How to install a cloth on a robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi Mi: instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi Mi vacuum cleaners have long been indispensable cleaning assistants, but their effectiveness depends largely on the correct use of accessories. One of the most common problems users have is the improper installation of a wet cloth (napkins) on the base station or directly on the body of the device. This leads to poor cleaning, floor divorces or even breakage of the water supply mechanism. In this article, we will examine all the nuances of installing a cloth on popular models Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 and others, and also explain how to avoid typical mistakes.

It is important to understand that the process may differ depending on the modification of the vacuum cleaner and the type of cloth used (original or third-party). For example, in models with automatic rag washing (for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro), the installation algorithm will be more complex than in the basic versions. We will consider both options, and will give recommendations for the selection of materials and care of accessories.

What rags are suitable for the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi Mi

Before you install a cloth, you need to make sure it is compatible with your model.The original wipes from Xiaomi are usually bundled or sold separately, but many users prefer to use alternative options.

• 🔹 Material: optimally microfiber or cotton with high hygroscopicity. Avoid coarse fabrics that may damage the floor covering or vacuum cleaner mechanism.
• 🔹 Size: The cloth must match exactly the washing area (usually 20×20 centimetre 25×25 Too big a wipe will crumple, and a small one will not provide quality cleaning.
• 🔹 Thickness: ideal thickness – 3-5 mm. Too thin cloths wear out quickly, and thick ones can block the water supply.
• 🔹 Fixing: original wipes have Velcros or rubber clamps. Alternatives must be securely attached to the site.

For models with automatic washing (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) it is strongly recommended not to use rags without special coating, as they can clog the filters of the system.

Critical point: rags with metal threads or abrasive particles can damage the vacuum sensors and lead to Sensor Fault error.If you use non-original accessories, pre-check them on a small area of the floor.

Preparation of a robot vacuum cleaner for the installation of a cloth

Before you can fix the napkin, you need to prepare the device, and this is a phase that's often missed, which leads to problems during cleaning.

1. Turn off the vacuum cleaner and disconnect it from the base station (if any) this will prevent accidental start-up during installation.
2. Clear the rag area of dust and debris. Use a dry napkin or brush.
3. Check the water level in the tank (if your model supports wet cleaning).
4. Make sure the sensors are clean. Contaminated sensors can cause errors in operation.

Pay special attention to the water supply mechanism (if any). In Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 and later, there is a special valve that can clog due to poor quality water. If you use tap water, it is recommended to add 1-2 drops of glass washing agent to 500 ml of water, this will prevent plaque formation.

⚠️ Warning: Never use aggressive detergents (such as Domestos or Whiteness) that can damage rubber seals and plastic vacuum cleaners.

Turn off the vacuum cleaner from the network|Clear the rag site|Check the water level in the tank|Make sure the sensors are clean.|Check the water supply mechanism (for models with car wash)-->

Step-by-step: how to install a cloth on Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum

The installation process depends on the vacuum cleaner model. Below is a general-purpose instruction that is suitable for most Xiaomi Mi devices with wet cleaning function. If you have a model with automatic rag washing (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro), skip steps 3-4 and follow the separate instructions in the next section.

Step 1. Remove the old cloth (if any)

Carefully pull the napkin over the edge to untie it from Velcro or fixers. If the cloth sticks to the site (this happens after prolonged use), moisten it with warm water and wait 1-2 minutes.

Step 2. Prepare a new cloth

If you use the original Xiaomi wipe, no additional preparation is required.

• 🧼 Wash it in warm water without powder (to remove factory impregnation).
• 💧 Easy to squeeze – it should be wet, but not wet.
• ✂️ Cut off the extra threads if you have them.

Step 3. Put the rag on the set

Place the napkin on the washing area so that it completely covers the surface.

• 🔸 The edges of the rags do not extend beyond the site.
• 🔸 The squirrels (if any) are securely fixed.
• 🔸 No folds – they can interfere with the even distribution of water.

Step 4. Secure the rag.

Most Xiaomi Mi models use a rubber strap or clamping system. Strip the straps through the holes in the cloth and fasten them on the back of the court. If you have a model without a car wash (such as the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Essential), additionally check that the cloth does not block the proximity sensors.

Step 5. Check the installation

Turn on the vacuum cleaner and run a test cleaning in a small area. If the cloth shifts or leaves a swell, repeat the installation.

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If the cloth is always slipping, try using double-sided tape to fix the edges, but don't stick it on the sensors!

Features of installing a rag on a model with a car wash (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro and later)

In vacuum cleaners with automatic washing of a rag, the installation process is more complicated, since the napkin must properly interact with the water supply and pressing mechanism.

1. Use only original rags

Third-party wipes may not fit in thickness or material, leading to a Mop Lift Failure error.The original rags for the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro have a special coating that does not clog filters.

Installation at the base station

In car wash models, the rag is not attached to the vacuum cleaner, but to the base station.

1. Open the station lid and remove the old rag.
2. Wash the wash area under running water (paying attention to drain holes).
3. Install a new cloth so that the label FRONT was directed to the front of the station.
4. Secure the napkin with the help of fixers (usually plastic clamps).

3. Water level adjustment

In the Mi Home app, check the Water Volume setting. For laminate and tiles, set Middle, for parquet, Low. Too high water levels can lead to leaks.

⚠️ Warning: If the vacuum cleaner produces a Mop Installation Error after installing the cloth, check if the cloth blocks infrared sensors at the station. Often the problem is solved by reinstalling the cloth with the correct tag location. FRONT.

Frequent mistakes when installing a cloth and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that reduce the efficiency of cleaning or lead to breakdowns, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

• 🚫 The rag slips during cleaning Reason: improper fixation or wear of Velcros. Solution: Use original mounts or double-sided scotch (not on sensors!).
• 🚫 Divorces on the floor after cleaning The reason: too wet cloth or poor-quality material. Solution: reduce the amount of water in the settings or replace the napkin with microfiber.
• 🚫 Vacuum cleaner doesn't wash floors The reason is: clogged water supply holes or cloth blocks sensors Solution: clean the water supply mechanism with a toothpick and reinstall the cloth.
• 🚫 Mop Lift Failure Error Reason: The rag is too thick or incorrectly installed Solution: Use only the original wipes and check their attachment.

Another common problem is that the cloth gets dirty quickly, and if the cloth turns black after one cleaning, it can mean:

• 🧹 Too dirty floor (pre-dry cleaning is required).
• 💦 Insufficient water (check settings in Mi Home).
• 🧼 Lack of detergent (for models with car wash).

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If the vacuum cleaner has started to leave stripes or is not washing corners well, check the condition of the cloth and the water supply mechanism. 80% of the time the problem is solved by replacing a napkin or cleaning the filters.

Caring for a cloth: how to extend its service life

Even the best cloth will not last long if it is not properly cared for.

1. Proper washing

Wash your napkin after each warm water cleaning (30–40)°C) no aggressive detergents. For original Xiaomi rags, you can use liquid soap for delicate fabrics:

• 🧺 Bleach powders.
• 🧼 Laundry air conditioners (they clog the pores of fabric).
• 🔥 Hot water (can deform microfiber).

2. Drying

Do not dry the cloth on the battery or in direct sunlight - this leads to shrinkage of the material.

• 🌬️ Place it on a horizontal surface in a ventilated room.
• 🕒 Allow it to dry completely before the next cleaning (usually 4-6 hours).

3. Storage

Store the wipes in a dry place, away from the dust. If the cloth begins to smell unpleasant, soak it for 30 minutes in a solution of vinegar (1 tbsp. per 1 liter of water).

4. Replacement

Xiaomi’s original rags last 4-6 months with proper care. Third-party wipes wear out faster — they need to be changed every 2-3 months.

• 🔸 It's hard and it doesn't absorb water.
• 🔸 After the wash, there are divorces.
• 🔸 There were holes or seams opened.

Alternative ways to fasten the cloth (if there are no original accessories)

If you don't have the original rag or mounts, you can use the tools at hand. Here are some proven ways:

1. Rubber straps

You can use regular stationery bands or bank card straps, and you can cross-stretch them over the rag, lock the edges, and the downside is that the bands can stretch over time.

2. Double-sided scotch

Put a tape bar on the corners of the washing area and press the rag.

• 🔹 Use Scotch not more than 1 cm wide.
• 🔹 Do not stick it on sensors or moving parts.
• 🔹 Change the scotch every 2-3 cleanings (it loses its stickiness).

3. Velcro (Velcro)

Buy self-adhesive Velcros from the fabric store and attach them to the washing area, which is more reliable than tape, but requires careful installation.

Magnetic anchorages

For models with a metal pad, you can use small magnets (for example, from an old bag), attach them to the corners of the cloth, they will hold it during cleaning.

⚠️ Note: When using alternative fasteners, make sure they don't interfere with sensors or block water supply. For example, if the magnets are too strong, they can attract metal parts of the vacuum cleaner and cause errors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing a rag on Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum