Reasons to fire a cleaning robot

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Published Date 6/25/2025

When Homes and Gardens’ Alex David began doing his due diligence on robot vacuums, he wasn’t prepared to be disappointed. But first he took on a very special roommate: a $1,400 iRobot Roomba j9+ Combo.

“The robot vacuum industry has been promising us a cleaning revolution since before smartphones existed, yet here we are, still pushing these expensive pucks around our floors like digital pets.” What did he learn? That the most advanced robot vacuum money can buy is still just an overpriced gadget that creates as many problems as it solves. Read on.

“The device handles routine cleaning well, managing pet hair, seasonal debris, and dust effectively. The self-emptying dock impressed me—I only changed the bag twice in twelve months, and the wood-topped base looks like furniture rather than obvious tech.” So at first, he was impressed, noting that the mopping function genuinely improves kitchen floors, with scrubbing capability that handles most cooking stains.

Problems emerged during daily use, however. “Even premium models consistently miss spots that manual vacuuming catches in seconds,” he admits. He noticed that a piece of lint in the corner or leaf fragment became permanent until the next cycle. “The robot lacks human judgment to recognize these oversights, creating frustrating spot-cleaning afterward.”

The biggest shock, however, was discovering robot vacuums create the need for tedious prep work. “Before each session, I must gather shoes, move furniture, tidy cables, and clear obstacles. This often equals manual vacuuming time, defeating the convenience factor.” David’s Victorian apartment's modest inch-and-a-half bedroom step completely blocked access—unacceptable for a costly device that only cleans 75% of his home.

And then there are ongoing costs that add up quickly. “Unlike washable cordless vacuum filters, this requires $35 paper filter sets and $20 dock bags in mandatory three-packs,” says David. “App notifications constantly demand replacement purchases, creating administrative burden and recurring expenses.”

As for noise, dash the idea that robot vacuums create some sort of relaxation fantasy. “These devices generate significant sound for 30-40 minutes per session, making meetings, reading, or television impossible. I wear headphones during every cycle,” he says. “The auto-dock emptying sounds like aircraft takeoff—deafeningly loud, unpredictable, and genuinely concerning for neighbor relations.”

So who are these devices great for? Wealthy gadget enthusiasts who value convenience over cost, people who genuinely hate vacuuming, homeowners with massive houses who benefit from daily room schedules, or those with mobility limitations. Everyone else — like budget-conscious households, older building renters, anyone wanting truly hands-off solutions, or people needing quick pre-guest cleaning? You’ll get better results with manual tools.

While this pricey piece of automation saved David hundreds of hours over twelve months, if you take the prep time, missed spots, and ongoing maintenance into account, the benefit is diminished. “When guests arrive unexpectedly, I still reach for my $130 cordless vacuum for quick, effective results,” he admits.

HomesandGardens,TBWS

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