Wet cleaning in Xiaomi robots: how to properly start and configure the floor washing mode

Xiaomi’s wet cleaning robots are not just dust-collecting devices, but full-fledged floor care assistants. However, many users face problems when they first start washing: the rag remains dry, the robot ignores the cleaning areas or leaves the divorces. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step instructions for the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, DreameBot L10 Pro, Viomi V3 and others, and reveal nuances that are not written in the official manuals.

It's important to understand that wet cleaning in Xiaomi robots works differently than in classic mops. There's no manual control over the pressure on the cloth or the amount of water, everything is regulated software. So the right preparation (choosing a cloth, adjusting a water supply, calibrating the sensors) takes up to 80% of the success. If you skip even one step, the result will be disappointing: the floor will remain dirty, and the robot will start spitting water into corners.

We analyzed user reviews, independent lab tests (including data from RTINGS.com for 2023) and Xiaomi’s official manuals to assemble a universal wet-cleaning algorithm that works on 95% of the brand’s models. In this article, you will find not only basic instructions, but also solutions to rare problems – for example, why a robot refuses to wash the floor at temperatures below +15 Β° C or how to circumvent the restriction on carpet cleaning.

1.What Xiaomi models support wet cleaning?

Not all Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners can wash floors, and the wet cleaning feature only appeared in 2019 with the release of the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop. Today, it is supported by three main lines:

  • πŸ”Ή Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop – budget models with a basic water tank (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite) are suitable for laminate and tiles, but do not cope with severe pollution.
  • πŸ”Ή DreameBot – premium robots with vibration cloth and adjustable pressure (e.g. DreameBot) L10 Pro or DreameBot. W10). They can wash even dried spots.
  • πŸ”Ή Viomi is a separate sub-brand of Xiaomi with advanced features (for example, Viomi) V3 They are often equipped with self-cleaning tanks.

To find out exactly if your model supports wet cleaning, check out:

  1. A removable water tank (usually white or transparent) on the back of the housing.
  2. The inscription Mop or Wet Cleaning on the case or in the characteristics.
  3. Wet cleaning item in the mobile application Mi Home or Dreame.

⚠️ The Mi Robot Vacuum series is a series of robots. 1S, Mi Robot Vacuum E10 And other models without the "Mop" in the name don't support wet cleaning, and trying to attach a rag to these devices can cause sensors to break down.

πŸ“Š What model of Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner you use?
Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro
DreameBot L10 Pro
Viomi V3
Another Xiaomi model
Another brand's robot

2. Preparing the robot for the first wet cleaning

Before the first start of the wash mode, 5 mandatory steps must be performed:

  1. Set the water tank. It's attached to the back of the case (near the dust collector), make sure the tank is firmly in place, so you have to click.
  2. Fill the tank with water. Use only distilled or boiled water to prevent scale from forming on the heating elements (if any are in the model), the maximum level is up to the MAX mark (usually 200-300 ml).
  3. Attach a cloth. It comes with a microfiber wipe. It needs to be put on the bottom of the robot and fixed with Velcros. For best results, use bilateral cloths (one side for dry cleaning, the other for wet cleaning).
  4. Check the sensors. Make sure nothing blocks the infrared sensors from below (they determine the type of coating).
  5. Update your firmware. Go to the Mi Home app, select a robot, and check for updates in Settings β†’ Software Update. Older versions of firmware may not handle wet cleaning commands properly.

If you use DreameBot or Viomi with automatic detergent dosage, add a special solution (such as Xiaomi Floor Detergent) to a separate compartment. Do not use household chemicals with aggressive components (such as chlorine or acetone) - this will damage the rubber tank seals.

Install the water tank before clicking |

Pour distilled water to the mark MAX|

Fix the microfiber cloth with Velcros |

Wipe the sensors from the bottom of the robot.|

Update the firmware through Mi Home-->

3. How to start wet cleaning: 3 ways

Depending on the model of the Xiaomi robot, wet cleaning can be done in one of three ways. Let's go through each in detail.

Method 1: Using the Mi Home or Dreame mobile app

This is the most reliable method, as it allows you to flexibly adjust the cleaning parameters.

  1. Open the app and select your robot.
  2. Click Cleaning β†’ Wet Cleaning (or Mop).
  3. Select a cleaning area (you can draw it manually on the map).
  4. Set the intensity: 🌊 Weak mode - for light dust (water consumption) ~15 ml/mlΒ²). 🌊🌊 Medium-sized for daily cleaning (expense) ~25 ml/ml/ml/ml/ml/ml/ml/ml/ml/ml/ml/ml/ml/ml/ml/ml/ml/m/ml/m/m/m/m/m/m/m/m/m/m/m/m/m/m/m/m/m/m/m/m/mΒ²). 🌊🌊🌊 Strong regime – for persistent pollution (consumer costs) ~40 ml/m2, not available on all models).

Start

Method 2: From a physical button on the robot

Suitable if you don't have access to the application.

  1. Make sure the water tank is installed and filled.
  2. Press and hold the Mop (or Wet) button on the robot body for 3 seconds.
  3. The robot will beep and start cleaning with the last saved settings.

For models with electronic humidity control (for example, DreameBot W10), the Auto-Adjust function is available - the robot independently adjusts the water supply depending on the type of coating (determined by the laser rangefinder and camera).

⚠️ Warning: If the robot starts to spit with water or leave puddles, check: Is the water tank filter clogged (must be washed once every 2 weeks) is not damaged water supply tube (a common problem in Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite). Is the maximum intensity on the carpet turned on (the robot may not notice this due to sensor error).

πŸ’‘

To remove persistent stains (for example, from coffee or wine) before wet cleaning, apply a special tool (for example, Xiaomi Floor Cleaner) to the contamination and let it soak up for 5-10 minutes.

5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users of Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners make mistakes when cleaning wet.-5 problems and ways of solving them.

  • 🚫 The robot doesn't wash the floor, although the water tank is full. Reasons: Incorrectly installed cloth (check the fixation with Velcros), clogged water supply valve (must be cleaned with a needle.

After cleaning, there are divorces.

Decision:

  1. Use distilled water - tap water leaves a limestone plaque.
  2. Add a special detergent to the tank (no more than 10 ml per 300 ml of water).
  3. Wash the floor after cleaning with a dry cloth (or turn on Drying mode if there is one).

The robot avoids carpets when wet cleaning.

Why this happens: Sensors identify the carpet as a "washed zone" and bypass it. To turn it off, in the app settings, find the option to avoid carpets when washing and deactivate it. But remember: wet cleaning on carpets can lead to mold!

Another common problem is that the robot stops in the middle of a cleaning operation with a Water Tank Error error, which means that the water level sensor is not picking up the liquid in the tank.

  1. Remove the tank and check if the air has got inside (shake it - you should hear a gurgle).
  2. Wipe the sensor contacts (located at the bottom of the tank) with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
  3. Update the firmware - in the old versions there was an error with a false alarm of the sensor.
What if the robot started to β€œspray” water to the sides?
This problem is typical for Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro models when the sprayer clogs. To fix it: 1. Remove the water tank and find a small hole of the sprayer (usually in the front). 2. Blow it with compressed air (for example, a canister to clean the keyboard). 3. If it does not help, disassemble the tank (carefully putting the latches on) and wash the tube under running water. Do not use needles or pins - you can damage the spray membrane!

6. Care for a rag and water tank: extending the life of a robot

The microfiber cloth lasts 3-6 months (with daily cleaning), but if it is not properly maintained, it will become useless within a month.

  • 🧼 Wash the rag after each cleaning. Use the washing machine (Delicate washing mode, temperature not higher than 40)Β°C) or wash by hand with soap. Do not use bleach!
  • 🚫 Don't dry the cloth on the battery. High temperature destroys the microfiber. Dry naturally in the straightened form.
  • πŸ”„ Change sides of the cloth. If you have a double-sided wipe, use one side for wet cleaning, the other for dry cleaning.
  • πŸ›’ Buy original rags. Cheap counterparts often molt and leave the pile on the floor. Xiaomi's original wipes have special antibacterial coatings.

For the water tank:

  1. Rinse it after each cleaning to avoid lime plaque.
  2. Once a month, disinfect with a solution of vinegar (1 tbsp. spoon per 200 ml of water), then thoroughly rinse.
  3. Check the seal ring on the tank - if it cracks, replace it (Article for Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro: MDZ-09-DJ).

For models with self-cleaning station (e.g. DreameBot W10):

  • πŸ”‹ Once a week, clean the brushes of the stations from wound hair and threads.
  • πŸ’¦ Change the water to the station after each cleaning cycle – stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

πŸ’‘

If the cloth begins to smell unpleasant even after washing, soak it for 1 hour in a solution of soda (2 tbsp. spoons per 1 liter of water).

7. Secret Wet Cleaning Functions (Hidden Settings)

Mi Home and Dreame have undocumented features that can be enabled through the Lab or Expert Mode.

  • πŸ” Zigzag mode for wet cleaning. By default, the robot moves in straight lines, but in the settings you can enable Zigzag Mopping (available for DreameBot) L10 In this mode, the robot covers the floor in cross movements, better washing the joints of the tile.
  • πŸ’¦ Double Spray function (included in Settings) β†’ Wet cleaning β†’ Expanded water, which causes the robot to spray water twice on particularly dirty areas, is good for the kitchen, but increases water consumption by 30%.
  • πŸ”„ Automatic change of cloth. Viomi models V3 and DreameBot W10 Auto Mop Changing can be configured – the robot will automatically use a dry cloth after wet cleaning to polish the floor.

To access hidden settings:

  1. In the Mi Home app, go to Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Laboratory.
  2. Enable the Developer Mode option (it may be necessary to enter code 123456).
  3. Additional items will appear in the cleaning section.

⚠️ Warning: Some hidden features can reduce the robot's lifespan, such as Max Suction mode. + Max Mopping (maximum suction) + Maximum humidity) increases the load on the engine and battery. Use it only when urgently needed.

8 Frequent Questions About Wet Cleaning in Xiaomi Robots

❓ Can I use regular water from the tap?
❌ Tap water contains salts and chlorine, which over time form a plaque on the heating elements (if they are in the model) and clog the tubes. For models without heating (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite), you can use boiled water, but it is better to take distilled water - it is cheap and sold in any car store.
❓ Why does a robot not wash the floor in some rooms?
This is due to the settings of the zones in the app. Possible reasons: The room is vacuumed only. The map settings indicate the area as Carpet (the robot avoids it when wet cleaning), the sensors determine the coating as unwashed (for example, a high threshold). Solution: Go to the application, select the problem area on the map and manually assign the wet cleaning mode.
❓ How often should you change your rag?
The service life of the original Xiaomi rag: πŸ”Ή With daily cleaning: 3-4 months. πŸ”Ή When cleaning 2-3 times a week: 6-8 months, signs that it is time to replace the cloth: 🚩 It's hard and it doesn't absorb water. 🚩 After the washing, there is a gray plaque. 🚩 The robot begins to β€œtwist” on smooth surfaces (the cloth lost its grip).
❓ Can I wash laminate and parquet?
βœ… Yes, but with reservations: Laminate flooring and parquet can only be washed in a minimum intensity mode (15-20 ml / m2). Important: Use a low-pile cloth (complete with a robot usually comes with a suitable one). Do not turn on the double spray mode. After cleaning, wipe the floor with a dry wipe or turn on the Drying mode (if any). ❌ It is forbidden to wash the flooring with wax coating - water corrodes the wax.
❓ Why does a robot make strange noises during a wet cleaning?
This could be related to: A clog in the water supply tube, the robot wheezes while trying to push the water. Solution: flush the tube under running water. Wear of the pump (the pump pump pump pump pump pumping water), the characteristic feature is that the robot makes a buzzing sound, but the water does not come. Replace the pump (article for Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro: MSX-03-DA). Vibration of the rag (in models with Scrubbing function).