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    🔧 Filters & Maintenance

    Keep It Running Right

    A purifier with a clogged filter and a vacuum with a tangled brush roll both quietly stop doing their job long before they actually break.

    Pick What Needs Attention

    Each guide covers what to check, how often, and what happens if you skip it.

    Filter & Part Replacement Cadence

    A general reference — check your specific model's manual for exact intervals.

    Part Typical Lifespan Signs It Needs Replacing
    HEPA Filter 6–12 months Visible discoloration, reduced airflow, filter indicator light
    Activated Carbon Filter 3–6 months Odors returning faster than before
    Pre-Filter Washable, reusable Visible dust buildup blocking the mesh
    Main Brush Roll 6–12 months Flattened bristles, persistent hair tangles
    Side Brush 3–6 months Bent, missing, or broken bristles
    Mop Pads Washable, replace every 3–6 months Fraying, persistent odor after washing

    A Reasonable Maintenance Schedule

    Not everything needs weekly attention — here's what actually does.

    Weekly
    • Empty the robot vacuum's dustbin if not self-emptying
    • Check the brush roll and side brush for hair wraps
    • Wipe down the purifier's exterior air intake
    Monthly
    • Rinse or vacuum the purifier's washable pre-filter
    • Wash mop pads and check for residue buildup
    • Wipe down mapping sensors and cameras
    Every 3–6 Months
    • Replace the HEPA filter, or sooner if the indicator says so
    • Replace the activated carbon filter
    • Check for firmware or app updates on both devices

    Common Maintenance Mistakes

    Most performance complaints trace back to one of these.

    📅
    Waiting for the Indicator LightFilter indicators track runtime, not actual air quality — a purifier in a dusty or smoky home may need filters replaced well before the light comes on.
    🧵
    Ignoring Hair Wraps Until They Stop the BrushA partially tangled brush roll still spins, just with reduced contact — suction drops long before the motor actually stalls.
    💧
    Letting Mop Pads Sit WetA damp pad left in the dock between cleanings grows odor-causing bacteria that a quick rinse won't fully remove.
    🧴
    Using the Wrong Cleaning Products on SensorsHousehold glass cleaner can leave a residue film on cameras and LIDAR sensors — a dry microfiber cloth is usually safer.
    🚪
    Blocking the Purifier's Air IntakePlacing a purifier against a wall or behind furniture restricts airflow and quietly cuts its real-world CADR performance.
    🔋
    Leaving a Robot Vacuum Undocked for WeeksBatteries left fully depleted for long stretches degrade faster — keep it docked between uses, not stored in a drawer.

    Maintenance FAQ

    Can I wash a HEPA filter and reuse it?

    No — washing a true HEPA filter damages its fiber structure and permanently reduces its filtering ability, even if it looks fine afterward. Only pre-filters are designed to be washed and reused.

    Do I need to clean a robot vacuum's LIDAR sensor often?

    A quick wipe every couple of weeks is usually enough. Dust buildup on the sensor is a common cause of a robot suddenly bumping into things it used to avoid.

    Why does my purifier smell bad even with a fresh filter?

    This is often moisture trapped in the filter housing rather than the filter itself. Make sure the unit is fully dry before reassembly, and check that the pre-filter isn't retaining dust and humidity.

    How do I know if my robot vacuum's battery needs replacing?

    A noticeable drop in runtime compared to when it was new — especially if it now needs to recharge mid-cleaning on the same size home — is the clearest sign the battery has degraded.

    Not Sure Where to Start?

    Tell us your model and how often you use it — we'll point you to what matters most.

    Ask a Question