Owning a modern cleaning device makes life much easier, but it often raises questions among new users, especially when it comes to wet floor cleaning. Many owners of Xiaomi equipment and sub-brands like Roborock or Mijia face the non-obvious location of the liquid compartments, which can lead to confusion. Understanding the design of your gadget is the first step to its efficient and safe operation without the risk of flooding electronics.
Incorrect refueling or using an inappropriate liquid tank can disable the pump or short circuit in the charging contacts. In this article, we will discuss in detail where the tank is, how to properly remove and fill it so as not to damage the microelectronics of the device, and we will discuss the nuances of water supply system care, which will extend the life of your assistant.
It's important to note that the design of the tanks may vary depending on the specific modification of your robot. Some models feature 2-in-1 combined containers, where dust and water are in the same housing, but separated by sealed partitions. Other, more advanced versions use a separate washing platform or automatic stations, which requires a completely different approach to maintenance.
Determine the type of tank in your model
Before you look for a filling hole, you need to visually identify the type of container that's installed in the robot, and it's very important to determine the sequence of actions and where the liquid will flow, and there are three main types of structures that are typically found, each with its own mounting and filling characteristics.
The first is a classic combined tank that is installed instead of a dust collector, so you take out the dust container and you put in a wet cleaning module, and the second is a separate platform that is attached under the bottom of the robot, and the third is a system that automatically delivers water from a station where manual doping is rarely required.
- 🤖 Combined tank: Dust and water in the same case, but in different compartments.
- 💧 Separate platform: attached from below, requires removal of the main container.
- 🏠 Bus station: water is poured into the base, the robot takes it automatically.
For most users, the first option is relevant, as it is the standard for the Roborock S5, Mijia 1C and many others, and it is important not to confuse the compartments in such devices, since getting water into the dust compartment will lead to a cement-like mass from wet debris, which is extremely difficult to remove.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to pour water directly into the main dry garbage collection compartment, even if there is a filter in the main compartment. HEPA. This will instantly disable the filter and may damage the suction engine.
You can tell the type of device you have by flipping the robot over and looking at the bottom, and if you see a rectangular module that says "Water Tank" or a characteristic hatch, you can go right here, and if the robot is empty and there's a conventional dust collector in the case, you need to buy or install a compatible combined tank.
Location of the water filler hole
Once you've removed the combined tank from the robot vacuum cleaner's body, you need to find the right place to fill. Xiaomi and Roborock's tanks are designed to minimize the risk of spilling, but require care. The main water hole is almost always located on top of the module.
Take a close look at the top of the tank, and you'll see a larger folding cap, which is access to a dust compartment (which is empty in this case) or a filter, and next to it, usually closer to the front end or in the corner, is a smaller hole, often closed by a silicone cap or a spring-loaded cap, and that's where you put water.
In some models, such as the Roborock S6 or S7, the hole can be hidden under a swivel cap with the water drop symbol, which must be opened smoothly so as not to damage the plastic lock. Other versions, such as the Mijia STYJ02YM, use a simple rubber plug that needs to be pulled up.
It's critical that you don't confuse this hole with a pressure relief valve or a process plug that you shouldn't touch. If you see the "Max" label next to the transparent wall of the tank, it's a level limiter, not a place for the bay. The liquid hole always leads to a sealed chamber, separated from the electronics.
What happens if you put water in the wrong hole?
Once you've found the right neck, prepare a filling tank, and it's best to use a measuring cup that comes with a lot of kit, or a regular kitchen jug with a narrow nose, so you can avoid splashing water on the table or the floor.
Step-by-step instructions for filling the tank
The process of filling the tank seems trivial, but following the right algorithm of actions guarantees a long life of the pump and uniform wetting of the wipe.
First, remove the tank from the robot by flipping the device over or opening the top cover, depending on the model. Place the module on a flat horizontal surface, preferably on the kitchen table or in the sink, so that accidentally spilled drops do not damage the furniture. Open the water compartment lid.
☑️ The tank refueling algorithm
Pour room temperature water. Do not use hot water, as it can deform the plastic elements of the tank and damage the pump seals. The level of the liquid should not exceed the Max mark, which is clearly visible through the transparent wall of the case. Overflow can cause water to be squeezed out when the lid is closed or enter the air valve.
Once filled, close the lid tightly until the characteristic click. Make sure the silicone plug or valve is in place tightly. Put the tank back into the robot vacuum cleaner to the end. The tank contacts must connect to the robot contacts, otherwise the system will not start to supply water.
If you use an electronically controlled model, be sure to adjust the level in the Mi Home or Roborock app. For carpeting, choose the minimum level or turn off the water supply altogether, and for tile and linoleum, you can set the average or high value.
⚠️ Warning: Before installing the tank, be sure to wipe its outer walls with a dry cloth. Falling water droplets on the contacts at the bottom of the robot can cause corrosion or sensor error.
Water quality requirements and additives
One of the most common questions is what kind of water to use: Xiaomi manufacturers give clear guidelines that lead to clogged pump channels and scale, and water quality directly affects cleaning efficiency and durability.
The ideal option is distilled or demineralized water, which you can buy at any car store or supermarket, and it does not contain calcium and magnesium salts, which, when dried, form a white coating on the floor and inside the robot mechanisms, using such water virtually eliminates the risk of traffic jams in the nozzles.
| Type of water | Recommendation | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Distilled | Recommended | No. |
| Filtered (jowl) | Permissible. | Minimum scale |
| Plumber | Not recommended | Scale, blockage nozzle |
| Boiled. | Not recommended | Residual rigidity |
It is strictly forbidden to add conventional liquid floor cleaners, foaming compounds or underwear conditioners to the tank. The foam formed by these agents can get inside the pump, disrupting its operation and reducing the suction efficiency. In addition, chemically aggressive components can eat rubber seals.
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If you do want to use a detergent, buy a special liquid for robotic vacuum cleaners that does not foam. Add it in the proportion specified by the manufacturer of the product, usually 1 cap for a full tank.
In extreme cases, if you have only tap water at hand, you can use it, but then you will have to regularly clean the tank of scale, for this, once a month, you should wash the tank with a weak solution of citric acid, and then thoroughly rinse with clean water.
Also, you should keep in mind the temperature of the liquid. As mentioned earlier, hot water is prohibited. Cold tap water is acceptable, but it's better to let it settle to room temperature to avoid condensation inside the tank when there is a sharp temperature difference if the room is warm.
Installation and setting up of wet cleaning
Once the tank is filled and installed, you need to make sure that the robot is ready for wet cleaning. Unlike dry cleaning, it's important to set up the app and install the cloth correctly. Incorrect configuration can lead to the robot simply moving water around the floor without removing contamination.
First, fasten a microfiber wipe on the plastic platform of the tank. In modern models, this is done with Velcro or special clamps. The cloth must fit tightly to the surface and have no folds, otherwise the robot will leave wet stripes or worse wash in the areas of the halls.
Then open the Mi Home or Roborock app on your smartphone, go to your device settings and find the cleaning option, where you can select the water intensity, and the modes are usually Quiet, Standard, Intensive, and Customizable.
For daily maintenance cleaning, you can use the standard mode, if the floor is very dirty, you can turn on the maximum feed, but note that in this case the napkin will have to be rinsed more often, and the robot's operating time may be reduced. For carpets, always choose "No water" mode or use virtual walls to prevent the robot from entering the carpet with a wet tank.
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Properly adjusting the water level in the application saves battery power and prevents overmoisturizing the floor, which is especially important for laminate and parquet.
Run a test cleaning in a small area to check the uniformity of the wetting. Swipe your hand over the floor after the robot passes: it should be slightly wet, but not wet. If there are puddles, reduce the intensity of the feed in the application.
System maintenance and storage
The proper care of the water tank is key to avoiding unpleasant odor and mold inside the system. The remaining water is the ideal environment for bacteria to multiply, especially in a warm room. Regular maintenance also prevents filters and nozzles from clogging.
After each cleaning, it is recommended to drain the remaining water from the tank. Do not store the robot with a full capacity unless you plan to use it in the coming days. Empty the tank, rinse it with clean water and let it dry in disassembled form.
Every two to three weeks, do a deep cleaning. Take out all the removable elements: filter, valves, silicone plugs. Wash them under running water. If you notice white coating, soak the parts in a citric acid solution on top of the water. 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- 🧼 Wash the tank with clean water after each use.
- 🌬️ Dry the components disassembled at room temperature.
- 🚫 Do not use brushes with hard bristles so as not to scratch the plastic.
Pay attention to the state of the microfiber. Over time, it loses its absorbent properties and accumulates contaminants that cannot be washed out. Change the wipes as they wear out, usually every 2-3 months with regular use.
⚠️ Warning: If you keep the robot in storage for a long time (e.g. on vacation), be sure to remove the tank, dry it completely and leave it open.
Also check the contacts on the bottom of the robot and on the tank, if they have oxides or contaminants, gently wipe them with dry soft cloth, which will ensure stable signaling of the presence of water and the pump works correctly.
Solving water supply problems
Even when properly operated, users may encounter situations where water is not being supplied or is being supplied unevenly, and understanding the causes of these malfunctions can help to quickly resolve them without going to a service center.
One of the common problems is suffocation, and if the robot is buzzing but the water is not coming in, maybe there's a traffic jam in the tubes, and in this case, you can try pressing the cleaning button in the app several times to pump the system, and sometimes a slight tapping on the tank in the pump area helps.
Another is clogging of the outlet or filter inside the tank, microscopic dust particles or scale particles can block the flow, remove the platform with the cloth and check if the water flows freely by gravity (in models where possible) or through the valve. Clean the hole with a soft brush.
Why does the robot say "the tank is empty" when there is water?
If the water drips too much and forms puddles, check the settings in the application - perhaps the maximum mode is chosen, also the cause can be a loosely closed tank cap or a damaged valve, in some cases, it helps to replace the silicone plug with a new one.
If the pump is humming, but there's no water, and the purging isn't working, maybe the pump itself has failed, which is rare, but it's possible if you get large particles of debris or sand inside, and then you need to replace the pump, which is a more complicated procedure.
Regular prevention and use of quality water minimize the risk of such problems. Keep an eye on the condition of the filters and change supplies in a timely manner so that your Xiaomi pleases you with a clean and shiny floor.