Robot vacuums have become popular in recent years due to their ability to clean floors with minimal human intervention. One of the most well-known brands of robot vacuums is the iRobot Roomba, equipped with an AWARE Robotic Intelligence System and a range of features and technologies to navigate around a house and keep it clean.
However, some iRobot Roomba owners may encounter a frustrating issue with Roomba cleaning. The device keeps cleaning the same area repeatedly, or worse, gets the dirt stuck only in a particular spot. There could be several reasons why a Roomba keeps going over the same spot or gets stuck, ranging from minor faults to malfunctioning wheels.
One common issue could be the presence of debris, such as pet hair or small objects, which may interfere with the vacuum’s navigation system or sensors. Another potential problem is that the Roomba may struggle with certain obstacles, such as chair legs, which could trigger the bumpers to gently push against the object repeatedly, causing the Roomba to clean the same area repeatedly.
Additionally, providing adequate lighting in the house could help the Roomba’s infrared technology to function effectively, preventing it from getting stuck or encountering infrared interference.
In our guide, you can learn why your Roomba keeps going over same area. By the end, you’ll better understand why your Roomba keeps cleaning in one spot, and how you can fix your robot vacuum device, so the machine cleans as it should rather than watching your Roomba going in circles. (Learn How To Clean Leaves From Rocks)
The Roomba’s Navigation System
If you’re wondering why your Roomba keeps cleaning the same area, it might be due to navigation. The Roomba uses sensors, mapping, and software to navigate your home and clean it efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
Sensors
The Roomba has several sensors that help it navigate around your home. These include cliff sensors, bumper sensors, and dirt detect sensors. The cliff sensors prevent the Roomba from falling down stairs or off ledges, while the bumper sensors help it navigate obstacles.
The dirt detect technology is designed to detect areas of your floor that are dirtier than others so that the Roomba can focus on those areas.
Mapping
The Roomba uses Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (VSLAM) technology to map your home and
navigate around obstacles. It creates a map of your home during the first cleaning cycle and then uses that map to navigate during subsequent cleaning cycles. This allows the Roomba to clean more efficiently and avoid bumping into furniture or other objects.
Software
The Roomba’s software plays a massive role in its navigation. It uses algorithms and sensors to navigate your home and clean it efficiently. If your Roomba robot vacuum keeps cleaning the same area, it could be due to a software issue. Try updating the software or resetting the Roomba to fix the problem.
Overall, the Roomba’s navigation is designed to clean your home efficiently and thoroughly using location and dirt detect technology. Note problems with Roomba cleaning can vary from one Roomba model to another.
Note: If you know your home is duster than normal, it can help to disable the dirt detect and run it for one cycle. Once done, enable the software and let the machine vacuum on another cycle.
Common Causes of Repeated Cleaning
If your Roomba robot vacuum seems to be cleaning the same area repeatedly, several common causes could be behind this behavior. Here are a few possible reasons why your Roomba robot vacuum cleaner is stuck in a cleaning loop:
Obstacles
One of the most common reasons your Roomba might be cleaning the same area repeatedly is because of obstacles in its path. Your Roomba vacuum cleaner has sensors that help it navigate furniture, walls, and other objects.
However, if small objects like toys, cables, or shoes are on the floor, your Roomba might get stuck trying to navigate around them. While checking this, you can inspect the caster wheel. If the caster wheel is blocked, your vacuum can’t turn away and avoid these obstacles. (Read Cleaning Leather Couch With Dove Soap)
Low Battery
If your Roomba’s battery runs low, it might not have enough power to complete a full cleaning cycle. Sometimes, your Roomba might get stuck in a loop because it’s trying to finish cleaning a room but doesn’t have enough battery life. Ensure your Roomba vacuum cleaner is fully charged before starting a cleaning cycle.
Dirty Sensors
Your Roomba’s sensors play a massive role in helping it navigate around your house. If the sensors are dirty or malfunctioning, your Roomba might have trouble detecting obstacles or returning to the charging dock.
Make sure to clean the sensors regularly to keep them working correctly. Other possible causes of repeated cleaning include trapped debris, malfunctioning wheels, and software issues.
In some cases, your Roomba might simply be programmed to clean all the rooms in your house, which could cause it to spend more time in certain areas. If none of these solutions work, you might need to contact the manufacturer for more detailed information on fixing the problem.
How to Fix a Roomba That Keeps Cleaning the Same Area
Clean the Sensors
One of the main reasons why your Roomba keeps cleaning the same area is due to dirty sensors. The sensors on the bumper help the Roomba navigate around your house. If you have a dirty sensor, your Roomba may think it constantly hits something and will keep cleaning the spot in the same area.
While checking these, you could find a Roomba bumper stuck because of a huge chunk of dirt. To clean the front bumper sensors, tap the bumpers gently to loosen dirt, and then use a dry cloth to wipe them down. You can also use a melamine foam sponge to remove stubborn dirt and grime.
Make sure to clean the sensors and bumper regularly to avoid malfunctioning. Cliff sensors and fall sensors also need to be cleaned, as these can make the robot vacuums think they are at the top of the stairs when they aren’t. Without a stuck bumper, and now it has clean sensors, there’s no reason the robot vacuums will stay in one area unless there is another reason it stays in the same spot. (Learn How To Clean White Doors)
Move Obstacles
Another reason why your Roomba keeps vacuuming the same area is due to obstacles in its path. If tiny objects are on the floor, your Roomba may get stuck and keep cleaning the same spot. Remove small objects and pet hair from the floor before starting the cleaning cycle to fix this issue.
If your Roomba keeps getting stuck under chair legs or other furniture, try moving the furniture. If the visual camera is dirty or faulty, it can’t see any objects and may think it is against the table leg or by the wall; thus, it stays in the same spot.
Clean the VSLAM camera using a clean cloth.
Charge the Battery
If your Roomba keeps going over the same area, it may be due to a low battery. Charge your Roomba for a few hours before starting the cleaning cycle.
If the battery is fully charged and your Roomba still keeps cleaning the same spot, there may be a problem with the battery. Try replacing the battery or contacting the manufacturer for assistance.
These minor faults can be easily fixed and help your Roomba navigate your house more efficiently. Remember to clean the Roomba bumpers gently and avoid interference or dirty cliff sensors. With the proper care and maintenance, your Roomba will keep your house clean and tidy without any hassle.
What Other Things Use Infrared Interference At Home?
A variety of factors can cause infrared interference at home. One of the most common causes is other devices use the same technology and emit infrared rays, such as televisions, cable boxes, and stereo systems.
These other devices emit signals that interfere with signals sent by other infrared devices, such as your Roomba. Another common cause of interference at home is sunlight. Too bright, and your Roomba device camera may be ineffective.
Sunlight contains a significant amount of infrared radiation, which can interfere with the signals sent by infrared devices. Other sources of interference at home include fluorescent lighting, mirrors, and other reflective surfaces, which can reflect infrared signals unpredictably.
Additionally, some types of insulation used in homes can interfere with infrared signals, mainly if they contain metal or other components. For example, you can get a device that operates on the 5 GHz frequency band, which is less crowded and less susceptible to interference than the more typical 2.4 GHz band.
By taking these steps, it is possible to minimize the amount of infrared interference at home and ensure that all devices operate correctly. Now, you can see how your vacuum device can be affected by interference, reflective surfaces, and more.
To fix this, cover highly reflective surfaces, and ensure the room isn’t too bright where the camera can’t see obstacles or where it is supposed to dust and suck up debris.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my Roomba to clean a new area?
To get your Roomba to dust a new area, you can physically move the device to the desired location or create a new cleaning area through the iRobot HOME App. You can set up a new cleaning zone in the app by selecting the “Clean” button and the “Custom Clean” option.
From there, you can use your finger to draw a box around the area you want the Roomba device to clean. Once you have created the new cleaning area, the Roomba will clean the specified area of any dust or debris when you press the “Clean” button.
Can I pick up my Roomba and move it to another room?
You can pick up your Roomba and move it to another room. The robot will continue cleaning from the point where it was lifted, so you don’t have to worry about losing progress in the cycle.
However, it is recommended to let the Roomba complete its cleaning cycle before moving it to another room to ensure that all areas are thoroughly cleaned.
Does Roomba learn the layout of your home?
Yes, Roomba has mapping technology that allows it to learn the layout of your home. The latest models use iAdapt technology, which employs sensors to create a map of your home as it cleans. Once the robot has created a map, it uses its wheels and sensors to navigate the device through your home more efficiently and avoid obstacles. (Learn How To Get Drywall Dust Off Floors)
How does Roomba know where to go?
Roomba uses a combination of sensors, mapping technology, and advanced algorithms to navigate through your home. The robot uses sensors to detect and avoid obstacles while mapping technology allows it to create a map of your home and navigate it efficiently.
The advanced algorithms also help Roomba determine the best cleaning path to clean your floors most efficiently.
Can Roomba go over rugs with fringe?
Roomba can go over rugs with fringe, but it is important to note that the fringe can sometimes get tangled in the robot’s brushes or wheels. If you have a rug with a long fringe, removing the frame or lifting it off the ground before running the Roomba is recommended. This will help prevent any wheels from tangling or damaging the robot’s brushes.
