Robot Vacuum Maintenance: Caring for Brushes, Filters and Sensors

A robot vacuum isn't the sort of appliance you can buy and forget about. Like any device with moving parts, it requires regular maintenance. Without it, suction power drops, navigation starts to falter, and the machine's lifespan is cut in half. Over more than 30 years at the SATER service centre on Silmaču iela 6, we've seen hundreds of robot vacuums come in for repair simply because the owner hadn't cleaned the brushes or changed the filters in years.

In this guide, you'll find a step-by-step maintenance plan for all popular models: Roborock, Xiaomi, Dreame, Ecovacs, iRobot Roomba, Samsung, Tefal, Eufy, and others. Follow these recommendations and you'll extend your robot's life by years.

Main (Central) Brush: Cleaning and Replacement

The main brush is the robot vacuum's primary working component. It spins at high speed, sweeping debris from the floor and directing it towards the suction inlet. Hair, pet fur, threads, and carpet fibres all wind themselves around it.

How to Clean

1. Flip the robot over and locate the brush compartment cover. On most models (Roborock S7/S8, Dreame L10/L20, Xiaomi), the cover comes off without tools — simply slide the clips. On Roomba i and j series, press the latches on either side.
2. Remove the brush from its holders. Note the position of the bearings and end caps — you'll need to put them back in place.
3. Remove wound-up hair and threads. Use small scissors or the dedicated cutting tool (included with most robots). Cut along the brush axis — this is safer than pulling and tearing. Don't forget to clear the bearings at each end of the brush.
4. Rinse the brush under warm water (if the manufacturer permits — most rubber and silicone brushes are washable). Dry completely before refitting.
5. Wipe the brush compartment inside the robot with a damp cloth — fine dust accumulates there.

Frequency

• Cleaning: every 1-2 weeks with daily use. If there are long-haired household members or pets — weekly.
• Replacement: every 6-12 months depending on usage intensity. Signs of wear include frayed bristles, deformed rubber fins, and play in the bearings.

Main Brush Types

• Combination (bristles + rubber fins): the standard for most Roborock, Xiaomi, and Dreame models. Works well on all floor types.
• Dual rubber (no bristles): used in iRobot Roomba i, j, and s series. Less prone to hair tangling but wears faster on rough surfaces.
• Silicone spiral: found in newer Dreame and Ecovacs models. Minimal tangling, easy to clean.

Side Brushes: Maintenance

Side brushes (one or two, depending on the model) sweep debris from corners and along skirting boards towards the main brush. They work in the dirtiest zones and wear out faster than other parts.

How to Clean

1. Flip the robot over. The side brush is held by a single screw (on most models) or simply presses onto a post.
2. Remove the brush and clear any wound-up hair and debris from the spindle.
3. Wipe the mounting point with a damp cloth.
4. Refit the brush and confirm it spins freely.

Frequency

• Cleaning: every 2 weeks.
• Replacement: every 3-6 months. Signs: deformed or broken fins, the brush doesn't sit flush to the floor, the robot leaves debris in corners.

Tip

If your robot has two side brushes (Ecovacs Deebot, some Samsung models), replace them as a pair — uneven wear between left and right leads to inconsistent cleaning.

HEPA Filter: Cleaning and Replacement

The HEPA filter (or fine-particle filter) is the last barrier between dust and the exhaust air. It traps the smallest particles: pollen, allergens, and fine dust. A clogged filter reduces suction power by 30-50% and forces the motor to run at higher speeds, which shortens its lifespan.

How to Clean

1. Open the dustbin lid and remove the filter. On most models, it's held by clips or simply slots into grooves.
2. Tap out coarse dust over a bin. Strike the filter against the rim — this dislodges trapped particles.
3. Blow through with compressed air (if available) from the clean side towards the dirty side. This is the most effective method.
4. Rinse under cool running water — but only if the manufacturer explicitly states the filter is washable. Roborock, Dreame, and Xiaomi generally permit rinsing. iRobot Roomba filters must not be washed — water destroys the HEPA fibres.
5. Dry thoroughly before reinstalling. Allow at least 24 hours of air drying. A damp filter is a breeding ground for mould and bacteria.

Frequency

• Cleaning (tapping/blowing): every 1-2 weeks.
• Rinsing (if permitted): once a month.
• Replacement: every 3-6 months. Washable filters last longer, but even they lose filtration efficiency over time. If the filter has darkened, warped, or developed an odour — replace it immediately.

Important

Never run the robot without a filter. Fine dust will enter the motor and damage it — and a motor replacement costs considerably more than a pack of filters.

Dustbin (Debris Container)

The dustbin isn't just a container to empty. Fine dust settles on its walls, compressed debris builds up in the corners, and residue forms on the rubber seals, compromising the airtight fit.

How to Clean

1. Remove the bin from the robot.
2. Empty the contents into a waste bin.
3. Rinse the container under warm running water. Use a soft brush for corners and crevices.
4. Check the rubber seals — they should be supple and clean. Wipe them with a damp cloth if needed.
5. Dry fully before reinstalling.

Frequency

• Emptying: after every clean (or when the robot signals it's full).
• Rinsing: every 1-2 weeks.

For Robots with Auto-Empty Stations

If you have a model with an auto-empty dock (Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra, Dreame L20 Ultra, Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni), the robot's dustbin is emptied automatically after each clean. However, this doesn't replace a regular rinse of the bin and a clean of the channel between the bin and the station. Check the station's bag and channel for blockages once a month.

Sensors: Cleaning and Care

Sensors are the robot vacuum's eyes and ears. Dirty sensors cause the robot to crash into furniture, tumble down stairs, fail to find the dock, build inaccurate maps, or get stuck on flat ground.

Sensor Types and How to Clean Them

Cliff sensors (anti-drop): located on the underside of the robot, typically 3-4 around the perimeter. These are infrared sensors that detect height drops (steps, thresholds). Wipe them with a dry, soft cloth or cotton bud every 2 weeks. Dust on these sensors causes the robot to "see" drops where there are none — it starts avoiding dark carpets or spinning around erratically.

Bumper sensors (collision): mechanical or infrared. Wipe the bumper's front panel. Ensure the bumper springs freely when pressed — if it's stuck, the robot won't respond to obstacles.

LiDAR (LDS — Laser Distance Sensor): the turret on top of the robot (Roborock, Xiaomi, Dreame, Ecovacs). Wipe the LiDAR window with a soft, dry cloth. Don't use alcohol wipes — they can damage the optics. A dirty LiDAR leads to inaccurate maps or prevents the robot from starting a clean altogether.

Camera (visual navigation): used in iRobot Roomba j7/j9, Samsung, and some Ecovacs models. Wipe the lens with a soft cloth. Fingerprints and dust on the camera degrade object recognition and navigation.

Wall sensor: a side-mounted infrared sensor that helps the robot follow walls. Wipe with a dry cloth every 2 weeks.

Frequency

• All sensors: wipe every 2 weeks.
• LiDAR/camera: check cleanliness weekly, especially if the robot has started navigating poorly.

Wheels: Maintenance

A robot vacuum has two drive wheels and one (sometimes two) castor wheels (front wheel). All of them collect hair, threads, and debris, which can cause them to jam.

Drive Wheels

1. Flip the robot over. Press a drive wheel — it should spring freely (depress and return). If it doesn't spring, debris is jammed in the mechanism.
2. Remove the wheel (on most models it pulls out). Clear hair and debris from the axle.
3. Check the condition of the rubber tread — if it's worn down, the robot will slip on smooth floors.

Castor Wheel (Front Wheel)

1. The castor wheel usually pulls out with a simple tug.
2. Remove the small wheel from its housing. Clear wound-up hair from the axle.
3. Wipe the mounting point.
4. Refit and confirm the wheel spins freely through 360°.

Frequency

• Axle cleaning: once a month.
• Replacement: drive wheels every 1-2 years; castor wheel every 6-12 months (they wear faster).

Mop Pad: Care

If your robot vacuum has a wet-mopping function (Roborock S7/S8, Dreame L10/L20, Ecovacs Deebot, Xiaomi), the mopping pad requires regular attention.

How to Care for It

1. After every wet clean, remove the pad and rinse it under warm running water. Don't leave a dirty, damp pad attached to the robot — it becomes a source of unpleasant odours and bacteria.
2. Once a week, wash the pad in a washing machine at 40-60°C. Don't use fabric softener — it leaves a film that reduces absorbency.
3. Check the pile. If the pad has gone smooth and no longer absorbs water properly, it's time to replace it.

Replacement Frequency

• Disposable pads: after each use.
• Reusable cloth pads: every 3-6 months with daily use.

For Stations with Auto Mop Washing

Models with an auto-wash station (Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, Dreame L20 Ultra) rinse the pad after every clean. Even so, remove the pad once a week and wash it by hand or machine — automatic washing doesn't remove all grime. Also clean the fresh and dirty water tanks in the station every 2 weeks.

Charging Contacts: Cleaning

The contacts on the underside of the robot and on the dock enable charging. Dirty contacts are a common reason why a robot "can't see" the dock or won't charge.

How to Clean

1. Wipe the contacts on the robot (usually two metal pads on the front or rear underside) with a dry, soft cloth.
2. Wipe the contact plates on the dock.
3. If the contacts have oxidised (turned dark or developed a greenish tinge), gently rub them with an eraser or fine sandpaper (grit 1000+).

Frequency

• Wiping: once a month.
• Oxidation check: once every 3 months.

Maintenance Schedule

Here's a summary table you can print out and keep near your robot's dock:

When Home Maintenance Isn't Enough

Regular maintenance extends your robot vacuum's life, but some problems require professional attention:

• Unusual noise from the motor — a worn suction motor bearing. Home cleaning won't help; the bearing or motor needs replacing.
• The robot persistently drives in circles even after cleaning all sensors — a possible LiDAR or control board fault.
• The battery drains quickly — the battery has degraded and needs replacing. Read more in our battery replacement guide.
• The robot won't charge after cleaning the contacts — the issue may lie in the power connector or charge controller.
• Water leaks from the mopping tank — worn seals or a faulty pump.

At the SATER service centre, we repair robot vacuums from all major brands: Roborock, Xiaomi, Dreame, Ecovacs, iRobot Roomba, Samsung, Tefal, Eufy, 360, Viomi, Midea, and others. A diagnostic assessment will pinpoint the exact problem, and we'll recommend the most suitable repair.