How to turn on Xiaomi Mi Robot wet cleaning: the complete guide

Modern robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi and Roborock have become an integral part of the smart home, greatly simplifying the process of maintaining cleanliness. However, many owners face difficulties when trying to activate the function of floor washing, since this process requires not only installing a water tank, but also the correct software setting. Often users simply change the container, forgetting to switch the mode in the application, which leads to frustration and thoughts of malfunctioning the device.

To successfully run a wet cleaning process, you need to understand the difference between models with separate dust collectors and water tanks and combined systems. The first requires physical replacement of modules, the second requires only installing a partition or valve. Ignoring these nuances can lead to electronics breakdown or poor surface cleaning. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps necessary to properly activate the function.

It is important to consider that Mi Home and Roborock software is constantly updated, and the location of some controls may change. However, the basic principles remain unchanged for most devices in the ecosystem.

Compatibility check and equipment preparation

The first step before activating wet cleaning is to be convinced that your robot vacuum model supports this feature. Not all Xiaomi Vacuum devices are equipped with a water supply module, and trying to install an incompatible tank can lead to mechanical damage. Check the technical documentation or specification on the box of your device for mention of wet mopping or the presence of a water tank in the kit.

If the functionality is maintained, the tank itself must be prepared. Unlike a dust collector, a water tank requires filling with distilled or filtered water to avoid scaling on heating elements (if any) and nozzles. Never use hot water or aggressive chemical cleaning products, as this can melt plastic parts or damage seals.

After filling the tank, make sure the electronic pump or flow control valve is working correctly. To do this, you can flip the tank over the sink and slightly press the valve or activate the water supply through the application if the model allows testing without installation. Make sure that the microfiber cloth is clean and securely attached to the platform, otherwise the robot can smear dirt instead of removing it.

• 🧹 Check for a special compartment for the water tank inside the body of the robot.
• 💧 Use only soft, filtered room temperature water to fill the tank.
• 🔌 Make sure the tank contacts (if any) are dry and clean before installation.
• 📏 Check the integrity of the microfibre wipe and the reliability of its fastening on the Velcro.

⚠️ Warning: Installing a water tank in a model that does not support wet cleaning software can cause sensor error and block the device.

Physical installation of the tank and replacement of modules

The physical installation process depends on the design of your robot. In classic models like the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop or the Roborock S5, you first need to remove the main dust collector. To do this, open the top cover of the case, press the locks and carefully remove the dust container. In its place, a water tank is installed, which often has a similar shape, but differs by the presence of an electronic control board or a mechanical valve.

In more modern models with combined tanks (2-in-1), replacement may not be required, but you need to make sure that the partition between the compartments for dust and water is installed tightly. If you use a model with electronic water control, when installing the tank, the robot must emit a characteristic audible signal or a voice message confirming the recognition of the new module. If this does not happen, try to reinstall the tank, pressing it tightly until you click.

Once the module is installed, close the top cover of the case. Make sure it latches on all sides, as the lid opening sensor is a safety feature that blocks the engine from starting. Some users experience a situation where the robot cannot see the tank if it is not installed to the end or if the contact areas at the bottom of the niche are contaminated.

If your device has a combined tank installed, make sure the water level in the compartment is sufficient to start working, otherwise the system may not start the pump.

Configure modes through the Mi Home app

After the physical installation of the tank, you need to activate the appropriate mode in the mobile application. Open Mi Home or Roborock, select your device and wait for the connection. The main control screen usually displays the current cleaning status. To enable wet cleaning, find an icon depicting water drops or mop and click on it. In some interfaces, you need to go to the cleaning settings menu to select the intensity of the water supply.

The app allows you to adjust the operating parameters flexibly. You can choose low, medium or high water supply, which is especially true for different types of flooring. For tiles or linoleum, maximum flow is suitable, whereas for laminate or parquet it is better to set a minimum supply to avoid swelling of the seams. Intelligent control also allows you to set different settings for different rooms if you have a detailed map in your house.

The app interface also has a Quiet Mode feature that is often activated automatically when selecting wet cleaning to avoid disturbing household members. If you use voice control through assistants, make sure that the command is given clearly, although adjust the settings more accurately through the app. Be sure to check the battery level before starting, as the floor washing mode can consume more energy due to the pump operation.

• 💧 Select the water supply level: Low, Medium or High depending on the pollution.
• 🗺️ Set up virtual walls to limit the washing area if necessary.
• 🔋 Check the residual battery charge before running a long program.
• 🔊 If necessary, activate the silent mode of operation of the engine.

Working with maps and virtual restrictions

One of the key features of Xiaomi's smart robots is that you can map a room. When you turn on wet cleaning, it's critical to identify areas where contact with water is undesirable. Use the Virtual Wall or the Prohibited Zone feature in the app to fence off carpets, electronic devices, or areas with a lot of wires. The robot will bypass these areas even if they are physically in its path.

For models with Multi-floor mapping, make sure that the correct floor map is activated, if the robot uses an old map or another floor map without carpets, it may try to wash the carpet. Saving and editing the maps allows you to create presets for different scenarios, such as Quick Kitchen Cleaning or General Living Room Wash.

In some cases, if the robot cannot pinpoint its location on the map after installing the tank (due to a change in weight or center of gravity), it may suggest rescanning the room. Only agree to this if the device is really lost, since rescanning can create a duplicate map. It is better to manually adjust the position of the robot on the map through the application, dragging the device icon to the current place.

⚠️ Warning: Before starting cleaning, be sure to remove wires, socks and other small items from the floor that can get wet and confuse the robot’s brushes.

Technical features and system maintenance

Regular maintenance of the wet cleaning system will prolong the life of your robot. After each cleaning, it is recommended to remove the tank, drain the remaining water and wipe it with a dry cloth. Stagnant water can become a medium for bacteria to multiply and create an unpleasant odor that will spread throughout the house during operation of the device, and periodically wash the microfiber wipe itself, removing stuck hair and dust.

Pay special attention to the pump and the water outlet. Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate in them, especially if you use hard water. You can use a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in a weak solution of citric acid, but only after consulting the instructions for a particular model. Nozzle clogging is a common cause of uneven wetting of the floor.

Remember to check the status of the sensors on the bottom of the robot and on the tank. The humid environment contributes to the contamination of the optical sensors, which can lead to navigation errors. Rub them with a soft dry wipe after each wash cycle. If you notice that the robot has become less orientated or stops more often, the problem may lie in the contaminated sensors.

Solving problems and malfunctions

Even with the right setup, there can be situations where wet cleaning doesn't start or doesn't go right. One of the common problems is that the tank installation error is reported. This often happens if the tank is inserted curved or if the sensors are contaminated. Check the density of the module and make sure that nothing interferes with its contact with the main board of the robot.

If the robot is cleaning but the floor is dry, check the water level and the air in the feed system. Sometimes it takes a few minutes for the pump to reach the rag, especially after a long downtime. Also make sure the app doesn't select "Vacor Only" or "No Water" mode. Some models have a mechanical water level switch on the tank itself that needs to be put into working position.

Cases where a robot leaves puddles or wets the floor too much are usually associated with choosing too high a water supply level for a given type of coating or with a valve failure. Try to reduce the intensity in the application. If the problem persists at minimal settings, it may require a tank replacement or control electronics repair. Diagnostics through the application often shows an error code that helps determine the exact cause.

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To improve cleaning quality in heavily polluted areas, use the Double Wash feature (if available in the model), which forces the robot to pass the same area twice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Regular maintenance of the tank and sensors is the key to a long and efficient operation of the wet cleaning system of your robot vacuum cleaner.