How to clean robot vacuum brushes

If you're having issues with your robot vacuum not picking up dirt properly, it might be time to clean the brushes.

Hair is a key problem, but regular dust and dirt can also build up and impact your vacuum's performance. But there’s an easy fix! Simple, regular maintenance keeps things working at their best.

Here's everything you need to know about cleaning your robot vacuum brushes.

How to clean robot vacuum brushes: Step by step

Here's how to clean a robot vacuum brush in six easy steps:

1. Power off

Before starting, ensure your vacuum is fully powered off. To avoid any accidental activation, you should remove it from the power station.

2. Remove the brushes

Next, remove the brushes from the body of the vacuum. Most robot vacuums have detachable side and main brushes. The side brushes can often be slotted out, while to remove the main brushes, you may need to remove a cover or release a latch. Check the manufacturer instructions for your model if you're unsure.

3. Remove hair and larger debris 

Like most vacuums, hair tends to wrap around the bristles of a robot vacuum. Attempt to remove hair with your hands first – you can often pull out a significant amount. You can use a sharp tool to carefully loosen stubborn hair, pulling it away from the brush.

For larger build-ups of hair, carefully cut with scissors, then use your fingers or a soft cloth to remove any remaining debris.

4. Clean the brush roll

Once you've removed any larger debris, you can wipe down the brush roll with a damp cloth. If you're dealing with stubborn dirt, soak the brush in warm, soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing with a small, soft brush, like a toothbrush, to dislodge any leftover dirt. You should always ensure the brushes are dry before reinstalling them in the vacuum.

5. Clean the brush housing

Using a dry or slightly damp cloth, gently wipe around the area where the brushes sit to prevent interior dirt build-up that could impact performance.

6. Replace the brushes

Once you've finished cleaning – and the brushes and vacuum interior are completely dry – put them back into the machine ready for your next use.

Additional tips for cleaning robot vacuums

As well as cleaning the brushes, there are a few additional steps you can take to keep your robot vacuum performing at its best:

·       Check the wheels. The wheels of a robot vacuum come into very close contact with the floor, so they may also pick up dirt and debris. Check the wheels if you notice any impact on movement, and clean them with a damp cloth to keep things running smoothly.

·       Avoid certain surfaces. Extremely fluffy, high-pile carpets or tassels on rugs can catch in the robot vacuum brush and create a build-up of debris. If possible, avoid using your robot vacuum on these surfaces. Most robot vacuum models, like the Hoover HG4, have options to map out a plan for your room and indicate areas that should and shouldn't be cleaned.

·       Don't use on heavy spills or debris. Robot vacuums are ideal for lighter cleaning between deeper cleans. If you're dealing with heavy dirt, debris, or spills, it may be best to use a traditional vacuum.

·       Keep sensors clean. Accumulated dust and dirt can impact the robot vacuum sensors, which help the vacuum navigate your space effectively. Regularly wipe down the sensors with a soft cloth.

·       Empty the dustbin regularly. A full dustbin can decrease the suction power of your vacuum. To maintain optimum performance, empty it regularly. You can also opt for a robot vacuum with a self-emptying function, like the Hoover HG4 Hydro Pro. This handy vacuum will return to its base to empty the dustbag when full, reducing the amount of manual intervention needed. 

How often should you clean robot vacuum brushes?

The frequency of cleaning robot vacuum brushes depends on the amount of use. As robot vacuums are designed for regular day-to-day cleaning between bigger deep cleans, it's worth cleaning them every 1-2 weeks. If you have a lot of carpets or pets, especially those that shed hair, you may need to clean your robot vacuum brushes more often.

The more frequently you clean the brushes, the less chance of stubborn dirt and hair build-up.  

Explore the Hoover robot vacuum range

Now that you know how to properly maintain your robot vacuum, you might be considering upgrading to a model that better suits your needs.

You’re in the right place! We offer an impressive range of robot vacuums designed to make home cleaning effortless.

Our latest robot vacuum models feature advanced navigation systems that efficiently map your home, powerful suction capabilities for deep cleaning, and smart connectivity options that allow you to control your vacuum from anywhere using your smartphone. We even have 2-in-1 vacuum and mop models, like the HG4 Hydro, for a complete floor cleaning solution.

Explore our robot vacuum cleaners today to transform your cleaning routine – and give you more time to enjoy your spotless home!