Introduction: why a robot vacuum cleaner water and how to pour it correctly
Xiaomi's wet cleaning robots are not just dust collectors, they're full-fledged housekeepers that can wash floors without you, but many users have difficulty first getting to know the water supply system: how not to pour, how much is optimal, and why the robot sometimes refuses to spray. This article will look at all the nuances, from choosing water to fixing typical bugs.
It is important to understand that the water refill process varies depending on the model. For example, in Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite, the tank is integrated into the dust collector, and in Xiaomi DreameBot W10, a separate tank with electronic feed control is used. We will look at the universal principles and features of popular series so that you can adapt the instructions to your equipment.
Before you start, check: does your robot really support wet cleaning? Some budget models (for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S) are designed only for dry cleaning. If the package does not contain a detergent module or a special tank, you do not have the function of floor cleaning.
What water can be poured into a Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner?
The manufacturer recommends distilled or boiled water, which prolongs the life of the pumps and prevents scale formation, but in practice many users have successfully applied:
- π§ Filtered water (from a household filter such as "Aquafor" or "Barrier")
- π§ Distant tap water (at least 12 hours in an open container)
- π« Prohibited: Mineral, carbonated or water with flavors
Critical note: if your area has hard water (over 7 mg-eq/l), using untreated liquid will lead to clogging of the sprayers in 2-3 months, in which case be sure to dilute the water with special softening agents (for example, Xiaomi Mi Home Water Softener) or use a distillate.
The water temperature matters, too. The optimal range is 15β25Β°C. Too cold water can cause condensation inside the enclosure, and hot water (over 40Β°C) can deform plastic tank parts. Some models (such as the DreameBot L10 Pro) automatically block spraying if the detect temperature is above normal.
β οΈ Warning: Never add chlorine or abrasive detergents to water. They break down silicone seals and lead to leaks. Only specialized liquids from Xiaomi (Mi Home Floor Cleaner series) are allowed for flavoring.
Step-by-step: how to pour water into the tank
The refueling process depends on the design of your model. Below is a universal algorithm suitable for most Xiaomi robots with a detergent module (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P, DreameBot D9, Viomi V3).
- Turn off the robot and remove the dust collector. In most models, the water tank is located at the back or bottom of the main container.
- Remove the tank cover. On some devices (like the DreameBot W10), the lid is locked with a latch, press it with force.
- Wash the tank with warm water if you have poured the liquid before, and this will prevent mixing of old and new water.
- Fill the tank to the MAX mark (usually 200-300 ml). Use the measuring glass from the kit.
- Set the lid before you click, make sure the seal ring is not twisted.
- Put the dust collector back in place and turn the robot on. Wait for the system to initialize (water indicator lights up).
For models with electronic water control (for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) after refueling, you may need to reset the settings in the Mi Home application.
- Open the app and select your robot.
- Go to Settings β Wet cleaning β Resetting water flow.
- Confirm the action and wait for the calibration (the robot will emit an audible signal).
Check the cleanliness of the sprayers.|Make sure there are no foreign objects in the tank.|Use only the recommended water.|Set the correct cleaning mode in the application|Close the doors to rooms where there is no need for a wash.-->
If after refueling the robot gives an error E10 (a problem with the water pump), try:
- Reboot the device (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- Check the closing density of the tank cover.
- Clean the contacts of the pump with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
Mistakes in water refilling and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to leaks or breakdowns.
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Water overflow above the MAX mark | Leakage, E11 error, pump failure | Dry the excess, wipe the sensors with a dry cloth |
| Use of water with particles (for example, from a tap without a filter) | Dispenser clog, pressure reduction | The Mi Home Water Cleaner system |
| A loosely closed tank cover | E10 error, leakage during movement | Check the sealing ring, snap the lid before you click. |
| Cold water refilling (below 10Β°C) | Condensation inside the body, corrosion of contacts | Allow the water to heat up to room temperature |
A typical situation is that the robot starts cleaning, but the water doesn't spray, and 80 percent of the time, the problem is that the nozzles are clogged, so you can clean them up.
- Remove the washing module (usually mounted on the latches below).
- Wash the nozzles under a stream of warm water or use a needle to clean.
- Blow the holes with compressed air (for example, a canister to clean the keyboard).
β οΈ Warning: If the water is still not sprayed after cleaning, check the integrity of the tubes inside the case. In DreameBot models, they are sometimes rubbed against the wheels during long-term use. Replace the tubes with the original ones (article DM001-0003 for the D9/D10 series).
π‘
After wet cleaning, always drain the remaining water from the tank and dry the tank for 1-2 hours. this will prevent mold and unpleasant odor.
Features of water refilling in popular Xiaomi models
Each series of robot vacuum cleaners has unique nuances, and let's look at the most common models.
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite/Pro
In these models, the water tank is combined with the dust collector, the main feature is the controlled spray intensity (3 levels in the application).
- Do not exceed the volume of 240 ml - otherwise the robot will leave puddles.
- After pouring the water, press the Reset button on the washing module for calibration.
DreameBot D9/D10/W10
These robots have a double tank, one for clean water, one for dirty water.
- Fill only the clean water tank (MAX 300 ml mark).
- Use the branded Dreame Floor Cleaner for better stain removal.
- After cleaning, be sure to wash both tanks under running water.
Viomi V2/V3
These models have the function of automatically drying the cloth after cleaning.
- Do not use water with a high iron content β this will disable the heating element.
- The volume of the tank is 280 ml, but for small rooms 150-200 ml is enough.
What if the robot doesnβt recognize water?
How often should I change the water and take care of the tank?
The manufacturer recommends that you drain the water after each cleaning, but in practice it is not always convenient.
- π Daily cleaning: Change the water after each cycle.
- π 2-3 times a week: it is enough to update the water once every 2 days.
- π« Less often 1 time per week: drain the water immediately after cleaning and dry the tank.
To extend the life of the tank, follow these tips:
- Once a month, wash the tank with a solution of vinegar (1 tbsp. spoon per 1 liter of water) to remove scale.
- Check the condition of the sealing ring every 3 months β replace it with cracks (Article XM-005 for most models).
- Once every six months, lubricate silicone parts with a special lubricant (for example, WD-40 Specialist Silicone).
If you use a detergent, flush the tank with clean water after each cleaning. Residues of chemistry can crystallize and clog the system. For models with a rag self-cleaning function (for example, DreameBot W10), a weekly wash is enough.
π‘
The use of distilled water and regular cleaning of the tank increase the life of the detergent module by 30-40%.
What to do if a robot vacuum cleaner leaks?
Leaks are one of the most common problems with wet cleaning, and they occur for several reasons:
- Overflowing reservoir β water pours out over the top while moving.
- Damaged O-ring - liquid seeps down the sides of the tank.
- Clogged drainage system β water does not go into a dirty tank (relevant to DreameBot).
- Faulty pump β fluid is supplied continuously even when the robot is standing.
Algorithm of actions in case of detection of leak:
- Turn off the robot immediately and disconnect it from the charging station.
- Pour the water and dry the robot for 2-3 hours (you can use a hair dryer at minimum power).
- Check the integrity of the tubes β they should not be clamped or torn.
- If the leak resumes - replace the seal or contact the service.
β οΈ Warning: If water has been trapped on electronic components (e.g., on a control board), do not turn the robot on for 24 hours. Dry it in a well-ventilated room or use silica gel to absorb moisture. Otherwise, the risk of short circuit is ~70%.
For Xiaomi models with a leak warranty, it is a guarantee if it is caused by a manufacturing defect (for example, a crack in the tank), but if the problem is due to improper operation (use of unrecommended water, a robot fall), repairs will have to be paid for yourself.