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How to care for your iRobot Roomba
Have you just spent your hard earned dough on a Roomba? These gadgets are expensive so you want to make sure they last. For longevity, you should do a bit of regular but simple maintenance on them.
While each vacuum or Braava jet mop will have its own specific requirements, generally speaking there are some things you can do to keep them in good running order.
How to care for iRobot Roomba: Wipe down the shell & clean sensors
Your robot vacuum or mop navigates using special sensors. They look like little tinted windows.
Wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any dust that might impede them seeing their way around.
Similarly, underneath there’s cliff sensors that prevent your robot from falling off ledges. Make sure these are clean too.
Use in video Sensor locations: homesupport.irobot.com/app/an...
How to care for iRobot Roomba: Clean brushes and rollers
Even if they’re still spinning and the vacuum is still running, fibres, string, threads and hair can get tangled up in the brushes, and these will also hide in the locking mechanisms that hold the rollers in place.
Keeping the rollers clear is important because tough fibres can actually get pulled tight and cut through the rubber if you leave them in place for too long… a fact I found out when I went to shoot this video. Time for a new roller!
Remove the rollers by popping them out; the frame around the rollers opens with the pinch of a level, and each roller is clearly marked with a shape so you put it back correctly. Pull them out, untangle or cut anything obstructing them, and remove any tangles from the ends.
You can and should also remove the front caster wheel and the corner or edge brushes to pull out tightly wound or hidden tangles too. (In some cases you might need a screwdriver.) Either way, it’s pretty easy. Awkward as it is to grasp, pull on the caster wheel and it will pop out.
Clean the dustbin and bin well
Dust accumulates, not surprisingly in the dust bin and the bin well where it sits. Empty the bin first naturally, then remove the filter. The filter by the way is not washable so if it’s really dirty it might be time to order a replacement.
You can tap the filter to clear dust or use a brush.
Rinse the bin with warm water, and make sure you get all the corners and crevices. Then let it air dry completely before replacing it.
Wipe out the bin well with a damp cloth and remove any debris that’s lingered.
One last cleanup… you’ll want to wipe the charging contacts on the robot and base station, and wipe any dust or debris from around the base station and vacuum intakes and suction ports.
Now’s also a good time to empty your dust bag if it’s full.
Those are the key tips for you to keep your new Roomba or BraavaJet running smoothly.