Modern models of smart cleaning assistants from Xiaomi and the Mijia ecosystem have long ceased to be just dry cleaning devices. Wet cleaning has become the standard for removing ingested dust and fresh stains from hard flooring. However, many owners face difficulties in first contact with the water module, not knowing where to pour the liquid and how to activate the wash mode.
Incorrect handling of the tank can lead to breakdown of electronics or poor cleaning. In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of preparing the device for wet operation, the types of tanks and settings in the application, you will learn why it is important to use distilled water and how to avoid the typical mistakes that beginners make.
Before you start using, make sure that your model supports floor washing. Some budget versions of robots require additional purchase of a separate module with a tank. If your gadget already has the necessary functionality, follow the step-by-step recommendations below.
Definition of tank type and preparation for refueling
The first step is to identify the design of your robot. Xiaomi engineers use different approaches to implementing a water supply system, and this depends on the algorithm of actions. Most modern models, such as the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop 2 Pro or Roborock S7, use a combined 2-in-1 tank, where the dust and water compartment is separated by a partition.
There are also models with a remote tank that is inserted instead of a dust collector, or with an electronic pump controlled through an application. It is important to understand the difference, since mechanical tanks require manual adjustment of the feed, and electronic ones require level adjustments in the Mi Home. Incorrect identification of the type of system can lead to a carpet flood or, conversely, a dry cloth.
- π Combined tank: single enclosure with two independent compartments.
- π§ Electronic tank: water supply control is carried out by pumping through the application.
- π Mechanical tank: the supply level is regulated by a physical slider or valve.
β οΈ Warning: Never try to pour water into the dust collection compartment in models without separation, guaranteed to disable the engine and require expensive repairs.
The preparation starts with removing the module. Turn the robot over, open the lid, and carefully remove the container. If you have a model with a separate water tank, it can be located at the top of the housing or inserted into a special slot at the back. Make sure that all the sealing gums are intact and not cracked.
Water requirements and solution preparation
The quality of the liquid used directly affects the life of the device. Xiaomi engineers strongly advise the use of soft, purified water. Tap water often contains calcium and magnesium salts, which when dried form scale. Scale clogs micro holes in the pump and valves, reducing the efficiency of cleaning.
The ideal option would be distilled or demineralized water, which you can buy at any car store or supermarket. If you can't, use filtered water that has passed through the reverse osmosis system. Boiled water is less effective because it doesn't completely get rid of hard salts.
When it comes to adding detergents, you have to be very careful. Standard floorwashing gels create a plentiful foam that can damage the robot's electronic components. Xiaomi models have special low foam concentrates.
- π« Conventional means for floor washing: create foam that is dangerous for electronics.
- β Specialized tools: designed for robot vacuum cleaners, do not foam.
- π§ Disinfectant additives: acceptable in small doses, if they do not contain chlorine.
If you choose to use a special cleaning product, add it strictly according to the instructions on the package. Usually the proportion is a cap on a full tank of water. Overdose can lead to sticky plaque on the floor and failure of the feed system.
Instructions for filling the tank
The process of filling the tank requires care. Find a water lid on the tank body. In combined tanks, it is usually located on top and has a drop mark or the words "Water." Unscrew the lid counterclockwise or open the silicone plug.
Use a measuring glass or bottle nose to gently pour water. Try not to overflow above the MAX mark. Overflow can cause water to enter the dust compartment or robot contacts immediately after installation. If water does enter the dry compartment, thoroughly wipe it with a dry cloth.
βοΈ Check before installation of the tank
Once filled, tightly twist the lid. Make sure the rubber valve (if any) is not clamped and is in the working position. For mechanically adjustable models, set the slider in the right position: there are usually three modes for dry, normal and wet cleaning.
Installation of the tank and activation of the washing mode
Now you have to put the module back in place. Put the tank in the body of the robot before the characteristic click. Make sure that the contacts (if any) match. Turn the device over and install a wet cleaning platform with a microfibre cloth attached to it.
It's important to fasten the cloth properly. It needs to fit tightly to the sole and not hang around the edges so as not to wind itself on the brush. Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop models often use magnetic mounts or Velcros. After physical installation, turn the robot on and start cleaning.
| Model robot. | Tank volume (ml) | Type of management | Working hours (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mop 2 Pro+ | 300 | Electronically | 180 |
| Roborock S5 Max | 290 | Electronically | 150 |
| Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop Essential | 200 | Mechanical | 90 |
| Roborock E4 | 140 | Mechanical | 60 |
To activate wet cleaning in the Mi Home or Xiaomi Home app, go to the device's home screen. Click on the cleaning setting icon and select Wet Cleaning or Mop. You can also adjust the water intensity: low, medium, high.
Setting up parameters in the Mi Home app
Digitally set up the perfect results, go to the device settings and find the water section, and in modern models, you can choose not only the intensity, but also create a schedule for different rooms.
For example, in the kitchen, you can set high intensity, and in the living room, low intensity, so as not to damage the laminate, and some models support the function of "intelligent recognition of carpets", where the robot automatically increases the power of suction and stops the water supply when entering the carpet.
What to do if the app does not see the tank?
Remember to update the robot firmware. Newer versions often feature improvements to water distribution algorithms and new cleaning scenarios. You can check for updates in Settings β About Device β Check for updates.
Typical errors and their elimination
Even if all instructions are followed, problems can arise, and one of the most common is uneven wetting of the cloth, which may indicate clogging of the exit holes, in which case it is recommended to wash the tank with warm water and clean the holes with a soft brush.
Another common mistake is to use a cloth that is too wet, so if you manually wet the cloth before you install it, it can be saturated with water, which will lead to puddles. The cloth has to be slightly wet, the robot will do the rest.
- π Robot does not supply water: check the level in the tank and settings in the application.
- π Puddles appear: reduce the intensity of the feed or replace the cloth.
- π€ Sensor error: wipe the contacts and make sure the tank is properly installed.
β οΈ Warning: If the robot makes strange noises when working with water, stop cleaning immediately.
Also monitor the condition of the filters. HEPA-The filter and fine filter must be completely dry before wet cleaning begins. A wet filter dramatically reduces the suction power and can cause an unpleasant odor.
Care of the water supply system after cleaning
Proper care of the device prolongs its life. After the wet cleaning cycle is completed, be sure to remove the tank. The remaining water must be drained, and the tank itself washed with clean water and dried in an inverted form.
You can't leave the tank for long periods of time, and the bacteria multiply rapidly in the standing water, and there's mold and a bad musty smell that then spreads throughout the apartment, and there's also long-term stagnation that contributes to scale.
π‘
To prevent scale once a month, wipe the inner surface of the tank and valves with a weak solution of citric acid, then thoroughly wash with clean water.
The floor cloth also needs to be washed after each cleaning. Use regular powder or soap, but rinse the cloth carefully so that there is no chemistry left in it. Dry the cloth in the straightened form so that it does not lose shape.
Seasonal storage and conservation
If you plan to not use the wet cleaning function for a long time (for example, in winter, when the air is very dry, or during vacation), the system should be preserved.
Remove the platform with the cloth. Remove all removable elements in a dry place. Periodically check the condition of the rubber seals - they should not dry out. If you store the robot in an unheated room, make sure that there is not a drop of water left in the tank, otherwise, when you freeze, the plastic can crack.
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Compliance with these simple rules will allow your Xiaomi to serve long and efficiently. Wet cleaning with a robot vacuum cleaner is not just a tribute to fashion, but a real opportunity to maintain cleanliness with minimal effort.
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The key to a robot washerβs long service is the use of distilled water and the mandatory drying of the tank after each cleaning.