If you’ve ever wondered, “Can a robot vacuum replace a normal vacuum?”, then this guide is for you.

The robot vacuum vs upright vacuum debate is a hot topic today because people have so many questions about these new automatic vacuum cleaners.

  • Can a robot vacuum clean stairs?
  • Can a robot vacuum clean carpet?
  • Can a robot vacuum do multiple rooms?

Those are just a few of the top concerns people have about these machines.

As your trusty companion, I’m going to answer all of those questions for you below so you can determine once and for all if a robot vacuum is a good choice for you or not.

And, if you do find that a robot vacuum is a good tool to add to your arsenal of cleaning supplies, I invite you to check out my best inexpensive robot vacuum reviews page. As it shows you top robot vacuums you can buy today for the cheapest prices.

Enjoy!

Can a robot vacuum replace a normal vacuum? (The top questions answered)

Where do robot vacuums work best?

  • Robot vacuums do their best work in rooms with low-pile carpet and hard floorings, such as tile, wood, and linoleum.
  • Clutter-free rooms are also essential for a robot vacuum to move about easily.
  • When comparing a robot vacuum vs upright vacuum, you’ll discover that the robot version is much better at picking up dirt and debris underneath furniture. Their short height allows them to get fully under these objects without missing any area.

In reality, a robot vacuum can perform almost anything that a regular vacuum can. It’ll roam your floors and pick up crumbs, dust, cat litter, pet hair, dirt, bits of food, and almost anything else that has fallen onto the floor.

A regular vacuum isn’t going to easily fit under a sofa or get into the corners. A robot will hit most of these areas without any issue.

Another big advantage to a robot vacuum is that it never gets tired or feels like the task of cleaning is a repetitive and boring one, which is what prevents a lot of us from vacuuming on a regular basis with an upright vacuum cleaner.

Additionally, if a robot vacuum misses something during its first pass through a room, it’s very likely that the device will pick the debris up on its next run.

Programming your robot vacuum to run each day will help the device overcome any of its limitations through repetitiveness and automation.

Where do robot vacuums fall short?

The truth is you aren’t going to get the best results using a robot vacuum in the following situations:

  • A cluttered room with too many objects that can prevent the robot vacuum from cleaning properly.
  • Rooms that have carpets with extra threads hanging off the ends or wires running across the floor can give robot vacuums trouble.
  • Areas that contain large debris that can clog up the suction inlet.
  • Craft rooms that have paper scraps on the floor which can get wrapped around the extractor or clog the suction inlet.
  • Rooms with curtains that pile at the floor can lock up the robot cleaner’s extractor by getting caught and bound up.

Additionally, a robot vacuum’s suction is not always stronger than an upright vacuum and a robot vacuum may not provide a deep clean if that’s what you’re after.

When is it better to use an upright vacuum?

  • A regular upright vacuum is best for homes that don’t collect a lot of dust, dirt, or other debris on the floors and are fine with a monthly vacuuming session.
  • If you want a deep cleaning of your carpets, an upright vacuum is the better option.
  • If you need an extension tool to vacuum areas that are not on the floor, such as ceilings, wall corners, vents, etc. then an upright vacuum is the only choice for these locations.

What are the downsides to using an upright vacuum?

  • An upright vacuum isn’t going to reach under furniture as easily as a robot vacuum. Attachments can do it, but this means more manual labor for you as the operator.
  • Some upright vacuums can be a pain to move around your house, especially if they’re heavy.
  • With an upright vacuum, you’re often fighting with the cord to keep it out of the way while vacuuming.
  • Upright vacuums take up a lot of storage space in a closet.
  • Overall, an upright vacuum means more work for you during the cleaning process.

Having both an upright and a robot vacuum allows you to use the upright tool for when a heavy-duty cleaning is needed and the robot vacuum for those routine jobs require manual work.

Who benefits most from a robot vacuum?

  • A busy person: A robot vacuum is excellent for the person who doesn’t have time to perform the chore. You can program your robot vacuum to clean daily or weekly while you tend to other matters.
  • A larger family: Large families tend to experience dirtier homes more quickly as the kids and pets bring in dirt from the outside or shed hair on the floor. Your robot vacuum has the ability to work tirelessly to keep up with the constant messes.
  • A person with mobility issues: If you have trouble operating an upright vacuum, then the robot vacuum is a good fit.
  • Anyone who likes a constantly clean home: A robot vacuum can keep the floors of your home clean at all times so it never looks unkempt or dirt.

Other Common questions about robot vacuums

Can a robot vacuum clean carpet?

The question, “Can a robot vacuum clean carpet?” is at the top of most everyone’s mind, and the answer is, yes, a robot vacuum can clean carpet.

Robot vacuums actually do an excellent job in this area when the carpeting is low-pile or medium-pile. Only the most advanced robot vacuums can work on high-pile or shag-type carpets.

Can a robot vacuum clean stairs?

Wondering, “Can a robot vacuum clean stairs?” is important for many people to know. And the answer is, no, a robot vacuum can’t perform this function since it’s unable to climb up the vertical part of each stair step.

Can robot vacuum cleaners do stairs in the future? We can hope so!

Can a robot vacuum do multiple rooms?

The last question people often have about robot vacuums is,
Can a robot vacuum do multiple rooms? And the answer to this question is, yes, it most certainly can.

Some robot vacuums have the ability to map your home’s layout and keep track of where it has and has not cleaned. This allows the device to pick up where it has left off after each cleaning session until the entire level of your house is clean.

Robot vacuums without a mapping feature can also clean multiple rooms. As the device cleans, it will eventually wander into a hallway or other room and start cleaning that area as well.

Robot Vacuum vs Upright Vacuum Debate Answered

I hope you enjoyed this question and answer guide on the robot vacuum vs upright vacuum debate.

And that you came away with a clear explanation on the topic, “Can a robot vacuum replace normal vacuum?”

As you learned above, the answer to the questions, “Can robot vacuum clean carpet?”, and “Can a robot vacuum do multiple rooms?”, are yes. But, “Can robot vacuum cleaner do stairs?” is no.

If those answers suit you and you want to find the right robot vacuum for your needs and budget, check out my best inexpensive robot vacuum reviews page. It reveals the very best robot vacuums you can buy today for the lowest prices.

I hope you enjoy that free guide as well!

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Joe Castro

Joe Castro is the Director of Trusty Joe. Under the guidance of his father, a general contractor, Joe has been involved with a lot of handyman projects from a very young age. He combined this love for building with another passion of his, creative writing. Trusty Joe allows him to merge these two interests and offer the best of both worlds.