Modern robot vacuum cleaners are no longer just dry cleaning devices for carpets. Wet cleaning makes it a complete assistant that can keep hard floors clean without you. However, many Xiaomi owners have difficulty activating this mode first, as it requires specific preparation and customization of the software.
The process of launching depends not only on the model of the device, but also on the correct installation of the water container. If you just purchased the Xiaomi Vacuum or decided to use a wet wipe for the first time, it is important to understand that the system will not start washing the floor automatically without changing the main dust container. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions necessary to properly start the function.
It’s worth noting that the robot software is constantly updated and the Mi Home interface can change, but the basic principles of operation remain unchanged for most models, including the S5, S6, S10, S12 series and newer versions.
Preparation of equipment for wet cleaning
Before you activate the wash mode in the application, you need to physically prepare the device, the robot will not be able to distribute water on the floor if there is no liquid reservoir in its system, the standard container for collecting dust must be removed and replaced with a combined module that comes with the device.
The preparation process requires care, as improper installation of components can lead to water leaking into the electronics. First remove the main dust collector by pressing the locks at the top of the housing. Then install the water tank, making sure it snaps to the characteristic sound.
To extend the life of Xiaomi Vacuum, it is recommended to pour filtered or distilled water into the tank.
- 💧 Fill the tank with water to the mark. MAX, below the limit.
- 🧹 Install a microfiber wipe on a plastic platform if it is removable in your model.
- 🔌 Make sure the contacts of the tank and robot are dry before installation.
- 🚫 Do not add aggressive detergents or bleach to the water unless authorized by the instructions.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a robot with a full water tank unattended for a long time (more than 24 hours) if not in use. Water stagnation can cause unpleasant odors and bacteria to multiply inside the system.
After the tank is physically installed, the device usually emits an audible signal or a voice notification that the cleaning mode has changed. Some advanced models may display a drop icon indicating readiness for operation. If there are no indicators, proceed to setup via your smartphone.
Setting up the Mi Home app for floor washing
The main control of the robot functions is through the mobile application Mi Home. This is where you can adjust the intensity of the water supply, which is a critical parameter for different types of flooring. Laminate requires minimal moisture, while ceramic tiles can be washed more intensively.
To access the settings, open the app and select your device card. In the main control menu, you will see the start button. However, to change the settings, you need to click on the settings icon or three dots in the corner of the screen. In the menu that opens, find the section responsible for cleaning.
Depending on the firmware version and model, the interface may differ: In older versions, water adjustment was in general settings, while in newer versions it was displayed on the main control screen, look for a slider with a picture of a drop or the words "Water level".
- 💧 Quiet level: Minimum wetting for delicate surfaces.
- 💧 Medium: optimal mode for daily cleanliness maintenance.
- 💧 Intensive level: maximum water supply for severe pollution.
- 💧 Automatic mode: the robot itself adjusts the feed depending on the speed of movement.
Some Xiaomi models are equipped with electronic water control, which allows you to change the settings even during cleaning. If you have mechanical adjustment (wheel on the tank), changes in the application may not be displayed or not available, in which case you need to physically twist the regulator on the container itself.
⚠️ Warning: Before changing water level settings, make sure the robot is not in the cleaning process to avoid a sharp jump in pressure in the fluid supply system.
Starting a wet cleaning through the application
Once the equipment is ready and the humidity settings are set up, you can start directly. Open the main robot control window in the Mi Home app. If the water tank is installed correctly, the interface can automatically switch to wash mode, or you need to manually select it.
The main screen usually has a large Start or Start button, and pressing it initiates the robot to leave the dock and start working, at which point the device will start building the map (if it is the first run) or immediately proceed to cleaning according to the existing plan.
You can use room selection to clean the floor more precisely, which is especially useful if you only need to wash the floor in the kitchen or in the hallway, leaving the rest of the room dry, select the desired area on the map and press the start button for a particular room.
☑️ Checklist before launch
And while it's working, it's going to be on a trajectory that allows for even distribution of moisture, and unlike dry cleaning, it can be smoother and slower, so that the water can dissolve the contaminants, and you can actually see it in real time through a map in the app.
| Parameter | Dry cleaning | Wet cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Type of container | Dust collector HEPA-filter | A tank of water and pump. |
| Brush | The main turbobrush | Platform with napkin |
| Suction power | High (Silent/Standard/Turbo) | Medium or quiet |
| Energy consumption | High-pitched | Low (mainly pumping) |
What if the robot doesn’t move?
Use of virtual walls and forbidden areas
One of the most useful features in Xiaomi’s ecosystem is the ability to create virtual barriers, which becomes critical when wet cleaning, as the robot does not have to go on long-pile carpets or into areas where shoes and wires are scattered.
In the app, go to map editing mode, and you'll find tools to draw lines and squares, lines that work like virtual walls that the robot can't move through, and squares that represent no-go zones where the device is strictly forbidden to enter.
It is recommended to mark the map of the apartment in advance, highlighting with carpet areas that can not be wet, this will save your carpets from getting wet, and the robot from getting stuck on wet villi. After setting the restrictions, remember to save the changes in the memory of the device.
- 🚧 Virtual Wall: The Insurmountable Boundary for a Robot.
- 🚫 The forbidden zone: the area where the robot will not go even to detour.
- 🧹 Zone cleaning: choosing a specific rectangle for washing.
- 🏠 Room cleaning: start washing only in the selected room.
Setting the zones requires precision. If you draw a line too close to the edge of the carpet, the robot can hit the carpet with a wheel and still wet it. Keep a small gap of 10-15 centimeters for safety. Also, consider that a laser rangefinder may not see transparent glass doors, so virtual walls are mandatory for them.
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Properly adjusting the forbidden areas is the only way to protect carpets and electronics from moisture during autonomous operation of the robot.
Care of water supply system and filters
Regular maintenance is essential to keep the wet cleaning function running efficiently over the years. The main element that needs attention is the microfiber wipe itself, which gets clogged with dust and loses its absorbing properties over time.
After each cleaning, remove the fabric and rinse it in clean water, dry the napkin in straightened form, away from direct sunlight and heating appliances, and use a wet wipe on the next run can cause mold and smell.
Also of concern is the filter in the water tank (if you have one in your model), which protects the pump from large particles of dirt, periodically it must be removed, washed and dried, if the filter is damaged or badly worn, it must be replaced with a new original.
⚠️ Warning: Never wash the plastic water tank itself using hot water or aggressive chemicals, as this can warp the plastic and damage seals, leading to leaks.
Remember to clean the sensors on the bottom of the robot and the contact pads, which can be deposited with limestone plaque from water, which impairs contact and data transmission between the tank and the main unit, wipe them with dry soft cloth after each wash cycle.
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To remove persistent contaminants from the napkin platform, use an old toothbrush to help remove the sticky plaque that accumulates on the plastic over time.
Frequent problems and their solution
Even when properly set up, users can encounter a variety of errors, and one of the most common problems is the message that the water tank is not installed, although it is physically standing still, often due to oxidation of the contacts or moisture entering the connectors.
Another common situation is that the robot is carrying dirt across the floor instead of collecting it, which happens if the wipe is too wet or, on the contrary, it dries and no longer absorbs dirt, and adjusting the water supply and washing the fabric in a timely manner solves this problem.
If the robot has started to leave strips or puddles, check the integrity of the tank. Cracks or a loosely closed lid can cause a volley of water to be released, and it is also worth checking whether the water output is blocked by villi from the new napkin.
- 💧 Tank error: wipe the contacts dry and reinstall the module.
- 💧 Stripes on the floor: replace the napkin with clean or reduce the water supply.
- 💧 Robot tows: perhaps the napkin is too wet or there is a lot of water on the floor.
- 💧 No pump sound: check if the system is suffocated and try to start the water supply manually.
In case of software failures, when the application does not see the tank or does not allow the sink to start, try restarting the robot vacuum cleaner. To do this, press and hold the on and back buttons at the same time for 5-10 seconds (the combination may vary depending on the model).