How To Stop A Vacuum Robot From Getting Stuck?

Automatic vacuum cleaning devices usually known as Roombas have made our lives relatively easier. In addition to the plethora of technical features these autonomic vacuum cleaners have, they are also specialized to not get stuck around the house while doing their job.

In-built mapping technology

Robotic vacuums have comprehensively designed maps built within their software to help them navigate throughout your home easily.

Drop preventing sensors

They have the capacity to sense height and anticipate an upcoming fall. So, whenever they encounter such a situation they sense it and turn away thus, preventing a fall and probable damage.

Turn around feature

Whenever the device bumps into something it cannot cross it turns around and changes its way. Despite possessing these features, it is prone to stick into some areas as these sensors are not always activated. There are a number of ways you can avoid encountering such an unpleasant situation. Some of them are mentioned below:

Test for a few times when you first install it.

Before using it on a regular basis, use it as a test twice or thrice. This will give you a better insight into what objects are coming in their way so that you adjust them accordingly. Also, you will get to know what location is the best in the room for the device’s charging.

The right location for the Home Base.

Home Base, the starting and charging point of your device, should be on a plain, flat wall. Space should be quite roomy to allow the device to have a smooth starting. Moreover, stairs can create a hindrance too so it’s better to keep the Home Base away from them. Preferably, it should be in the shade because it uses IR light to navigate its ways which is the same as the light in the sunlight. So, it might get confused and lose its way in the presence of sunlight. Also, the ground should be even and preferably, a tiled floor. 

Lift the chairs.

Chairs can come in the way of the vacuum and get it stuck. Lift them up on the table or if that’s not possible move them into another room or area.

Tiny objects create a hindrance and might damage the device. 

Small and sharp objects like nails, toys, lego blocks, buttons, etc. might cause the device to trip. It is better to declutter the area before starting the machine to make sure there is no object in its pathway.

Virtual Walls.

Every robotic vacuum comes with a companion app that can be used to create virtual walls around areas you do not want the device to enter. So create walls around areas with uneven ground or bottom of cabinets or your bed where it is prone to get stuck.

Sensors around the house.

Relatively recent Roombas come with a number of sensors that you place intelligently around the house to guide the device. This reduces the chances of the vacuum going into unwanted areas. 

Carpets and curtains with tussles and hangings.

Most carpets are very thick. Their thickness is beyond the scope of the device to pass. Also, many carpets and curtains have tussles and threads, etc. hanging from them which again, get in the way of the vacuum. Before starting your device, fold the rugs and curtains to avoid any inconvenience.

Wires and cords.

One of the most common reasons for your device getting stuck is getting entangled in cluttered cords and wires. Robotic vacuums can be very hard to get out of these so, to avoid such a situation get the room properly cleared out of any wires or any extension cords.

Bumper Extenders.

These are tiny rubber extensions that can be installed on the border of your device. They prevent your device from getting under areas like the bottom of your bed or sofa. They rise a little higher from the height of the device itself and come in contact with the bed/sofa first so, they are the best tiny instrument you can use to not get your device stuck under furniture.

Lighting.

Most robotic vacuum cleaners do not work properly in the absence of proper light. They need light to properly navigate their way through the room. Make sure to use it in a properly lit room.

Avoid getting in contact with water.

Like all electronic devices, robotic vacuums are also sensitive to water. Getting water into the system can jam the software and can be the reason for your device getting stuck. Keep the surface to be cleaned moisture-free. Also, remove any bowls of water or any liquid which the device might bump into and spill. 

Let it do its work.

Sometimes we feel like the Roomba is not cleaning a certain spot so we tend to pick it up and place it there. This disrupts the device’s own navigation software and might confuse and cause it to lose its path. Give it some time and it will cover all the spots but do not change its path manually. 

Furniture risers.

If nothing seems to work for your Roomba, it’s time to get furniture risers that elevate the furniture so your device won’t get stuck anymore. Also, if you are already bored with the old furniture, treat yourself with a new one that is fairly elevated to not let your device stuck underneath.

Conclusion

It is no doubt that automated robotic vacuums have made it easier to keep our houses clean. But every device comes with little maintenance requirements. Getting your Roomba stuck can be very frustrating. With slight changes like lifting your chairs, decluttering any wires, tiny objects, and nails, etc. you can get the device working perfectly hassle-free. 

The charging slot should be roomy, in a shady region and a flat, even floor and wall. This will ensure a smooth initiation of the cleaning process. Proper lighting and even surface are the keys to the smooth navigation of the vacuum. With these minor tips and tricks, get a smooth automated vacuum cleaning experience.