Tag: cleaning
6 things you can do to give your devices a spring cleaning
During spring cleaning, don’t forget smart home security
Lots of self-emptying robot vacuums are on sale for under $500 just in time for spring cleaning
UPDATE: Apr. 5, 2023, 2:00 p.m. EDT This story has been updated to include the best deals on robot vacuums from iRobot, eufy, and more.
Only three things are certain in life: Death, taxes, and a few days each month when you need to vacuum but just don’t have time. Whether you detest the chore or hope to make your home upkeep a bit breezier, a robot vacuum is a lifesaver. Shop models on sale below.
Robot vacuums under $200
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Why we like it
You won’t get smart mapping at this price point, but the Eufy 30C does navigate more nimbly than the similar 15C thanks to its included boundary strips. It manages to squeeze out more than an hour of cleaning on Max mode, and has suction more than strong enough for hard floors and light carpet upkeep.
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Automatically increases suction on carpet
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90-minute battery life
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Schedule cleanings in the app
More robot vacuums under $200
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Eufy 11S — $139.79
$229(save $90.20 with Prime) -
Eufy G30 Verge — $158
$178(save $20) -
Neato Robotics D8 — $199
$399.99(save $200.99) -
iRobot Roomba e5 — $199.99
$379.99(save $180)
Robot vacuums under $500
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Our pick: iRobot Roomba i1+
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Why we like it
A self-emptying Roomba retailing for less than $300 is already a steal — so even this slight discount is significant, bringing this starter Roomba below the $258 we saw on the same vacuum near the 2022 holiday season. iRobot’s i Series don’t have smart mapping, but the i1+ still maintains wall-to-wall coverage by cleaning in neat rows and honing in on dirtier spots with Dirt Detect.
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10 times the suction of 600 Series Roombas
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90-minute battery life
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Self-emptying dock holds 60 days’ worth of debris
More robot vacuums under $500
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iRobot Roomba i2 — $212
$349.99(save $137.99) -
iRobot Roomba i1+ — $249.99
$288(save $38.01) -
Eufy G35+ — $258
$479.99(save $221.99) -
Neato D9 — $279
$499.99(save $220.99) -
Shark EZ — $298
$399(save $61) -
iRobot Roomba i3 Evo — $299.99
$349.99(save $50) -
Roborock Q5 — $299.99
$429.99(save $130) -
Samsung Jet Bot+ — $419.99
$799(save $379.01) -
Roborock Q5+ — $499.99
$699.99(save $200 with on-page coupon)
Robot vacuums under $800
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Our pick: Samsung JetBot AI+
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Why we like it
Samsung’s website and Amazon are constantly duking it out for the best price on Samsung’s most advanced robovac. Amazon is currently winning with a 48% price slash that definitely makes this vac worth it.
Like the Roomba j7+, the Jet Bot AI+ uses an array of 3D sensors to identify small obstacles that other robot vacuums usually eat, like cords and pet waste. Like the Roomba s9+, the Jet Bot AI+ has one flat edge that offers pristine corner cleaning and wall trailing. What sets the JetBot AI apart is an onboard security and pet camera that can live stream directly to your phone.
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Room mapping, zone cleaning, and small obstacle avoidance
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90-minute battery life
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Self-emptying dock holds up to two months’ worth of debris
Robot vacuum and mop hybrids and dedicated robot mops
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Our pick: Roborock Q7 Max
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Why we like it
Roborock debuted a slew of new robot vacuums in 2022. Of the new Q Series, the Q7 Max is the most advanced model that opts out of the self-emptying dock. For only $50 more than the regular Q7, the Q7 Max deploys around 35% more suction power, making it an obvious pick for homes with pets or lots of carpeting. Those carpets won’t get wet, though, as the Q7 Max knows to lift its mopping pads when carpet is detected.
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LiDAR room mapping and zone cleaning
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180-minute battery life
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4200 Pa suction power versus 2700 Pa of Roborock Q7
More hybrids and robot mops on sale
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Yeedi Vac Station — $349.98
$499.98(save $150) -
Roborock Q7 — $349.99
$529.99(save $180 with on-page coupon) -
Ecovacs Deebot T8+ — $399.99
$749.99(save $350) -
Roborock S7 — $429.99
$649.99(save $220 with on-page coupon)
What to consider when buying a robot vacuum
Suction power is key
A vacuum is the one purchase that you hope sucks a lot. Suction power is typically measured in Pascals (Pa), with most current vacs ranging between 1,500 Pa and 3,000 Pa. Stronger sucking will be needed to pick up heavier pieces of debris (be sure to set a no-go zone around Legos) and to pull matted-down pet hair from rugs.
Know your floor type
Carpeting and high pile rugs will probably require stronger suction than hard floors, as well as special features like an extra-wide or self-cleaning brush roll to prevent hair from wrapping and clogging. Folks in homes with multiple floor types might consider a bigger, sturdier robot vacuum that can hurl itself and its wheels over mats, rugs, and transitions from carpet to hard floors.
Consider automatic emptying
Because robot vacuums are typically under four inches tall, their onboard dust bins are also small — which means they frequently require emptying. (Dustbins fill up particularly quickly in homes with pets.) A self-emptying vacuum takes that job out of your hands, emptying itself into a larger dustbin in its charging dock. These larger bins can typically hold weeks of dirt without needing to be cleaned or dumped out.
Think about your home’s layout
Every robot vacuum is equipped with sensors and drop detection. But if your home has lots of rooms, lots of turns, or lots of close-together furniture, you’ll have fewer navigation issues with an advanced model that uses intelligent mapping to remember exactly how your home is laid out, including labeling of specific rooms, mental notes of staircases, and ability to deploy zone cleaning.
Pay attention to low-profile furniture
No one should have to be scared about what’s accumulated under their couch over the past year. A robot vacuum measuring three inches or less in height should be able to scoot under most low-hanging couches and beds.
Assess battery life and square footage
One of the main complaints people have about their robot vacuum is that it craps out in the middle of the floor. Larger spaces require more time to clean, and it all depends on how annoyed you’ll be if it only finishes a few rooms at a time. Average run times for the list below range between 90 and 200 minutes, which translates to about 500 and 2,800 square feet covered on one charge.
Look for app control
WiFi-enabled robot vacuums can be synced with a smartphone app to control scheduling, manual start, and cleaning settings, as well as telling your vac to make its rounds when you’re not home. Low-end models that don’t connect to WiFi will usually come with a separate remote. If you’re used to asking Alexa or Google to turn off the lights or tell you the weather, a model with voice integration will blend in nicely.
Save up to 72% on Spring Cleaning Essentials at Amazon – CNET
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Lots of great robot vacuums are on sale for under $500 just in time for spring cleaning
UPDATE: Mar. 22, 2023, 1:45 p.m. EDT This story has been updated to include the best deals on robot vacuums from iRobot, eufy, and more.
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BEST BUDGET DEAL: The Eufy 25C offers app control and automatically-boosted suction on dirty spots for less than $100 — $96
$249.99(save $153.99) -
BEST SELF-EMPTYING DEAL: The Shark EZ is cute, compact, and holds a month’s worth of debris — $298
$359(save $61) -
BEST ROBOT VACUUM/MOP DEAL: The Roborock Q7+ is the brand’s cheapest self-emptying hybrid with room mapping — $549.99
$799.99(save $250 with on-page coupon)
Only three things are certain in life: Death, taxes, and a few days each month when you need to vacuum but just don’t have time. Whether you detest the chore or hope to make your home upkeep a bit breezier, a robot vacuum is a lifesaver. Shop models on sale below.
Robot vacuums under $200
Opens in a new tab
Why we like it
A $96 robot vacuum? With actually-good reviews? We’re down. This compact Eufy vac is an easy choice for small spaces and low-profile furniture. You won’t get smart mapping at this price point, but current 25C owners are impressed with its navigation when it comes to furniture and walls.
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Boost IQ automatically increases suction on dirtier spots
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100-minute battery life
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Under 2.9 inches tall
More robot vacuums under $200
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ILIFE A80 Max — $88
$219.99(save $131.99) -
Eufy 11S — $139.79
$229(save $90.20 with Prime) -
Neato Robotics D8 — $199
$399.99(save $200.99)
Robot vacuums under $500
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Why we like it
Less than $300 is a decent price for a self-emptying robot vacuum, especially from a brand like Shark. The EZ model doesn’t map your home but still maintains wall-to-wall coverage by cleaning in methodical rows, returning to charge then resuming cleaning when necessary.
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Schedule cleanings through app
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75-minute battery life
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Self-emptying dock holds 30 days’ worth of debris
More robot vacuums under $500
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Eufy G30 — $175.98
$599.99(save $143.01 with Prime) -
iRobot Roomba i2 — $212
$349.99(save $137.99) -
iRobot Roomba i3 Evo — $296.99
$349.99(save $53) -
Neato D9 — $279
$499.99(save $220.99) -
Roborock Q5 — $299.99
$429.99(save $130) -
Eufy X8 — $319.99
$599.99(save $280 with Prime) -
iRobot Roomba i3+ Evo — $472
$549.99(save $77.99) -
Samsung Jet Bot+ — $459.99
$799(save $339.01) -
Roborock Q5+ — $499.99
$699.99(save $200 with on-page coupon)
Robot vacuums under $800
Opens in a new tab
Our pick: Samsung JetBot AI+
(opens in a new tab)
Why we like it
Samsung’s website and Amazon are constantly duking it out for the best price on Samsung’s most advanced robovac. Amazon is currently winning with a 48% price slash that definitely makes this vac worth it.
Like the Roomba j7+, the Jet Bot AI+ uses an array of 3D sensors to identify small obstacles that other robot vacuums usually eat, like cords and pet waste. Like the Roomba s9+, the Jet Bot AI+ has one flat edge that offers pristine corner cleaning and wall trailing. What sets the JetBot AI apart is an onboard security and pet camera that can live stream directly to your phone.
-
Room mapping, zone cleaning, and small obstacle avoidance
-
90-minute battery life
-
Self-emptying dock holds up to two months’ worth of debris
Robot vacuum and mop hybrids and dedicated robot mops
Opens in a new tab
Our pick: Roborock Q7+
(opens in a new tab)
Why we like it
Roborock debuted three new robot vacuums in 2022. Of the Q Series, the mid-range Q7+ is the most affordable model that self-empties and mops. It vacuums with more-than-decent suction and simultaneously mops, lifting the pad when carpet is detected. The main difference between the Q7+ and the Q7 Max+ is a gravity-fed electric water tank, which probably isn’t enough to make the current $100 price difference between the two worthwhile.
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Room mapping and zone cleaning
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180-minute battery life
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Self-emptying dock holds up to seven weeks’ worth of debris
More hybrids and robot mops on sale
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Yeedi Vac Station — $349.98
$499.98(save $150) -
Ecovacs Deebot T8+ — $399.99
$749.99(save $350) -
Roborock S7 — $414.99
$649.99(save $235)
What to consider when buying a robot vacuum
Suction power is key
A vacuum is the one purchase that you hope sucks a lot. Suction power is typically measured in Pascals (Pa), with most current vacs ranging between 1,500 Pa and 3,000 Pa. Stronger sucking will be needed to pick up heavier pieces of debris (be sure to set a no-go zone around Legos) and to pull matted-down pet hair from rugs.
Know your floor type
Carpeting and high pile rugs will probably require stronger suction than hard floors, as well as special features like an extra-wide or self-cleaning brush roll to prevent hair from wrapping and clogging. Folks in homes with multiple floor types might consider a bigger, sturdier robot vacuum that can hurl itself and its wheels over mats, rugs, and transitions from carpet to hard floors.
Consider automatic emptying
Because robot vacuums are typically under four inches tall, their onboard dust bins are also small — which means they frequently require emptying. (Dustbins fill up particularly quickly in homes with pets.) A self-emptying vacuum takes that job out of your hands, emptying itself into a larger dustbin in its charging dock. These larger bins can typically hold weeks of dirt without needing to be cleaned or dumped out.
Think about your home’s layout
Every robot vacuum is equipped with sensors and drop detection. But if your home has lots of rooms, lots of turns, or lots of close-together furniture, you’ll have fewer navigation issues with an advanced model that uses intelligent mapping to remember exactly how your home is laid out, including labeling of specific rooms, mental notes of staircases, and ability to deploy zone cleaning.
Pay attention to low-profile furniture
No one should have to be scared about what’s accumulated under their couch over the past year. A robot vacuum measuring three inches or less in height should be able to scoot under most low-hanging couches and beds.
Assess battery life and square footage
One of the main complaints people have about their robot vacuum is that it craps out in the middle of the floor. Larger spaces require more time to clean, and it all depends on how annoyed you’ll be if it only finishes a few rooms at a time. Average run times for the list below range between 90 and 200 minutes, which translates to about 500 and 2,800 square feet covered on one charge.
Look for app control
WiFi-enabled robot vacuums can be synced with a smartphone app to control scheduling, manual start, and cleaning settings, as well as telling your vac to make its rounds when you’re not home. Low-end models that don’t connect to WiFi will usually come with a separate remote. If you’re used to asking Alexa or Google to turn off the lights or tell you the weather, a model with voice integration will blend in nicely.
Exit your winter sloth era with cleaning supplies and home essentials on sale
TL;DR: March is prime time to find cleaning and home essentials on sale. Here’s a quick glance at our favorite spring cleaning deals at Amazon, Walmart, and Target as of March 7:
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Save 20% on bathroom storage, decor, and furniture at Target
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Scrubbing Bubbles Dissolve Pods Starter Kit — $4.69
$6.79(save $4.28 when you use Target same-day order services) -
Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator spray — $15.97
$19.97(save $4)
After months of slothing it in the name of frigid weather and early sunsets, the urge to get your shit together might be surging in the days preceding Daylight Saving Time. And giving your living space a fresh start is one of the best ways to do that.
Retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart have cleaning and home essentials on sale to keep your momentum going — we’re keeping track of the best deals below.
If your idea of spring cleaning looks a little more hands-off, quite a few robot vacuums — including some of our favorites from Roomba and Roborock — are also on sale. We keep a running list of those deals, too.
Bathroom
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Save 20% on bathroom storage, decor, and furniture at Target
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Clorox Fresh Scent toilet bowl cleaner — $12.71
$16.99(save $4.28) -
Scrubbing Bubbles Dissolve Pods Starter Kit — $5.69
$6.79(save $4.28 when you use Target same-day order services)
Kitchen
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Dawn EZ-Squeeze dish soap set (three bottles and two sponges) — $12.65
$18.29(save $5.64) -
Bounty Select-a-Size paper towels (pack of two) — $16.40
$18.99(save $2.59) -
Seventh Generation dish wash cleaner — $2.99
$3.49(save $0.50 when you use Target same-day order services)
Multi-room
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Swiffer Sweeper 2-in-1 mops (pack of 20) — $14.44
$18.99(save $4.55) -
Windex Dissolve Pods Starter Kit — $3.99
$5.89(save $1.90) when you use Target same-day order services) -
Clorox disinfecting wipes (75 count, pack of three) — $10.49
$15.05(save $4.56) -
Lysol disinfectant wipes (240 count, pack of three) — $13.47
$29.99(save $16.52) -
JAWS Cleaners Ultimate Multi-Surface Cleaning Kit with refills and microfiber cloths — $42.50
$49.99(save $7.49 with on-page coupon) -
Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator spray — $15.97
$19.97(save $4)
Not seeing your go-to item on sale? If you’re down to subscribe for automatic refills at Amazon, you can save 40% on orders from Clorox, The Pink Stuff, Mrs. Meyers, Swiffer, and more.
21 Best Vinyl Accessories (2023): Cleaning Gear, Mats, Displays, and More
Here’s How Often Your Pet’s Food Bowl Needs Cleaning
As pet owners, we usually have set schedules for most things, like when our fur babies eat or use the bathroom. But one thing many of us don’t know for sure is how often we need to be cleaning our pet’s food and water bowls (and it’s more often than you may think).