Modern robot vacuum cleaners have long ceased to be just gadgets for enthusiasts, becoming indispensable assistants in maintaining cleanliness. Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential model stands out among competitors for its minimalist design and affordable price, while maintaining the functionality of a full wet cleaning. However, many owners face difficulties when first starting the function of floor washing, not understanding the specifics of the installation of the tank and setting modes.
To ensure that the device works correctly and does not damage the flooring, you must strictly follow the sequence of actions. Incorrect preparation can lead to leaks or ineffective cleaning. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps from extraction of components to fine-tuning through the Mi Home mobile application.
Now, it's important to understand that this robot is not a cleaner in the classical sense, where dirt is sucked in by water, and it uses a wiping technology that is dosed through micropores in a napkin, and it allows you to remove fresh stains and dust, but it can't handle dried contaminants without dry cleaning first.
Preparation of the device and installation of a water tank
The first step before you start operating is to properly place the water tank. Unlike premium models, where the tank can be built in, Essential puts it in a special compartment. To do this, flip the robot over and remove the main dust bin. Be careful not to damage the latches or navigation elements on the bottom.
Inside the case, you'll see a compartment where the combined module is installed, and if you're only planning to wash the floors, you need to remove the plastic dust container and put a water tank with a tissue wipe on it, and the key here is the density of the fit: the module has to snap with a characteristic click.
- 💧 Remove the top cover from the water tank and fill it with clean tap water until the mark MAX.
- 🧼 Close the rubber plug of the water hole to the point to prevent leakage during transportation.
- 🤖 Carefully insert the tank into the body of the robot, making sure that the contacts for the water supply coincide with the pump.
- 🔒 Lock the module, slightly pressing it to the audible click of the fixing mechanisms.
⚠️ Warning: Never add detergents, chlorine-containing liquids or hot water to your water tank, which can damage rubber seals and pumps, and result in warranty cancellation.
Once the tank is installed, the device is ready to go, but it takes a few more steps to activate the water supply. The mechanical installation is only half the battle, the software setting is just as important for controlling the flow of fluid.
Setting up water supply through the Mi Home app
The control of the moisture level of the wipe in Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential is carried out exclusively through software. There are no physical buttons on the device body to adjust the intensity, so connecting to a smartphone is a prerequisite for a full wet cleaning.
Open the Mi Home app and select your robot from a list of devices. In the main interface menu, find an icon for water cleaning or setting modes. Here you will be asked to choose from three intensity levels: low, medium or high, depending on the type of flooring and the degree of contamination.
For delicate coatings such as laminate or parquet, it is recommended to choose the minimum level. This will prevent swelling of joints and stains. For tiles or linoleum, you can set an average to effectively remove footprints. The high level is designed for persistent contaminants on the tile, but requires caution.
The interface also has a smart control feature that automatically adjusts the water supply depending on the speed of the robot, and when you return to the base, the fluid supply stops, which protects the charging contacts and carpets from getting wet.
Selection of operating mode and start cleaning
Once the tank and app are set up, you can start directly. Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential offers several scenarios that can be activated both through the app and with voice assistants if they are set up.
If you have a water tank in the device, the robot will default to doing a combined cleaning: first vacuum cleaner, then wipe the floor. However, you can force the app to choose "Wet Clean Only" or "Dry Only" mode, which is useful if you just want to wipe the dust without turning on a powerful motor.
☑️ Cleaning startup algorithm
To start, press the power button on the case or the corresponding icon in the application. The device will begin building a map of the room (if this is the first start) or immediately proceed to cleaning according to the already existing plan.
And it's important to note that when you clean it wet, it moves slower than when you dry it, so that the napkin can soak the dirt, and you can interrupt the process at any time through the app, and then the robot will return to base or stop, depending on the settings.
Technical characteristics of cleaning regimes
Understanding the technical differences between modes helps to make better use of the robot’s capabilities. The Essential model uses a laser rangefinder (LDS) to navigate, allowing it to position itself precisely and avoid missing areas of flooring.
The table below compares the basic operating parameters for different operating conditions, and these data will help you optimize your cleaning schedule and water consumption.
| Parameter | Low level. | Medium level | High-level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water consumption | ~10 ml/min | ~15 ml/min | ~20 ml/min |
| Suitable coating | Laminate, parquet | Linoleum, tiles | Porcelain, stone |
| Tank time. | 120 minutes. | About 90 minutes. | About 60 minutes. |
| Efficiency | Dust removal | Fresh spots | Persistent pollution |
The volume of the water tank in this model is about 200 ml. This volume is enough to handle an area of up to 100-120 square meters at minimum settings. If your space is larger, the robot can return to the base to recharge and continue cleaning, but the water can run out before the battery charge.
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If the robot stops in the middle of the room and reports the water is running out, check if the salt in the pump's output holes has dried up.
Wet cleaning system care and maintenance
Regular maintenance is critical to maintaining the functionality of the hydraulic system, so after every wet cleaning, remove the tank and remove the tissue tissue from it, and leave the water in the tank can bloom, and the napkin can become unpleasant.
The napkin itself should be rinsed after each use and washed periodically in the car at a temperature of no more than 40 degrees without using an air conditioner for underwear. The air conditioner can clog the pores of the fabric, and it will stop leaking water. It is also recommended to wipe the contacts of the water tank once a week with dry soft cloth.
- 🚫 Do not store a water tank inside the robot unless you plan to clean it in the coming days.
- 🧹 Regularly clean the side brush of wound hair that can block rotation.
- 🔍 Check the robot wheels for debris that may interfere with uniform movement.
- 💦 Clean the sensors once a month. LDS and cliff sensors with a wet napkin for accurate navigation.
⚠️ Warning: If you do not plan to use wet cleaning for a long time (more than 3 days), be sure to remove the water tank and store it separately in a dry place.
Pay special attention to the condition of the rubber cap on the tank. If it is deformed or it does not close the hole, water can leak into the housing when installed, which will lead to a short circuit. If damage is detected, the plug must be replaced.
Solving typical problems with wet cleaning
Even when properly operated, users can face a number of common problems, most often due to uneven moisture or application errors, and understanding the causes will quickly fix the problem without going to the service center.
If the robot is moving but the floor is dry, check if the tank lid is tightly closed. In some cases, you need to open and close the valve several times to start the water current. Also, the problem may be with the napkin itself: if it is too dry, moisten it manually with water before installing it.
What to do if the robot leaves puddles?
Another common situation is that the robot gets stuck on dark carpets, and the fall sensors can perceive the black pile as a cliff of the floor (ladder), and in the Mi Home app, you can configure virtual walls or exclusion zones so that the robot can tour the carpets during wet cleaning.
In case the app says "water tank error," try reinstalling the module. Take it out, wipe the contacts and paste it again before you click. If the error persists, the tank itself or the water level sensor in the robot may have malfunctioned.