Regular maintenance of your automatic assistant is not just a matter of cleanliness in the house, but a prerequisite for the stable operation of the entire navigation and cleaning system. If you notice that the robot vacuum cleaner has become worse at sucking dust, skipping areas or making noise more loud than usual, then it is time for maintenance. Ignoring these signals can lead to engine overheating or expensive components break down.
Many Xiaomi, Roborock, and Mijia device owners mistakenly believe that emptying a garbage container is enough, but it requires a comprehensive approach to work effectively, including cleaning filters, side brushes, the main turbobrush, and critically, sensors.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to dry properly. HEPA-After wash filter to avoid mold and loss of suction, and consider the nuances of cleaning wheel modules. Following these guidelines will allow your device to work as new for many years.
Preparation for cleaning and safety measures
Before disassembling and cleaning, you need to properly prepare the workplace and the device itself. Never start maintenance while the robot is in the charging station or connected to the grid. This is a basic electrical safety rule, a violation of which can lead to a short circuit.
Turn off the device, turn it over and remove the main dust container. It is recommended to perform the procedure over the trash can or on an easily cleaned surface, as when removing the filters, some of the accumulated dust can pour out. Prepare dry soft cloth, a small brush (often included) and, if necessary, water for washing the filters.
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Use only dry cloth to wipe the case and sensors. Moisture entering the case through the vents can disable the electronics.
It's important to make sure you have all the tools you need on hand.Some models may require a small cross screwdriver if you need to remove the side brush or wheel cover, although most modern Xiaomi models are designed to be serviced without tools.
Cleaning of the main container and HEPA-filter
The heart of the filtration system is HEPA-It's the filter that traps fine dust, allergens and microparticles, and if the filter is clogged, the airflow is disrupted, the engine is overloaded, and the cleaning quality drops.
Remove the filter from the container. Most of the filters in the Roborock and Mijia models are washable, but there are limitations. The plastic frame and the mesh can be gently washed under a stream of water. It is strictly forbidden to use detergents or hot water, as they can destroy the structure of the filter material.
Once flushed, the filter must be thoroughly dried, which is the most important step, and the wet filter that is put back in the robot will be the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply and smell, and even more, the moist dust will turn into porridge that will clog the pores.
⚠️ Warning: Never install a wet filter back into the robot vacuum cleaner.The minimum drying time at room temperature is 24 hours.The use of a hair dryer or battery to speed up the process is prohibited, as the high temperature deforms synthetic fibers.
While the filter is drying, the plastic container itself can be washed with water, make sure there are no dust lumps left inside, especially in the corners and around the mesh separating the filter from the garbage compartment, and after washing, the container should also dry completely.
Care for the main turbobrush and side blizzards
The main brush (turbobrush) takes the brunt of collecting large debris, wool and hair. Over time, threads and hair accumulate on its axis and bristles that can block rotation, leading to an Error 9 error or similar message of the main brush getting stuck.
To clean, remove the protective grille and remove the brush. The ends of the brush often have yellow or red removable plugs. Remove them to reach the axle. Use scissors or a special knife from the kit (usually orange) to cut the wound hair and remove it.
- 🧹 Check the bristles regularly for wear; if it becomes too short or stiff, replace the brush.
- 🔧 Clean the bearings on the ends of the brush from the wound hair to ensure free rotation.
- 🚫 Do not lubricate the brush axis with oil or lubrication, this will attract even more dust.
Side brushes also require attention, they beat debris from the corners under the main brush, and if the pile of the side brush is worn out or bent to one side, the efficiency of cleaning the walls decreases, usually just brushing the hair by pulling it, or washing it with water, having previously removed from the mount.
☑️ Checklist for brush maintenance
Maintenance of wheels and navigation sensors
Robot vacuum wheels are not just a movement mechanism, they're complex knots with height sensors and encoders, and over time, hair is wound onto the wheels, which penetrates the mechanism, blocking rotation or skewing the body.
Turn the robot over and look carefully at the wheels. Try to spin them with your hand. If you're walking tight or you hear a crunch, you need to clean. Carefully remove the visible hair from the axle. In some models, you can slightly tweak the wheels and lift them for better access, but don't use excessive force.
Navigation sensors (cliff sensors and lidar) must always be clean. Dirt on the drop sensors can cause the robot to "think" it's on the edge of the stairs, and refuse to drive forward or start spinning randomly.
| Component | Frequency of cleaning | Cleaning method | Tool. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dust container | After every cleaning. | Refilling and dry cleaning | Hands, dry cloth. |
| HEPA-filter | Once every 2-4 weeks | Water washing and drying | Water, 24 hours to dry. |
| The main brush | Once a week. | Hair and thread removal | Knife, brush kit |
| Sensors (sensors) | Once a month | Wipe | Dry microfiber |
Cleaning of the charging station and contact areas
The charging dock is often left unattended, although it depends on whether the robot can even begin cleaning, and metal contacts (both at the station and on the robot itself) eventually form oxide plaque or a layer of dust, which worsens contact.
Turn off the grid. Wipe the metal contacts with dry cloth. If you see heavy plaque, you can use a cloth slightly moistened with alcohol, but then be sure to wait for the moisture to evaporate completely. Also check the area around the charging contacts for debris that may have fallen out of the container when docking.
What if the robot can’t see the base?
The dock surface and floor should also be kept clean, and if dust accumulates under the base, the robot can spread it throughout the apartment when you leave, and periodically wipe the floor under the station with a wet cloth (pre-moving the base).
Typical errors in service
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that shorten the life of the device, one of the most common being trying to speed up the drying of the filter on the battery or heater, which causes permanent damage to the structure of the filter material.
Another mistake is the use of aggressive chemicals, and washing plastic parts with dishwashing agents or flooring can cause microcracks or change the color of the plastic, and the residues of chemicals can foam into the engine the next time they start.
⚠️ Warning: Don't try to oil the wheels or brush axles. In vacuum cleaners, this works differently than in other techniques. The oil instantly mixes with the dust, forming an abrasive mass that will knock the bearings out in a matter of days.
Also, you should not ignore software updates. Mi Home or Roborock often comes out with patches that optimize the algorithms of movement and engine operation depending on the state of the system. Software updates are also part of the service.
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Regularly cleaning sensors and wheels is more important than frequent filter washing, and clogged wheels are the main cause of navigation errors and robot jamming.
By following these simple rules, you'll ensure your smart assistant lives a long and efficient life: a clean robot cleans better, works quieter and requires less expensive repairs.