A rag (or wet wipe) is a key accessory of Xiaomiβs robot vacuum cleaner, which is crucial to the quality of floor washing. But many users make critical mistakes when cleaning it: washing it in the washing machine at high temperatures, using aggressive detergents or dried in direct sunlight, as a result, microfibre loses its absorbent properties, becomes covered with divorces and begins to leave dirt on the floor instead of cleaning it.
In this article - step-by-step instructions for caring for a rag, taking into account the recommendations of the manufacturer and the experience of owners of Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, DreameBot L10 Pro and other popular models, we'll look at how often to wash a napkin, what products are safe for microfiber, how to dry and store the accessory properly, and what to do if the cloth has become hard or has become covered with mold. Separately, we will focus on common myths - for example, can you boil a napkin or wash it with powder.
1.Why a robot vacuum cleaner cloth needs to be washed according to special rules
Xiaomiβs robot vacuum wipes are made from high-density microfiber (usually 300-400 g/m2), which has a unique structure: millions of microscopic loops that trap water and dirt.
- π₯ High temperatures - when washing above 40Β°C fibers are sintered, the cloth becomes rigid and ceases to absorb moisture.
- π§΄ Aggressive chemistry β bleachers, conditioners for linen and powders with phosphates destroy the structure of the microfiber.
- βοΈ Direct sun - ultraviolet makes the fibers brittle, and the napkin begins to "dust" when cleaning.
- π¦ Wet environment - if the cloth is stored wet, bacteria multiply in it and an unpleasant smell appears.
Xiaomiβs official instructions state that the wipe will last about 6 months if properly maintained, but if the washing rules are violated, this period is reduced to 1-2 months, such as washing the cloth in a cotton machine (60-90).Β°C), it will lose its absorbent properties after 3-4 cycles.
β οΈ Warning: Never use chlorine products (like "White") or high-concentration vinegar to wash your Xiaomi cloth. Chlorine destroys microfiber fibers, and vinegar can leave a sticky plaque on the napkin that will then be carried to the floor.
2.How often to wash a cloth: table by type of cleaning
The frequency of cleaning depends on the intensity of the robot vacuum cleaner and the type of surfaces to be cleaned. For example, if Xiaomi washes the floors in the hallway with street mud, the cloth will have to be washed after each cleaning, and to keep the bedroom clean, it is enough to clean every 3-4 days.
| Type of cleaning | Frequency of washing rags | Signs it's time to clear |
|---|---|---|
| Daily wet cleaning (kitchen, corridor) | After each use | Napkin gray, the water in the tank is cloudy, there are divorces on the floor. |
| Cleaning 2-3 times a week (bedroom, living room) | Each 2-3 cycles | The rag smells damp, the microfibre has become hard |
| Deep cleaning (with detergent) | After each use | On the napkin, you can see stains from detergent or fat. |
| Cleaning after repair or heavy contamination | Immediately after cleaning. | The rag is covered with dust, construction dirt or sticky substances |
If Xiaomiβs robot vacuum cleaner is used to clean floors after animals (such as wool or puddles), the wipe should be washed after each cycle β even if it appears to be visually clean. The wool and biological contaminants quickly multiply bacteria, which are then distributed across the floor.
3. How to wash a cloth: safe and prohibited means
To clean the wipe Xiaomi suitable only neutral detergents with pH 5.5-7.0.
- π§Ό Liquid soap for children's things (for example, "Eared Nanny" or Ecover) - gently cleanses, does not leave divorces.
- π§½ A dishwashing tool without aggressive surfactants (for example, Frosch or AOS) β fat-removal.
- πΏ Gel for washing delicate fabrics (for example, Persil Silk & Wool) β suitable for hand washing.
- π§ Clean water β if the cloth is not very dirty, a thorough rinse is enough.
It is strictly prohibited:
- π« Powder detergents (even for delicate fabrics) β powder particles are clogged into microfiber fibers.
- π« Bleachers and stains based on chlorine - destroy the structure of tissue.
- π« Air conditioners for linen - leave a film on a napkin that worsens absorption.
- π« Vinegar or soda in high concentrations β can change the color of the cloth and make it hard.
π‘
If the cloth appears persistent stains (for example, from coffee or wine), soak it for 15-20 minutes in warm water with the addition of 1 tbsp. baking soda per 1 liter of water.
4. Step-by-step instructions: how to properly wash a cloth by hand
Hand washing is the safest way to clean Xiaomi wipes. Follow this algorithm:
- Preparation: Shake off the rag of large debris (dust, hair, wool) If the napkin is very dirty, rinse it before running water.
- Soaking: fill the basin with warm water (not higher than 30-35).Β°C) and add 1-2 caps of liquid detergent. Load the cloth for 10-15 minutes.
- Clean: With a soft brush or sponge, gently rub the napkin to pay attention to the dirtiest areas (usually the edges). Don't rub too hard - microfibre can start to "dust".
- Gargle: rinse the cloth thoroughly in clean water 2-3 times until the water is clear. This is important so that there is no detergent left on the napkin.
- Drying: Wring the cloth (not twisting!), straighten and hang to dry in a well-ventilated place, but not under direct sunlight.
Check the water temperature (max. 35)Β°C)
Use only liquid detergent.
Don't rub a napkin with a hard brush.
Rinse thoroughly (2-3 times)
Dry in straightened form-->
If the Xiaomi cloth has a two-way structure (for example, one side for dry cleaning, the other for wet cleaning), wash it only from the microfiber side. the hairy side is not designed to contact water and can deform.
5.Can I wash my rag in the washing machine: rules and risks
Xiaomi does not recommend washing wipes in a machine, but if you decide to go for this step, follow the following conditions:
- π Use the Delicate Washing or Hand Washing mode with a temperature not higher than 30Β°C.
- π§Ί Wash the cloth separately from other clothing, especially with zippers or buttons that can damage the microfiber.
- π§΄ Add a liquid detergent (not powder!) in an amount reduced by 2 times the standard dose.
- π« Turn off the spin or set minimum speeds (max. 400 rpm).
Even if these rules are followed, the life of a wipe will be reduced by 20 to 30 percent compared to hand washing. Machine washing leads to:
- Erase of microfiber fibers (the cloth becomes thin faster).
- Loss of absorbent properties due to mechanical impact of the drum.
- Risk of deformation (for example, a napkin may stretch or twist).
β οΈ Warning: If the rag becomes stiff after machine washing or starts to leave the pile on the floor, it is no longer possible to return it to its original state.
π‘
Machine washing is only permissible as a last resort (for example, if the cloth is heavily contaminated with construction dust).
6 How to Dry and Store a Cloth: Mistakes That Ruin Microfiber
Improper drying is one of the main reasons for premature wear of Xiaomi wipes.
- βοΈ Drying on a battery or under the sun - leads to drying of fibers and loss of elasticity.
- π§Ί Folding a wet cloth - mold and an unpleasant smell form in the folds.
- π₯ Using a hair dryer or heater β hot air destroys microfiber.
Proper drying:
- Put your hands on the rag (donβt twist it!).
- Spread it on a horizontal surface (for example, on a laundry dryer) or hang it on a rope, fastened with pinches behind the edges.
- Dry in the shade at room temperature (optimally 18β22)Β°C).
- After drying completely, fold the napkin and store it in a dry, ventilated place (for example, in a robot vacuum cleaner drawer or in a closet with laundry).
If the cloth begins to smell damp, rinse it in water with 1 tbsp. of hydrogen peroxide (3%) per 1 liter of water, which will help kill bacteria and eliminate the smell. After processing, thoroughly rinse the napkin.
What to do if the cloth is covered with mold?
7. How to return softness and absorbent properties to the cloth
If Xiaomi wipe has become hard or does not absorb water well, try the following recovery methods:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The cloth is hard, scratches the floor. | Accumulation of detergent or lime plaque | Soak for 30 minutes in water with 1 tbsp. citric acid, then rinse |
| It's not good for water. | Clogged microfiber pores | Wash with liquid soap and rinse in cold water |
| Leaves divorces on the floor | Residues of fat or detergent | Wash in water with a few drops of glass washing products (for example, Mr. Proper) |
| The rag "smoldering" | Wearing of fibers due to improper washing | This accessory is not subject to restoration - replacement is required |
If the cloth has lost its shape (e.g., stretched or twisted), try steaming it with an iron through a damp gauze, set the "Silk" or "Delicate fabrics" mode, and smooth the napkin gently without pressing, which will help return the fibers to their original position.