysis by models
The main brush is hidden under the lid at the bottom of the vacuum cleaner, and to get to it, you need to remove the protective casing, and here the algorithm differs depending on the generation of the robot.
π§ Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1st and 2nd Generations:
- The roller is mounted on two plastic clips - squeeze them and pull the brush over yourself.
π§ For Viomi. V2/V3 and DreameBot:
- The roller is mounted on a metal axis with a hold, and turn it counterclockwise and remove the brush.
π§ For models with a cardless brush (for example, DreameBot) L10 Pro):
The brush is removed along with the module - press the red button on the side and pull the entire block up.
π Compatibility table brushes for robots Xiaomi:
| Model robot. | Type of main brush | Compatible analogues | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Robot Vacuum 1/1S | Breadbread + rubber-paddle | Roborock S5, Ecovacs Deebot N79 | Length 22 cm |
| Viomi V2/V3 | Turbobrush (fully rubber) | Dreame F9, Proscenic M7 Pro | Requires axle lubrication |
| DreameBot D9/W10 | Hybrid (bristles) + silicone) | Xiaomi STYJ02YM, Dream | Magnet-based fastening |
| Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro | Double brush (2 roller) | Only the original or Viomi V3 | Difficult dismantling |
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β οΈ Note: On dual-brush models (such as the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro), rollers are removed alternately!
What to do if the roller is not removed?
Cleaning and maintenance of brushes: how to extend their service life
Removing a brush is half the job, and to make it last longer, you have to clean it properly and prepare it for re-installation.
π§Ή How to clean your brushes:
- π§Ό Wash the side brush under warm water with soap, removing hair with tweezers!
- π§½ Clean the roller brush with a dry brush or a napkin, and you can only wash it if you are allowed to do so in the instructions (for example, DreameBot). W10).
- π§΄ To remove sticky dirt (for example, from juice), use isopropyl alcohol.
π§ How to lubricate the brush axis:
Over time, the axis of the roller or side brush may start to creak.
- Apply 1-2 drops of silicone lubricant on the axle (do not use oil-based oils!).
- Scroll the brush several times so that the lubricant is distributed.
- Remove the excess with a napkin.
π When to change brushes:
- π Side brushes β every 3-6 months (depending on the intensity of use).
- π A roller brush every 6 to 12 months. Rubber blades last longer than a bristles.
- π¨ Emergency replacement is needed if the brush has layered, lost its bristles or began to "beat" the body when rotating.
Important: If the brush is noisy or not rotating after cleaning, check the drive belt. On Xiaomi Mi Robot 1st generation models, it often stretches and requires replacement.
Common mistakes when removing brushes and how to avoid them
Even with such a simple procedure, it is easy to make mistakes that will lead to breakdown.
β Mistake 1: Too much effort in the removal
If the brush is not removed, you do not need to push hard - you can break the locks or the axle. Better check again if all the latches are pressed, and use lubrication.
β Mistake 2: Loss of small details
When dismantling, it is easy to drop splints, springs or rubber pads. Always work on a table or put a light cloth to notice the fallen parts.
β Error 3: Incorrectly installing back
If after assembly the brush rotates in the opposite direction or "hits" the body, you are most likely:
- The left and right side brushes were confused (they may differ in the direction of the bristles).
- Not fully fixed roller - make sure that clips clicked.
- The brush was installed on the wrong side (on some models the roller has an asymmetrical shape).
β Error 4: Ignoring axis cleaning
If you don't remove the dirt from the axle before you install the new brush, it will quickly jam. Always wipe the axle with an alcohol tampon before assembly.
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Before you first brush, be sure to check the video instructions for your model. Even within the same Xiaomi brand, the mounts can be very different (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum and DreameBot are assembled differently).
Where to buy a replacement and how to choose a compatible brush
Original brushes for robots Xiaomi can be bought in official stores (for example, Mi Store), on AliExpress or in large marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon).
π Where to find a replacement:
- π AliExpress is the biggest pick but long wait (look for sellers rated above 98%).
- π¬ Offline stores (for example, M. Video, Citilink) β fast, but expensive.
- π οΈ Service centers β sometimes sell used brushes after repair (cheap, but risk of wear and tear).
π How to Choose a Compatible Brush:
- Check out your robot model (written on the bottom or in the Mi Home app).
- Compare dimensions: The length of the roller: usually 22 cm or 25 cm The diameter of the side brush: 5-7 cm.
fixation
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β οΈ Attention: AliExpress often sells "universal" brushes that actually only fit specific models. Always check reviews and photos of real customers!
π° Cost of brushes (for 2026):
- π² Side brush: 200-500 rubles (original) / 100-300 rubles (analogue).
- π² Valve brush: 800-1500 rubles (original) / 400-800 rubles (analogue).
- π² Set (roller) + 2 side): 1200β2000 rubles.