Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 1C has become a popular solution for automating cleaning thanks to a combination of dry and wet cleaning. However, new owners often ask: where exactly do you pour water to ensure that the device properly soaps the floor?
In this article, we will look at the exact location of the water tank, describe the refueling process in detail, explain the permissible volume of water, and warn against typical errors, and learn how to prepare the robot for the first wet cleaning, and what detergents can be used without risk to the equipment.
If you’ve just unpacked the Xiaomi 1C or are planning to roll out the first-ever puping mode, this guide will help avoid annoying miscalculations. For clarity, we’ve added photos of key elements and a fluid compatibility table.
Where is the water tank in Xiaomi 1C: photo and description
The water tank in the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 1C is integrated into a wet cleaning module that attaches to the bottom of the body, which is a white plastic container with a lid located to the right of the main dust collector (if you look at the robot from the front), and the lid of the tank has a pictogram of a water droplet on it, which is the main landmark.
To get to the tank, follow the following steps:
- ✅ Turn the robot vacuum cleaner bottom up (pre-turning it off!).
- ✅ Find a removable module with a fabric nozzle for washing floors - a water tank is hidden under its cover.
- ✅ Press the cap locker (usually marked with an arrow) and pull it on yourself.
Inside, you'll see a 200 ml maximum level tank (MAX) -- Importantly, don't confuse this tank with a dust collection tank, because they're close by, but they have different functions. If you accidentally pour water into the dust collector, remove it immediately and dry it for 24 hours!
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Before the first filling, wash the tank with warm water and soap and dry thoroughly, which will remove possible industrial contamination and prolong the life of sealing gums.
Step-by-step: how to properly pour water
The water refueling process takes less than a minute, but it requires attention to detail.
- Robot Preparation: Make sure the device is turned off and disconnected from the charging station. Turn it over on a flat surface (like a table) to avoid spilling water.
- Opening the tank: Press the water tank cover (it is located next to the fabric nozzle) and remove it by moving "on yourself".
- Refueling: Use distilled or boiled water at room temperature. Pour the liquid to the MAX mark (≈180-200 ml). Do not exceed this level!
- Close the lid: Close the tank tightly before you click. Make sure the sealing gum is flat - this will prevent leaks.
- Installation of fabric nozzle: Check that the microfibre wipe is clean and properly secured on the bottom panel.
After refueling, return the robot to its original position and turn it on. In the Mi Home app, select Mopping mode, the device will automatically distribute water as you move.
Water poured to the mark MAX|
The fabric nozzle is clean and fastened |
The tank is tightly closed (heard clicking)|
Robot disconnected from charging |
Selected Motion Mode in Appendix-->
How much water to pour: optimal volume and consequences of overflow
The manufacturer recommends pouring no more than 200 ml of water into the tank - this is enough for cleaning up to 60-80 m2 (depending on the type of coating), exceeding this volume is fraught with:
- 💧 Leakage through seals, which can damage electronic components.
- 🧹 Excessive moisture of the floor, especially on laminate or parquet.
- ⚠️ Failures in the pump if water gets into the spraying mechanism.
On the other hand, too little water (less than 100 ml) will cause the robot to leave the divorce or not be able to clean up the heavy contaminants, the optimal range is 150-180 ml for a standard cleaning.
| Volume of water (ml) | Cleaning area (m2) | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| 100–140 | 40 | Divorces in highly polluted areas |
| 150–180 | 50–70 | Optimal balance |
| 190–200 | 80 | Possible leaks with sharp maneuvers |
| >200 | — | Electronics damage, warranty case! |
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To clean carpets, reduce the volume of water to 100-120 ml to avoid wetting of the pile.
What water can be used: distilled, boiled or from the tap?
The type of water directly affects the durability of the pump and the robot tubes. Xiaomi's manufacturer specifies in the manual that distilled water is the best option. It does not contain impurities that could clog the sprayers or leave a plaque on the parts.
Permissible alternatives:
- 💧 Boiled water (cooled to room temperature) – removes some salts.
- 💧 Filtered water (through a household reverse osmosis filter).
❌ It is forbidden to use:
- 🚫 Water from the tap (risk of lime raid).
- 🚫 Mineral or carbonated water (salts and bubbles will damage the pump).
- 🚫 Hot water (can deform plastic parts).
What happens if you use tap water?
If you want to add detergent, use only specialized robot vacuum cleaner formulations (e.g. Xiaomi Floor Detergent). Common household detergents foam and can damage the machinery. Dilute them in a ratio of 1 cap per 200 ml of water.
Common Mistakes in Water Refilling and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that degrade the quality of the cleaning or render the robot inoperable, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:
- Pouring water into the dust collector. 🔹 Signs: the robot makes gurgling sounds, on the floor puddles. 🔹 Solution: immediately remove the dust container, dry it for 24 hours, check if the water has hit the board (if so, contact the service).
- Use of aggressive detergents. 🔹 Signs: abundant foam, the robot leaves sticky marks. 🔹 Solution: wash the tank and pipes with clean water 3-4 times.
- A loosely closed tank lid. 🔹 Signs: Water drips from under the robot during cleaning. 🔹 Solution: Check the sealing gum on the lid, it should lie flat, without cracks. Replace it if damaged. 1C — MDY-08-01).
⚠️ Warning: If wet spots larger than 10 cm in diameter remain on the floor after cleaning, this is a sign of a malfunction of the spray valve. Do not use the robot until the problem is fixed - constant water ingress on electronic components will lead to a short circuit.
Another common problem is that the robot doesn't spray water when the tank is filled.
- 🔌 Clogging of sprayers (clean with a needle).
- 🔌 The pump has failed (replacement is required).
- 🔌 In the Mi Home app settings, the Sweping Only mode is selected).
Distilled |
Boiled |
Filtered |
From the tap|I don't know.-->
How often should I change the water in the tank?
The frequency of water replacement depends on the intensity of the robot’s use and the type of cleaning:
- 🔄 After each cleaning, if the robot washed the floors with detergent, drain the remaining water and flush the tank.
- 🔄 Once in 3-5 cleanings: using only water without chemistry (if the robot is operated daily).
- 🔄 Immediately: if the water is cloudy or has acquired an unpleasant odor.
To extend the life of a wet cleaning system, follow these tips:
- 🧼 Once a month, wash the tank and tubes with acetic solution (1 tbsp. spoon per 200 ml of water), then rinse thoroughly.
- ☀️ After cleaning, leave the tank lid open for drying (if the robot is not used for several days).
- 📅 Change the fabric nozzle every 2-3 months - over time it loses absorbent properties.
If the robot is used rarely (e.g. once a week), always drain old water before cleaning and fill it with fresh water. Stagnant liquid can become a source of mold that will clog the sprayers.
What if water spills inside the body?
If you accidentally spilled water past the tank or notice that the liquid has entered the robot (for example, through vents), act quickly:
- Disconnect the robot from the network immediately and remove the battery (if possible without disassembly).
- Turn the device upside down and shake it so that the water leaks out.
- Dry the robot for 48 hours in a dry, warm place (do not use a hair dryer or heater!).
- Check after drying: if the robot does not turn on or malfunctions, do not try to repair it yourself - contact the service center.
⚠️ Attention: Attempting to turn on Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner 1C The water inside the case will short circuit and not warranty repairable. Even if the device is working after drying, the consequences may occur later (for example, oxidation of the contact boards).
If water has been trapped on sensors (such as infrared or laser sensors), wipe them with a dry microfiber wipe. Avoid alcohol-containing liquids - they can damage the lenses.
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To minimize the risk of water entering the case, always fill the tank on a flat surface (for example, on a table) and not "on weight".