Why is my Roomba not Picking Rid of dirt?

(Last Updated On: February 18, 2023)

Roombas are a great gadget to use within your home. Vacuuming is generally thought of as one of the least enjoyable tasks, which is why most people don’t do it more than they should.

Roombas can keep floors neat without you having to lift a finger; however, just like any other vacuum, their efficiency can decrease for no apparent reason.

Roombas may begin to not clean as effectively If the Filter or cleaning head is filthy. Most people don’t realize that all the debris needs to go somewhere and can accumulate over time.

If, however, you’re Roomba is clean but it is still not performing as well, it could be that something is not correct.

We’ll go over the different scenarios in which Roomba isn’t effectively cleaning the object or area (i.e., pet hair). If you’re interested in learning more, we suggest to read on!

Why Is My Roomba Not Picking Up Dirt?

Roombas can be enticing pieces of technology. They vacuum your floors for you and are an advance towards robots that can take care of all domestic chores, but we’re okay with it for now.

While Roomba is generally well-built, it could have various problems, but we’ll focus on an essential aspect the capacity to clean.

In general, the Roomba is indeed a good choice. It can navigate a room on its own and collects trash throughout the course as long as it’s not overly large.

It ought to be able to absorb common contaminants such as dust and pet hair easily since, in the end, it was created for this purpose.

But what happens if Roombas suddenly start to perform poorly? First of all, Roombas need some upkeep. They’re not completely capable of being left alone.

Even though they are so advanced that they can charge their bills, they still require human attention through cleaning.

1. Brushes and Filter Worn Out

In the first place, if you’re working with a Roomba that’s not removing particles, check if you’ve properly maintained it.

The rudder brushes must be cleaned frequently to ensure maximum efficiency. If the material is old and prevents new debris from getting into the cleaning process, it will decrease the cleaning effectiveness.

Dirt and hair can start to wrap within the brushes and require human intervention. In the absence of technology, the function of the Roomba is to cleanse itself, so it will need to be cleaned by hand.

IRobot recommends cleaning the brush at least once and twice weekly in houses with pets. The meetings themselves need to be cleaned every 6-12 months.

Another part of a Roomba that requires maintenance regularly is its Filter. While the vacuum is operating, the Filter’s job is to eliminate all dirt and dust within the air.

The vacuum needs to stop the air with none of the particles. Therefore, the Filter must be included.

The vacuum’s efforts to remove will be moved around if the Filter isn’t maintained regularly. This means your Roomba might not be as well as you’d like.

If you live with dogs, iRobot suggests cleaning it at least once per week and two times every week, similar to the brushes.

Make sure to clean the bin regularly; this is another common reason vacuums cannot correctly pick up debris.

2. Dustbin is Full

Once your Roomba’s garbage bin is complete, the machine will not take in the dirt because there’s insufficient space. To prevent this, make sure to empty your trash container regularly.

If the whole bin indicator light is red, the bin is filled. Also, if your Roomba ceases to work during the cleaning process, for optimal performance, make sure you empty your trash container following every cleaning session.

3. Bin Sensors are Fully Covered in Dirt

Thanks to its sensors, thanks to its sensors, your Roomba vacuum will function flawlessly. The bin’s complete sensors are one of the most crucial sensors.

They are rectangular shapes that extend towards the doorway of the trashcan. The primary goal is to inform you that the trash can is empty.

According to the patent of iRobot, a Roomba sensor with full-bin capabilities can detect dirt with piezoelectric sensors.

They will not be able to communicate effectively if they are prohibited. It could also cause your Roomba not to absorb any dirt.

To prevent this from happening, you should wipe the bin’s sensors clean every time you empty your trash container.

It’s as easy as cleaning the ports and sensors using melamine foam and the Magic Eraser. If neither is available, then a microfiber cloth should suffice.

4. Bin Sensors Broken

The Roomba utilizes a variety of sensors to check whether the bin was correctly placed, but the sensors could lose accuracy as time passes.

Your Roomba will show the Bin error when the sensor thinks the container is improperly placed or otherwise different than what it is supposed to be.

The good news is that resolving this issue is easy to read and discover. The bin is now put back in place.

If you are having troubleshooting issues, it is best to have any obvious solutions removed before going on to more complex problems to solve.

Unfit bins are a common cause of problems with the bins, so you can try installing the bin again. Take the bin out and reinstall it if your Roomba model allows it.

If your model does not permit you to remove the bin, ensure that the lid is shut correctly. You can sand the edges of the area where the bin is placed on the robot by using sandpaper, but take care not to cause harm to the internals of the robot.

I’ve already discussed how your Roomba determines whether the bin has been placed and determines this with sensors.

These sensors are vulnerable to damage due to their position; they frequently encounter dirt and dust, causing them to get blocked.

It could prevent them from identifying the dust container effectively, which can cause the Roomba to think you have not put it in.

Cleaning the sensors, which can be situated near the point where the bin comes into contact with the Filter, is a great idea. Clean the window of the sensor using a microfiber cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

Replace the bin and restart the Roomba to determine whether the Bin error reappears. The container needs to be replaced.

When the sensor is in good condition, and your chest has been installed, and you encounter this error, The bin you’re using on your Roomba is most likely not a genuine part.

Replacement parts that aren’t certified aren’t subjected to the same strict production standards as iRobot genuine parts.

They are also unable to work using Roomba and its sensors. If you’ve recently changed your bin and you’re experiencing this issue, it’s because your bin is likely not an original iRobot replacement part.

Buy an authentic iRobot Roomba Dust Bin, or look for an iRobot-approved logo on any replacement component. They last longer and come with an additional guarantee on the element.

Read More: How Do I Cancel My Roomba Schedule?

5. Clogged Cleaning Head Module Gearbox

You could try cleaning the cleaning head (CHM) gearbox in this situation. It could also become filled with dust and dirt. CHM is the one in charge of Roomba’s gears.

Gears, along with the motor, are one of the primary elements of a robotic vacuum. The condition of the bags decides the direction of the brushes’ motion speed, speed, and torque. Its performance could be affected when it is blocked by dirt and dust.

Warning: When unscrewing the gearbox and cleaning the gears, be highly cautious, as any flaw could result in your Roomba failing or stopping functioning completely.

If you notice that you’re not getting straight because the equipment for the head is damaged, purchase a replacement head module equipment for your particular Roomba model.

6. Brushes Are Not Spinning Properly

Threads, strings, fibers, and hair can get caught in the brushes, even while they are spinning, as long as the vacuum is in operation and hidden in the locking mechanisms that hold the rollers in their place.

Keeping the rollers free is crucial since stiff fibers could be pulled into a tight position and sliced in the rubber if put over a long time.

Take the rollers out by popping them off; a gentle press of a level opens the frame around them; the rollers are tagged with a specific form to ensure that they are correctly reinstalled.

Take any tangles off the ends of the rollers and cut or untangle anything blocking the way.

7. Dry, Static-Prone Environment.

Roomba could have a hard time collecting dirt in an area with static and dry, according to iRobot. You can either install an air humidifier to address the problem. It helps humidify your air and decrease static buildup in any area that could be affected.

Another option is to put in static guards in areas prone to static. Particularly for certain kinds of carpets and carpets.

8. Vacuum Loses Suction

Your Roomba’s suction power must be raised to clean carpets and rugs. Make sure the proper vacuuming process is enabled within the iRobot app if it’s not.

If everything is set correctly, it’s not working properly, and the filters and brushes need to be cleaned.

If you use it frequently, you should clean it at least once a week. Clean it two times a week if you own dogs.

Filters and brushes should be changed every 6-12 months and once every two months. However Roomba not picking Rid Of dirt.

How to Fix Roomba Not Picking Up Dirt?

1. Clean the Sensors and Ports

Due to its sensors thanks to its sensors, your Roomba vacuum is working perfectly. The pair of bin sensors is one of the most crucial sensors.

The rectangular shapes that extend towards the door of the trashcan are the ones you see. Its primary purpose is to show whether the trash container is filled.

Roomba Full bin sensors use piezoelectric sensors to detect dirt, per the iRobot patent. They won’t be able to communicate effectively if these sensors are prohibited. Also, it could stop your Roomba from getting rid of any dirt.

Clean the sensors of the bin each time you empty the garbage to prevent the possibility of this happening.

Clean the ports and sensors using melamine foam or a Magic Eraser to wash them. A microfiber towel will suffice if you don’t own any other option.

To thoroughly clean bin sensors To clean bin sensors, follow these steps:

2. Remove Debris Stuck on Brushes

Hair strands can be wrapped around brushes, collecting dirt. It blocks the entrance or hinders the brush’s movement. Since Roomba cannot cleanse itself, any land lodged in its meetings must be removed manually.

To get rid of dirt off Roomba brushes, follow these steps:

To ensure optimal results, iRobot suggests cleaning Roomba brushes every week. For pet owners, you should do it at least twice per week.

3. Clean the Cleaning Head Module Gearbox

As you remove the gearbox and begin cleaning the gears, it is essential to use care as any defects could result in your Roomba failing or cease working completely.

To clean and access the gearbox for the cleaning head To access and clean the cleaning head module gearbox, follow these steps:

4. Empty the Dustbin

When your Roomba’s trash bin is empty, the machine will not take in the dirt because there’s insufficient space.

To prevent this from happening, be a regular practice emptying your trash bin frequently. The container is complete when the entire bin indicator is lit red. If your Roomba suddenly stopped working during a cleaning process.

Make sure to empty your trash can following every cleaning session to get the maximum outcomes.

Here’s how to cleanse and empty your Roomba dustbin:

Keep in mind that the Filter isn’t intended to be washed. Therefore, when you’re cleaning your dustbin, be sure to take out the Filter. Also, there are a few trash bins that can be soaked.

5. Clean The Filter

Filters, as well as brushes, must be cleaned at least once per week. For pet owners, you should do it twice per week.

This ensures that the Filter is effective in filtering out any dirt and dust and aids in producing much cleaner air inside your home.

Clear the Roomba filter in the following manner:

If the Filter isn’t correctly placed, it will not close. Consider this signal that you’ve identified the Filter in the correct position.

6. Replace Roomba

It’s also important to note that when your Roomba is a bit old, it may be time to replace it. The first Roomba was launched in 2002, which means we’re talking about a more than two decades-old product when we talk about Roomba.

As time passes, vacuum cleaners diminish in effectiveness. They are not as effective. Roomba 675 is a great alternative that’s not expensive.

7. Replace Filter

Replace the Roomba filter every two months, per iRobot, primarily when you use the device frequently. Refresh the Filter as fast as possible if you notice it is “darker” and damaged.

Roomba uses HEPA filters to eliminate tiny particles like dust, allergens, molds, dust, and many more.

Filters, as with any other technology, come with limitations. HEPA filters are losing around 20 percent of their effectiveness in filtering over 150 days, as per an experiment conducted in 2020. What is the best moment to replace the HEPA filter?

iRobot suggests that users replace their Roomba filters each two-month period of uninterrupted operation.

The Filter will be more susceptible to wear and tear due to. Also, any microbial development could result when bacteria accumulate on the Filter for longer.

Here are a few benefits of keeping your Roomba filters regularly:

8. Replace the Filter and Brushes

A HEPA filter will lose 20% effectiveness within 150 days in a trial conducted in Beijing in Beijing.

It is also recommended to change the brushes every 6 to 12 months. This is especially important when it has bristles. It can assist your Roomba in removing dirt and dust with greater efficiency.

9. Get a Humidifier.

Roomba could fail to remove dirt if it’s located in a static-free, dry environment, as per iRobot. The solution is to install a humidifier inside the room.

It helps to humidify the atmosphere and stop static electricity from building up in any possible spots.

An alternative option is to use static guards in places susceptible to static, notably on certain types of carpets and rugs.

10. Stop Trying to Pick Large Objects

Your Roomba isn’t designed to handle massive objects. We suggest using your hands or a vacuum to clean more essential things.

Roomba is a robot that can autonomously navigate a room and cleans up trash in its path, provided it’s not too big.

It’s supposed to eliminate common contaminants such as dust and pet hair easily since, in the end, it was designed for this purpose.

11. Contact Roomba

If you’ve come to this point, it’s because something other has worked with your Roomba. And lastly, you could make contact with iRobot customer support.

They can provide you with an exchange Roomba if the manufacturer’s guarantee still applies to your device.

Make the following preparations before making a warranty claim through iRobot:

If the warranty conditions and terms are not in compliance, iRobot has the right to cancel the warranty. Therefore, before seeking an exchange, read the conditions and terms. It will help you save time and effort by doing this.

Roomba I7 Vs. 980 for Comparison.

The Roomba 980 and I7 represent the most advanced technology that iRobot provides for their line of robotic vacuums.

We’ll take a closer examination of both the Roomba I7 vs. 980 and then decide if you think the Roomba I7 is worth the high price or whether it’s the Roomba 980 is more valuable as it is the less expensive option.

Roomba I7+

Power: 17 cfm

Run Time: 75 mins.

Noise: 68 Db

Bin Size: 0.46 liters

Auto-Empty Bin: Yes

Virtual Wall: 1

Roomba 980

Power: 17 cfm

Run Time: 120 mins.

Noise: 78 Db

Bin Size: 0.56 liters.

Auto-Empty Bin: No

Virtual Wall: 2

Roomba I7 is one of the newest products from iRobot, featuring its most recent iAdapt 3.0 navigation that includes the technology of persistent maps.

Persistent Mapping (iRobot refers to this as Imprint Smart Mapping) saves the robot’s camera’s and sensors’ configuration into the cloud server of iRobot.

Roomba utilizes the stored maps to create an efficient cleaning pattern without starting each cleaning cycle.

The feature can also provide additional benefits, like cleaning certain areas within the home.

It also comes with a “clean base” system that employs the bin’s contents into an additional vacuum which can hold up to 30 times the capacity in Roomba’s Roomba I7 bin.

This alone makes Roomba I7 Roomba I7 more autonomous than the other vacuums I’ve tested to date.

If you’re not keen on the burden of emptying the bin, or you want more of a navigation bin, it is you should consider the Roomba I7 as the better choice.

Which Roomba is more effective?

Roomba 980 Vs. I7

The Roomba I7 and. 980 Roomba will be the superior robot. The improvements to navigation (a.k.a. persistent maps) in conjunction with the clean base dock will mean that you’ll never be able to touch the bin for weeks.

This robot is indeed costly; however, having the technology is worthwhile. If you cannot invest in I7 Plus, you can purchase the I7 Plus or go with the basic model. I7 has the permanent map feature.

 Similarities The Roomba I7 vs. 980

Before we review the differences between Roomba I7 and 980, let’s look at the similarities.

VSLAM technology VSLAM technology: Both the Roomba I7 and 980 use VSLAM or Vision Simultaneous Mapping and Localization.

This software is the brain behind these robots, allowing it to determine the most effective cleaning pattern and then track its exact whereabouts, making it highly efficient and efficient.

Rubber extractors: Beginning in the Roomba 800 series, all iRobot vacuums have been replaced with a blade and bristle combinator brush with bristle-less ones that require less maintenance.

WiFi connectivity: You can now access these robots via a smartphone with the iRobot Home App. Depending on the model you purchase, the app’s features will differ.

Voice control: In addition to the smartphone app, it is possible to use your voice to instruct the robot to tidy your home with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Introduction to the Roomba 980 and I7

The 980 and the I7 represent two critical phases in Roomba’s development. Before the release of the 980 in the beginning, all Roomba products used the same navigation algorithm, where the robot would move in an undetermined direction.

The Roomba 980 was the first to have this system overhauled, using cameras to navigate. They were introduced into its spot.

 I7+ took it a step further by adding what they call “persistent mapping,” where the robot could store these maps on cloud services, allowing the user to cleanse a specific space.

It’s also the first robot that can come with an automatic system for emptying that eliminates one tiresome job from the problem.

Roomba I7 Overview

Roomba I7 Roomba I7 comes with upgrades in two key areas. The first significant upgrade includes navigation.

It is now equipped with the IAdapt 3.0 software that has persistent Mapping. It conserves maps in cloud servers (up to 10 maps! ).

Persistent Mapping can help the robot increase efficiency since there is already a map.

That information can draw an efficient plan to clean the home.

It also offers you the possibility of cleaning specific areas of your house. Let’s say that you need to clean your primary bedroom. You can use the app for smartphones or Alexa to do this in the event you prefer using voice.

The other update is the vacuum that iRobot refers to as “the “Clean Base” that takes the dirt bin out of the robot through a slot under.

This feature can help increase its autonomy since you don’t need to empty it alone.

“Clean Base” is a feature available in the Roomba I7+. The “Clean Base” feature is offered on Roomba’s Roomba I7+, around 200 dollars more than the standard Roomba I7.

If you don’t wish to shell out more than $1,000 for the highest-spec model, opt for the standard I7, which comes with similar navigation features, except “Clean Base. “Clean Base.”

iRobot Chief Executive Officer Colin Angle says that the Roomba I7 “delivers the vision of what they tried to achieve” when they first began making robot vacuums over 20 years ago.

Roomba 980 Overview

A few years ago, there was a time when the Roomba 980 was the most expensive; however, that’s not anymore.

Even though it’s not the latest model, the Roomba 980 does bring many things to the table.

The variant is still equipped with the iAdapt 2.0 navigation, which operates directly back and forth motions.

It’s the very first in the Roomba line to provide such; however, it’s not equipped with the ability to keep track of the map.

The most significant drawback of the absence of persistent maps is that the robot will have to begin over from scratch at the start of each cleaning cycle.

In contrast to the Roomba I7, it cannot do the job of cleaning a specific area. It needs to create an outline of your home each when it tends.

The Roomba 980 and the I7 share the identical Gen 3 motor that has five times the power of the Roomba 980 and is ten hundred times stronger than the Roomba 890.

But, the I7 has more powerful counter-rotating extractors with slightly more agitation.

It is also necessary to empty this robot manually since it doesn’t have any “clean base” station.

Conclusion

Roombas are excellent products that can be used often with no issues. If you don’t like cleaning manually but still need clean floors,

Roombas are worth the investment and can enhance your life quality. But they’re not 100% hands-free and must be maintained by users regularly.

A Roomba not picking up debris is from not cleaning the filters and brushes at least once a week (twice in the case of animals) and replacing them at a specific amount of time.

iRobot recommends changing the Filter every two months and cleaning the brushes every 6 and 12 months.