How to set up wet cleaning in the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential: the complete guide

Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential is one of the most popular solutions for automating house cleaning. This model combines dry and wet cleaning, but many users face difficulties in setting up a mop function. Unlike budget counterparts, it requires properly preparing the tank, selecting a water supply mode and adjusting routes, otherwise you will get floor divorces or water overruns instead of cleanliness.

In this article, we will look at all the steps of wet cleaning setup, from accessories preparation to the intricacies of working with the Mi Home app. We will focus on the typical errors that lead to leaks or inefficient cleaning. If you have just unpacked the device or already encountered problems, here you will find proven solutions.

1.Preparing robot vacuum cleaner for wet cleaning

Before you use the mop function, you need to check the configuration and install all the elements correctly. In the box with the Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential, you will find:

• 🔋 The main block of the robot with a dust collector
• 💧 Removable water tank (capacity 200 ml)
• 🧽 Wet cleaning cloth (microfibra)
• 🔄 Spare brush for side cleaning
• ⚡ Charging station and power supply

First, wash the water tank with warm water and soap, which may have been left in the production lubricants, and the cleaning cloth is also recommended to be washed by hand without aggressive detergents, which will remove the factory smell and improve absorbent properties.

Place the tank on the back of the robot before you click. Make sure the red water level indicator doesn't burn, which means the tank is installed correctly. If the indicator flashes, check the density of the tank to the contacts.

⚠️ Warning: Never pour hot water or liquids with abrasive particles (such as soda) into the tank. This will damage the pump and water supply system — 20-30°C.

2. Installation and fixation of a cleaning rag

Wet cleaning is 70% wet-quality depending on the correct installation of the cloth. There is one microfiber wipe in the kit, but for regular use it is better to buy spare ones (original or compatible from Roborock or Ecovacs).

How to properly fix the cloth:

1. Place the napkin on a flat surface.
2. Apply the robot back to the cloth so that the plastic holder on the body coincides with the central hole of the napkin.
3. Get the edges of the cloth under the clamps on both sides, starting with the long edges.
4. Make sure the fabric is stretched evenly - without folds and sagging.

Check the fixation by pulling the cloth up slightly. If it moves, there will be untreated areas left during cleaning. For better grip on the floor, you can slightly moisten the cloth before installing (but not pour!).

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If the cloth gets dirty quickly, use a double-sided napkin: one side for rough cleaning, the other for polishing. Change sides after each cycle.

3. Set up wet cleaning modes in the Mi Home app

Without connecting to the Mi Home app, you can only use basic features.

1. Install the Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
2. Sign up or sign in to an existing Xiaomi account.
3. Add the device through + → Robot vacuum cleaner → Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential.
4. Connect the robot to the same Wi-Fi network as your smartphone (only 2.4GHz!).

After connecting, go to the robot control section and select:

• 🌊 Water supply level (3 options: Low, Medium, High)
• 🗺️ Cleaning areas (you can exclude carpets or limit wet cleaning to certain rooms)
• ⏱️ Schedule (set up automatic cleaning for times when you are not home)

Critical nuance: when choosing the level "High" robot consumes up to 60 ml of water per 30 m2 - this can lead to excessive moisture on the laminate or parquet.

4.The optimal routes for wet cleaning

Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential uses Gyro navigation system + OpticFlow, which is less accurate than laser sensors in Roborock models S7. Therefore, for wet cleaning, it is important to plan the route correctly:

• 🧭 Start with the perimeter of the room – the robot will first treat the edges where more dirt accumulates.
• 🔄 Use the Z-shaped pattern for open spaces (select Cleaning Method: Zone by Zone).
• 🚫 Eliminate carpets from wet cleaning through the app or physically (install magnetic tapes).

If the robot is often "lost" or misses areas, try:

• Reduce the cleaning speed in the settings (Settings) → Speed. → Quiet regime).
• Remove small objects from the floor that can block sensors.
• Periodically clean optical sensors (located below under a transparent film).

Remove wires and small objects from the floor |

Close the doors to other rooms|

Check the water level in the tank.|

Set the "Mop Only" or "Dry" mode + humid"|

Set up virtual walls for carpets-->

Typical problems and their solutions

Even with the right setup, there can be difficulties, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the robot starts to tow on the wet floor, it's a sign of excessive humidity.

1. Stop cleaning immediately through the app.
2. Wipe the floor with a dry cloth.
3. Reduce the water supply level in the settings.

⚠️ Warning: When cleaning the kitchen, avoid areas near the refrigerator or stove - condensation from temperature drops can damage the robot's electronic components.

6.Care for the wet cleaning system

To extend the life of the mop function, follow these recommendations:

• 🧼 Clean the water tank after each use (especially if you used a detergent).
• 🔧 Rinse the pump once a month - to do this, pour clean water into the tank and turn on the cleaning mode on the pump. 2-3 minute.
• 🧻 Dry the rag after cleaning in a straightened form (not in a lump!).
• 🔋 Keep the robot with an empty tank and a removed cloth if you do not use wet cleaning for longer than 3 days.

A vinegar solution can be used to disinfect the system (1 spoonful 1 (l) water once 2-3 Put it in the tank, turn it on for cleaning. 5 Just a minute, then rinse with clean water, and that will remove the lime plaque and the bacteria.

7. Alternative liquids for wet cleaning

The manufacturer recommends using only water, but many users have successfully used specialized detergents.

• ✅ Allowed: Robot vacuum cleaners (Xiaomi, Roborock), diluted vinegar (1:10), glass washing liquid without alcohol.
• ❌ Prohibited: Bleachers, chlorine products, concentrated acids/alkalis, essential oils.

When using detergent:

1. Dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:20 (unless otherwise indicated on the package).
2. Do not exceed the volume of 150 ml for a 200 ml tank.
3. After cleaning, rinse the system with clean water (pour the water and turn on the mode for 2 minutes).

For aromatization, you can add 1-2 drops of tea tree essential oil (has antibacterial properties), but not more often 1 weekly.

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Using inappropriate detergents will void the warranty on the robot, and if the pump breaks due to aggressive fluids, the service center will refuse repairs.

8.Comparison with other Xiaomi models

Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential is a budget model in the Xiaomi lineup, and its capabilities are limited compared to the flagships.

As you can see, Essential loses in accuracy of navigation and functionality, but wins in price²+), Consider the models with LDS-Navigation – they are better at handling complex routes.

For small apartments (up to 60 m2) Essential will be the best choice when properly set up.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wet cleaning