How to start wet cleaning Xiaomi Vacuum: the complete guide

Xiaomi’s modern robot vacuum cleaners have evolved from simple dust-collecting gadgets to full-fledged cleaning stations capable of washing floors on their own. However, many owners face difficulties when first starting the wet cleaning function, not understanding the difference between modes or confusing the settings of the Mi Home app. Proper activation of this feature will not only prolong the life of the device, but also ensure the perfect cleanliness of your home without tidy or laminate.

In this guide, we will take a detailed look at all the preparation steps, from installing the module to fine-tuning the parameters via smartphone. You will learn how to avoid common errors that can lead to the failure of the electronic board or puddles on the floor. Attention, ignoring basic rules of operation can void the warranty on the device.

Before you press the start button, make sure your range supports this feature, as not all basic versions of Roborock or Mijia have a built-in water tank.We will look at the algorithms of different generations of devices and explain why standard dry cleaning should be completed before you start washing the floors for the best result.

Preparation of the device and installation of the water module

The first and most important step is to physically prepare the robot to work with the liquid, and you'll need to remove the main dust container and replace it with a special combined water tank or a separate module, which usually comes with models that support wet cleaning. It's critical to make sure that the rubber seals on the tank fit tightly, otherwise water can leak into the housing and damage the electronics.

Once the tank is installed, a microfiber wipe must be attached to a plastic platform, the fabric must be clean and slightly moist, but not wet through. Some advanced models, such as the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop 2 Pro, have electronic water control, which requires additional calibration before first use.

Don't forget to check the water level in the tank. For a standard apartment of up to 60 square meters, usually one full tank is enough, but for large rooms, you may need to refuel. Using tap water without prior filtration can lead to rapid scale formation in the pump and clogging of nozzles.

β˜‘οΈ Checking preparedness for washing

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The installation process must be done with the device turned off to avoid false alarms of the sensors. Once turned on, the robot will conduct a self-diagnosis and confirm the presence of the water tank with a voice message or a light indicator. If you hear an intermittent signal, check the installation of the container before clicking.

Setting up parameters in the Mi Home app

The washing process is controlled primarily through the Mi Home mobile app (or Xiaomi Home), where the basic intensity settings are hidden. Once the robot is connected to the Wi-Fi network, go to the main screen of the device and select Clean mode. Here you will see the option "Water Mode" or "Water Flow", which allows you to adjust the amount of fluid supplied.

There are several water levels: low, medium, high and controlled. Low is suitable for daily cleanliness on surfaces that are afraid of moisture, while high mode is necessary to remove dried spots in the kitchen. The intelligent system itself adapts the water supply depending on the speed of the robot, stopping the supply when returning to base.

You can also choose a sequence of actions in the settings, and you can set up a scenario where the robot will first dry-clean to collect large debris and then move to wet, which will prevent the dirt from being smeared and the dust from turning into a hard-to-remove porridge.

πŸ“Š How often do you use a robot to clean the water?
Every day.
Once a week.
Only on holidays.
I don't use it.

Now, look at the Precision Mopping feature that's available in new models, and it makes the robot do reciprocal motions in place to better wipe off the stains, and activating this option greatly increases the time, but the quality of the result is worth it.

Selection of mode of operation and intensity of water supply

The right mode choices directly affect the quality of cleaning and the safety of your flooring. Laminate and parquet are recommended to use a minimum water supply to avoid swelling of the seams. At the same time, ceramic tiles or linoleum may require more intensive moisturization to remove fat.

The app has preset scenarios that can be activated with a single touch, such as Quiet Clean mode, which reduces the speed of the engine and pump, making the process less noisy but longer. For carpets, many models automatically increase the suction power and stop the water supply if the carpet recognition module is installed.

  • πŸ’§ Low level: ideal for delicate surfaces and daily refreshment.
  • πŸ’§πŸ’§ Mid-level: Standard mode for mixed types of coatings in living rooms.
  • πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§ High level: designed for kitchens and bathrooms with severe pollution.
  • 🧠 Automatic mode: the system itself analyzes the pollution and gender type.

Some users prefer to manually adjust cleaning maps, creating virtual walls around areas where wet cleaning is prohibited, especially for homes with a lot of carpets or electronics on the floor, which takes a couple of minutes to create, but saves you from many problems in the future.

The secret of the perfect wash
For better results, add a little special cleaning agent to the tank for robot vacuum cleaners, but never use conventional foam chemistry as it can damage the pump.

Use of virtual walls and forbidden areas

The virtual constraint feature is one of the most useful in the Xiaomi Vacuum arsenal, allowing you to create areas where the robot should not go, or areas where it should only wash, ignoring dry cleaning, this is implemented by building an accurate map of the room using a lidar or gyroscope.

To create a no-go zone, open a map in the app, select the Virtual Wall tool, and draw a rectangle in the right place, and the robot will perceive that boundary as a physical obstacle and never cross it, which is indispensable for protecting animal water bowls or areas with scattered wires.

There's also a "wash-free zone" feature that allows a robot to drive across a carpet to collect dust, but shuts down the water supply, which solves the eternal dilemma of mixed interior owners, where only part of the room is carpeted, and setting up these areas requires careful initial mapping.

Type of zoneFunctionImpact on cleaningRecommended use
Virtual wallTotal ban on entryRobot bypasses the zoneAnimal bowls, wires, rapids
Zone without washingBanning water supplyOnly dry cleaning or travelCarpets, carpet, parquet without varnish
The reinforced washing areaDouble aisleIncreased time and waterKitchen, entrance group, stains
The Invisible WallTime barrierIgnored after disconnectionTemporary obstacles, toys

If you rearrange furniture or a mat, the area will need to be redrawn, otherwise the robot may become confused or leave a dirty area.

Starting a cleaning schedule and scenario

Automation is a key benefit of a smart home, so you can set up wet cleaning when you're not home, such as during the afternoon on weekdays, and go to the Schedule section of the app and create a new task by selecting the days of the week and the start time.

It is recommended to set a delay of 10-15 minutes after your departure, so that the robot does not interfere with the exit from the apartment and does not scare pets. You can also configure a Smart Home scenario that will start cleaning when activating the β€œNobody” mode on your smartphone.

⚠️ Warning: Do not plan to wet the floor while there may be things on the floor that are afraid of water (paper documents, open electronics, boxes.

Scenarios allow you to combine the actions of different devices, for example, when you start cleaning, you can turn on the air conditioner to reduce humidity or start an air purifier to dry the floor faster after washing. Integration with voice assistants Alice or Google Assistant allows you to start the process with a voice command.

πŸ’‘

Tip: Start wet cleaning in sunny weather or with the heating on, so that the floor dries faster and there are no footprints.

Wet cleaning system care and maintenance

Regular maintenance is necessary to maintain the efficiency of the wash. After each use, it is recommended to empty the remaining water from the tank to prevent blooming and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. The microfiber wipe should be washed after 2-3 cleanings using soft detergents without air conditioning.

Once a month, clean the water outlets with a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in citric acid, which will remove mineral deposits and restore fluid uniformity. Check the condition of the rubber seals on the tank - if they are worn out, replace them to avoid leaks.

  • 🧼 Wash the napkin at a temperature not higher than 40 degrees.
  • 🚫 Do not use bleach and aggressive chemicals when washing.
  • πŸ’¨ Dry the fabric nozzle in straightened form, away from batteries.
  • πŸ” Check the filter. HEPA, It must be dry before installation.

If you don’t plan to use the wash function for a long time (over a week), keep the tank empty and dry, detached from the robot, which will prolong the life of the pump and prevent the development of bacteria inside the system.

Common Errors and How to Resolve Them

Even the most advanced models can run into problems. One of the common mistakes is to report low water levels even though the tank is full. This usually means clogging the level sensor or air traffic jam in the system. Try shaking the tank easily several times or blowing the tubes.

Another common problem is the appearance of puddles on the floor, which indicates that the valve is malfunctioning or that the feeding intensity is too high for this type of coating, in which case, lower the water level in the settings and check the integrity of the napkin platform.

⚠️ Warning: If the robot makes a strange buzzing sound when the sink is on, stop the process immediately, which may indicate that the pump is working "dry", which quickly disables it.

If you have errors that cannot be fixed by restarting, refer to the app's event log, which often contains an error code that helps you accurately diagnose the problem, whether it's a tilt sensor failure or a water module communication error.

πŸ’‘

Regular cleaning of nozzles and use of filtered water is a guarantee of long service of the water supply system in your robot vacuum cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use regular tap water for cleaning?
Technically possible, but manufacturers strongly recommend using filtered or distilled water. Tap water contains many hardness salts (calcium and magnesium) that over time form scale inside thin tubes and nozzles, leading to clogs and reduced water supply efficiency.
How often should I change a microfiber napkin?
The tissue should be washed after every 2-3 cleanings. The tissue nozzle should be completely replaced approximately every 3-6 months of active use, depending on the degree of wear of the pile. If the fabric has lost its absorbent properties or became rigid after washing, it should be replaced with a new one.
Why is the robot not supplying water even though the mode is on?
There may be several reasons: clogging of the exit hole, the presence of air in the system (you need to wait a few minutes), a dry wipe (wet it before installing), or a software failure. Try to reboot the robot and check the intensity settings in the application.
Is it safe to start a wet cleaning on the laminate?
Yes, if you use a minimum water supply and a high-quality microfiber that absorbs excess moisture well. Modern Xiaomi robots supply water in a dosed manner, immediately under a napkin, so the puddle does not form, and the laminate does not have time to swell.
What to do if the robot gets stuck during the washing?
If the robot is stuck, it will sound the beep and send a notification to the phone. Release the device, wipe the wheels and sensors if they get wet, and start cleaning again. Make sure there are no wires or small objects on the floor that could get wet and become slippery.