Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners have proven to be reliable cleaners, but their effectiveness depends on the condition of the cleaning module. The main brush often falls victim to long hair, pet hair and tangled threads, which can lead to reduced suction or even engine failure. Regular maintenance of this unit is critical to the long life of your smart device.
Many users are faced with a situation where the robot begins to make strange sounds or reports an error indicating a problem with the main brush. Ignoring these signals often leads to the bearings being clogged with fine debris and the shaft stops rotating at the required speed. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to properly and safely remove, clean and re-install the cleaning module of various modifications.
The cleaning procedure does not require special technical skills, but requires accuracy and understanding of the design of a particular device. Wrong actions can damage latches or damage soft bristles, so it is important to follow a proven algorithm of actions. Let's look at all the stages of maintenance of your gadget.
Diagnosis of pollution and signs of need for cleaning
The primary turbobrush needs immediate intervention can be determined by several specific signs that are evident during the operation of the robot. The first and most obvious signal is the appearance of a corresponding notification in the Mi Home application or a voice message from the device itself. Usually, the system reports that the main brush has wound hair or foreign objects and blocks rotation.
Visual inspection also provides comprehensive information about the condition of the assembly. If you notice that the robot has started to pick up garbage worse, leaves dust lanes or rushes around the room chaoticly trying to overcome an obstacle, most likely the problem lies in mechanical resistance. The engine shaft experiences overload when the bristles are tightly clogged with clumps of dust and hair, which prevents free rotation.
And you also need to listen to the motor, and the normal hum is replaced by a tense hum or a slurring when the mechanism is resisted, and if you ignore these symptoms, the electronics can perceive the increased current consumption as a malfunction and completely turn off the cleaning module to prevent overheating.
⚠️ Warning: Do not force your hand to turn the brush when power is on, this may cause damage to gear gears or burns the engine windings.
Reacting to the first signs of contamination avoids costly repairs, and regularly checking the condition of the cleaning element should become a habit, especially if there are long-haired animals or people with long hair.
Preparation for maintenance and necessary tools
Before you start cleaning directly, you need to properly prepare the workplace and tools. To perform a quality procedure, you don't need a complex professional tool, you just need a basic set that you can find in every house, the main thing is to provide good lighting and free space for work.
You will need the following items to effectively remove contaminants:
- ✂️ Scissors or a special knife for brushing (often included) – for cutting tightly wound hair.
- 🧹 A small brush with hard bristles - for sweeping fine dust from bearings.
- 🧶 Tweezers – to extract small villi and threads from hard-to-reach places.
- 🧼 Dry rags - for wiping contacts and body.
It is important to make sure that the robot vacuum cleaner is completely turned off or is on the charging base in sleep mode to avoid accidental start of the motor during the procedure.Some models require the battery to be removed if the design allows easy access, but in most cases it is enough just to flip the device.
☑️ Preparation for brush cleaning
Using inappropriate tools such as sharp metal objects can damage soft structural elements.Plastic blades or special knives with a V-neck are the safest choice for working with polymer parts.
Dismantling the main brush: a step-by-step algorithm
The process of removing the cleaning module may vary slightly depending on the specific model of your Xiaomi (Mi Robot Vacuum, Roborock S50/S55, Vacuum Mop, etc.), but the general principle remains the same for most devices in the lineup.
Find a protective cover that covers the main brush. In modern models, it is often equipped with convenient locks that do not require the use of force. Press the latch tongues or move the cover in the direction indicated by the arrows on the body to free access to the shaft.
Once the lid is removed, gently grab one of the ends of the brush (usually there is a comfortable handle or protrusion) and pull it up. The shaft should easily exit the seat. If the brush is sitting tight, sway it slightly from side to side, but do not exert excessive effort to avoid breaking the plastic slip bearings.
In some modifications, such as the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop, the design can include additional locking elements. Carefully inspect the ends of the brush: if you see screws or complex locks, refer to the instructions of a particular model.
Features of the design of different series
Hair removal technique and entangled threads
The most time-consuming part of the process is removing the tightly wound hair that forms a kind of shell around the shaft, and you just can't pull it off with your hands, because it's stuck between the bristles and the central axis, and you have scissors or a knife coming in to help you.
Use the blade to gently cut the fibers along the shaft axis. Do this carefully, making sure you don't damage the soft bristles or scratch the shaft itself. The movements should be longitudinal, center to edge. Once you cut the cocoon, the hair will become softer and can be easily removed.
Pay special attention to the ends of the brush where the bearings are located, and that's where the fine dust and short villi are most often stuffed, which eventually turn into hard lumps, and use tweezers or toothpicks to pick up dirt from the gaps between the rotating part and the static body.
If the brush has a combined structure (bristles and rubber petals), clean each type of surface separately. Rubber elements can be wiped with a wet cloth, but be sure to let them dry before installation. Plastic and bristling parts are better blown with compressed air or thoroughly combed.
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To make it easier to clean in the future, lubricate the brush shaft with a small amount of silicone lubricant (only if permitted by the instructions), this will reduce hair adhesion.
After mechanically removing the main debris, wipe the shaft with dry rags. Make sure there are no sticky stains or wool residues left on the surface that could become the center of the winding again at the next start.
Cleaning of the side brush and additional elements
Although the focus is usually on the central turbobrush, the side brush also requires regular maintenance, and it is responsible for sweeping debris from corners and along walls, so its bristles constantly accumulate hair and dust, ignoring its condition leads to beating and noise.
To clean the side brush, perform the following actions:
- 🔄 Remove the brush by unscrewing the counterclockwise central screw (a cross screwdriver is usually required).
- ✂️ Cut the wound hair at the base of the bristles, trying not to touch the fastener.
- 🧹 Clean the seat on the body of the robot, where the brush is attached, removing the accumulated dust there.
- 🔍 Check the integrity of plastic blades for cracks or chips.
Often, users forget to clean the hole that the pin of the side brush is inserted into, where compressed dirt accumulates, which interferes with free rotation, use a toothpick or a thin spoke to clean this channel.
If the side brush has a deformity or crack, it's better to replace it. The damaged blade will hit the body, creating a lot of noise and potentially damaging the sensors or bumper of the robot. The cost of this consumable is low, and it takes a couple of minutes to replace it.
Comparative table of brush types Xiaomi
Different Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners can come with different types of cleaning elements. Understanding your brush type helps you choose the right care method. Below is a table that helps you identify design features.
| Type of brush | Models. | Features of cleaning | Frequency of service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pile (Brushy) | Mi Robot 1S, Vacuum Mop | Requires cutting hair, it is difficult to clean | Every 1-2 weeks |
| Rubber (Lepestoral) | Roborock S5 Max, S6, S7 | Hair does not get stuck, it is easy to remove. | Once a month |
| Combined | Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro | You need to clean both types of surfaces. | Once every 2 weeks |
| V-shaped rubber | Roborock S7 MaxV | A special knife in the kit is mandatory | Once a month |
Rubber brushes are considered more modern and convenient to maintain, since the hair is almost not wound on a smooth surface, but slips off or easily removed with a single movement.
When choosing replacement consumables, pay attention to compatibility. Installing a brush from another model can cause sensors to malfunction or damage to the gearbox motor due to varying rotational resistance.
Assembly and verification of system performance
After thoroughly cleaning all the elements, you can start the assembly. Make sure that the main brush shaft and seats are completely dry and free of debris. Insert the brush into the slots, observing the orientation (usually the colored caps on the ends correspond to the color markings on the body, or simply insert before clicking).
Set the cover and lock it with latches, it should close easily, without undue effort, if the cover does not close, check if the brush is correctly installed, it may not be fully inserted or skewed.
Turn on the robot vacuum cleaner and start a short cleaning. Listen to the engine: the sound should be smooth, without creaking, cracking or interruptions. If the device reports an error, try to remove and reset the brush, making sure the contact density.
⚠️ Warning: If the "Major brush" error persists after cleaning, check if the hair remains on the motor axis inside the body where the brush is missing.
Regular maintenance extends the life of your Xiaomi and ensures perfect cleanliness in the home. Don’t forget to also clean the HEPA filter and sensors to keep the smart assistant running smoothly.
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Proper installation of the brush is characterized by a slight click when fixing and free rotation of the shaft with the hand when the power is turned off.