Those old enough to remember the Jetsons cartoon will recall how nifty it was to see all the inventions of the “future.” In the case of housecleaning, it seems that technology has caught up to fantasy, and is making it extremely easy to do little things like clean toilets, wash windows, and now vacuum. Vacuuming, once reserved as a lowly Saturday morning chore has literally been revolutionized with the onslaught of “robotic vacuums.” There are a few different brands on the market. But currently, the most popular brand is the Roomba, a small disc-like unit that is responsible for sucking up dust and debris from carpets and floors. The concept of a machine that literally takes all the work out of vacuuming is quite inviting. But since reality is often quite different from fantasy, it’s necessary to question whether this sort of device is right for you. In case you’re wondering, consider these points to ponder…
Yes, if you have small spaces/ No, if you have large, multiple rooms…
While many of the robotic vacuums can cover four rooms on one battery charge, there are a few versions that have minimum battery-life, like the iTouchless. So, if you have a small apartment or a studio, this kind of device is perfect for you, since you don’t have much square footage that needs cleaning.
One user of the iTouchless robotic vacuum complained that the battery-life ended after only one room was cleaned. He went on to say that the machine needed another full 4-hour charge so that he could continue cleaning other rooms in the apartment. Suffice it to say, if you have exceptionally large spaces which need cleaning, you might want to space out the chore, or amp up on battery power.
Yes, if you have “normal” flooring/ No, if you have long-haired pets or shag rugs…
It is the perfect device for people who have pets in their house as it can be said to be specifically a vacuum cleaner for pets as it cleans dog hair (staubsauger hundehaare as is called in german).
The beauty of robotic vacuums is that they have been programmed to accommodate different types of flooring. This would include hardwood floors, and most carpeted layouts. What’s more, these machines are designed to clean against baseboards, under furniture, and in corners, whereas upright vacuums are limited in the areas they can reach (without separate attachments). If you are one of those people with intricate rugs, shag carpeting or heavily shedding pets, then this device is probably not for you. These robotic vacuums are incredibly effective. But since their internal mechanisms are pretty fragile, they are not really meant for shag carpets or for picking up large clumps of pet hair. Debris such as this will clog the delicate brushes of the vacuum, and will cause you to seek replacement parts. So, you’ll want to stick to “traditional” floor cleaning needs to avoid clogging or breaking the machine.
Yes, if you need spot cleaning while you’re out/ No, if you need the whole house cleaned while you’re out…
Many people do not realize that many of these iRobot mechanisms are programmed with lots of great features. One of those features is a “scheduler” which tells the robot when to leave its docking station and which room(s) to clean. This is great for people who tend to be on the run, and don’t have lots of time for spot cleaning. Though these robotic vacuums are as powerful as upright models, there is one major difference: the storage of dirt and debris. Located underneath the iRobot Roomba is a small bin used to collect dirt and dust. This bin can only hold so much material, and should be emptied after each room is cleaned.
Yes, if you have lots of cleaning time/ No, if you need spaces cleaned very quickly…
If you happen to do much of your housecleaning on one particular day, then robotic vacuums are the way to go, since you will be able to attend to other parts of your home, while the vacuum works on its own. The one small caveat to owning a robotic vacuum is that it takes approximately 3 to 4 times longer than it would take if one were using an upright vacuum. Therefore, if you need an area cleaned “immediately” (like while your guests are pulling into the driveway), then you might do better to handle the cleaning manually.
Yes, if you have already have an upright vacuum/ No, if the robot is your only vacuum…
These innovative machines have many different versions, capable of performing amazing tasks (like self-charging, and returning to their docking stations.) Ironically, due to battery charging, and certain performance issues, they are best to have when you already have an upright vacuum cleaner. Multiple on line user reviews have revealed many robotic vacuum models still have issues when encountering “foreign” objects in rooms. One user stated that despite the mechanism’s complicated innerworkings, it still managed to frequently get stuck near stairs, and in other areas-and needs to be “rescued.” In essence, these machines were designed to enhance the cleaning experience, and act as a supplement, instead of a replacement.
