Why wet cleaning on the Roborock S5 requires a special approach
Xiaomi Roborock S5 is one of the most popular automatic cleaning devices, combining dry and wet cleaning. However, many users face problems when they first start wet cleaning: the robot leaves the divorce, does not clean the floors or ignores the command at all, it is all about improper preparation and ignorance of the nuances of the system.
Unlike traditional vacuum cleaners, the Roborock S5 uses a microfiber wipe and water tank that require specific adjustments, such as if you don't adjust the water supply level or fix the wipe incorrectly, the cleaning efficiency will decrease significantly. In this article, we will discuss the unique features of wet cleaning on the S5 that are not described in the standard instructions, from the selection of consumables to the intricacies of route programming.
What you need for wet cleaning: equipment and consumables
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and the basic Roborock S5 comes with only a water tank and one microfiber wipe, but you will need additional accessories for long-term use:
- 🧼 Microfiber wipes (recommended to have 3-5 pieces to replace) Xiaomi's original wipes cost more, but last longer.
- 💧 Distilled water or special cleaning solution for robot vacuum cleaners (ordinary tap water can leave stains in the water).
- 🔧 Reservoir cleaning brush (included in some kits, but often lost).
- 📱 Mi Home app (to adjust cleaning areas and water supply intensity).
Important: Roborock S5 does not support automatic refueling with water - a reservoir of 140 ml lasts a maximum of 60-90 minutes of cleaning. If the area is more than 50 m2, you will have to manually add water or break up the cleaning in several cycles.
Step-by-step instructions: how to install a tank and a napkin
Installation of accessories is the main cause of the problem.
- Take the main dust collector off. Press the release button on the back of the robot and pull the container over yourself.
- Set the water tank. It's attached to the dust collector before you click. Make sure the blue indicator on the tank matches the label on the case.
- Hold the microfibre wipe, it should fit tightly to the bottom panel, without creases, and use the original clamps (included) to avoid slipping.
- Pour the water. Open the tank lid and fill it to the MAX mark. Don't go above the level, it will lead to leaks!
Install the water tank before clicking |
Secure the napkin without folds |
Pour water to the mark MAX|
Check the purity of sensors on the bottom of the robot
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⚠️ Warning: If the robot makes extraneous noises (screaming, vibration) after installing the wipe, immediately turn it off. This is a sign that the tissue has entered the mechanism of the side brush or main shaft. Carefully remove the napkin and reinstall it.
Set up wet cleaning modes through the Mi Home app
Without the Mi Home app, you can only run basic cleanups at a fixed intensity, so you can flexibly manage the process.
- Open the app and select your Roborock S5.
- Go to the Cleaning section → Wet cleaning settings.
- Choose one of three water supply modes: 🌊 Weak (for laminate and parquet). 💧 Medium (for tiles and linoleum). 🚿 Strong (for persistent pollution, but higher risk of divorce).
Zone cleaning
Tip: For rooms with different types of coatings (such as tile + laminate), create virtual walls in the application and assign different humidity regimes for each zone.
💡
Before cleaning, test the robot on a small area of floor (for example, 1×1 m) with a minimum water level, so you can assess whether the napkin leaves any wiring or fibers.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users make mistakes that reduce the quality of cleaning, and here are the most common:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Use of ordinary water | Divorces, lime raid on the tank. | Distilled water or special solutions (e.g. Roborock Cleaning Solution) |
| Napkin fixed to a curve | Robot pulls fabric, leaves unharvested areas | Reinstall the napkin, check the clamps |
| Overflowing reservoir | Leakage, damage to electronics | Pour water strictly to the mark MAX |
| Cleaning of wet carpets | Carpet damage, short circuit | Turn off wet cleaning for carpets in the app settings |
⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning there are wet marks on the floor that do not dry out for more than 10 minutes, then the water supply level is too high. Urgently reduce the intensity in the application and check the napkin for wear - it may have become too thin.
How to care for a robot after wet cleaning
To make the Roborock S5 last longer, after each wet cleaning, do the following:
- Clean the tank. Pour the remaining water, rinse the tank with warm water and dry it. Use a brush to remove the plaque.
- Wash a napkin, wash it in a washing machine at 30°C without bleach, dry it in a straightened form.
- Wipe the sensors. With a wet cloth, clean the infrared sensors on the bottom of the robot (they are responsible for detecting obstacles).
- Check the rollers. Remove the coiled hair or thread from the main brush and side rollers.
Start by checking the mechanical mounts, then proceed to the settings.