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

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners are smart assistants that save time on cleaning, but even they 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 ignore this, cleaning efficiency drops and the engine works with increased load. In this article, we will discuss how to properly dismantle the main rotating brush and side brushes on popular Xiaomi Mi Robot, Viomi and Dreame models, and also talk about the nuances that the manufacturer often keeps silent.

You might be surprised to learn that more than 60 percent of robot vacuum cleaner breakdowns are related to improper brush care, from a break in the drive belt to overheating the engine. We have compiled proven instructions relevant to 2018-2026 models, including the flagship Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro series and budget Dreame. D9. If your vacuum cleaner starts to buzz, pick up garbage poorly, or gives an E5 error (jamming of the brush), this article will help solve the problem without contacting the service.

Why you should take your brushes off regularly

Robot vacuum brushes are consumables that wear out faster than other parts, and manufacturers recommend cleaning them after every 3-5 cleaning cycles, but why is this so important?

• 🧹 Decreased cleaning efficiency: Hair-clad brushes are worse at trapping debris, especially on carpets.According to Xiaomi tests, a contaminated brush loses up to 40% of its suction capacity.
• ⚙️ Increased engine load: If the brush wedges, the motor operates at the power limit, which leads to its overheating and shortened service life.
• 🚨 Errors and emergency stops: Models with overload sensors (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P) stop and give an E5 or E9 error if the brush is locked.
• 🦠 Bacterial reproduction: Wet dirt and organic residues on the brush become a breeding ground for mold and microbes.

In addition, brushes often get tangled with long hair, carpet threads, or pet hair, and if not removed in time, it can cause the drive belt to break (in belt models) or break plastic gears. Z10 Replacement of the drive belt costs 30% of the cost of a new vacuum cleaner.

What tools will you need

Most Xiaomi models don’t require special tools to remove brushes, but some operations will be faster if you prepare in advance.

If you plan to completely disassemble the brush (for example, to replace bearings), additionally prepare:

• 🔧 Cross screwdriver (for models with screw brush mount, for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot) 1S).
• 🧴 Alcohol or contact cleaner (for processing electrical connectors in electronically controlled brush models).
• 📦 Container for small parts (so as not to lose springs or locks).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal objects (knives, stitches) to clean brushes - they can damage plastic parts or cut bristles. Also avoid aggressive chemical solvents: they destroy rubber seals and plastic.

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

The main brush is responsible for collecting debris from the floor, and it's built on a model, but the general principle of dismantling is the same.

Disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the charging station|Turn the robot upside down|Make sure the battery is discharged (for safety)|Prepare tools and garbage containers-->

Mods with quick-removal mounting (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, Dreame) D9)

This is the simplest option. Follow the algorithm.

1. Turn the vacuum cleaner over and find the brush fixing lever (usually orange or red).
2. Pull the lever aside (on yourself or sideways, depending on the model) before clicking.
3. Carefully pull the brush out of the grooves, holding on to its ends.
4. If the brush fails, check if the debris is blocking it. If necessary, apply a screwdriver to the plastic locker on the side.

In the Dreame Bot models Z10 The Pro and Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P brush is mounted on two latches, which must be pressed at the same time. If one latch breaks, the brush will hang around and have to be replaced.

Models with screw mounting (Xiaomi Mi Robot) 1S, Viomi V2)

This is going to require a screwdriver.

1. Turn over the vacuum cleaner and find a plastic cover above the brush (usually secured with 2-3 screws).
2. Unscrew the screws and remove the lid. Be careful, there may be springs or wires underneath.
3. Disconnect the brush power connector (if any) and in some models it is fixed by a latch.
4. Pull the brush out by pulling it over you. If it's sitting tight, check if the debris is in the grooves.

In Viomi. V3 and some versions of Dreame F9 The brush is mounted on a plastic pin that needs to be turned counterclockwise, which may require tweezers or a special key (included).

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If the brush is boiling and not being removed, don't put too much effort into it. First clean the grooves with a toothpick, then drip some silicone grease around the edges. Wait 5-10 minutes and try again.

Models with belt drive (Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum first generation)

In older models, the brush is connected to the motor through a belt, which over time stretches or tears.

1. Remove plastic protection (2-4 screws).
2. Reduce the tension of the belt by moving the roller to the side (if it is provided by the design).
3. Remove the belt from the brush pulley, then pull out the brush itself.
4. Check the condition of the belt: if it is stretched or has cracks, replace it.

⚠️ Attention: In belt-driven models (Xiaomi Mi Robot 1), you can't pull the brush too hard - this can damage the pulley or knock the tensioner setting. If the belt pops off, you need to pull it properly, otherwise the brush will slip.

How to remove side brushes

Side brushes (usually two) are responsible for sweeping debris to the main brush. They are easier to fasten, but have their own nuances. In most Xiaomi models, they are removable, but in some (for example, Dreame). W10) integrated into the body and require complete disassembly.

Standard anchorage (latch)

This is the most common option. To remove the side brush:

1. Find a plastic fixture at the base of the brush (usually black or gray).
2. Press the lock down or sideways (depending on the model) and pull the brush over yourself.
3. If the lock is broken, the brush will hang around - it needs to be replaced.

In Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 models, the side brushes are attached to magnetic holders. To remove them, you just need to pull with force (the magnet will snap).

Screw fastening (Viomi) V3, Dreame F9)

In some models, the side brushes are fixed with a screw.

1. Turn the vacuum cleaner over and find the screw under the brush (may be hidden by a stub).
2. Unscrew the screwdriver (usually a cross).
3. Take the brush out of the nest. Be careful, there may be a spring inside.

In Dreame Bot. Z10 Pro side brushes are mounted on a rotary mechanism, and to remove them, you have to turn the brush counterclockwise before you click, then pull up.

Cleaning and maintenance of brushes after removal

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

Cleaning the main brush

• ✂️ Hair and thread removal: Use scissors or tweezers to cut entangled hair. Don't pull them - so you can damage the bristles.
• 🧼 Wash: Wash your brush with warm water and soap (do not use aggressive detergents!). For disinfection, you can soak it in a vinegar solution (1:1 with water) for 10 minutes.
• 🔍 Bearing Check: Scroll your brush with your hand – if it is rotating with difficulty, the bearings need to be lubricated or replaced.
• 🌬️ Drying: Dry the brush in the air for at least 12 hours. do not use a hair dryer or battery - plastic can deform.

For models with rubber blades (for example, Dreame) W10) Use silicone lubricant to treat rubber after washing – this will prevent it from cracking.

Side brush cleaning

The side brushes are cleaned differently:

1. Remove hair and debris from the bristles with a toothpick or tweezers.
2. Check the rotation axis - if it is contaminated, wipe it with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
3. If the stubble is worn or bent, it is better to replace the brush. Xiaomi recommends doing this every 6-12 months.

In models with electronically controlled side brushes (for example, Viomi) V3) After cleaning, check the contacts for oxidation. If necessary, wipe them with a stripe or alcohol.

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Never install brushes wet – this will lead to corrosion of metal parts and short circuit in electronically controlled models.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when removing brushes that lead to breakages.

Especially careful should be with models where the brush is connected to the rev sensor (for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro). If you damage the sensor connector, the vacuum cleaner will give an E10 error (brush malfunction) even after the correct installation.

⚠️ Warning: In Dreame vacuum cleaners with wet cleaning function (Dreame) W10, DreameBot L10 Pro) abrasives cannot be used to clean brushes, as they will damage the rubber parts of the water supply system.

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

Brushes are consumables and should be replaced over time, and Xiaomi recommends doing so every 6 to 12 months, but the actual duration depends on the intensity of use.

• 🔄 The brush spins in jerks or stops during cleaning (even after cleaning).
• 🔊 There was an extraneous noise (squeaking, knocking) when working.
• 🧹 The hair has worn off by more than 50% or bent.
• 🚫 The vacuum cleaner stopped collecting garbage from carpets or corners.
• ⚡ E5, E9, or E10 errors appear even after cleaning.
• 💧 In wet cleaning models, the brush leaves squashes or doesn’t evenly distribute water.

Use only original brushes or certified counterparts to replace them. Cheap fakes often have inaccurate geometry, leading to imbalance and vibration during operation. For example, the unoriginal brush for Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P can reduce engine life by 30%.

When buying new brushes, pay attention to:

• 🆔 Article (must be the same as the original).
• 📏 Size (length and diameter of brush).
• 🔄 Rotation direction (indicated by the arrow on the body).
• 🔌 Type of fastening (latch, screw, magnet).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners brushes