Is your Roomba moving strangely?
Or worse, it doesn’t move at all?
This indicates your Roomba’s cliff sensors need cleaning.
Let me guide you on how to do it.
Read on to learn:
- 3 quick steps to clean your Roomba’s cliff sensor.
- The right time to replace your Roomba’s cliff sensor.
- How a cliff sensor plays a big role in your Roomba device.
- When to cover your cliff sensor and 4 simple items you can use.
- And many more…
3 steps to clean your Roombas cliff sensor
Like other devices, Roomba’s cliff sensor needs some maintenance.
This is how you’ll experience its best performance.
Many people assume it’s hard to clean…
But it’s the exact opposite.
Here are 3 simple steps to follow:
#1: Look for your Roomba’s cliff sensor
First of all, I’ll help you find the cliff sensor.
It’s important to understand that the cliff sensor isn’t the only sensor in your device.
So we need to make sure you’re touching the right one.
Now, try turning the device upside down.
That’s where it’s normally located.
And it’ll only be a small part of the vacuum.
You’d spot it as something that has a transparent or clear cover.
And is half-ellipse shaped.
If you’re not sure where to find it…
It’s best to check out your user’s manual.
It should show you the anatomy of your vacuum.
Note: Some Roombas have more than one cliff sensor.
So, you need to browse through your user’s manual.
That can help you figure out how many your device has.
If you can’t find the information, you can also contact the local office of the company.
You may also like: 27 Roomba Tips And Tricks To Keep Your House Clean
#2: Wipe it with a clean cloth
Take a clean, dry cloth.
Now, wipe the cliff sensor openings.
You just have to clear off all the dirt that it has accumulated.
But, make sure you clean it with proper care.
As if you’re returning the favor to your device that’s been making your carpets and floors spotless.
And that’s it. Your cliff sensor should be clean.
Important: Never use a wet cloth or cleaning fluids. These can damage the vacuum.
Just use a dry cloth.
Or a clean melamine foam or cotton swab.
Once you’re done, your Roomba cliff sensor should perform well.
Note: This cleaning procedure is the same for any Roomba series.
#3: Do a regular maintenance
It may be your Roomba’s job to clean your floors and carpets…
But just like anything, its parts also need some cleaning.
So, it’s best to have it cleaned every now and then.
Doing so wouldn’t let dirt pile up too much.
Moreover…
Regular maintenance is a good way to care for the device.
In return, it’ll perform an efficient job.
Plus, it’ll rid you of the possibility of spending on a new cliff sensor.
Also check out: How Often Do You Need To Empty Your Roomba? 10 Steps + Tips
When should you replace a Roomba cliff sensor?
You should replace a Roomba cliff sensor when your Roomba can no longer sense the surroundings. Or if it shows a bumper sensor error. Parts like cliff sensors tend to wear out in the long run. And cleaning them might not be enough to fix them anymore.
People also ask:
Which Roomba has a cliff sensor?
All Roombas have a cliff sensor. In fact, all vacuum robots do.
That’s because a cliff sensor is an essential part of such a device.
Why?
Because it signals the device if it finds some stairs.
Or anything that might cause its fall.
So, a Roomba cannot function without it.
Now, you can choose among the different models of Roomba vacuums. Here are some examples:
- iRobot Roomba i3 EVO (3150) Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum.
- iRobot Roomba i7+ (7550) Wi-Fi Connected Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum.
These 2 are the top best models in 2022 and have proven of great quality.
Are you looking for units that you can afford without compromising the quality?
You may check out iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum-Wi-Fi Connectivity.
Other Roomba models include:
These are also great options for those who have furry friends at home.
How does a Roomba cliff sensor work?
A Roomba cliff sensor works with the help of infrared and photocell sensors. Through the infrared sensor, the vacuum detects an object by emitting an infrared beam. Then, the photocell sensors will “wait” for this infrared beam to bounce back to confirm that there’s an object.
Now, when the infrared sensor stops sending signals to the photocell sensor…
Then this means no object or safe ground is detected.
So, your Roomba will assume it’s near a stair or cliff-like edge.
Or anything that poses a threat of falling.
Basically…
It functions as your vacuum’s guardian…
Or protector from anything that feels like a cliff.
As the term implies.
In this case, your Roomba will immediately turn the other way to save itself from getting damaged.
Smart and independent, your vacuum robot is.
Do all Roombas have cliff sensors?
All Roombas are equipped with cliff sensors.
As mentioned before…
A cliff sensor is an important part of any vacuum robot.
That’s regardless of its brand.
Without it, you’ll have to be checking on your Roomba from time to time.
How do I cover my Roomba cliff sensors?
You can cover your Roomba cliff sensors by using a paper towel, white paper, or scotch tape. Or if you have an aluminum foil at home, you may use it as well.
Let’s say you choose a white paper…
You simply have to tape it over the cliff sensors.
Plus, you can try using scotch tape to secure it.
And that’s it.
Want a video tutorial? Click this:
Reminder: Since they’re not designed to cover a cliff sensor, these items will not last long on your device. They can easily gather dust and dirt. This means that you’ll have to do it again after a few days.
So, are you covering your cliff sensors because your vacuum doesn’t cross any black or dark parts of your carpet?
I understand how frustrating it is.
This is the downside of the device.
But this only happens because…
Your vacuum assumes that the dark areas of your house are a threat to its safety.
Read next: How To Charge Roomba Without Home Base?