Smart tech owners know that even the most advanced gadget requires regular maintenance. Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum and its modifications, such as the Mijia Vacuum-Mop, are famous for their autonomy, but their efficiency inevitably declines over time. This is due to the banal accumulation of dust, wool and debris in critical parts of the device. If you notice that the machine has become worse at sucking dust, started making noise or often stopped with an error, then it is time for maintenance.
Regular cleaning is not just a matter of hygiene, but also a way to extend the life of an expensive device. A clogged HEPA filter puts excessive pressure on the engine, and a wound hair on a brush can disable the gearbox. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step process of cleaning all components so that your assistant works like new again.
It is important to understand that different models may have design features. For example, in the version of Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro+, the filtering system may differ from the classic Mi Robot Vacuum 1S. However, the basic principles of care remain the same for the entire ecosystem. Before starting work, make sure that the device is turned off and on a flat surface.
⚠️ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to wash the main part of the case with water or wipe it with a wet cloth in the area of electronic boards.
Preparation for cleaning and safety measures
Before you start dismantling and cleaning, you need to properly prepare the workplace. You need a dry, well-lit surface, such as a table. Prepare tools in advance: dry soft fabric, soft brush (you can use a paint or new toothbrush), scissors with thin blades and possibly tweezers to extract fine debris.
First, turn the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner upside down. Make sure the device is turned off. If the model allows, remove the battery, although in most modern versions this is not necessary, unless you simply plug it into charging during maintenance.
For the convenience of further work, it is recommended to temporarily block the drop sensors if you plan to turn the device on weight, but in normal cleaning this is not necessary. The main rule of safety is not to use aggressive chemical solvents, alcohol or abrasive materials to wipe plastic parts and sensors.
☑️ Preparation for maintenance
Cleaning of the main brush and side brooms
The centerpiece of the cleaning system is the main turbobrush, which knocks dust out of the carpet pile and sends debris into the dust collector, and over time, animal hair, thread and hair are wound onto the surface, which creates resistance and reduces suction efficiency. To remove the brush in Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum models, you usually need to press the locks on the sides of the casing or unscrew the screws, depending on the modification.
Once the roller is removed, carefully examine its ends. Often that's where most of the dirt accumulates. Use scissors to gently cut the wound fibers along the axis of the brush without damaging the bristles. Then remove the cut parts manually or with tweezers. Wipe the roller with a dry cloth.
Don't forget the side blizzards. They're usually attached to a screw or a latch. Take them off and remove the stuck debris. If the bristles are worn out, have lost shape or become too soft, it makes sense to replace the consumables with new original kits.
- 🧶 Cut the hair from the ends of the main brush regularly to avoid overloading the engine.
- 🌀 Check the bearings at the ends of the brush – they should rotate freely, without creaking.
- 🧹 Side blizzards can be washed with water, but before installation they must be completely dried.
How often do I change my brush?
Maintenance of filtration system and dust collector
At the heart of the air purification system is the HEPA filter. In Xiaomi robots, it's responsible for keeping the smallest particles of dust, allergens and bacteria. If the filter is clogged, the airflow is blocked, the suction power drops, and the engine starts to work with overload. Remove the dust collector from the robot body.
Empty the garbage container over the bucket. Don't try to knock dust out of the filter by hitting it on the table -- it can damage the fine structure of the fibers. The best way to clean up is to gently tap the container on the side of the trash can so that the dust will escape by itself. Then use a dry brush to remove the dust residue from the filter surface.
It is strictly forbidden to wash. HEPA-water filter, unless your specific model is instructed to do the opposite (some Mijia models allow flushing, but the classic Xiaomi Vacuum does not). The wet filter will swell and stop letting air, and can also become a source of mold. Change the filter every time. 2-4 month depending on the dustiness of the room.
| Component | Frequency of cleaning | Cleaning method | Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dust collector | After every cleaning. | Devastation, wiping. | As the damage progresses |
| HEPA-filter | 1-2 times a week | Dry brushing | Every 2-4 months |
| Sensors. | Once a month | Dry-washing | Not required |
| Wheels. | Once a month | Tweezers hair removal | By wear and tear. |
Sensors and sensors: navigation
Xiaomi's robot vacuum cleaners use a sophisticated system of sensors to navigate and prevent falls. The bottom panel and the body have infrared sensors. If they get polluted by dust or are coated with wool, the robot will start to get lost in space, fight against furniture or, worse, fall down stairs.
Pay special attention to the drop sensor (usually located in the front lower part) and the collision sensor (bumper), wipe their windows with soft, dry, lilaless fabric. Do not use wet wipes, as liquid can leak under the plastic and leave slices that will distort the signal.
Also check the laser rangefinder (LDS) if you have one in your model (located as a "turret" on top). Carefully wipe the transparent window of the laser module. Any dust on the lens can lead to an incorrect map of the room.
⚠️ Warning: When wiping sensors, don't press hard.Mechanical damage to an infrared diode or lens will result in expensive repairs.
Cleaning of wheels and hard-to-reach places
The robot's chassis is in constant contact with the floor, so the wheels are a magnet for hair and dust. The hair that is wound on the wheel axis creates resistance, which can make the robot worse at breaking through rapids or making a characteristic crackling sound. Remove the side covers of the wheels (if the design allows) or simply carefully clean the space around the axis.
Use tweezers or hooks to extract hair from the depths of the mechanism. After removing the debris, check if the wheel is rotating freely. It should swivel with little force (spring), but should not jam. Also, check the rear rotary wheel - it often gets clogged with dirt and stops spinning, starting just to slide on the floor.
Remember to clean the ducts inside the case where the dust collector is inserted. There are often ducts of dust that can interfere with normal air circulation. Use a long brush or compressed air (an optics cleaning cylinder) to blow out the contaminants.
- 🛞 Check the axle of each wheel for wound threads.
- 🔄 The rear wheel should be easily removed for cleaning (pull up with effort).
- 💨 Purging internal channels with compressed air significantly improves traction.
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If the wheel is removed, drop one drop of silicone lubricant (not WD-40!) on the axle for silent operation, but only if the mechanism begins to creak.
Care for contacts and charging station
The charging station is not just a stand, it's an important infrastructure element. The metal contacts on the robot itself and on the docking station become oxidized or covered with dust over time, which leads to poor contact, which can cause the robot to not charge or permanently lose contact with the base.
Wipe the contacts on the bottom of the robot and on the base with dry cloth. If you notice traces of oxidation (dark plaque), you can carefully use an eraser or cotton swab slightly soaked in alcohol, but only on metal, avoiding liquid on the plastic. After this treatment, be sure to let the contacts dry.
Also, wipe the base and the space around it. The sensors on the base (if any) should be clean, too. Make sure there is free space around the station (at least 0.5 meters on the sides and 1.5 meters in the front) so that the robot can dock seamlessly.
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Clean contacts of the charging station – guarantee that the robot will always be ready for the next cleaning and will not go discharged into the far corner of the room.
Completion of services and verification
Once all components are cleaned, assemble the robot vacuum cleaner in reverse order, make sure all lids are tightly latched, and the filters and brushes are in place without skewing, turn on the device and start a short cleaning in Quiet or Standard mode to listen to the engine.
If the noise level is gone, and the robot is driving in a straight line and is driving around obstacles correctly, then the service has been successful. Remember to reset the filter counter in the Mi Home app if you've replaced the consumables so that reminders come on time.
Regular maintenance of Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum takes no more than 15-20 minutes a week, but can extend the life of the device for several years. Clean robot cleans better, works quieter and less requires repair. Make it a habit, and your smart assistant will please you clean for many years.