Modern robot vacuum cleaners from the Xiaomi brand and its sub-brands (such as Mijia, Roborock or Viomi) are sophisticated devices that can keep the house clean without human intervention. However, many owners face difficulties when first starting the wet cleaning function, as it requires pre-prepared and correct configuration in the mobile application. Simply having a rag in the kit does not guarantee that the device will automatically start washing the floors at start.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate the wash mode, correctly install the module and avoid the typical errors that can lead to damage to the carpet or the device itself. You will learn about the intricacies of electronic pumps and mapping algorithms that distinguish top models from budget counterparts.
Before you go to software settings, you need to make sure that your machine is physically ready to work with water. Not all models support this feature out of the box, and sometimes you need to buy a special module with a tank. Let's look at a step-by-step algorithm that will help you start the cleaning process as efficiently as possible.
Preparation of equipment and installation of the module
The first and most important step is to check the configuration of your device. Flagship models such as the Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro or Roborock S7 often come with a combined container where the dust collector and water tank are combined. In simpler versions, such as the basic Mijia 1C, you may need to buy a separate module for wet cleaning.
The installation process requires care, because it is important not to damage the contacts or seals. First, remove the main dry garbage container. If you have a model with separate modules, install a water tank, making sure that it is tightly latched to the characteristic click.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to pour water directly into the dry garbage bay or into the main cavity of the robot, which will short-circuit the electronics and cause irreversible failure of the device, which is not covered by warranty.
Next, you need to properly fasten the microfiber napkin, and on the bottom of the module is a platform holder that can be magnetic or attached to Velcros, and the rag must be folded and tucked so that it fits tightly to the floor, but does not hang around the sides, blocking the wheels.
- 🧼 Use only distilled or filtered water to minimize the buildup of scale on the pump membrane.
- 🚫 It is strictly forbidden to add detergents, chlorine or air conditioners for linen to the tank, as they corrode plastic parts.
- 💧 Before installing the module, make sure that the rubber plugs on the tank are tightly closed so that water does not flow inside the housing.
Once the module is physically installed, the robot must recognize the configuration changes, and some advanced models equipped with module recognition sensors will automatically switch to hybrid cleaning mode or suggest selecting the type of flooring in the application.
☑️ Checking preparedness for washing
Setting up in the Mi Home app
The main control of the functionality of the smart home is through the mobile application Mi Home (or Xiaomi Home), which is where you fine-tune the parameters that can not be changed by the buttons on the device body. After connecting the robot to the Wi-Fi network, go to the card of your device.
In the management interface, look for a cleaning button or an icon that indicates the mode of operation. Depending on the firmware version and model, this item may be called "Cleaning Modes", "Maps settings" or "Water Settings", and you need to activate the water supply.
The key is the level of humidity intensity, and there are usually three or four gradations available: low, medium, high, and off mode, depending on the type of coating: low is better for laminate, and maximum feed can be set for porcelain.
| Water level | Expenditure (ml/min) | Recommended coverage | Tank time. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low. | ~40-50 | Laminate, parquet | 120 minutes. |
| Medium. | ~60-70 | Linoleum, tiles | ~90 minutes |
| High-pitched | ~80-90 | Severe pollution | ~60 minutes |
| Off. | 0 | Carpets, dry cleaning. | N/A |
It's also important to check your schedule settings, so if you want wet cleaning to be done automatically on schedule, make sure that the schedule has a switch on, and without that, the robot will only do dry cleaning on the timer.
Creating virtual limits and maps
One of the biggest problems with floor washing is the risk of wetting carpets or areas where it's not desirable. LDS-Navigation allows you to create virtual walls and no-go zones right on a digital map of the room, which is a critical feature for the safety of your interior.
To set the restrictions, go to the map editing section (usually an icon with a map or settings image) where you will find the Virtual Wall or No-Go tool, draw a rectangle over the carpet or area at the pet water bowl.
⚠️ Warning: Virtual walls only work if the robot has pre-built a complete map of the room. Running a wash without a saved map can cause the device to ignore software constraints.
Some models, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV, have AI cameras that automatically recognize carpets, and you can set up a Mop Raise or Carpet Bypass feature in the settings, in the first case, the robot physically lifts a platform with a rag, in the second, it just goes around the fuzzy surfaces.
If your robot doesn't have automatic carpet recognition, creating no-go zones becomes a must. The width of the protective zone must be at least 50 cm from the edge of the carpet so that the splashed moisture doesn't get on the fabric.
- 🗺️ Save a few cards if you have a multi-storey house so you don’t reconfigure the zones every time.
- 🚧 Use the Virtual Wall to protect wires and rapids with a high elevation difference.
- 🔄 Update the map regularly if you have rearranged furniture to keep routing accurate.
A properly configured map allows the robot to work offline for weeks, returning to base only to recharge and refuel water (if the base supports autofill).
Starting and managing the cleaning process
After all the preparatory steps, you can proceed to the direct start. You can initiate the cleaning by voice (via Yandex.Alice or Google Assistant, if configured), by a button on the case or through the application. When you launch through the application, you have the choice: clean the entire apartment or a particular room.
If you've chosen Quiet Cleaning mode, the robot can turn off suction at maximum power, but still keep the water supply at the desired level, which is useful if you're at home and want to reduce noise levels, but maintain the quality of floor washing.
While operating, the robot will follow a spiral or Z-shaped trajectory, periodically returning to the base to recharge if the battery charge drops below 20%. Smart algorithms remember the point where the cleaning broke, and after charging continue from the same place.
What to do if the robot is stuck?
Watch the indicators on the top of the device. A flashing blue indicator usually signals the washing process, while a constant light can mean waiting or charging. The app displays real-time progress and area of cleaned area.
Solving Typical Problems and Errors
Even with the right setup, users can experience a situation where water is not being fed to the cloth. The first cause is often a traffic jam in the feed system. If you haven't used the wash function in a long time, the membrane may have dried up.
To fix the problem, try switching the intensity modes several times in the application or manually (if there is a button), also helping a light tap on the tank or short-term removal and re-installation of the module to create pressure.
⚠️ Attention: If after a long work on the cloth there is no wet trace, and the tank is full, perhaps, the membrane has salted.
Another common mistake is "Map is lost," or failure to plot a route with the tank installed, which can occur if the laser rangefinder sensors are contaminated, or if you shut down a robot from one of the rooms, disrupting the logic of the route.
- 🔋 Low-charge error: Robot won’t start washing if battery power is less than 20%, as washing requires more power.
- 🌊 Tank error: The device will report by voice or code if the water tank is not installed or installed incorrectly.
- 🧶 Brush error: When winding hair onto a side brush, the robot can stop moving and request help.
If you see an error code on the display or in the application, check the code table in the instructions. Often, rebooting the device by (holding) the on and back buttons solves software failures.
Care of the wet cleaning system
For the longevity of the device, proper care is important after each cleaning, a microfiber rag must be removed, washed and dried, leaving moist fabric on the module will cause unpleasant odor and bacteria to multiply.
The water tank itself also requires periodic flushing, and even if you've used filtered water, over time, biofilm can form on the walls, wash the tank with warm water once a week and dry it before storing it.
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To extend the life of the membrane, after each cleaning, leave some water in the tank and close the valve so that the membrane does not dry completely.
The platform of the rag attachment should also be wiped with a wet wipe, removing the stuck dirt and wool. If the platform is magnetic, check if the magnets are clogged with metal dust, which can interfere with the tight fit.
Regular maintenance ensures that the robot vacuum cleaner will last for years, keeping cleaning efficiency high.Ignoring the device's simple hygiene rules can lead to clogged internal canals and costly repairs.
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Regular drying of all elements of the wet cleaning module is the main secret of the absence of odor and long operation of the pump.