How to make wet cleaning with Xiaomi vacuum cleaner: the complete guide

Modern robot vacuum cleaners from Xiaomi and the Mijia ecosystem are able not only to collect dry dust, but also to perform full wet cleaning, which significantly improves the efficiency of cleaning, removing dried contaminants and refreshing the surface, which is especially important for pet owners and families with children.

However, to get the perfect result without stains and puddles, you need to properly prepare the device, choose the appropriate mode in the application and know the features of the cleaning system maintenance. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate and adjust wet cleaning, as well as how to avoid typical errors that can damage the equipment.

Preparation of the device for wet cleaning

Before starting the process, it’s important to make sure your Xiaomi Robot Vacuum is equipped with the appropriate module.In basic trim levels, it often only comes with a dry dust container, so the first step is to replace the tank with a combined one or install a separate water module if the model suggests it.

Remove the main dust container by gently detaching it from the robot body, install a wet-cleaning tank in its place, make sure it is fixed before the click and fits tightly to the body, as a loose landing can disrupt the water level sensors.

  • πŸ’§ Check the integrity of the tank and the absence of cracks on the plastic case.
  • 🧹 Install a microfiber wipe on the holder, making sure it fits tightly.
  • πŸ”Œ Make sure that the charging contacts on the robot and docking station are dry before installing the tank.

⚠️ Warning: Never use aggressive chemicals, chlorine or soapy water.This can damage internal pumps and lead to foaming that will disable electronics.

After installing the module, wipe the bottom of the robot with a dry cloth to remove any dust that may have gotten there during dry cleaning, which will prevent dirt from being smeared on the floor during wet cleaning.

Setting up parameters in the Mi Home app

The cleaning process is managed via the Mi Home or Xiaomi Home mobile app. After connecting the robot to Wi-Fi and adding it to the system, go to the main screen of the device, where you need to select the mode of operation, switching the device from dry cleaning to wet or combined.

In the application interface, find the water level settings. There are usually three or four gradations available: minimum, medium, high and intelligent. For carpets, it is better to turn off the water supply completely or set to a minimum to avoid wetting the pile.

πŸ“Š What type of floor is in your home?
Laminate/Parket
Tile/Stone
linoleum/vinyl
Combined (carpets + hard floor)

If your model supports Smart Mopping, turn it on, and in this mode, the robot automatically detects the type of surface and adjusts the water supply, which is especially useful for mixed-floor apartments.

  • πŸ“± Open the Mi Home app and select your vacuum cleaner.
  • πŸ’¦ Click on the water setting icon and select the desired intensity.
  • πŸ—ΊοΈ Build a room map, if not already created, for accurate navigation.

It is also important to check if the device software is updated. Newer firmware versions often include improvements to route algorithms and water flow optimization. Go to Settings β†’ About Device β†’ Check for updates.

Filling the tank and installing a napkin

Cleaning quality depends on proper preparation of supplies, using only clean tap water or filtered water, and hard water can lead to rapid scale formation inside thin tubes of the supply system, which will require complex cleaning of the system in the future.

Open the tank lid and pour water to the MAX mark. Do not overflow water above this mark, as when the robot moves, it can spill out into the housing. Once filled, close the valve tightly to prevent leaks.

πŸ’‘

Use distilled water if you have very hard water – this will prolong the life of the pump and nozzles of the robot by 2-3 times.

Now, we're going to do a napkin. Microfiber fabric should be clean and slightly wet before installation. Dry napkins in the first few seconds of operation will just smear the dust, not collect it, soak it in water, squeeze it carefully with your hands and attach it to the plastic holder with Velcro.

  • 🧽 Use only special wipes for robot vacuum cleaners or a high-quality analogue of microfiber.
  • πŸ’§ The napkin should be wet, but water should not drip from it when compressed.
  • πŸ”„ Change or wash the napkin after each 2-3 clean-up.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use paper towels or regular rags – they may get stuck in the mechanism or leave a pile that will contaminate the filters.

Starting cleaning and choosing the mode of operation

You can start the device after preparation. On the app's home screen, select Wet Clean Only or Sweeping and Washing if you want to combine the processes. Remember that with water in the tank, the turbo suction mode may work less efficiently due to the design features of the combined tanks.

For the first run, you should select a square cleaning or zigzag mode so that the robot walks through the entire area evenly. If the route-building function is available in the application, follow the first minutes of the device to make sure that there are no navigation errors.

β˜‘οΈ Pre-launch checks

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If there are areas in the house that can not be wet (for example, a carpet by the sofa), use the function of virtual walls or forbidden areas. in the application draw a rectangle around the carpet, and the robot will bypass this area when the wash mode is turned on.

What to do if the robot is stuck?
If the robot stops and reports an error, check if it runs into a wire, threshold, or chair leg, and then release it carefully and start it again, and if the error repeats in one place, install a virtual wall.

The running time in wet cleaning mode is usually shorter than in dry cleaning, as the pump consumes additional energy.The average running time is about 60-90 minutes depending on the model and the intensity chosen.

System maintenance after use

Proper maintenance after cleaning is key to the long-term service of your Xiaomi Vacuum. The remaining water in the tank can bloom or leave an unpleasant odor, so it must be drained immediately after the cycle is completed.

Rinse the tank with clean water and let it dry disassembled. Remove the napkin, wash it in warm water without air conditioning (it reduces absorbent properties), and dry. The humid environment inside the closed tank is the perfect place for bacteria to grow.

ComponentAction.Frequency
Water tankWashing and dryingAfter every cleaning.
Microfiber napkinLaundry without air conditioningAfter 1-2 cleanings
HEPA filterReplacement (no washing!)Every 3-6 months
Sex sensors.Dry-washingOnce a week.

Pay attention to the filter. HEPA. If you've been cleaning wet, make sure there's no trace of moisture on the filter, the wet filter clogs instantly and can burn the engine, and if the filter gets wet, it needs to be replaced immediately with a new one.

πŸ’‘

The main enemy of the robot's electronics is moisture. Always remove the water tank after cleaning and store it separately.

Common mistakes and ways to solve them

Users often face a situation where the floor remains wet or, conversely, dry. If the robot leaves puddles, check the intensity of the water supply in the application - perhaps the maximum mode for the laminate, which absorbs water slower than the tile, and the problem may be a worn napkin that has stopped evenly distributing moisture.

If too little water is being supplied, check to see if the outlet holes in the tank are clogged. Sometimes there will be scaling or pile, clean them with a soft brush or toothpick, and also make sure that the napkin fits tightly to the floor β€” if the holder is skewed, there will be no contact with the surface.

  • 🚫 Mistake: Using flavors in water - leads to clogged nozzles.
  • 🚫 Mistake: Washing a wipe with air conditioning - reduces absorbability and slippage.
  • 🚫 Error: Running a wash on carpets without virtual walls - the risk of damage to the coating.

⚠️ Warning: If the robot makes a strange sound when the pump is running, stop cleaning immediately, which may indicate air entering the system or a malfunction of the pump.

Check the condition of the wheels and brushes regularly. Pile and hair wound on the axle can make it difficult to move, which will make the robot stay in one place longer, creating excessive moisture at one point.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I add detergent to the Xiaomi robot tank?
It is strongly recommended not to add conventional detergents, as they form foam that can get into electronics. Use only special liquids for robotic vacuum cleaners that do not form foam, and then only if this is allowed by the instructions for your particular model.
How often should I change a napkin for wet cleaning?
A microfiber wipe should be washed after every 1-2 cleanings, a complete replacement is required approximately every 2-3 months, depending on the intensity of use and the condition of the pile. If the fabric is thinned or lost pile, the efficiency of cleaning decreases.
Why does a robot vacuum cleaner not suck water when it spills?
Xiaomi's robot vacuum cleaners are not designed to collect spilled liquids (puddles); their wet cleaning system works by wiping, not suctioning, and trying to suck water can short-circuit the engine.
What to do if the application does not have a water level setting?
The lack of water level setting in the app means that your model uses a mechanical feed regulator or does not support electronic pump control. In such cases, the level is adjusted by a switch on the water tank itself (if any) or is fixed.
Can you start a wet cleaning if there is a dust container in the robot?
No, it's not structurally possible. The dry-cleaning container and the wet-cleaning module share the same space in the case. To move to the sink, you need to physically replace the module.