Xiaomi Mi vacuum cleaners have become indispensable cleaning aids, but their effectiveness depends on proper care, and many users make a critical mistake: they limit themselves to emptying the garbage container, forgetting to clean filters, brushes and sensors. Meanwhile, the accumulation of dust in the ventilation system can reduce the power of suction on the 30-40%, A contaminated sensors cause the device to move around the room chaoticly.
In this article, we will discuss the unique nuances of cleaning exactly Mi models (including Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P and others), which are often missed in general instructions. HEPA-filter under running water, how to dry the side brush properly so that it does not deform, and what means are strictly forbidden for processing infrared sensors, and you will learn how often you need to maintain certain elements to avoid expensive repairs.
Preparation for cleaning: what you need and safety measures
Before you start washing a robot vacuum cleaner, prepare the necessary tools and materials.
- π§Ό Soft microfiber wipe (don't use paper towels - they leave a pile on)
- π§΄ Alcohol-based electronics cleaning tool (e.g., alcohol-based electronics cleaning tool, WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner)
- πͺ₯ Toothbrush with soft bristles for hard-to-reach places
- π§ Distilled water (for filter washing, if permitted for your model)
- π Dry towel or hair dryer with cold blowing mode
Important: Never use abrasive sponges, hard brushes or aggressive detergents (such as Domestos or Mole) that will damage the anti-reflective coating of sensors and plastic body parts. Also avoid direct jets of water - moisture trapped in electronic components can cause short circuits.
β οΈ Note: If your Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum cleaner is equipped with a mop function, never wash it under the tap. Water can leak through seals and damage the battery. For such models, use only a wet wipe.
Before cleaning, it is necessary to:
- Turn off the device with the power button (it is not enough to just put on the base!).
- Remove the battery if possible for your model (in the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, the battery is removable).
- Remove all removable elements: garbage container, filters, brushes.
Cleaning the garbage container and filters: step-by-step instructions
The garbage container and filters are the lungs of your robot vacuum cleaner, and pollution not only causes suction power to be lost, but also causes the odor to spread throughout the apartment. Xiaomi Mi models use a two-stage filtering system: a primary filter (grid) and a scent-like system. HEPA-filter (thin cleaning).
To clean the container:
- Press the lock button and remove the container from the case.
- Remove large debris manually (do not shake it off over the toilet - small particles can clog the sewer).
- Wash the container with warm water with a neutral detergent (e.g. Fairy).
- Dry outdoors for at least 2 hours. Do not use a hair dryer - hot air can warp plastic.
S HEPA-In most Xiaomi Mi models (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Essential), it is not designed for washing; it can only be vacuumed or cleaned neatly with a brush, with the exception of some new models with washable filters (check the instructions). If the filter is broken or has lost its shape, it must be replaced.
βοΈ Cleaning the filters Xiaomi Mi
| Element | Frequency of cleaning | Signs of pollution |
|---|---|---|
| Garbage container | After every cleaning. | Visible garbage, foul smell |
| Primary filter (grid) | 1 time 3-5 cleaning | Reduced suction power |
| HEPA-filter | 1 time per month | Gray raid, deformation. |
| Sidebrush | 1 time per week | Hair piling up, threads |
Care for brushes: side and main
Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum brushes are the parts that are most prone to wear, the side brush picks up garbage from the edges of the room, and the main one (the roller brush) is responsible for cleaning carpets and hard coatings, and if you don't take care of them, over time, you'll notice that the robot starts to "miss" areas of the floor or is worse at coping with the fur of animals.
To clean the side brush:
- π§ Carefully remove the brush from the axis (in most models it is attached to the latch).
- π§΅ Remove the hair and threads that have wound, and it's convenient to use tweezers or scissors.
- π¦ Wash the bristles with a wet wipe. If the brush is heavily contaminated, rinse it in warm soapy water.
- βοΈ Dry the brush in disassembled form for at least 4 hours. Do not collect it wet - this will lead to rusting of the axis.
The main brush is more complicated: in Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 models, it is removable, and in older versions (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum). 1S) β No, if the brush is not removable:
- Turn the robot over and find the brush fixing button.
- Scissors carefully cut the wound hair without damaging the bristles.
- Rub the roller with a napkin soaked in an alcohol solution (this will remove sticky contaminants).
β οΈ Attention: If the bristles on the main brush are more than 50% gone, they must be replaced. Continued use of the worn brush causes damage to the engine bearings, which will require expensive repairs.
How do you know if itβs time to change your brush?
Cleaning sensors and cameras: why the robot starts to βglutchβ
One of the most common problems with Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum cleaners is that it can be incorrectly navigated, it can ram around a room, it can't see obstacles, it can get lost in space, and it's 90 percent due to sensor contamination, depending on the model, it's equipped with:
- ποΈ Lidarom (rotating laser sensor at the top)
- π± Infrared sensors (front and side)
- π· Camera (in models with visual navigation, for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro)
- π§² Fall sensors (bottom of the body)
To clean the lidar:
- Wipe the lidar glass with a dry microfiber wipe. Don't use wet wipes - water droplets dissipate the laser beam.
- If there are greasy spots on the glass, moisten the napkin in isopropyl alcohol (concentration not higher than 70%).
- Check if the lidar rotates freely. If it jams, clean the axis of dust with a toothpick.
For infrared sensors and cameras:
- Wipe the sensors with a dry wipe. Don't press hard, they're fragile.
- Use persistent contaminants to remove WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner (spray on a napkin, not a sensor).
- Check if the drop sensors (bottom of the case) have dust caps, which can be removed with a vacuum cleaner at minimum power.
π‘
If the robot is still acting strange after cleaning the sensors, try resetting the room map in the Mi Home app. β Map. β Reset the card.
Washing the body and wheels: how to avoid scratches and creaks
The body of the Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum cleaner is made of glossy plastic that can be scratched easily, and dust accumulates in the grooves of the wheels and moving machinery, causing creaks and difficulty moving, so that the body can be properly washed:
1. Wipe the upper and lateral surfaces with a moist (not wet!) microfibre wipe. For persistent stains, use a soap solution (5 drops of dishes per 1 liter of water).
2. Clear the wheels:
- π Remove the wheels from the grooves (in most models they are removed with a light press from the bottom).
- π§Ό Wash them under warm water, removing hair and dirt from the tread.
- π§ Clean the wheel axles of the old lubricant with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
- π’οΈ Apply silicone lubrication (like Liqui Moly Silicon-Fett) on the axle. This will prevent creaking.
3. Dry all surfaces. Pay special attention to the contacts of the charging station - they should be completely dry.
β οΈ Attention: If the robot becomes less charged after washing, check the contacts on the base and on the device itself. Contact oxidation is a common problem after improper drying. Use an eraser or special contact fluid to clean.
Cleaning of the wet cleaning system (for models with a mop)
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop models are equipped with a wet cleaning system that requires special care. If you do not clean the water tank and the mope nozzle, over time, mold will appear, and the robot will leave dirty divorces on the floor.
To clean the wet cleaning system:
- Remove the water tank and rinse it with warm water. Don't use perfume detergents, they can damage sealing gums.
- Clean the water supply tube. Fill the container with water and vinegar (1:1) and turn on the moping mode on 1-2 Then rinse the system with clean water.
- Remove the mope nozzle and wash it by hand in warm water (machine washing is prohibited!). Add a little hydrogen peroxide to the water to disinfect.
- Check the status of the silicone pads, if they're lost elasticity or covered with plaque, replace them.
After each cleanup with a mop:
- π§ Empty the water container and dry it.
- π§Ό Wash the mope nozzle under the tap.
- βοΈ Leave the robot with the open cover of the tank for ventilation.
π‘
If a mop robot starts leaving stripes or smells bad, it's likely that the mould system has accumulated, and only deep cleaning with vinegar or special antibacterials for robot vacuum cleaners will help.
Frequency of service: schedule for extension of service life
To robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi Mi lasts as long as possible (on average, the resource is designed for the maximum duration of the service). 5-7 years), stick to the following service schedule:
| Component | Frequency | What do you do? |
|---|---|---|
| Garbage container | After every cleaning. | Empty and wipe with a wet napkin |
| Filters | 1 time 1-2 weeks | Clean from dust, with strong pollution replace |
| Brushes. | 1 time per week | Remove the hair, wash it. |
| Sensors and lidar | 1 time per month | Wash with a dry napkin, check the rotation of lidar |
| Wheels and body | 1 time 2 weeks | Clean the dirt, grease the wheels. |
| Wet cleaning system | After each use | Rinse the container and the mope nozzle |
Also, pay attention to the consumables that need to be replaced periodically:
- π Side brushes, every one. 6-12 months (depending on the intensity of use).
- π The main brush is every 12-18 months.
- π HEPA-filter every 6 months (or more often if there are animals in the house).
- π A moping nozzle -- every one. 3-6 months.
Timely replacement of consumables not only improves the quality of cleaning, but also reduces the load on the engine, preventing its premature wear.