Weak points of robot vacuum cleaners: what breaks most often and how to prevent it

Robot vacuum cleaners have a number of key components that bear the brunt of the load. These include brushes, wheels, sensors, filters, batteries, and navigation systems. They are subject to wear, clogging, damage, and other malfunctions. Let's look at common causes of breakdowns, ways to prevent them, and important maintenance measures that can reduce the risk of equipment failure.

Brushes, rollers, and wheels

The main elements that come into contact with the floor covering are the brushes, the central roller, and the drive wheels. They are susceptible to contamination, mechanical wear, and blockage, especially when cleaning hair, wool, and long threads.

The following actions can prevent a reduction in the service life of these elements:

• Check the side and center brushes for tangled hair at least once a week.
• Remove the roller and clean it of dirt according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Monitor the condition of the axles and brush holders to prevent deformation.
• Check the rubber coating on the wheels and remove dirt from the wheel arches and axles.
• Avoid high thresholds and obstacles that can overload the gearboxes.

Timely maintenance of these components reduces the load on the motors and extends the service life of the moving parts.

Navigation sensors

The robot's orientation systems include infrared, laser, optical, and ultrasonic sensors. Contamination of their surfaces reduces the accuracy of route planning and can lead to malfunctions.

We recommend the following actions:

• Clean the external lenses and sensor windows with a soft, dry cloth without using alcohol.
• Keep the floor clean: dust and moisture affect the performance of optics and IR sensors.
• Avoid mirrored surfaces, thick curtains, and dark carpets in the cleaning area.
• Place the base and the robot's starting area in an open and level area without obstacles.

The condition of the sensors directly affects the stability of the routes and the frequency of malfunctions when operating in automatic mode.

Container, filters, and suction unit

The dust collection system includes a container, main and fine filters, and a suction channel. Contamination reduces cleaning efficiency and increases the risk of motor overheating.

To avoid performance degradation, the following measures must be observed:

• Clean the dust container after each cleaning, especially in high dust conditions.
• Wash washable filters at least once every two weeks and dry them before reinstalling.
• Replace HEPA filters according to the manufacturer's instructions or when suction power decreases.
• Check and clean the air ducts when suction power decreases.
• Do not use non-original filters, as they may not provide adequate filtration.
• Avoid wet cleaning when the dry container is installed without the appropriate accessories.

Timely maintenance of the filtration system prevents overloads and helps maintain stable motor operation.

Battery and power problems

The battery is subject to degradation over several years. Problems with contacts, the charging base, and the power management system are also possible.

To extend battery life and ensure stable charging, you must:

• Keep the charging base connected to the mains even during periods of inactivity.
• Avoid completely discharging the battery, especially when storing the device for long periods of time.
• Check the contacts on the vacuum cleaner body and base for dirt or corrosion.
• Store the vacuum cleaner in a dry room at a temperature between 10 and 25°C.
• Replace the battery if there is a noticeable decrease in battery life or charging failures.

A stable power supply and regular checking of the contacts ensure trouble-free operation of the device in normal mode.

Common mistakes when using

Some malfunctions are not caused by breakdowns, but by improper handling or operating conditions. Common mistakes include expecting the vacuum cleaner to do all the cleaning by itself and skimping on the model.

To reduce the number of problems, consider the following:

• Clean the brushes, filters, and wheels regularly according to a schedule.
• Do not rely on budget models to plot optimal routes and avoid mistakes.
• Use a mobile app to set virtual boundaries and route control.

Careful maintenance and following the manufacturer's recommendations will extend the life of your robot vacuum cleaner. Clean brushes and sensors, regular replacement of consumables, careful use of the battery, and proper organization of the cleaning space reduce the risk of malfunctions.