Is a robot vacuum better than a mop? A post on Chinese social media started a debate. The writer spent about 900 dollars on machines. They went back to a disposable dust mop. The machines needed care, and parts wore out. The mop was light, fast, and caught dust instead of spreading it.
In a set of tests, robot vacuums picked up 88 percent of dirt on hard floors. On carpet, the figure was only 26 percent. Robots can also get stuck on rugs and cables unless the floor is cleared first. A 10-dollar cotton mop removed dried jam easily. For many homes, experts suggest a mix. Use a robot daily in large open areas, and a mop for corners and stains.