Modern robot vacuum cleaners have long ceased to be just toys for collecting dust, becoming full-fledged assistants to maintain cleanliness in the house. Many owners of Xiaomi Vacuum devices often wonder how to activate and adjust the wet cleaning function to avoid damaging the flooring and get the perfect result. This process does not require complex engineering knowledge, but has its own important nuances, ignoring which can lead to divorces or even breakages of the device.
Unlike dry cleaning, water requires special equipment preparation and the right choice of supplies. If you just purchased a washing module or decided to finally understand the functionality of your model, this article will be your detailed guide. We will look at all the steps from installing the tank to fine-tuning the water supply through the application.
Compatibility check and equipment preparation
The first and most critical step is to believe that your particular robot vacuum cleaner model supports wet cleaning. Not all Xiaomi Vacuum devices have a built-in liquid tank, and trying to just pour water on the floor can short-circuit the electronics. Visually inspect the bottom of the device: if there is no tank or removable platform bay, you will need to purchase an additional module or specialized nozzle if it is provided by the manufacturer for your version.
To do a full job, you'll need not only the robot itself, but also components that often come in the base box or are bought separately. The key element is an electronic water tank that has a pump for metered liquids. You also need a special microfiber wipe that attaches to this tank. Normal rags here will not work, because it can get too much water and leave puddles.
⚠️ Warning: Never use aggressive chemicals, chlorine-containing products or thick detergents in the robot tank, which will clog the micropump and corrosion of the internal water supply system.
Before you start using, make sure that all contacts on the tank and the robot itself are dry and clean. Even minimal moisture on the charging contacts can cause sensor error. Wipe all surfaces with dry cloth and then start assembling the floorwashing module.
Installation of a water tank and fastening of a napkin
The process of installing a wet cleaning module requires precision and consistency. First, you need to remove a standard dry garbage container, if it is installed in the device. In its place, you install a combined 2-in-1 tank or a separate water tank, depending on the design of your Xiaomi model. It is important to wait for the characteristic click that signals the correct connection of electrical contacts.
The next step is to prepare the cloth. The microfiber cloth must be pre-soaked in clean water and squeezed carefully by hand. It must be wet, but it must not leak water when compressed lightly. A dry cloth will not collect dust efficiently, and too wet will create excessive pressure on the floor and can damage sensitive elements of parquet or laminate.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
The napkin is fastened using Velcros or special clamps on the bottom platform of the tank. Make sure the fabric is stretched evenly and does not form folds that can interfere with the rotation of the side brush or get stuck in the wheelbase. If the napkin is knocked to the side, the robot may start towing or incorrectly identify obstacles.
Setting up water supply levels in the application
Modern models of Xiaomi Robot Vacuum allow you to flexibly manage the volume of water supplied through the mobile application Mi Home or Xiaomi Home. This is a critical feature, since different types of flooring require different amounts of moisture.
There are usually three main modes available: low, medium and high. Low is suitable for slightly contaminated floors or sensitive surfaces where minimal humidity is important. Medium mode is universal for daily cleaning in living rooms. High level is designed for kitchens or high traffic areas where active soaking of contaminants is required.
| Regime. | Water consumption | Type of coating | Pollution level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Low) | Minimum | parquet, laminate | Light dust |
| Medium (Medium) | Moderate. | Linoleum, tiles | Daily cleaning |
| Tall (High) | Maximum | Stone, pottery | Strong spots. |
| Individual | Customizable | Anybody | Mixed |
Remember, once you've cleaned it, or if you've got the robot back on the base to recharge it, the water supply automatically stops, and it's a protective feature that prevents puddles from forming under the device during downtime, but you don't have to rely on automation alone, it's always better to control the process, especially when you use it for the first time.
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Use distilled or filtered water to extend the life of the pump and prevent lime plaque from forming on the inner walls of the tank.
Starting cleaning and monitoring the process
Once all are complete, you can run the Xiaomi Vacuum. It is recommended for the first time not to leave the device unattended to check the correct movement and no leaks. Run cleaning through the button on the case or through the application and follow the first minutes of operation.
The robot will start to move according to a given algorithm, usually starting with a map or following the perimeter of a room. In wet cleaning mode, the trajectory may differ from dry: the device moves more smoothly, without sharp jerks, to ensure that moisture is evenly distributed. If you notice that the robot leaves behind traces of water or, conversely, drives on a dry one, you need to adjust the settings in the application.
It's important to monitor the battery. Wet cleaning can consume more energy than dry cleaning because of the pump and the resistance of the wet cloth. If the charge drops below 20%, the robot will try to return to base. Make sure the path to the charger is clear, otherwise the wet wipe can stain the carpets along the way.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting, be sure to remove wires, socks and other small objects from the floor that can get wet and entangled in the robot brushes, which will cause the engine to stop.
Features of cleaning different types of coatings
The efficiency and safety of wet cleaning depends on the type of flooring in your home. Xiaomi Vacuum is smart enough to adapt, but some limitations still exist. For tile and porcelain porcelain, you can use the maximum water supply level, as these materials are resistant to moisture and dry quickly.
With laminate and parquet, you need to be extremely careful. Prolonged contact with water can cause the particle board to swell. In such cases, it is recommended to use a minimum level of humidity and special wipes made of a thinner material.
Can carpets be washed?
If you have a combined coating in your apartment, like kitchen tile and living room laminate, modern models allow you to create virtual walls or forbidden areas in the app. You can set the robot up so that it only provides water in certain rooms, and in others it works dry or bypasses them.
Completion and maintenance of the system
The correct completion of the cleaning cycle is the key to the long service of your device. Once the robot has finished work and returned to base, do not leave a wet wipe on the tank. The humid environment is the perfect place for bacteria to multiply and produce an unpleasant musty smell, which is difficult to get rid of later.
Remove the microfiber cloth, rinse it in clean water and dry it. The tank itself also requires attention: if there is water left in it, it must be drained. Do not store the device with water inside the tank, as this can lead to acidification of the pump valves. Wipe the outer surfaces of the tank and the bottom of the robot with dry cloth.
Once a week, a deeper cleaning is recommended, so you can wash the tank with warm water (without detergents) and let it dry completely before the next installation, and check the status of contacts: oxidation can cause the robot to stop seeing the water tank and not turn on the feed mode.
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Regular drying and washing of the tank after each wet cleaning prevents the appearance of mold and ensures the stable operation of the pump throughout its life.
Timely replacement of consumables also plays a role. Microfiber wipes lose their absorbency over time and wear off. If you notice that the robot has started leaving stripes or collecting dust worse, it may be time to replace the cloth with a new original or quality compatible model.
Frequently encountered problems and their solution
Even when properly operated, users can face some common problems, one of the most common is that the robot reports that there is no water tank, even though it is installed, in which case you need to check if the tank is tight and wipe the contacts with a dry wipe or an alcohol wipe, sometimes a simple reboot of the device helps.
Another common issue is uneven wetting. If one part of the floor is wet and the other is dry, check if the napkin fits evenly. Also, the problem may be clogging the outlet of the tank. Clean it carefully with a soft brush or blow it out, but do not use sharp objects that can damage the membrane.
⚠️ Note: If the robot makes strange sounds when the pump is running or stopped supplying water even with full settings, do not try to disassemble the pump yourself - this can violate the tightness of the system.
In case of software failures, when the application does not see the device or settings are not saved, try to remove the robot from the list of devices in the application and add it again. Also make sure that the device firmware is updated to the latest version, as manufacturers often release patches that improve navigation and water management algorithms.