Wet cleaning on Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential: how to turn on and configure the mode

Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential is a low-cost but functional solution for automatic house cleaning. One of the key features of the model is support for wet cleaning, which allows not only collecting dust, but also cleaning floors with a special nozzle. However, many users face difficulties when first turning on this mode: where to find settings, how to attach a napkin, and why the robot sometimes refuses to wash the floor.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate wet cleaning – through the Mi Home app, using physical buttons on the case, as well as the nuances of adjusting the water intensity and compatibility of accessories, pay special attention to typical errors that may cause the mode to fail, and give recommendations for optimal use of the function for different types of coatings.

Preparing the robot for wet cleaning: what to check before turning on the mode

Before you activate wet cleaning, make sure your Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential is ready for this. skipping even one of the items can cause the robot to either not start washing the floor or do it inefficiently.

• 🔋 Battery charge: level must be at least 20%. When low, the robot will automatically turn off the water supply to save energy for returning to base.
• 💧 Water Capacity: Check that the tank is filled with only clean water or a special cleaning agent for robot vacuum cleaners (common household chemicals can damage the system).
• 🧹 Mope nozzle: Make sure it is properly installed on the bottom panel of the robot and fixed before clicking.
• 📱 Mi Home Connection: The robot must be synced with the app, otherwise some wet cleaning settings will not be available.

Also pay attention to the type of coating. Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential is not recommended for wet cleaning on high-pile carpets, flooring without protective coating or laminate with open joints. For such surfaces, it is better to limit yourself to dry cleaning or reduce the intensity of water supply to a minimum.

⚠️ Warning: If you use detergent, dilute it strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Excess concentration can lead to foam formation that clogs the water supply tubes.

Make sure the robot is charged (>20%)|

Fill the tank with water (not above the maximum mark)|

Set the mope nozzle before clicking|

Check the compatibility of the coating (no carpets / parquet)|

Update the robot firmware in Mi Home (if available)-->

Method 1: Enabling wet cleaning through the Mi Home app

The most convenient and functional way to activate the mode is through the official Mi Home app, which allows you not only to turn on cleaning, but also to adjust the intensity of the water supply, select areas for washing and save templates.

Step instructions:

1. Open the Mi Home app and select your Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential robot vacuum cleaner.
2. On the main screen of the device, click the Clean button (or Clean in English).
3. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a panel with settings. Slap the icon Wet Cleaning (water drop icon).
4. Select the intensity level: 🌊 Weak - for delicate coatings (laminate, tiles with gloss). 💦 Medium – universal regime for most sexes. 🌊🌊 Strong - for persistent contaminants (only for water-resistant coatings!).

Start.

Start

If the wet cleaning button is inactive, check:

• 🔄 Is the robot firmware updated (go to Settings) → Update of the PO).
• 💡 Is a mope nozzle installed (the robot determines its presence through a sensor).
• 🚫 Are there any restrictions on the cleaning area (in the card settings there may be areas prohibited for washing).

💡

If the Mi Home doesn't have a "Wet Clean" button, try resetting the robot to factory settings: press the power button for 10 seconds. Once you reconnect, the function should appear.

Method 2: Activate the mode from physical buttons on the robot

If you don't have access to the Mi Home app (like internet or smartphone issues), wet cleaning can be enabled directly on the robot body, but it's less flexible: you can't adjust the water intensity or select areas to wash.

How to do this:

1. Make sure the robot is off (press and hold the power button for 3 seconds).
2. Install a mope nozzle and pour water into the tank.
3. Press the Mop button on the top panel of the robot, and it's going to light up in blue.
4. Then press the Start (or Clean) button to start cleaning.

Please note:

• 🔹 When activated from the buttons, the robot will use the average water supply level by default.
• 🔹 If the Mop button does not respond, check if the nozzle is installed correctly (the robot blocks the function, unless it detects it).
• 🔹 In this mode, you can not set the cleaning schedule - only manual start.

⚠️ Attention: If the Mop button flashes red, it means an error, most often because there is no water in the tank or the attachment is not installed correctly. Check both elements and restart the robot.

Adjustment of water supply intensity: table of recommendations

The choice of water supply depends on the type of coating and the degree of contamination, and improper adjustment can lead to divorces on the floor or, conversely, to insufficient cleaning.

If you are not sure about the type of coating, start with a weak level and check the result after cleaning. If you have a divorce, reduce the amount of water or add a little vinegar (1 tbsp. per 1 liter of water) to the tank for better evaporation.

Weak.|

Medium.|

Strong.|

Depends on the room.-->

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even with the right setup, wet cleaning on Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential can malfunction.

1.The robot does not wash the floor (dry cleaning instead of wet cleaning)

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔌 No mope nozzle installed: make sure it's fixed before clicking. Robot doesn't activate water supply without nozzle sensor.
• 💧 Empty reservoir: Add water to the mark MAX. Even if there is water, but its level is below the minimum, the pump will not turn on.
• 🔄 Firmware failure: restart the robot (hold the power button for 10 seconds) and update the software via Mi Home.
• 🚫 Blocked zone on the map: in the map settings in the application, an area where wet cleaning is prohibited can be marked.

2.The robot leaves divorces or puddles

This problem is most often associated with an incorrect intensity setting or the condition of the moping nozzle:

• 🌊 Too strong water supply: reduce the level in the settings or use the Weak mode for smooth surfaces.
• 🧺 Dirty or worn wipe: Wash the nozzle after each cleaning. If the fabric becomes hard, replace it (recommended lifespan — 3-6 months).
• 🔁 Uneven floor: The robot can stumble on height differences, causing water to pour out unevenly.

3.The Mi Home app doesn't show wet cleaning option

If the interface does not have a mode activation button, try the following:

• 📱 Update the app: Go to Google Play or App Store and check the version’s relevance.
• 🔄 Reconnect the robot: Remove the device from Mi Home and add again.
• 🌐 Change region: Select China in your Mi Home account settings (sometimes features appear earlier in Chinese firmware).

Compatible accessories and their impact on cleaning quality

The effectiveness of wet cleaning on Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential depends largely on the accessories used. The manufacturer recommends using only original components, but there are third-party counterparts on the market.

1. Mope nozzles

The standard nozzle in the kit is made of high-density microfiber, which allows for a good absorption of water and pollution. However, over time, it wears out.

• 🧼 Original replacement wipes (articles) ZNMS12WM): Best option, but more expensive than analogues.
• 🧽 Universal wipes for robot vacuum cleaners: cheaper, but can be worse fixed and leave pile.
• 🧹 Antibacterial impregnated wipes: suitable for homes with allergies, but require more frequent replacement.

2. Cleaning supplies

The use of common household chemicals (such as Mr. Proper or Domestos) is prohibited, which can damage the pump and rubber seals.

• 💧 Special tools for robot vacuum cleaners (for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Detergent): safe for mechanisms and do not leave divorces.
• 🍋 Homemade solutions: water with added vinegar (1:10) or citric acid (1 tsp per 1 l) Do not use soda or chlorine!

3. Water tanks

Vacuum Mop Essential uses a removable 200 ml tank. In heavy use, you may need a spare tank.

• 🔍 Compatibility: the tank must fit the mounts (original article — ZNMS11WM).
• 💧 Material: Clear plastic is preferred to control water levels.

💡

Using non-original accessories can void the warranty on the robot. If you have problems with the water supply after replacing the napkin or tank, go back to the standard components.

Automation of wet cleaning: schedule and zones

One of the key advantages of Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential is the ability to adjust automatic cleaning on a schedule. However, for wet cleaning, there are nuances that are important to consider.

1. Scheduling

The robot will start washing the floor at a given time:

1. At Mi Home, go to Schedule.
2. Click Add and select the days of the week.
3. Specify the time of the cleaning.
4. Turn on the option of wet cleaning and select the intensity level.
5. Save the settings.

Note: if the tank will not have water, the robot will skip wet cleaning and perform only dry cleaning.

Separation of zones

With the Cleaning Zone feature in Mi Home, you can specify where the robot should wash the floor and where it should vacuum, for example, you can eliminate carpets or limit cleaning to the kitchen.

1. On the map in the application, click Add Zone.
2. Make sure you circle the area where wet cleaning is needed.
3. In the zone settings, select Mop and water level.
4. For other areas, turn off the wet cleaning option.

3. Combination with dry cleaning

The robot can do a combination cleaning, first vacuuming, then washing the floor.

• In the schedule settings, select First the vacuum cleaner, then the mop.
• Make sure there is space in the dust collector (if it is full, the robot will not switch to washing).

⚠️ Warning: If you're setting up a night's cleaning, keep in mind that wet cleaning takes longer and the robot can make more noise than usual. The optimal time is in the morning or day when you're home and you can monitor the process.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions