How to remove the brush from the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: instructions for all models

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners have become an integral part of the smart home, but even the most reliable appliances require regular maintenance. One of the most common procedures is removing and cleaning brushes that get clogged with hair, thread and dust over time. If you don’t remove dirt in time, it leads to reduced cleaning efficiency, increased noise and even engine breakdowns.

In this article, we will discuss how to properly dismantle the side and main rotating brush on all popular Xiaomi models - from the budget Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite to the flagship Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra. You will learn what tools you need, how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the brush is jammed or not removed. And also - how to extend the life of the brushes and when it is time to change them for new ones.

Important: the brush removal procedure on different models may vary slightly, but the general principle remains the same. V3), Dreame (DreameBot D9) Robbok – the instruction is also suitable, as these brands use similar fastening mechanisms.

What brushes are in the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi and why remove them

In the design of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi usually provides two types of brushes:

• 🌀 The main rotating brush (roller-brush) is located at the bottom of the body, responsible for collecting garbage from the floor and directing it to the dust collector.
• 🔄 Side brushes are small round brushes on the sides of the body that pick up garbage to the main brush. Usually there are two, but in some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P) there may be one.

Why you should clean and remove them regularly:

• 🧹 Hair and thread buildup is a major problem, and they wind up on the shaft of the main brush and the lateral axis, blocking rotation, which causes the engine to overheat and reduce suction power.
• 🔊 If the brush clings to the coiled hair, the vacuum cleaner begins to grind or vibrate loudly.
• ⚠️ A jammed brush can disable a gearbox or engine, and repairs cost more than replacing a brush.
• 🦠 Bacterial reproduction: Wet dirt and organic residues on the brushes become a breeding ground for mold and bad smell.

The manufacturer recommends cleaning brushes after every 3-5 cleaning cycles (or more often if there are pets in the house), complete dismantling should be carried out every 1-2 months, and replacement should be carried out every 6-12 months depending on the intensity of use.

Preparing for brush removal: tools and safety measures

Before you start dismantling, make sure the robot vacuum cleaner is off and disconnected from the charging station.If the model supports a removable battery (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum) 1S), It is better to remove it - this will eliminate the risk of accidental inclusion.

You'll need:

• ✂️ Scissors or stationery knife – for cutting coiled hair (if the brush is heavily contaminated).
• 🧴 Wet wipes or microfibre - to clean the shaft and body from dust.
• 🔧 Screwdriver (cross or flat) – for some models (e.g. DreameBot) Z10 Pro) screws may need to be unscrewed.
• 🧲 Tweezers or a thin screwdriver – for extracting small parts (for example, locking rings).
• 📸 Smartphone – to photograph the process of disassembly (in useful if you forget the sequence of the assembly).

⚠️ Warning: Never use metal objects (knives, stitches) to clean your brushes under stress. Even if the vacuum is turned off, the residual charge in the capacitors can cause a short circuit.

If the brushes have not been removed for a long time, they can stick to the shaft due to accumulated dirt, in this case, do not try to pull them by force, this can break the mount. WD-40 dirt-dissolving.

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Before removing the brushes, place the robot vacuum cleaner on a soft surface (a towel or mat) so as not to scratch the body or screen (if any, like the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro).

Step-by-step: how to remove the main brush

The main brush (roller-brush) is attached to the body of the robot using latches or lock rings. In most Xiaomi models (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2, Viomi). V2) a quick removable mechanism is used, but in some cases, screws will need to be unscrewed.

Follow this instruction:

1. Turn the robot vacuum cleaner upside down and find the main brush – it is located in the central compartment between the wheels.
2. On both sides of the brush you will see plastic covers (sometimes labeled with a slate on it). PUSH Press them inward at the same time (towards the brush) and pull the lid on you. It should be easy to remove.
3. Once the lids are removed, you will see the locking rings (metal or plastic), tuck them carefully with tweezers or a thin screwdriver and remove them. Be careful - the rings may fly away due to the spring mechanism.
4. Now the brush should be able to move out of the grooves, and if it's not going, just sway it slightly from side to side without much effort.

If you have a model like DreameBot D9), They need to be twisted with a cross screwdriver, and then remove the brush, pulling it up.

Remove all hair and debris from the shaft and grooves|Check the integrity of the rubber blades|Make sure the rings are not deformed|Lubricate the shaft with silicone lubricant (optional)

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Video instructions for clarity (relevant for most models):

🎥 How to remove the main brush on Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum (in English, but everything is clear by the actions)

⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Essential) lock rings can be disposable: ZSTN04WM for side brushes and ZSTN03WM basic).

How to remove side brushes: features and nuances

The side brushes are easier to attach, but they have their own subtleties, they are fixed to the axis using a plastic pin or threaded connection. Most Xiaomi models (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum). 1C, Viomi SE) The first version is used, and in newer ones (for example, Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra) the second version is used.

Instructions for brushes with a pin:

1. Find a side brush and take on its base (not the bristles!).
2. Pull the brush upwards and slightly to the side (counterclockwise if viewed from above). It should come out of the groove with a click.
3. If the brush doesn’t lend itself, try to swivel it around the axis – sometimes it helps.

Instructions for threaded brushes:

1. Hold the body of the brush with one hand and scroll it counterclockwise with the other (like unscrewing the bottle lid).
2. If the thread is "rigged", drop a little alcohol or WD-40 on the connection and wait 5 minutes.

After the removal, check:

• 🔍 The condition of the bristles - if they are worn or bent, it is time to change the brush.
• 🧲 Magnet at the base (not in all models) - it must be clean, otherwise the brush will be poorly fixed.
• ⚙️ Axis of fastening - it should not have a backlash or cracks.

Cleaning and maintenance of brushes: how to extend their service life

Remove the brush is half the battle, and now it needs to be cleaned properly and ready for re-installation.

1. Hair and thread removal. Use a scissors or a stationery knife to cut the coiled hair off the shaft of the main brush. It's convenient to use a toothpick for side brushes.
2. Wash your brushes under warm water with soap (do not use aggressive detergents!). For the main brush, you can use a soft brush (such as a toothbrush) to clean the bristles.
3. Dry. Wash your brushes with a napkin and leave them to dry for 1-2 hours in a well-ventilated area. Never put the wet brushes back in, which will cause the shaft to corrosion and engine failure.
4. Lubrication (optional) If the brush creaks when it's rotating, apply a silicone lubricant (not oil!) to the shaft, which will reduce friction and prolong its life.

For deep cleaning, you can soak your brushes in a vinegar solution (1:1 with water) for 10-15 minutes, which will help dissolve the lime plaque and kill the bacteria.

What not to do when cleaning:

• 🔥 Dry brushes with a hair dryer or on a battery - high temperatures deform plastic.
• 🧴 Use acetone or solvents – they destroy rubber blades.
• 🪛 To disassemble the brush into parts (if it is indissoluble) - this will lead to breakage.

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Regular brush cleaning (every 1-2 weeks) increases their service life by 2-3 times and prevents 90% of breakages associated with jamming.

Typical problems when removing brushes and how to solve them

Even if you follow the instructions, sometimes you have difficulties.

1. The brush doesn't come off - jammed

If the main brush does not come out of the grooves after removing the locking rings, the reason may be:

• 🧲 The stains of dirt - try to dig WD-40 Or alcohol on the shaft and wait 10 minutes.
• 🔧 Shaft deformities -- if the vacuum cleaner fell, the shaft could bend, and then you'd have to replace the brush.
• ⚙️ rusted locking rings - gently split them with a screwdriver (but be ready to be replaced).

2.The side brush is scrolled but not removed

This is typical of threaded mount models.

• 🔧 Press the body of the brush with pliers (through the fabric so as not to scratch) and try to unscrew again.
• 🔥 Heat the base of the brush with a hair dryer (no more than 60)°C) - this will expand the plastic and make it easier to unscrew.

3. After installation, the brush does not rotate

Check it out.

• 🔌 Correct installation of locking rings - they must sit in the slots before clicking.
• 🧲 Clean engine contacts – sometimes dust blocks power supply.
• ⚙️ Integrity of the rubber belt (if you have one in your model).

⚠️ Warning: If the brush is still not rotating after cleaning and the engine is buzzing, turn off the vacuum cleaner immediately.This is a sign of a jammed gearbox, and further work may burn the winding.

When it’s time to change your brushes: signs of wear

Even with regular brushing, brushes wear out over time, here are 5 signs that it’s time to replace them:

• 🧹 The bristles are worn by more than 50% – the brush ceases to effectively sweep the garbage.
• 🔊 There was a creak or knock when rotating - a sign of wear of bearings or shaft.
• 🦠 Unpleasant smell that does not remove after washing - bacteria accumulated in the porous material of the brush.
• ⚡ Reduced suction power – worn brush does not create sufficient air flow.
• 🔄 The side brush does not rotate or rotates in jerks - a broken magnet or axis.

The service life of brushes depends on the intensity of use:

• 🐕 Homes with animals – replacement every 3-6 months.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Families with children – every 6–9 months.
• 🏡 Offices or apartments with minimal garbage – every 12-18 months.

The original brushes for Xiaomi can be purchased:

• 🛒 In the official store Xiaomi Russia.
• 🌍 On AliExpress (look for sellers with a rating above 98%).
• 🏬 In the stores of equipment (for example, "Svyaznoy", "M. Video").

Cost of kit (main) + 2 side brushes) – from 800 to 1500 rubles. Be careful with cheap analogues: they are often made of low-quality plastic and break quickly.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner brushes