6 Things to Know About Wet Mopping vs. Dry Sweeping Robots

Dry-sweeping robots suck up dust and crumbs into a dustbin. That is the classic robot vacuum experience.

Wet-mopping robots add a water tank that sprays water and wipes floors at the same time. They solve a different problem than dry sweeping.

Dry sweeping handles daily debris: crumbs, pet hair, and surface dust. It is for routine maintenance.

Wet mopping addresses the film of grime that builds up on hard floors over time. Dry sweeping leaves that invisible layer behind.

Most combo robots alternate between the two modes, but the mopping is a light damp wipe, not a deep scrub. Do not expect a thorough wash.

If your home is mostly hard floors, a combo robot is worth it. If you have carpet wall-to-wall, skip the mop and invest in better suction.