If you don’t regularly clean your Roomba, a coating of sludge and grime forms over time on Roomba’s various surfaces, and hair and fur get entangled in the brushes and wheels. All this can also obstruct the proper functioning of Roomba, so you should always maintain it spic and span.
When was the last time you cleaned your Roomba apart from emptying the trash can?
Giving your Roomba a deep clean once in a while increases the quality of its cleanings and its lifespan. When it comes to keeping a Roomba spotless, there are four main areas to focus on:
- Cleaning the brushes
- Cleaning the wheels
- Cleaning the sensors and charging connections
- Cleaning the dust filter
This article will guide you on how to clean these components of your Roomba.
Why Should You Clean Your Roomba?
It’s essential to clean your Roomba to maintain its life. Debris, like dust, grime, hair, and fur, can harm your Roomba even after a few quick cleaning cycles. Many a shortfall may arise if you do not clean your Roomba regularly.
The vacuum can perform less effectively, and too much accumulation may destroy the device’s battery by putting more strain on the unit overall.
Here are a few issues which you can suffer from if you do not clean your Roomba properly:
- Reduced suction power
- Excessive noise production
- Ineffective sensors
- Frequent error codes
- A lingering stench
Roomba Parts You Must clean
Each and every component of the Roomba vacuum exposed to dust and grime should be maintained regularly for the vacuum to have a long lifetime.
These are a few of Roomba’s parts that you must clean:
- Dust container (collects the dirt and debris vacuumed by Roomba)
- Dustbin Filter (filters the accumulated trash)
- Full dust container sensor (alerts user when the dustbin is full)
- Cliff sensor (alerts user when Roomba is stuck at a wall)
- Main brushes (for general sweeping)
- Side brushes (for cleaning dust from hard-to-reach areas)
- Front castor wheels (help the device in movement)
- Charging contact points of the Roomba (charges the whole unit)
- Contact points of Home Base (receive the charging from an outlet)
Tools Needed
Keeping the specific tools handy in advance will help you clean your device effectively. Below here, I have mentioned a list of tools you should have; however, some of them are optional, and you do not need to compulsorily possess them to clean every component of your iRobot Roomba:
- Microfiber towel: The grippy feel of microfiber cloths is a must for cleaning dust and dirt build-up on different components.
- Philips screwdriver: It is necessary if you want to completely clean your Roomba robot and remove bolts to get to the inner components.
- Scissors: This helps to cut off and remove entangled hair easily
- Brush: A sweeping brush to swipe the dust off.
- Cotton buds: If you are using alcohol to wipe the surfaces of components, use cotton buds as they absorb better
- Face mask: It’s optional but mandatory if you have some medical problems with dust.
- Gloves: This will keep your hands clean
- Handheld vacuum: A handheld vacuum can prove more efficient in knocking off dirt than a cloth or rag.
How To Clean A Roomba? Empty and Clean the Roomba Dust Container
You will need to empty your smart vacuum after each usage if it doesn’t have a self-emptying Roomba bin. It’s okay if you occasionally forget to empty the bin since there is space for another run.
However, doing it every day ensures dust won’t fill it amid the chore.
Here are the steps to empty and clean your Roomba dust container:
- Pull out the trash container by pushing the release button on it.
- Shake the bin’s contents in the garbage after opening the door.
- Remove the filter and gently tap it against the garbage can a few times to get rid of extra dust and particles.
- Use a moist towel to wipe out the dustbin inside every so often. For dust removal, you may also wash it in warm water. You should never put it in the dishwasher. Before reinstalling the dustbin, let it completely dry.
- Once finished, slide the dustbin and filter back into your Roomba.
Cleaning Roomba Filter
Because every Roomba model has a different bin filter, the cleaning procedures may vary.
For example, the 800 and 900 series feature a rectangular filter cartridge that stays on top of the bin, whereas the 600 series has a curved filter that stays within the bin.
Here are the steps to clean the Roomba filter of the 600 series:
- Pull out the bin by pushing the release button on top of your robot vacuum. After that, remove any debris you find.
- Search for the big blue filter that is likely coated in dirt. With the 600 series, you only need to use your fingers to pinch the yellow tabs on either side of the filter before sliding it out.
- Tap your garbage filter repeatedly on the interior of the trash can to knock off all the dust or use a dry cloth or towel to scrape it off.
- Put the filter back in the bin once you’ve finished cleaning it and it no longer seems unclean, then push the bin back into your robot.
Cleaning Roomba Sensors (Full Dust Bin Sensor)
The entire bin sensor must be routinely cleared of junk for the best operation. Please follow the steps below to maintain these parts:
- Take the Roomba dust canister off the main unit.
- Dump the trash into a garbage can
- Use a fresh, dry towel to clean the Roomba’s sensors.
- Additionally, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the interior of the dust container.
- Clean the vacuum cleaner’s channel of any debris using a narrow brush tool or by passing a cloth through it.
Cleaning Roomba Brushes and Side Brushes
iRobot recommends cleaning the roomba’s brushes at a minimum once a week. If you have pets who lose hair often, you may have to raise the frequency to twice a week.
Here are the simple instructions you can follow in cleaning Roomba brush attachment:
- Turn the Roomba over and set it on a flat surface, ideally a towel.
- You would now see two slender, cylindrical brushes. Pull back on the two yellow levers to release the guard holding these brushes.
- A yellow plastic bearing is attached to either end of each brush. They should come out if you carefully pull each brush up from the bearing end.
- Pull off any hair that has been entangled around the plastic bearing or tucked into the bearing. It should be rather simple to remove hair.
You still need to finish cleaning the side brush. Side brushes remove debris and grime from difficult-to-reach areas.
Follow the steps below to clean Roomba’s side brushes:
- To detach the side brush from the main Roomba frame, use a regular or Phillips-head screwdriver.
- After the screw is removed, you can pull the side brush out.
- Now, getting the hair unwound from the side brush might be a hassle. You can first cut it with a pair of scissors which will then make it quite simple to pull out the hair.
- After removing the hair from the side brush, screw it securely onto the main Roomba unit.
You’ll need to change the brushes on your Roomba and clean them regularly. The two primary brushes should be replaced every six to twelve months, according to iRobot.
Cleaning Roomba Wheels (Front Caster Wheels)
Whenever a Roomba performs a cleaning cycle, dust, hair, and other dangerous impurities cling to the wheels and the nearby components.
As a result, Roomba wheels must be cleaned frequently to avoid excessive wear and tear.
In fact, iRobot suggests cleaning the wheels once every two weeks.
To clean your Roomba’s front castor wheels, you can follow these steps:
- Turn your Roomba upside down and then pull firmly on the front caster wheel to remove it from the robot.
- Remove the wheel, then wipe out the chamber with a soft cloth to remove any dust or hair.
- Push the axle forcefully to fully separate it from the wheel once it has been removed from its housing. Get rid of any hair that is tangled around the axle.
- After removing all dirt and hair, use a dry microfiber cloth to clean the wheel, axle, and housing thoroughly.
- Clear out the area around the front wheel. Clean the interior of the front wheel cavity and remove any debris before remounting the front caster wheel.
Cleaning Roomba Charging Contacts
You might assume that cleaning your Roomba frequently is just removing hair and dirt from its wheels and brushes. Sadly, dirt and grime can accumulate in areas that are not noticeable such as charging contacts.
All of the charging connections on a brand-new Roomba are bright silver. However, over time the charging connections will accumulate dust and get dirty. When they are really filthy, they might get discolored.
This is because the charging connections of the robot and the home base charging station are also susceptible to oxidation and rust formation. Your Roomba may be unable to charge correctly as a result.
Here are the steps to clean the charging contacts of your Roomba vacuum cleaner:
- Invert the Roomba and set the home base down on a level surface.
- Now, with a fresh, dry towel, wipe both charging contacts on the Roomba and also wipe the charging contacts on the home base.
Pro tip: Use sterile alcohol pads to quickly clean dust from excessively filthy and rusty charging connections on the robot and home base. Because they almost entirely leave no oil residues, are fully non-toxic, and dissipate fast, they are perfect for cleaning the charging contacts.
How often do you clean Roomba and replace parts?
I have already emphasized the importance of periodic maintenance of your Roomba. Now, you must consider how often you should clean your robotic vacuum cleaner.
I have created a table for you to understand when you should clean the specific components of your device and how often it should be done.
| Roomba Parts | When /How Often To Clean | Replacement Time | Accessories |
| Bin | When it Gets Full | NA | |
| Filter | Once A Month/ Twice, if you have pets | Once in Every 2 Months | |
| Full Bin Sensor | Every 2 Weeks | NA | |
| Front Caster Wheel | Every 2 Weeks | Once A Year | |
| Side and Floor Brushes | Once A Month/ Twice, if you have pets | Once A Year | |
| Charging Contacts | Once A Month | NA | |
| Camera Window | Once A Month | NA | |
| Sensors | Once A Month | NA |
Knowing which iRobot you own is essential before buying new parts. So, if you’re not sure what Roomba is yours, I wrote a helpful article entitled ‘Which Roomba Do I Have‘ that can help guide your decision-making process.
Final Thoughts
Your robot will remain in good condition if you follow the simple maintenance procedures given in this article, such as regularly wiping the charging contacts and cliff sensors.
Additionally, it’s a good practice to regularly check the extractors, side brush, and front caster wheel and clear them of any hair or dirt to ensure that each Roomba component can operate freely. The Roomba will inform you through its error codes if anything needs to be fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash the filter in a Roomba?
Generally, you can remove the filter from the dustbin and rinse it under running water until any dirt or dust is washed away. Then allow it to dry completely before placing it back into the dustbin. Depending on your Roomba model, there may be slightly different instructions for cleaning the filter.
Can Roomba filters be washed and reused?
Yes, you can wash and reuse Roomba filters. To wash the filter, take out the filter from the bin, and tap it against a hard surface to remove dust and debris. Dip the filter in a bowl of warm water and gentle detergent solution for five minutes. Gently brush away the remaining dirt with an old toothbrush while keeping the filter submerged in the solution. Once all dirt has been removed, rinse the filter with cold water and leave it out to dry completely before putting it back into the bin.
How long do Roomba filters last?
The lifespan of a Roomba filter can vary, depending on how often it is used and the type of filter being used. Most Roomba filters should last several months with regular use; however, if you are using your Roomba frequently in a home with pets or a lot of dust, you may need to change the filter more regularly.
I would recommend to check your Roomba filter every one to three months and replace it if there is visible dirt buildup or if the filter has become clogged with pet hair, dust, or other debris.
When should I clean my Roomba filter?
The filter should be cleaned at least once every 2-3 months. If you have pets, you may need to clean your Roomba filter more often as pet hair and dander can get clogged in the filter quickly. Regularly cleaning your Roomba’s filter will help keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
Where are the sensors in Roomba?
The sensors in Roomba are located on the front and sides of the robot vacuum cleaner. The sensors help it to detect obstacles, furniture, walls and stairs to avoid them or adjust its cleaning pattern accordingly.
The front bumper has a pair of infrared sensors that detect objects up to three feet away and force fields from the sides of the Roomba to turn around.
The cliff sensors enable the robot to detect drop-offs and prevent it from falling stairs or other hazardous areas, as well as dirt detection sensors that alert the robot when there is a high concentration of debris in an area.
Roomba also has light sensors that allow it to detect changes in light conditions to adjust its cleaning pattern accordingly.