Where to pour water into the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: a complete guide

Owners of modern Xiaomi equipment often face the question of functional enhancement of their devices, especially when it comes to wet cleaning. Many users, buying combined models or buying special modules for the dry version, ask the logical question about the correct location of the tanks. A mistake in this process can lead to a breakdown of electronics or malfunctioning of the fluid supply system, so it is important to clearly understand the design of your particular device.

Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum and its modifications from sub-brands like Roborock or Viomi have their own unique designs: Unlike traditional mops or washing vacuum cleaners, it uses the principle of gravity or pumping water through microfilters. Incorrect handling of the tank can disrupt the tightness of the system, which is critical for robotic devices working in close proximity to electrical contacts.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at the algorithm for different types of structures, look at the types of tanks used, and answer frequent questions about operation. You will learn how to avoid common errors and prolong the life of attachments. Proper preparation for wet cleaning is the key to clean floors and serviceability of equipment.

Determining the type of design of your device

The first step before you start any fluid manipulation is to accurately identify the model of your robot vacuum cleaner. Not all Xiaomi devices support wet cleaning out of the box: some models require the purchase of a separate module, while others have a built-in combined tank. If you have a classic model without the letter "M" or "P" in the title (for example, just Mi Robot Vacuum 1S), then the standard dust collector is not designed for water.

There are two main types of water systems in the Mijia ecosystem: the first type is an electronic tank, where water is supplied by an application-controlled pump; the second type is a mechanical valve tank, where the supply is controlled by physical movement or gravity; the type of design determines not only the location of the bay, but also the requirements for water quality and frequency of service.

⚠️ Warning: Never try to pour water directly into the main dust and debris collection compartment, which will cause the engine and filter to fail instantly. HEPA, which is not a guarantee case.

To determine compatibility, check the bottom of the case, if there are special contact areas for connecting an additional module or if there is already a combined container, then your model supports the wash function, otherwise you will need to buy a special module Water Tank, corresponding to your series of robots.

Location of the tank in combined models

Modern combined models, such as the Roborock S5 Max or Xiaomi Vacuum Mop 2, use a single module that combines dust collection and water storage functions. In such devices, water is poured into a special compartment located either on top of the main container or in the rear, depending on the revision. The liquid compartment is always isolated from the garbage compartment by an internal partition.

The filling process usually takes place after the module is removed from the robot body, and you need to open the top of the tank, which is often labeled as a drop or labeled Water. This is where the bay is made, and it's important not to confuse it with a dust shaking hole, which is usually covered by a mesh or filter and has no sealed cover.

Some advanced models are equipped with tanks with electronic valve control, in which case the body may have a water level indicator, filling is made up to the Max mark, exceeding the level can lead to water entering the electronic components during transportation of the tank.

• 💧 Open the tank lid by finding a marking with the image of a water droplet.
• 🚫 Do not remove the fine filter inside the water compartment unless instructed.
• 📏 Monitor the level of fluid, not exceeding the mark of maximum filling.
• 🔒 Close the lid tightly until a characteristic click before installing into the robot.

Special attention should be paid to the tightness of the lid. If you feel that the lid is not closing tightly, check if there is any debris or pile, and if the leakage leaks will lead to leaks during the movement of the robot, which can damage the flooring or carpets.

Use of a replacement module for wet cleaning

If you own a model where the dust collector and the water tank are separated, the procedure is a little different. In such cases, for example, in the Roborock S50/S55 series or Mi Robot Vacuum Mop, a removable module is used, you need to remove the standard dust container and install a wet cleaning unit in its place.

The water tank itself in these modules is a separate container, often integrated into the body of the cloth holder. The water is poured through the upper hole, which is closed by a rubber or plastic cap, and this cap must fit very tightly to create the vacuum necessary for the capillary wetting system to function properly.

It is critical to understand the difference between a water tank and a dust container: a water tank has no filter system for garbage, and a dust container is not sealed to liquid. Trying to pour water into a HEPA filter container without special protection will cause the filter to swell and stop suction.

When installing a replacement module, make sure that the microfiber wipe is properly attached to the sole of the tank. If the fabric is assembled into folds or hanging, the robot can get stuck or distribute water unevenly. Some users prefer to use magnetic mounts to fix the fabric, which increases the efficiency of cleaning.

Water Requirements and Prohibited Supplements

The quality of the liquid used directly affects the durability of the water supply system and the quality of the cleaning. Engineers Xiaomi and Roborock strongly recommend using ordinary tap water, settled during the day, or distilled water, this is necessary to minimize the formation of scale in thin pump channels or capillaries.

The use of hot water is strictly prohibited, as it can deform the plastic tank case and damage the sealing gums, the water temperature should be room temperature, and avoid using water from natural sources, which may contain suspensions that can clog the nozzles.

The use of detergents deserves a separate discussion. Many users want to add floor shampoo for better effect. However, standard household products often form abundant foam that can disrupt water level sensors or create air traffic jams in the feed system.

Set up the intensity of the application

Once you have poured water into the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner, you need to adjust the humidification settings through the Mi Home or Roborock mobile application. Without the right software setting, the water may not be supplied at all or, conversely, it may pour out in excess.

In the menu, find the cleaning section and select "Mop Intensity"; there are usually several modes: low, medium, high and individual. For daily maintenance cleaning, low or medium enough to refresh the surface.

For models with smart carpet recognition (such as Ultrasonic Carpet Recognition), the adjustment can be done automatically. The robot will determine the carpet and stop the water supply or lift the module, in which case it is important to make sure that the settings activate the carpet bypass function.

• 📱 Open the app and move to managing your robot.
• 💧 Select the water level setting icon (usually three drops).
• 🛋️ Activate the “Carpet Bypass” mode if you have flooring.
• ✅ Save the settings before starting the cleaning.

It's worth noting that in some modes of operation, such as when the suction power is maximum, the robot can automatically reduce the water supply to save battery power, which is normal behavior of energy saving algorithms.

Maintenance and care of the water tank

Regular water tank maintenance is key to your robot's long life. Even if you use distilled water, biofilm or mucus can form inside the tank over time, especially if the robot is idle with water for a long time. It is recommended to rinse the tank with clean water after every 2-3 wet cleanings.

Pay special attention to the filter that is inside the tank (if it is designed), this small element traps the particles of rust or scale, preventing them from entering the pump, it must be washed under running water once a week and changed every 2-3 months depending on the hardness of the water.

⚠️ Note: If you plan not to use the robot any more 3-4 During the day, be sure to drain the remaining water from the tank. Stagnant water is the ideal medium for bacteria to multiply, which will lead to an unpleasant odor on the next cleaning.

To clean the inside of the tank from lime plaque, you can use a weak solution of citric acid. Pour the solution, leave it for 15-20 minutes, then thoroughly rinse with clean water several times, which will help restore the system throughput and eliminate the smell.

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Wipe the contact areas on the tank and in the robot with dry cloth before each installation. Oxidation of the contacts can lead to an error in the definition of the tank.

Solving water supply problems

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the water is flooded, but the floor remains dry, most often the problem lies in the air traffic jam, to eliminate it, you can gently tap the tank on the palm or turn it over several times (pre-closing the lid) so that the air bubble comes out through the valve.

Another common cause is a dried microfiber wipe, and if you run a robot with a dry cloth, it will only waste water for the first few minutes to moisten it, and for guaranteed results, it is recommended to moisten the cloth lightly before starting work.

If the water is supplied unevenly or leaves puddles, check the settings in the application and the condition of the valve.Perhaps you need to calibrate the pump, which is performed through a service menu or re-ploughing contacts (for advanced users), but most often just clean the exit holes with a needle or soft brush.

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Regular washing of the tank and the use of distilled water increase the life of the pump by 2-3 times.