Robot vacuums are all the rage these days. They have come a long way since the old-fashioned “Roomba” models and are quickly becoming a staple in every household.
However, as with every new invention, there are bound to be advantages and disadvantages to using them. Find out more about the pros and cons of a robot vacuum to fully maximize its amazing features.
Pros of Owning a Robot Vacuum Cleaner
1. Convenient Automation
We live in a world where we can enjoy the vast benefits of the internet and the many machines that operate along with it. One of them is the robot vacuum.
It truly is a luxury to be able to schedule a robot vacuum on days you want your house cleaned, even during specific hours. With a robot vacuum, you can keep your house clean with minimal effort from your end.
2. Vacuums and Mops at the Same Time
Let’s face it — everyone hates mopping the house.
The good news is, many robot vacuums nowadays can double as a vacuum and a mop. This means that you can let the small machine pick up dust, and then let it mop the house to make it look sparkling clean.
So if you’re someone who hates doing house cleaning chores, a robot vacuum and mop can definitely help you reduce some of the boring and mundane tasks.
3. Clean a Specific Area of the House
A “spot-cleaning” feature can often be found on most robot vacuums. It’s a feature that commands a robot vacuum to clean a specific area if there is a mess.
So instead of navigating the entire house aimlessly, a robot vacuum is smart enough to know where the dirt is and clean it without your direction and command.
For example, if there is a spill in the kitchen, then a robot vacuum will come to the area and clean the mess quickly. Now that’s a useful feature!
Cons of Owning a Robot Vacuum
1. They Don’t Have HEPA Filter
A common misconception among homeowners is that robot vacuums have HEPA filters. The truth is, they do not.
An article from Cleaners Talk suggests that robot vacuums do not have HEPA filters. This was also confirmed by a representative from iRobot, the manufacturer of Roomba. Robot vacuums have HEPA-grade filters — not true HEPA filters.
That being said, robot vacuums are still excellent for keeping your floors clean and your carpets free of dust. Just keep in mind that they can’t filter particles smaller than 0.3 microns that may cause allergies.
2. You Need to Empty It Often
Because robot vacuums are relatively small, they can move around small spaces and have long battery lives. However, this also means that the dirtbin is small too.
This means that it can only hold a small number of dust inside its bin and you need to empty a robot vacuum often – not ideal for bigger houses, especially ones with pets.
Even with a robot vacuum, you will still need to vacuum your house with a regular vacuum cleaner every now and then. Think of a robot vacuum as a machine that helps maintain the overall cleanliness of your house, not a set-it-and-forget-it cleaning machine.
Bottom Line
And there you have it, the pros and cons of owning and using a robot vacuum.
Since robot vacuums are relatively new technology, it pays to know what it’s capable of. By taking the time of understanding what a robot vacuum can or cannot do, you can utilize it to its full potential and keep your house in tip-top shape.
