How Long Does it Take a Floor Vacuum Robot to Clean a Room

As automation technology has revolutionised home appliances in recent years, robot vacuums have gained significant popularity around the world. Today, a wide range of models is available in the market, equipped with advanced sensors, cameras and mapping technologies to deliver thorough cleaning with minimal manual effort.  
A common question about these smart devices is: How long does it take to clean a room? While the answer varies due to factors like room size, floor type and the vacuum's features, we’ve compiled some tips to optimise the cleaning process and help you get the most out of your device.

How Long Do Robot Vacuums Take To Clean

On average, a robot vacuum can clean a standard-sized room of around 23sqm in 30 to 45 minutes, but this depends on the model, floor type, obstacles and cleaning mode. For DEEBOT owners, you can rest assured that they are designed to clean efficiently within this timeframe.

Here are several key factors that impact how long a smart vacuum takes to clean a room:

Room Size and Layout

Larger rooms or irregularly shaped spaces naturally require more time to clean. Open layouts allow for quicker cleaning, whereas spaces with numerous corners, furniture or partitions take longer for the vacuum to navigate and clean effectively.

Type of Flooring

Hard floors like hardwood and tiles generally take less time to clean compared to carpets and rugs. Smooth surfaces require less suction power and are easier to glide over. Cleaning carpets typically requires higher suction power and additional passes to lift dirt from fibres, which can increase cleaning time.

Obstacles

Furniture, cables and toys can slow down the vacuum as it navigates and avoids collisions. Vacuums equipped with LiDAR and other advanced obstacle avoidance technologies handle these challenges more efficiently, reducing the overall cleaning time.

Mapping and Navigation

Mapping technology enables auto vacuums to understand the room’s layout, allowing them to navigate more efficiently. Advanced systems like AINA 2.0 Intelligent Navigation use Artificial Intelligence to create highly accurate maps faster, thereby shortening cleaning times.

Cleaning Mode

The selected cleaning mode can significantly affect duration. For example, deep-cleaning modes prioritise thoroughness over speed, while quick-cleaning modes focus on efficiency, completing the task in less time. 

Do Robot Vacuums Go from Room to Room?

Yes, robot vacuums are designed to clean from room to room efficiently. They focus on completing one room at a time, reducing unnecessary movement between spaces and maximizing cleaning efficiency.
Using advanced sensors and algorithms, robotic vacuum cleaners work by mapping out each room and plan an optimal cleaning path. You can review these maps on the paired app and customise commands, such as setting no-go zones or virtual barriers, to suit your preferences. With the ability to store multiple maps, they transition from the entryway to the living room and the rest of your home, without needing manual relocation – unless cleaning on multiple floors. When the battery runs low, the vacuum automatically returns to its charging dock and resumes cleaning from where it left off once recharged.

Can Robot Vacuums Learn the Floor Plan?

Yes, robot vacuums first learn the floor plan of your space before starting a cleaning session. To avoid cleaning the same areas repeatedly or missing some spots, modern vacuums scan their surroundings and create a detailed map, then plan an efficient cleaning route based on the layout and obstacles.
For example, DEEBOT T30S PRO is equipped with TrueMapping 2.0 technology, which can map approximately 100sqm in just six minutes. After that, the vacuum will be able to perform thorough cleaning without missing spots or damaging furniture. Since the technology is AI-powered, the smart vacuum becomes more familiar with your home's layout with each use, improving efficiency over time.

How Do Robot Vacuums Know When to Stop?

Robot vacuums stop cleaning when their sensors and algorithms detect that they have covered the entire mapped area or completed the assigned cleaning task. They will also return to the docking station if the battery is low or the dustbin is full.

For instance, the mapping system tracks the robot's progress during cleaning to make sure it covers the entire designated area. Collision sensors, which prevent the robot from bumping into walls or objects, also gather data to track its movements more accurately.
On the other hand, dustbin sensors monitor the capacity of collected debris. To prevent overstuffing, the robot will stop cleaning and return to the station to empty the bin before resuming the task.

Tips to Improve the Cleaning Efficiency of Your Robot Vacuum

To improve the efficiency of your robot floor vacuum, here are some easy-to-follow tips to incorporate into your daily routine:

Empty the Dustbin Regularly

Dirt and debris collected by the robotic vacuum are stored in the dustbin, which is sealed to benefit allergy sufferers. When the bin is full, the vacuum cannot collect more debris and will stop working. Empty the dustbin regularly, or consider investing in a self-emptying robot vacuum to reduce the frequency of this task.

Check for Blockages and Obstructions

Auto vacuums rely on suction to pick up debris from the surface. Blockages in the duct or filter can result in a loss of suction power and deteriorating performance. Similarly, objects caught in the brushes or wheels can hinder movement. Regularly check and clear any blockages to maintain optimal efficiency.

Avoid Thick or Fluffy Carpets and Rugs

Long-pile carpets and rugs can cause auto vacuums to get stuck, especially if the vacuum lacks sufficient threshold-climbing ability. To prevent this, set virtual barriers around these areas or opt for a powerful model designed to handle such surfaces.

Use Anti-Tangle Mats for Cords and Cables

Cords and cables can easily tangle in the vacuum’s brushes or wheels, particularly if it lacks advanced obstacle avoidance technology. To prevent this, remove cables from the floor before cleaning or use an anti-tangle mat. Alternatively, choose a robot vacuum with sophisticated obstacle detection that can identify and avoid cords and other small objects.

Run the Vacuum on a Regular Schedule

Modern smart vacuums, like DEEBOTs, use deep learning and reinforcement learning in their navigation systems, allowing them to become more familiar with your home’s layout over time. Running your vacuum regularly helps it learn your home’s environment and improves cleaning efficiency with each use.