Wet cleaning by Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner: the complete guide

Modern smart homes are increasingly equipped with automated cleanliness systems, and Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner is at the forefront here, but many users have difficulty trying to activate the floorwashing function without understanding the difference between dry cleaning and full wet cleaning. Unlike conventional models, it requires installing a special module and adjusting the app properly.

The process of running water treatment depends on the specific model of your device and the firmware version. Some flagship versions of Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop are equipped with electronic water supply, while budget models rely on gravity and the quality of the installed cloth. It is important to understand that simply wipe the floor with a wet wipe is not enough – you need to properly configure the movement algorithms.

In this article, we will cover everything from installing a water tank to fine-tuning the fluid supply intensity through the Mi Home app. You will learn how to avoid typical errors that can damage electronics or cause squalids on the floor. Proper preparation is the key to perfect cleanliness without undue effort on your part.

Preparation of equipment and installation of the module

The first step is to physically prepare the device, make sure that the main garbage container is removed, as it is not compatible with the washing mode, and then install a combined tank or separate wet cleaning platform, which comes with the device. Never attempt to use a water vacuum cleaner if a paper filter is installed in the dust compartment or HEPA-module unmoisture-proof.

The installation process requires care. Insert the tank before the characteristic click, making sure that the contacts (if any) match the connectors on the robot body. For models with an electronic pump, you also need to check the presence of water in the tank and the battery level, since the washing process consumes more energy than dry cleaning.

⚠️ Warning: Before installing a water tank, be sure to remove the main brush or make sure it is designed to work with a wet environment if the instruction to your Xiaomi model requires it.

After the physical installation, you need to make sure that the robot is attached to a microfiber wipe, it should fit tightly to the platform using Velcro or special clamps. Dry or slightly wet cloth will not give the desired effect, so it is recommended to pre-wet and squeeze it according to the instructions.

Setting up the Mi Home application and selecting the mode

Physical installation is only half the battle. To work properly, you need to configure the settings through the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home) and open the app on your smartphone and go to your device card. If the robot can't see the module installed, try rebooting it by pressing and holding the on and off buttons at the same time.

In the control interface, find the section that handles the cleaning modes. Depending on the interface version, it could be a "Cleaning", "Settings" tab or a separate water drop icon. That's where the engine and pump logic switches. For models without an electronic tank, the app will only adjust the route, and for models with a pump, it will specify the water intensity.

It is important to choose the right water level. There are usually three options available: low, medium and high. Recommendation: to maintain cleanliness on laminate or parquet, use a minimum level to avoid bloating. For tiles or linoleum, you can set average values.

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If the app doesn’t display wet cleaning options, try changing the server region in the profile settings to China or Europe depending on the device version, then return it back – this often updates the feature list.

Compatibility table of models and types of cleaning

Not all Xiaomi devices support wet cleaning in the same way. There is a clear distinction between models that simply carry a wet cloth and those that actively control the water supply. Below is a comparative description of the popular series.

As you can see from the table, pumping is key. Pump-free models like the Essential series require more frequent washing of the rag and humidity control, as water just seeps through the fabric. More advanced models like the X10+ use vibration to wipe off stains, mimicking the movements of a person's hand.

When selecting the mode in the application, consider the type of flooring. If you have a combined floor (carpets and hard coating), make sure that the settings activate the automatic detour of the carpet or lifting module (if supported by the design), otherwise the robot can wet the carpet, which will lead to an unpleasant smell.

Algorithm of operation and routing

Once you've set up the scheduling process, the robot vacuum cleaner scans the room and builds a map, if it's the first time, and when you activate the wet cleaning mode, the motion algorithm changes, and the robot moves more slowly and reciprocally to effectively remove the contaminants.

Unlike the chaotic "no map" movement, using a map breaks the room into zones. You can select a specific cleaning room or install virtual walls in the Mi Home app. Virtual walls are a critical tool to prevent a robot from entering certain areas, such as animal bowls or under low furniture, where a wet module can get stuck.

If a robot detects a carpet, its behavior depends on the model. Budget versions will just circle it around the perimeter. Top models with Mop Lift function can lift a platform with a rag several millimeters to drive over the pile without wetting it, and then lower it back on a hard floor.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use wet cleaning on long-pile carpets, even if the robot passes them.

The washing time is usually shorter than dry cleaning because of the higher power consumption. The average area that a single charge with a full tank of water can handle is about 40-60 square meters depending on the degree of pollution and the intensity chosen.

System maintenance after cleaning

Finishing the robot isn't the end of the maintenance process. The microfiber wipe should be removed immediately and rinsed. Leaving the damp tissue on the device will lead to bacteria multiplying and a persistent damp smell that will spread throughout the apartment the next time it's turned on.

The water tank itself also requires regular maintenance, and it is not recommended to pour water directly from the tap if it is very hard, as over time, the pump membrane and the walls of the tank form scale. It is better to use filtered or distilled water. Once a month, the tank should be washed with a mild detergent.

Pay special attention to sensors. In wet cleaning mode, there may be a micro-film of water on the floor that gets dust, over time, the drop and collision sensors may become contaminated, wipe them with dry soft cloth after every 3-4 wet cleaning.

Solution (Frequent problems)

Users often experience a situation where the robot turns on but no water is supplied. 80 percent of the time, the problem is clogging the tank's outlet or an air traffic jam, check if the valve closes the outlet, and try pressing it several times (when the device is turned off) to cause a flow of water.

Another common problem is that the robot leaves too wet tracks or, conversely, barely wet. If the tracks are too wet, reduce the intensity in the application or use less absorbent fabric. If the floor remains dry, check whether the water in the supply channels has dried up (this happens after a long downtime) and clean them with a thin needle, pre-extract the tank.

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Regular replacement of water in the tank (do not leave it there for more than 24 hours) and timely washing of the cloth are the main conditions for long-term pump service and odorlessness.

If the robot reports an error, "The water tank is empty," even though there is water, a level sensor or magnetic curtain may have failed (in some models). Try to wipe the sensors on the tank and in the niche of the robot with an alcohol napkin.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions