Recently, more people are turning to robotic vacuum cleaners to keep their houses dust and dirt free. That’s why the robot cleaner has become one of the market’s most popular smart home devices.
Though the robot vacuum comes in handy around the apartment, it can get annoying, not to mention inconvenient, if the device regularly stops without warning. There are a few reasons the robot vacuum can freeze up after a few minutes of normal running. This article will examine these reasons and find suitable solutions to the problem.
Obstructions on the cleaning path are the most common reason your robot cleaner keeps stopping. Clogged brushes or a full vacuum bin might also cause the unit to freeze unexpectedly. Lastly, you should also check the unit’s battery health and the wheel motors if they are defective.
Is your robot cleaner giving you a hard time by stopping without warning? Stick around to find the possible culprits to the problem and what to do to maintain it running smoothly.
6 Reasons Why the Robot Vacuum Keeps Stopping
Whether you own a Roomba, Roborock, Shark, Eufy, or Ecovacs robot vacuum cleaner, here are some reasons why the device might be freezing:
Always keep your user manual close when fixing a stopping issue with your robot vacuum cleaner. Different brands and models have varying procedures to solve the issue.
1. Obstructions
The first thing you should consider when you find the device stopped or stuck is to find an obstruction in its path. For example, furniture, curtains, or baby toys can prevent the smart device from moving freely and cleaning up the room. In addition, the cleaner can also be stopped in its tracks when debris gets stuck between the wheels.
Removing any obstructions in the appliance’s cleaning path should resolve the issue. Remember also to check and remove small debris like hairs, rocks, or clips stuck between the Roomba’s wheels.
2. Low Charge or Bad Battery
The second common reason the smart device might freeze or stop is a low battery charge or a defective battery. With a busy schedule, it is easy to undock your Shark or Ecovac robot vacuum cleaner without checking whether it is fully charged. Likewise, a defective battery affects how effectively the cleaning unit stores and uses energy during normal operations.
You should check the appliance’s display for any indications of a battery warning. If the robot cleaner is low on charge, plug it into its charging dock and let it sit there for a while. Make sure that your Roborock is fully charged before any cleaning cycle.
Faulty batteries can become a hazard to the vacuum cleaner, property, and your family. So if you have a defective battery, it should be replaced. Check the user manual for replacing the battery pack in your robot cleaner.
Every robot vacuum cleaner has a unique power requirement. You should always replace the battery pack with a manufacturer-recommended one to prevent compatibility issues or power supply and storage problems.
3. Dirty Sensors
In addition, dirty sensors can hinder the vacuum’s movement.
The smart home device uses sensors to detect what kind of objects are in its cleaning path. In a nutshell, it differentiates between dirt, toys, or if your pet is in its way and deviates the path to avoid a collision.
In most cases, sensors are found on the bumper and under the belly of the unit. However, this can vary depending on the cleaner’s model.
Dirty sensors can send the wrong information to the Eufy cleaner, causing it to stop or shut down.
You will need a soft dry microfiber cloth to clean your robot vacuum’s sensors to wipe any dirt or smudges. Remember to gently wipe the bumper and the other sensors found at the bottom of the cleaner.
You might be tempted to use a wet cloth to wipe the sensors. However, they are extremely sensitive, and any fluids on the sensor might cause a malfunction.
4. Clogged or Dirty Main Brush
If all the other solutions above do not work, you might have a problem with a clogged brush roll.
The robot vacuum cleaner uses brushes to sweep up all the dirt and debris around the house. However, hairs and dirt can build up and clog the brush roll if it is not regularly cleaned. When it happens, the Roomba might freeze or stop working until the main brush is entangled and cleaned.
Different vacuum models have varying procedures for removing the main brush from the unit, so consult the user manual if you have a cleaning problem. You should also use a microfiber cloth or brush to clean out all the hair and dirt.
However, always replace a damaged or worn-out brush with a genuine part. It will help improve your unit’s cleaning efficiency and power consumption.
You should clean the brushes on your robot vacuum at least twice a month. Also, you should be able to replace the brushes once a year unless there is considerable wear to the bristles.
5. Defective Wheel Motors
Though not common, you might also notice that one or both wheels in your Eufy are not running. In this case, the wheel motor in your cleaner might be faulty.
The drive motors are responsible for spinning and turning the wheels on the vacuum. However, the motors can wear out after prolonged use or when debris sticks between the mechanisms. When it happens, your vacuuming unit will have trouble running on smooth, hard surfaces, or both.
Defective wheel motors need replacing, but before starting the DIY repairs, you must find OEM motors compatible with your unit. Furthermore, go through the model’s user manual for the proper replacement procedure.
6. Vacuum Bin Needs Emptying
Lastly, if your robot vacuum cleaner regularly stops without warning, the vacuum bin might need emptying.
Some cleaners have an added feature to prevent debris accumulation and malfunctions when the bin is full. Cleaning the bin should help restore your Ecovacs’ functionality.
To ensure the best vacuuming performance, you should empty and clean the bin in your robot vacuuming unit once a week.
Apply Lubrication
Though it might not necessarily be why your vacuuming unit stops, low lubrication can also affect how effectively the smart device works. When the cleaner’s gears run for too long, they tend to get dry, making it harder to move around.
Regular lubrication is important for the longevity of the robot vacuum cleaner. Apply lubrication after cleaning the brush roll. However, this does not mean you should grease up the whole appliance. You only need to apply lubrication to the main brush roll gears.
Takeaway
Though a robot vacuum can be a great device around the apartment, regular stopping can be a huge inconvenience. Like any other appliance, regular maintenance can help identify potential issues that can lead to expensive repairs or buying a new unit.
However, the most common reasons for your vacuuming stopping are obstructions on its cleaning path or dirty brushes, sensors, and vacuum bin. Furthermore, you might face the same issue if you have a low-charge or defective battery pack and drive motor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should Robot Vacuum Cleaners Last?
Most robot vacuum cleaners have a lifespan between 2-5 years. However, it depends on how regularly the cleaning unit is maintained.
When Should I Replace the Battery in My Robot Vacuum Cleaner?
With proper care, your cleaner’s battery should last for at least 3-4 years before needing replacement.
