Robot Vacuum Cleaners Can Cost a Pretty Penny

Convenience can come with a price and robotic vacuums are no different. The price of robot vacuum cleaners can vary and will be determined mostly by the unit’s navigation system. This can range from very simple and basic functions ($100) to remote controls, scheduled bin dumpings and finding their way to their recharge station ($1800). In other words, the less input required by the machine to do its job, the higher the price. The average person pays around $200 for an upright vacuum.

Helping Robotic Vacuums Be the Best that They Can Be

With a regular upright vacuum, you still have to move small objects and string out of the way so it doesn't get caught in the revolving brush or in the hose. A robotic vacuum is no different. Despite the handiness of robotic vacuums, you will still have to do a little bit of your own cleaning. Small toys, string, newspapers, telephone and electric cords and drawstrings from mini-blinds will have to be placed up and out of reach. The unit will also encounter problems when it comes to frayed carpeting. Place a wastebasket or similar item over such an area to avoid any problems.

Robot Vacuum Cleaners And Shag Carpets

There has been assumptions that robotic vacuums do a superficial cleaning job, but they've actually been found to be quite thorough when it comes to doing their job. However, it has been found that the unit does not function well on deep pile or shag carpets. It also doesn't transition well off or on to deep pile carpeting. A room with shag carpeting may not get the best cleaning job with a robotic vacuum, but any other type of flooring seems to benefit from this machine. If you have thick carpeting, your best bet may simply be an upright vacuum.

Robot Vacuum Maintenance

Although it moves on its own, the quirky, convenient robot vacuum still requires a certain level of maintenance. The unit’s dust bins must be emptied from time to time and because of its close proximity to the floor, there is a possibility of sensors becoming clouded, interfering with the unit’s ability to function properly. Households with pets will need to disassemble the unit to remove pet hair from the revolving brush.

Without clean sensors, a robotic vacuum will not be able to calculate the size of the room, its cleaning path or identify drop-offs, such as stairs. Use a soft paint brush to gently dab away dust from sensors and other delicate parts of the unit.

Robot Vacuums and Pets

The use of robotic vacuums in households with pets has resulted in mixed reviews. The vacuum has received praise when cleaning up pet hair, but garnered mediocre results in dealing with the pets themselves. While some animals are unfazed by any type of vacuum, for other pets, it is a "hair-raising" experience. Animals that have no problem with conventional vacuums may not like much about the new robot vacuum in their home. Keep in mind animals have sensitive ears and can hear frequencies a human cannot. It may be a good idea to put pets in a kennel or a separate room on the days the unit will be used.

Robotic Vacuums and Allergy Sufferers

Robotic vacuums can be of great help to allergy sufferers, helping them to do away with pet hair, dander and low-lying floor dust. Used once a day in conjunction with a routine cleaning and vacuuming regimen, allergy sufferers will find their symptoms reduced significantly. Robotic vacuums should not be used to replace regular vacuuming because they do not have the suction that a conventional vacuum has. The strong suction power is something an allergy sufferer really needs to rid an environment of aggravating allergens and pollutants.

When Purchasing Robotic Vacuums Makes Sense

You've probably seen the commercials or maybe even had coffee with a friend while their robotic vacuum did the cleaning. These are convenient devices and robotic vacuums can be a great choice if:

• you like the idea of something that can not only vacuum without requiring your presence, but will clean under beds, tables and other spaces an upright vacuum can’t.
• your schedule is busy or you feel it would be nice to have a way to touch up your home in between regular cleaning routines.
• you have a medical condition that prevents or makes vacuuming difficult or impossible.
• you just don’t care for the chore of vacuuming or would like to shorten your list of chores.

Upon purchasing a unit, read the owner’s manual and instructions thoroughly. A robot vacuum runs on a rechargeable NiMH battery that will need to power up for a specific amount of time when it first comes out of the box.