Xiaomi Mi vacuum cleaners have long been indispensable cleaning assistants, but owners often face a dilemma: can you use conventional detergents instead of branded ones, and will this damage the equipment? The answer depends on the device model, type of coating and composition of the liquid. In this article, we will understand which solutions are safe to pour into the robot tank and which can disable it, taking into account the technical limitations and recommendations of the manufacturer.
It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi Mi models support wet cleaning. For example, the basic versions of the Mi Robot Vacuum (without the letter "Mop" in the name) are only for dry cleaning, and pouring any liquid in them will lead to breakage.
Which Xiaomi Mi models support wet cleaning?
Before you pour the liquid into the robot vacuum cleaner, check if your model supports floorwashing. Here are the key series with this option:
- πΉ Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop β the first hybrid model with a water tank ~200 ml. Suitable for laminate and tile, but not recommended for parquet.
- πΉ Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 / 2 Pro - improved version with electronic water supply control and support for detergents (branded only!).
- πΉ Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite - budget option without automatic humidity control, requires manual adjustment.
- πΉ Xiaomi MiJia 1T / 1C β flagship models with a large tank (300 ml) and support for hot water (up to 50 ml)Β°C).
Models without the letter "Mop" in the title (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum or Mi Robot Vacuum 2) are designed only for dry cleaning, pouring water into them will short-circuit or corrosion of internal parts. To accurately determine the capabilities of your device, check:
- π Model name on the case or in the Mi Home mobile application.
- π Availability of a water tank - in models with a wash function it is located next to the dust collector.
- π Manufacturer's instructions (section "Wet cleaning" or "Mop Function").
Branded detergents: pros and cons
Xiaomi recommends using only original detergents for its robot vacuum cleaners.The brand's lineup has several options:
| Name of name | Volume. | Type of coating | Features | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Robot Mop Detergent | 500 ml | Laminate, tile, linoleum | Neutral pH, no fragrances, biodegradable | ~600 β½ |
| Xiaomi MiJia Floor Cleaner | 1l | All types of hard coatings | With antibacterial effect, suitable for hot water | ~900 β½ |
| Xiaomi Mi Robot Concentrated Detergent | 250 ml (concentrate) | Tiles, porcelain porcelain | Economical consumption (1 cap per 1 liter of water) | ~750 β½ |
Advantages of branded funds:
- β Guaranteed compatibility with materials of the tank and tubes of the robot.
- β Optimal foaming - do not clog filters and pump.
- β Safety for electronics due to pH neutrality.
Disadvantages:
- β High price compared to household analogues.
- β Limited range β not always suitable for specific coatings (e.g. marble or cork).
π‘
If you use Xiaomi Mi Robot Concentrated Detergent concentrate, dilute it strictly according to the instructions: 1 cap (5 ml) per 1 liter of water. Excess concentration can cause excessive foaming and pump failure.
Home cleaning products: what can and what can not
Many Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum cleaners are trying to save money using conventional household products, but there are risks: aggressive components can eat seals, clog filters or leave divorces on the floor.
β Permitted household facilities (with reservations)
- π§Ό Liquid soap for children (without fragrances and dyes) - only in diluted form (1 tbsp. spoon per 1 liter of water).
- π§½ A dishwashing appliance (such as Fairy or AOS>) β more 2-3 drop-in 500 squash.
- πΏ Vinegar solution (1 tbsp. 9% vinegar per 1 liter of water) β suitable for disinfection, but can damage rubber parts with frequent use.
- π§ Distilled water is the safest option for daily cleaning.
β Prohibited funds (risk of breakdown!)
- π§ͺ Chlorine-containing bleachers (White, Domestos)>) β corrodes plastic and rubber.
- π₯ Alcohol-containing solutions (vodka, medical alcohol) - can damage the floor covering and seals.
What happens if you put chlorine in a robot vacuum cleaner?
Critical: If you have used a prohibited product, immediately rinse the robot system with distilled water 2-3 Once and dry the tank during 12 Otherwise, the chemicals will continue to break down the parts even after the liquid is drained.
How to properly pour liquid: step-by-step instructions
Even a safe detergent can harm the robot if it is not filled properly. Follow this instruction to avoid leaks and breakdowns:
- Check the leakproofness: flip the robot over and make sure the fluid is not leaking.
Check the model to support the function of floor washing
Use only permitted detergents
Pour the liquid strictly to the mark MAX
Make sure the tank is tight before starting.
Set up the cleaning mode in the Mi Home app (if necessary)
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For electronically controlled models (such as Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro), adjust the humidity intensity in the Mi Home app:
- Open the app and select your robot.
- Go to Settings β Cleaning Modes β Wet cleaning.
- Choose the moisture level: π Weak - for laminate and parquet. ππ Medium - for tiles and linoleum. πππ Strong - for persistent contaminants (only for porcelain porcelain!).
π‘
Never use the "Strong" moisture mode on wooden flooring (parquet, array), excess moisture leads to deformation of the boards and bloating joints.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when using robot vacuum cleaners with wash function, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
β οΈ Warning: If there are still stains on the floor after cleaning, this is a sign that you are using too concentrated detergent or inappropriate water (for example, hard tap.
- π« Hot water use (above 50)Β°C) - deforms the plastic parts of the tank. For models without heating support (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite), the water temperature should not exceed 30Β°C.
Another common problem is clogging filters because of improper maintenance, so you can avoid this.
- π§Ή Wash the filter thin cleaning under running water every 3-5 cleanings.
- π Change. HEPA-filter every 6 months (or more often if the robot is used daily).
- πΏ Dry all removable parts for at least 12 hours before the next cleaning.
Alternative methods of disinfecting the sex
If you need to not only wash but also disinfect the floor, conventional detergents may not be effective enough.
- π¦ Hydrogen peroxide (3%) β dilute 2 tbsp. spoons per 1 liter of water. Suitable for tile and linoleum, but do not use on dark coatings (may discolor).
- π Citric acid: 1 spoon per 500 ml of water, effective against mold and lime plaque, but not suitable for marble.
- π± Natural remedies, such as soda solution (1 tbsp. per 1 liter of water) are safe for all types of coatings, but require careful flushing.
For models with hot water support (MiJia) 1T/1C) steam disinfection can be used:
- Heat the water to 50.Β°C (not boiling water!).
- Pour into the tank without adding detergents.
- Start cleaning in Deep Cleaning mode (if any in your model).
β οΈ Note: Do not mix multiple disinfectants (e.g. vinegar) + This can cause a chemical reaction with the release of toxic gases that are dangerous to health.
Comparison with robots of other brands
For objectivity, compare Xiaomiβs approach to wet cleaning with competitors, which will help to understand how strict the restrictions of the Chinese brand are:
| Brand | Support for third-party funds | Type of water tank | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi | Limited (neutral pH only) | Removable, 200-300 ml | Sensitive to hard water |
| Roborock | Wide (some household items are allowed) | Removable, 200-500 ml | Best sealed tank. |
| Ecovacs Deebot | Only branded | Built-in, 300-600 ml | Hot water support up to 60Β°C |
| iRobot Braava | Any neutral means | Replacement pads, no tank. | No need to drain water |
As you can see from the table, Xiaomi Mi is one of the most "finicky" brands in terms of detergent choice.
- π Budget tank design (less corrosion-proof than Ecovacs).
- π± Focus on the Chinese market, where water hardness is higher than in Europe.
- π οΈ Simplified filtration system (faster clogged when using non-original means).
But that doesn't mean Xiaomi's robots are worse than the competition, because when they're properly cared for, they're just as good as they are, they're cheaper, and the key is to follow the guidelines and not experiment with chemistry.