Owners of modern automatic assistants from Xiaomi often face the question of how to activate the function of floor washing if it does not work by default. Wet cleaning is an option that requires not only software switching, but also the right physical training of the device. Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to pour water into the tank, but the algorithms of robotic vacuum cleaners are more complex.
First, make sure your Roborock or Mijia model supports this feature. Basic versions often lack an electronic pump or special module, making it impossible to automatically supply fluid. If your device is in a wash-enabled series (usually models with an M, V, S or Pro index), the activation procedure will take only a few minutes of your time.
In this article, we will go through all the stages of adjustment, from installing consumables to fine calibrating in the application. Your smart system will achieve perfect purity, but only if the initial configuration is correct. Ignoring important steps can lead to leaks or poor quality results.
Physical preparation of the robot for floor washing
The first and most important step is to install a dedicated module. Unlike dry cleaning, where it is enough to empty the dust container, the wet cleaning mode requires the installation of a water tank. Depending on the model, this can be a combined 2-in-1 container or a separate module replacing the main dust collector.
It's critical to properly fix the microfiber wipe, and it needs to fit tightly into the platform over the entire area to ensure that moisture is evenly distributed, and if the fabric is loose or has folds, the robot can leave the squash or not touch the floor surface at all in some places.
β οΈ Warning: Never run a robot with a water tank installed on high-pile carpets. Even in vacuum-only mode, the residual moisture on a napkin can wet the carpet.
The next step is to install magnetic tape, if your model requires it, and some Xiaomi devices have sensors that detect the presence of this tape, and without it, the robot may refuse to run the washing program, believing that the module is not installed, and the tape is glued to the perimeter of the area to be washed, or to the robot itself, depending on the design.
βοΈ Pre-launch checks
Setting up parameters in the Mi Home app
After physical training, you need to move to the software part: Open the Mi Home app on your smartphone and select your device. The management interface may vary depending on the region to which the account is attached, but the basic principles remain the same for all versions of the firmware.
In the main control menu, find an icon for cleaning modes, often like a switch button between Quiet, Standard and Maximum suction modes, and next to it should be a Water Flow option or a separate "Mop" button.
Choose the desired water intensity. There are usually three or four levels available: low, medium, high, and, in some models, adjustable; low is suitable for daily cleanliness maintenance, high is suitable for removal of dried spots; you should not immediately set maximum values if the floor does not require deep cleaning.
Also in the settings, you should pay attention to the "Grooming Order" function. For wet mode, it is often recommended to vacuum first and then wash. Some advanced models can do this automatically, but it is better to prioritize suction before applying water so that the dust does not turn into dirt.
Use of magnetic tape and virtual walls
One of the most useful features of Xiaomi's ecosystem is the ability to limit cleaning areas. For wet cleaning, this is critical, as water can damage certain types of coatings or get into unwanted places. There are two main methods of limiting: physical and software.
The physical method involves using magnetic tape, which comes with some models, and you spread it on the floor as a "T" or a closed loop, and the robot, when it senses the magnetic field, perceives this line as an insurmountable barrier, and it's a reliable way to isolate areas where the map of the room may not work properly.
The software method is implemented by creating virtual walls in the application, so you can draw a rectangle on a map and set a ban on entry or a ban on washing, for example, you can allow a robot to enter the area of the carpet to collect dust, but you can prohibit wet cleaning.
| Type of restriction | Principle of action | Efficiency | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnetic tape | Physical sensor | High (100%) | Low (to be glued) |
| Virtual wall | GPS/Gyroscope/LDS | Medium (depending on the map) | High (any shape) |
| No Mop Zone. | Program ban | Tall. | Tall. |
What if the robot ignores the tape?
Fine tuning of intensity and frequency
Modern models like the Roborock S7 or Xiaomi Vacuum Mop 2 Pro offer advanced settings. You can adjust not only the amount of water supplied, but also the frequency of the robotβs return to the docking station or the vibration intensity of the platform (if the model is equipped with a sonic module).
For complex contaminants, we recommend using Deep Clean or similar mode, in which case the cleaning algorithm changes: the robot moves along a more complex trajectory, often returning to the areas already covered, which increases the cleaning time, but significantly improves the quality of the result.
Don't forget to adjust the settings depending on the type of flooring. Laminate flooring and parquet flooring are better suited to the minimum water supply to avoid swelling of the seams. Tile and porcelain porcelain can be used safely with medium and high flow values.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use hot water or water with harsh chemicals (chlorine, bleach) that can damage the rubber seals of the tank and the pump of the robot.
Solving Typical Water Supply Problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the function seems to be on, but the floor remains dry. The first reason is often a traffic jam in the feed system. If you haven't used a wet cleaning in a long time or just poured a new tank, the system needs time to pump water.
The second common problem is clogging of the outlets. Even with distilled water, mineral deposits can form over time. Regular preventive cleaning of the nozzles helps to avoid this. The third factor is a software failure, which is solved by rebooting the device.
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If water is not supplied, try running the robot on a dry napkin in maximum feed mode for 2-3 minutes, which will help to push the air traffic jam and moisturize the fabric before the main cleaning.
It's also worth checking the settings in the app. Sometimes, after updating the firmware, the water supply settings can be reset to "Switched Off." Carefully check the status before each run, especially if the robot has been standing idle for a long time.
Caring for the after-work moisture system
Proper care of the device prolongs its life. After the wet cleaning cycle is completed, it is strongly recommended to remove the water tank. Leaving water in the tank for a long time (more than 24 hours) can lead to unpleasant odor, mold and corrosion of the internal elements.
A microfiber wipe must be removed and washed after each use, and even if it looks clean, it still has microscopic dirt and bacteria on it, and washing at a temperature of no more than 40 degrees without the use of underwear conditioners will retain the absorbent properties of the fabric.
Periodically check the pump and contacts. If you notice signs of scale, you can use low-concentration citric acid to flush the system, but do it carefully, following the manufacturer's instructions. Regular maintenance ensures that your Xiaomi will be happy with cleanliness for many years.
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The main secret of durability is to always drain the remaining water from the tank and dry the napkin after each cycle of wet cleaning.