Xiaomi’s wet-cleaning robots have become an integral part of the smart home, but even experienced users sometimes face maintenance questions. One of the most common queries is how to properly pour water into the tank so that the device is not damaged and cleaned properly. Mistakes at this stage can lead to leaks, a pump breakage, or even electronic components failing.
In this article, we will discuss the water refilling process for all popular Xiaomi models (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2, Pro, SE, P10, etc.), point out typical errors and give recommendations for choosing a liquid, and learn how to avoid critical failure of the humidity sensor due to improper operation, a problem that the manufacturer does not mention in the official instructions.
Which Xiaomi models support wet cleaning?
Not all Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners are equipped with a floor washing system, a feature available in the following series:
- 🔹 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 (including Pro versions, SE, Lite)
- 🔹 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P10 (Cross-Laser Navigation System)
- 🔹 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra (with auto-emptying and rag washing base)
- 🔹 DreameBot L10 Pro (from Xiaomi sub-brand)
- 🔹 Viomi V3 (Compatible with the Mi Home Ecosystem)
Models without washing function (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum 1S or Mi Robot Vacuum E10) have only dry cleaning, trying to pour water into them will lead to irreversible failure.
What can be poured into the tank: water, detergents or special liquids?
Xiaomi officially recommends using only clean water at room temperature (15-25°C), but many users are experimenting with detergents to improve the result.
| Type of liquid | Can we use it? | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Clean water | ✅ Yes. | Best option. Use filtered or boiled water to avoid plaque. |
| Special liquids for robot vacuum cleaners | ✅ Yes. | Only certified products (e.g. Xiaomi Floor Cleaning Solution) Do not exceed the dosage. |
| Vinegar solution (1 tbsp. l. per 1 liter of water) | ⚠️ Limitedly. | You can use 1 time per month for disinfection, but rinse the tank after cleaning. |
| Soap solution (liquid soap) | ❌ No. | Leads to foam formation, which can damage the pump and sensors. |
| Alcohol, bleach, aggressive chemistry | ❌ No. | Eroding seals and plastic parts, risking corrosion of metal components. |
Important: If you use detergent, be sure to wash the tank and tubes with clean water after each cleaning. Residues of the chemistry can crystallize and clog the water supply system.
⚠️ Attention! In Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra models with rag car wash, the use of uncertified liquids voids the warranty. The water hardness sensor in the base can lock the device when it detects foreign impurities.
Step-by-step: how to pour water into the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi
The water refill process is the same for most models, but there are nuances depending on the tank design.
- Turn off the robot. Disconnect it from the charging station and make sure it's not in cleaning mode.
- Remove the water tank. In Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 models, press the Release button on the back and pull the tank up. In the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P10, the tank is removed along with the lid by pulling a special latch.
Open the tank lid.
DreameBot L10 Pro
Pour the water.
MAX
Set the tank back up.
Check the leaks.
Make sure the model supports the wash function |
Shutting the robot off the power |
Use only clean water or certified liquids |
Pour water to the mark MAX (do not transfuse!)|
Close the tank cover tightly and check the fixation-->
In models with electronic water flow control (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra) after refueling, you may need to reset an error in the Mi Home application. → Resetting errors → Yes.
Common Mistakes in Water Refilling and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that shorten the life of the robot or make cleaning less efficient, and the most common ones are:
- 🚫 If you pour the liquid above the mark, MAX, When the robot moves, water can be sloshed out through the ventilation holes and hit electronic boards.
- 🚫 Hot water use. Temperatures above 40°C deforms plastic tank parts and seals.
- 🚫 Refilling water with the robot on. In models with automatic spraying (for example, DreameBot). D9) This can cause the pump to work prematurely.
- 🚫 Ignoring tank flushing: If you leave the water in the tank after cleaning, after 2-3 days, bacteria will multiply and the appearance of an unpleasant smell.
- 🚫 Interrupting the wash cycle can disrupt navigation, especially in models with a LDS-laser.
⚠️ Attention! In Xiaomi robots with Yiko (artificial intelligence for surface recognition), using colored liquids (such as green detergent) can knock down sensors, the device will perceive the clean floor as dirty and repeat cleaning the same areas.
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If the robot produces an E10 leak after refilling the water, remove the tank, dry the contacts on the base, and reboot the device, most often the problem is solved without going to the service.
How often should I change the water in the tank?
The frequency of water replacement depends on the intensity of the robot’s use and the type of cleaning:
- 🔄 Daily cleaning: Change the water before each cycle, even if the tank is not empty, it accumulates microfibers of dust and bacteria.
- 🔄 Cleaning 2-3 times a week: It is enough to wash the tank with clean water 1 time in 3-4 days, but completely drain the liquid after each use.
- 🔄 Cleaning detergents: Wash the system with water after each cleaning to avoid deposits.
In self-cleaning models (such as Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra), the water in the washing base must be updated every 5-7 cleaning cycles, and the rag itself needs to be replaced every 3-6 months as its fibers wear out and no longer absorb dirt effectively.
What happens if you don’t change the water for a week?
What if the robot doesn’t spray water?
If after refilling the water, the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner does not moisturize the floor, the reasons may be as follows:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Water doesn't go to the rag. | Clogged sprayer | Clean the holes with a needle or compressed air. Rinse the system with water with vinegar (1:1). |
| Robot makes strange noises when trying to spray | Air traffic jam in the tube | Remove the tank, shake it so that the water fills all the channels, then set back. |
| Error E5 or E6 in the annex | Failure of the pump or water level sensor | Reboot the robot (hold the power button for 10 seconds). If the error persists, contact the service. |
| Water leaks out of the tank. | Wear of sealing gum | Replace the seal (Article for Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 - MSXJ03ZM). |
If the robot sprays water but the cloth remains dry, check its fixation. In Xiaomi models, the cloth must be securely attached to the holder on both sides, otherwise it will not contact the sprayer.
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Before you go to the service, try resetting the robot to factory settings through the Mi Home app (Device Settings → Reset), which solves the water spraying problems associated with software failures in 30% of cases.
Tips for caring for a wet cleaning system
To ensure that the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner served long and efficiently cope with cleaning, follow these recommendations:
- 🧼 Monthly cleaning of the tank, wash it with warm water with a soft sponge. To remove the plaque, use acetic solution (1:1) or citric acid.
- 🔧 Checking sprayers: Clean the water holes every 3 months with a toothpick or compressed air (e.g., a spray can to clean the appliances).
- 📱 Update firmware. In new software, Xiaomi optimizes water consumption and improves wash algorithms. Check the updates in the Mi Home app.
- 🛑 Storage of the robot. If you don't use the device for more than a week, drain the water from the tank and dry it. Store the robot in a dry place at a temperature of 5-35°C.
For models with a self-cleaning base (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra) it is also important to:
- Change the water in the database every 5-7 cleanings.
- Clean the filter of the base from hair and garbage once a month.
- Use only original Xiaomi detergents to avoid damaging the car wash system.