“My Roomba vacuum is making a screeching noise!”
Like regular vacuums, Roomba robot vacuums make loud noises when cleaning.
So, your cleaning device making some noise is normal…
Not unless it started making ear-irritating thumping and screeching noises.
If that’s the case, then there must be something wrong with your device.
But why does it happen?
And how can you make your Roomba clean much quieter?
Read on to learn:
- What is “Quiet Drive” mode.
- 10 tips to make Roomba instantly quieter.
- What causes Roomba to make loud noises.
- How to enable “Quiet Clean” cleaning preference.
- And much much more…
Why is my Roomba making a loud noise?
Roomba can make loud noises if its brushes, extractors, and wheels can’t turn properly either because they’re clogged or need lubrication. An unsecured brush frame release tab and any clutter that blocks can also cause the device to screech on the floor. Or it can be due to a broken head module too.
How to make roomba quieter – 10 proven tips
#1: Make sure that the brush frame release tab is down
If you’re using the more latest Roomba vacuum series, you may want to check its brush frame release tab.
Unlike older models, the newer Roomba series has a liftable brush frame release tab. Which you pull to access the dual multi-surface brushes.
When this release tab is not closed, it may touch the ground. And cause your Roomba to create loud screeching noise when cleaning.
Apart from making loud noises, it can also damage your cleaning device.
The basic rule here is to ensure that all Roomba parts are secured and closed before running your device to clean.
So, if you’re using a Roomba vacuum which is part of the e, i, j, or s series, make sure that its brush frame release tab is down and secured.
#2: Remove any clutter on the floor before cleaning
Your Roomba is programmed to avoid any furniture, walls, and cliffs during cleaning.
But not smaller clutter like a pair of socks, dainty accessories, or a curtain tassel.
When Roomba gets in contact with clutter on the floor, it can get stuck, and create noises.
Or worse, your Roomba can suck in small clutter and get your cleaning device clogged.
Making it prone to more damages.
So, before setting your Roomba vacuum to clean, make sure to remove any clutter on your floors.
Roam around your house and pick up clothes, toys, or accessories that may get in the way.
#3: Toggle on “Quiet Clean” cleaning preference
“I’m using a WiFi enabled Roomba vacuum. Is there a setting which can make my device clean quieter?”
Yes, you can make your Roomba clean more quieter by changing its cleaning preference.
Newer Roomba models are designed with smarter features. Thanks to the iAdapt 3.0 technology.
If you’re cleaning at night or with a toddler or pets at home, you may want to use the “Quiet Clean” cleaning preference.
Quiet Clean mode uses less power. Which allows the device to operate and clean quietly.
But it’ll take longer to clean your whole house.
It can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your home situation.
Here’s how to enable Quiet Clean cleaning preference on iRobot Home app:
- Open your iRobot Home app.
- Proceed to the Roomba settings.
- Find and select “Cleaning Preferences.”
- And choose “Quiet Clean.”
#4: Enable “Quiet Drive” when cleaning specific areas
Want to only clean specific areas in your house?
And make it create no noise while on its way?
Good news is, you can enable “Quiet Drive” to make your Roomba create noise only when it has reached its assigned destination.
Quiet Drive is a new convenient feature on some of Roomba latest series.
It allows users to experience quieter cleaning sessions.
Plus, enabling this cleaning mode saves more energy. As the robot vacuum will only turn on its cleaning mode once it has reached the room you wanted to clean.
This is really helpful and convenient if you have toddlers and pets at home. Or have invited guests over.
As your Roomba won’t disturb and distract anyone on its way to the room and back to its docking station.
#5: Dust off Roomba filter
The Roomba filter makes sure that no dirt, dust, or allergen returns back to the air when vacuuming.
But once too much dirt builds up on its mesh fibers, that dirt can act as an obstruction on the Roomba’s air vent.
Causing the device to use more power. Plus, create loud, unnecessary noises.
Check if your Roomba filter is not clogged.
If it is, make sure to dust off the filter.
You can do it by removing the filter in the dustbin. And then shaking off or tapping the filter to remove the dust.
Note: Roomba filter is not designed to be washed. So avoid washing it under running water or wiping it using a damp cloth.
If you’ve been using your Roomba for at least 2 months, it would be better to replace it with a new one.
According to an experiment, the efficiency of HEPA filters (which the Roomba uses) decreases by 20% after 150 days.
But since it’s used for cleaning, it would be better to replace it much earlier.
Further reading: 9 Easy Steps To Clean Your Roomba Filter (How-To Guide)
#6: Clean the device’s brushes and extractors
“My Roomba creates clicking and thumping noises. What does it mean?”
It might be because your Roomba brushes or extractors are clogged or worn out.
Once its brushes develop bristles, it may be harder for the device to pick up dirt.
Plus, it’ll certainly create unusual noises, especially on hard floors.
Another possible reason is that the brushes or extractors are clogged with dirt and hair strands.
Making it impossible to turn and roll properly. And causing the device to create clicking noises.
To resolve the issue, you must clean the brushes and extractors at least once per week.
And have it replaced every 6 to 12 months.
#7: Run the device several times a day
“But I just had my Roomba extractors replaced!”
Calm down.
It might be because the extractors are fairly new.
Newly installed extractors have few gaps.
Making it harder for larger dirt to pass through. Or causing the extractors to touch one another.
Resulting in your Roomba creating loud thumping noises.
But worry not, as resolving this issue is very simple.
The solution is: let the extractors wear down.
Wearing down the extractors will make your device create less noise.
You can do it by running your Roomba a few times a day. Or at least set your device to clean your whole house when you’re outdoors.
If it’ll distract people or pets in your home. Have it clean the same room several times a day.
Learn more: How often should you run your robot vacuum?
#8: Apply lubrication on the wheels
If not from dirt, the wheels on your Roomba can get stuck or have a hard time turning if it lacks sufficient lubrication.
To allow the wheels to run smoothly, apply dry lube on them.
Important Note: Only use a dry lube to prevent the lube from creating a mess on your floors.
If you know how to open a machine, go ahead and open it to properly lube the wheels.
If not, you can apply lube through the small hole on its side.
Locate the small hole on the outer side of the wheel case. And spray in a good amount of lube in the wheels.
This is perfect for every user who is not confident in opening their cleaning device machinery. And are afraid of causing more damage.
To help you out, here’s a video guide on how to apply dry lube on the Roomba wheels:
#9: Clean CHM gearbox
If nothing works, then try checking the gearbox of your Roomba cleaning head module gearbox.
The cleaning head module (CHM) is the base that holds your Roomba brushes and extractors.
While the CHM gearbox is the mechanism that makes the brushes turn correctly.
Like brushes and wheels, the CHM gearbox can also get clogged with dirt, gunk, and hair.
If this happens, it’ll mess up the turns and power of the brushes. Causing it to create loud thumping noises.
What you can do is open the gearbox and clean it by unscrewing the sides of the cleaning head module.
Warning: You must be really careful when doing this. Especially if you’re removing the gears to clean. As any mistake can cause your whole device to malfunction or not work at all.
If you’re not confident about doing this, better ask for help from a machine professional.
#10: Replace cleaning head module
“I’m not sure if opening the machine is a good thing. It might mess up my Roomba further…”
That’s a fair point!
Opening machines is not advisable for users who don’t have enough knowledge about machinery.
That said, if you think that your Roomba cleaning head module is faulty, consider getting a replacement.
Since the CHM houses the gearbox and brushes, replacing it with a new one should fix any noise issues that involve these particular parts.
Buying tip: Only buy replacements from Amazon. This is to ensure that the part replacement is compatible with your Roomba vacuum.
You might also be interested in: How To Stop a Roomba From Talking? 9 Simple Steps