Why it is important to be able to remove the brushes of a robot vacuum cleaner
Xiaomi's robot vacuum cleaners are smart assistants that save you time cleaning. But even the most advanced technology requires regular maintenance. Brushes are one of the most vulnerable elements: they get clogged with hair, thread and dust, which leads to reduced cleaning efficiency, increased noise and even engine breakdowns. If you notice that the robot has begun to pick up garbage poorly or makes grinding, it's probably the brushes that are the problem.
In this article, we will discuss how to remove the sidebrush and the main (wall) brush on the popular Xiaomi Mi Robot, Dreame and Viomi models, what tools you will need, how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the brush is jammed, and how to clean it so that you can extend the life of the robot.
Despite the apparent simplicity, the removal of brushes has nuances depending on the model. For example, the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro mounting side brush is different from Dreame. D9, And the roller brush in the newer models may have additional locks, and we've taken all of these things into account so that the manual is suitable for most devices.
What brushes are in Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners and why remove them
Before we start dismantling, let’s understand what types of brushes are used in robot vacuum cleaners and why they need to be cleaned or replaced regularly.
- 🌀 The sidebrush is a small rotating brush on one side of the body, responsible for sweeping debris from corners and along walls, most often clogged with hair and threads.
- 🌀 The main brush is a long roller with bristles or rubber blades, located at the bottom of the robot, collects garbage from the floor and directs it to the dust collector. Over time, the bristles wear out, and the axis can jam.
- 🌀 Turbobrush (in hybrid models) - found in robots with a function of floor washing (for example, Xiaomi Mi Mop 2 Ultra.
Why can't we ignore the contamination of our brushes?
- ⚠️ Decreased cleaning efficiency: a clogged brush cannot rotate normally and sweep up debris.
- ⚠️ Increased engine load: if the brush wedges, the engine works for wear, which leads to overheating.
- ⚠️ Bad smell: accumulated dirt and moisture can become a source of bacteria.
- ⚠️ Breakdown of the gearbox: in advanced cases, expensive repairs may be required.
Manufacturers recommend cleaning brushes every 3-5 cleanings (or once a week for daily use), and replacing them every 6-12 months depending on the intensity of operation.
Preparation for dismantling: tools and security measures
Before you take your brushes off, prepare everything you need. Most Xiaomi models don’t require special tools, but some operations will be easier to perform with the tools at hand.
What you need:
- 🔧 Screwdriver (cross or flat) - for models with screw fastening (for example, Dreame) Z10 Pro).
- 🧲 Tweezers or needles – to remove coiled hair from the axis.
- 🧼 Soft brush or toothbrush - to clean the bristles.
- 💦 Wet wipes or fabric - for cleaning parts.
- 🔌 Scissors – if the hair is badly wound and not removed manually.
Important: Before starting work, disconnect the robot from the charging station and remove the battery (if possible), which will prevent accidental switching on during disassembly.
⚠️ Attention! Some models (e.g. Viomi) V3) They have automatic locking of the brush when they try to remove it without turning off the power, and if the robot makes an audible signal when it rotates the brush manually, it's still on.
Also, prepare your workspace: put clean cloth or paper on the table so you don't lose small parts (like locking rings or springs). If you're taking your brushes off for the first time, take a picture of their location, which will help you get everything back together properly.
Shutting off the robot from power
Prepare tools (screwdriver, tweezers, brushes)
Put clean fabric on the working surface
Take a picture of the initial position of the brushes
Read the instructions for your model-->
How to remove the side brush: step-by-step instructions
The sidebrush is the easiest to dismantle, but it can be a hassle if it's jammed, and let's look at the process in popular models.
The universal method (for most models of Xiaomi Mi Robot):
- Turn the robot upside down to gain access to the bottom.
- Find a side brush - it is located on the side and is attached to the axis using a latch or screw.
- If the brush is fixed with a plastic latch (as in Mi Robot Vacuum). 1S), You can press it on the side and pull the brush over you. It should be easy to remove.
- If the brush is screwed (as in Dreame) D9), unscrew it with a screwdriver and carefully remove the brush from the axis.
In some models (for example, Viomi). V2) The side brush may have an additional rubber ring lock, so to remove it, you can put a screwdriver or tweezers on the ring.
What to do if the brush is not removed?
- 🔧 If the latch does not press, try to swing the brush left-right, at the same time pulling it on yourself.
- 🔧 If the axis is jammed because of the wounding hair, clean it with tweezers or a needle.
- 🔧 In extreme cases, you can lubricate the axis with silicone lubricant (do not use it). WD-40 — It's aggressive to plastic!).
After removal, check the brush for wear, if the bristles are more than 50% worn or bent, the brush should be replaced, and check the axis of the attachment: it should rotate freely, without backlash.
💡
If the side brush is constantly winding your hair, try to set it backwards (if it's symmetrical) and this will change the direction of rotation and reduce the winding.
Dismantling the main (wall) brush: nuances for different models
The main brush is a more complex mechanism, and removing it requires caution. Depending on the Xiaomi model, the mounting may differ: somewhere it is latches, somewhere it is screws or locking rings.
Common algorithm:
- Turn the robot over and find a roller brush in the center.
- There are mounts on both sides of the brush, and in most models, these are plastic latches that need to be squeezed out.
- Press the latch on one side and gently pull the brush towards the opposite mount. It should come out of the grooves.
- If the brush is fixed with a locking ring (as in Dreame) Z10 Pro, put it in a screwdriver and take it off.
In some robots (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite), the brush can be blocked by the sensor, in which case you need to:
- Robot on.
- Go to cleaning mode (click the Clean button).
- Wait for the brush to start spinning, and quickly turn off the power.
This will reset the lock, and the brush will be removed without resistance.
Table: features of fastening brushes in popular models
| Model | Side brush attachment type | Type of mounting of the waist brush | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1/1S | Plastic latch | Two latches on the sides | The brush is removed without tools |
| Dreame D9 | Screw anchorage | Stopping ring + snap | Requires a screwdriver. |
| Viomi V3 | Rubber-lock latch | Sensor lock | You need to reset the lock (see above) |
| Xiaomi Mi Mop 2 Ultra | Magnetic anchorage | Quick-removal mechanism | The brush is removed with one motion. |
⚠️ Attention! In models with rubber blades (for example, Dreame) W10) You can't use sharp objects to clean, it will damage the material. Use only a soft brush or wet fabric.
💡
If the roller brush does not remove even after pressing the latches, check if the dust collector or the dumpster is blocking it, sometimes they need to be removed first.
Cleaning and maintenance of brushes: how to extend their service life
Remove the brush is half the battle, and now you have to clean it properly so it lasts longer.
Side brush cleaning:
- Remove large debris (hair, thread, wool) by hand or with tweezers.
- Wash your brush under warm water with soap (do not use aggressive detergents!).
- Dry the brush naturally (do not use a hair dryer or battery - plastic can deform).
- Check the rotation axis, it should be clean and rotate freely, and lubricate it with silicone lubrication if necessary.
Wash brush cleaning:
- 🧹 For bristles: Use a toothbrush or compressed air to remove dust between the villi.
- 🧽 For rubber blades: wipe them with a wet cloth with a soft detergent.
- 🔍 Check the bearings at the ends of the brush – if they are contaminated, clean them with a cotton swab.
If the brush is worn out, it is better to replace it. Original parts for Xiaomi can be bought on AliExpress, in brand stores or service centers. The average cost of a side brush is 300-500 rubles, a roller one is 800-1500 rubles.
What is dangerous for improper cleaning of brushes?
Common mistakes when removing brushes and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that can lead to breakdowns, and here are the most common ones:
- ❌ Too much force when you remove the brush. If it doesn't respond, don't pull it with force, you better check if all the locks are pressed.
- ❌ Using inappropriate tools, like trying to unscrew a screw with a knife instead of a screwdriver, can rip the thread off.
- ❌ Loss of small parts (locking rings, springs) Always work on a table or put a light cloth.
- ❌ If the brush is not fully installed, it can fly off during cleaning and damage the mechanism.
- ❌ Ignoring locking. In some models, the brush is locked software-based, so if you pull it, you can break the sensor.
To avoid problems, follow two rules:
- Take your time – if the brush is not removed, check the instructions for your model again.
- Photograph the process – it will help to put everything back together.
If you notice that the brush is deformed or the axis of the luftite, do not install it back. Better replace it with a new one - it is cheaper than repairing the engine.
When to contact the service: signs of serious malfunctions
In most cases, brush cleaning and replacement can be done on your own, but there are symptoms that indicate more serious problems:
- 🚨 The brush doesn't rotate at all, although it's clean and properly mounted, which may indicate a motor or gearbox failure.
- 🚨 Extraneous noise or grinding when the brush is running, possible causes: wear on bearings, foreign object hitting the mechanism.
- 🚨 The robot is making an error (e.g., Error 9 or Brush Error) and this may be due to a malfunction of the brush sensor.
- 🚨 The brush turns in jerks or stops, possible causes: power problems, wire damage.
If you see at least one of these signs, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center or a trusted master.
The cost of diagnosis in official services is usually 500-1000 rubles, and repair of the brush unit - from 1500 to 3000 rubles, depending on the model and the nature of the malfunction.
⚠️ Attention, if your robot vacuum cleaner is warranty-free, don't disassemble it yourself, which may cause a denial of warranty service.