Modern models of robot cleaners from Xiaomi have long ceased to be just devices for dry cleaning of floors. the Wet cleaning function implemented in the series Xiaomi Vacuum Mop allows you to maintain perfect cleanliness without unnecessary efforts on the part of the owner.
Many users have difficulty filling the tank first or do not know what liquid to use. Mistakes can lead to clogged injectors, failure of the electronic pump or permanent flooring swelling. In this article, we will discuss in detail the entire process of preparing the device for wet cleaning.
You'll learn how to remove the tank, how to fill it, how to blow air out of the system, and what are the limitations of using chemistry. Proper maintenance is the key to long-term service of your robot vacuum cleaner and cleanliness in the house.
Preparation of the tank for operation
The first step in the wet cleaning process is to remove the combined tank from the device body. Unlike models with separate containers, the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop often uses a modular design where the water compartment is combined with or directly above the dust container. Before touching the device, make sure that it is turned off or paused through the Settings → Control app.
Carefully open the top cover of the robot body. Depending on the specific modification, you may need to press the lock or just pull the handle of the module up. It is important not to make excessive efforts to avoid damaging the plastic latches. After removing the module, inspect it for residues of old water or contaminants.
If the device is new, be sure to remove all protective films and plugs that the manufacturer installs for transportation. Often users forget to remove the lid from the water supply valve, which leads to dry running of the pump. Check the condition of the HEPA filter if it is located in close proximity to the water compartment - it must be completely dry.
☑️ Pre-fill check
Choosing the Right Liquid for Cleaning
One of the most frequently asked questions is the type of water you can put into the system. Xiaomi engineers design these devices with the expectation of using ordinary tap water, but the water quality can vary significantly from region to region. Hard water contains many salts of calcium and magnesium, which, when dried, form a white coating.
The ideal option for extending the life of ultrasonic humidifiers and nozzles is distilled or demineralized water, which can be bought at any car or hardware store, and the use of such liquid almost completely eliminates the formation of scale inside the thin channels of the supply system.
It is strongly recommended not to pour hot water with a temperature exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Thermal exposure can deform the thin-walled plastic of the tank and damage rubber seals. It is also worth refraining from using water from natural sources, as it can contain sand and organic matter.
⚠️ Warning: Never use regular tap water without first settling or filtration if your area has very high stiffness.
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If you use tap water, put a filter barrier in a jug or use water that has passed through the reverse osmosis system, which will significantly reduce the amount of scale.
Water tank filling process**
The procedure for filling the water tank in Xiaomi Vacuum Mop robots is simple enough, but requires care. Locate the fill port, which is usually marked with a water drop symbol or the inscription "Water". Open the valve by moving the protective curtain or unscrewing the cork, depending on the design of your model.
Pour the liquid slowly to avoid the formation of air jams inside the enclosure. If you pour the water too quickly, the air will not be able to escape, and you will feel that the tank is full, although in fact it is only partially filled. The optimal temperature of the liquid for effective dissolution of contaminants is room temperature, about 20-25 degrees.
Do not overflow water above the MAX mark. An overflowing tank can create excessive pressure that will lead to leakage through the pressure relief valve or moisture entering electronic contacts. Once filled, close the lid tightly until the characteristic click.
Use of cleaning products and chemicals
Many owners want to add a flavoring or disinfectant to the water. Xiaomi manufacturers are ambiguous about this, on the one hand, special products help fight bacteria, on the other hand, aggressive chemicals can eat up rubber pump seals.
Only specialized liquids for robotic vacuum cleaners are allowed, which do not form abundant foam. Regular soap or shampoo will create foam, and foam can disrupt the peristaltic pump and cause it to overheat. The foam also rinse out of the cloth poorly.
If you do decide to add a product, follow the dosage specified by the manufacturer of the chemical. Usually it is a few caps on a full tank. Excess concentration can make the floor slippery and leave a sticky plaque that will attract new dust.
| Type of instrument | Security for Xiaomi | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Distilled water | Safe. | Recommended |
| Specialized chemistry | Safe. | Recommended |
| Soap solution | Dangerous. | Forbidden. |
| Chlorine-containing products | Critically dangerous. | Forbidden. |
| Essential oils (clean) | Dangerous. | Not recommended |
Can I add essential oils?
System pumping and air removal
Once you pour the water and put the tank back into the robot, the system won't start to supply water instantly. The hoses and pumps contain air that needs to be displaced. In today's Xiaomi Vacuum Mop models, this process is often automated, but requires confirmation.
Go to the mobile app and select wet cleaning mode. Often you need to start the pumping cycle manually through the service menu. The path can look like this: Settings → Service → Water pumping. The device will start to buzz — this is the pump running, expelling air.
Once the procedure is complete, check the tissue or the cloth module. It should become uniformly wet. If the dry areas persist, repeat the pumping procedure. Sometimes you need to lightly tap the tank to allow the air bubbles to rise up.
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Primary pumping after a long downtime or first purchase is mandatory, without which the robot can drive for several minutes on the dry floor, thinking that it is washing it.
Adjustment of water supply level in the annex**
The intelligent control system allows you to adjust the humidity intensity, which is a critical parameter, because different types of coatings require different amounts of moisture, and the adjustment is done through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Home app.
In the cleaning control menu, find a slider or a selection of levels: "Low", "Medium", "High". For laminate and parquet, it is better to choose the minimum values so that the tree does not swell. For ceramic tiles or linoleum, you can set medium or high intensity.
Remember, the higher the water supply, the more you'll have to fill up the liquid in the tank and change the napkin, and the higher the flow rate can cause the robot to leave puddles in corners or near obstacles.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use the maximum water supply level on high-pile carpets, which can cause them to get wet and smell damp.
System care and prevention of breakdowns**
Regular maintenance of the water module is not just a recommendation, it is a necessity. After each wet cleaning, it is recommended to drain the remaining water from the tank. Stagnant water is the ideal environment for bacteria to multiply and mold to form inside the tank.
Once every 2-3 weeks, wash the tank completely with clean water. If you notice a decrease in pressure or uneven moisture, check the exit holes. These can be carefully cleaned with a soft brush or blown, but in no case do not use sharp metal objects that can damage the calibrated nozzles.
Watch the fabric. The microfiber wears off over time and loses its ability to hold water. The timely replacement of consumables ensures quality cleaning and no scratches on the floor.