If you’re an owner of a Roomba, chances are you love the convenience and efficiency it brings to your cleaning routine. But let’s face it, one of the most frustrating things about using a Roomba is when it constantly bumps into furniture and gets stuck.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this struggle. Many Roomba users have experienced this issue and have found ways to solve it. In this article, we’ll explore why your Roomba is bumping into furniture and how you can stop it from happening.
Reasons Why Your Roomba Is Bumping Into Furniture
There are a few reasons why your Roomba may be constantly bumping into furniture:
Obstacles in its path
The most obvious reason is that there are obstacles in its path. Your Roomba is designed to detect and maneuver around objects, but sometimes smaller or darker objects can go undetected. This can cause the Roomba to bump into them repeatedly.
Poor lighting

If your room is poorly lit, it can affect the Roomba’s ability to detect objects and navigate around them. This is especially true for black or dark-colored furniture, as they may blend in with the surroundings.
Dirty sensors
The sensors on your Roomba are responsible for detecting objects and obstacles. If these sensors are dirty or covered in dust, they may not function properly, resulting in more bumps into furniture.
Low battery
When your Roomba’s battery is low, it may move slower and less efficiently, increasing the chances of bumping into furniture. This is because the sensors and navigation systems require more power to function effectively.
How to Stop Roomba from Bumping Into Furniture

Now that we know why your Roomba may be bumping into furniture, let’s explore some solutions:
Clear the room of obstacles
The easiest solution is to clear the room of any potential obstacles. Pick up any small objects or
Dirty sensors
If your Roomba’s sensors are dirty or covered in dust, they may not be able to detect objects accurately. Regularly clean the sensors with a dry cloth to ensure they are functioning properly.
Adjust lighting
If your room is poorly lit, consider adding more light sources or using brighter bulbs. This will help the Roomba’s sensors detect objects and navigate around them more effectively.
Charge your Roomba fully
To prevent low battery issues, make sure to charge your Roomba fully before each cleaning session. This will ensure that it has enough power to navigate around furniture without any issues.
Adjusting Roomba Settings
Adjusting your Roomba’s settings can make a significant difference in its navigation abilities. Certain models come equipped with a ‘gentle navigation’ mode that can be activated to prevent harsh bumping into furniture. Pay close attention to the settings and customize where necessary for your specific home environment.
Virtual Wall
The Virtual Wall tool is another useful feature of Roomba. This device creates an invisible barrier that your Roomba will not cross. By positioning these around delicate furniture, you can keep your Roomba from colliding with these items.
Barrier Placement
Proper placement of barriers can also prevent your Roomba from bumping into furniture. Place physical barriers like baby gates or large boxes around areas where you don’t want your Roomba to go. This can be especially useful for protecting fragile or antique furniture.
Furniture Layout Optimization
Try to optimize your furniture layout for better Roomba performance. Wide, open spaces allow Roombas to navigate more easily. If possible, arrange your furniture in a way that creates clear paths for your Roomba.
Light and Floor Reflection Management
Also, be mindful of light and floor reflection. Some Roomba models might get confused by shiny or reflective flooring material, causing them to bump into furniture. Manage this by dimming your lights or using rugs on highly reflective flooring areas.
Using boundary markers
Boundary markers work by transmitting a signal that the robot vacuum can detect and understand, telling it where it is not allowed to go. When placed around furniture or other obstacles, they act as an invisible barrier, guiding the robot vacuum around any potential obstructions.
Using furniture risers
Another way to keep robot vacuums from bumping into furniture and getting stuck is using furniture risers. Furniture risers elevate the feet of furniture, creating a space below them for the vacuum to pass through without hitting the furniture. This also prevents the vacuum from being blocked by furniture, as it can easily navigate around it.
Increase the thickness of your robot vacuum
By increasing the height of the vacuum, you can make it impossible to go under furniture so no more getting stuck. A cheap and easy way to do it is to tape the wall hooks on top of the robot vacuum.
FAQ
Is it normal for Roomba to bump into furniture and things?
Yes, it is normal for your Roomba to bump into things occasionally. Roombas are equipped with sensors that help them detect obstacles and navigate around them. However, these sensors are not foolproof, and your Roomba may still bump into objects from time to time. This is especially true for smaller obstacles, darker-colored furniture, or in rooms with poor lighting.
Why does my robot vacuum keep bumping?
Your robot vacuum may keep bumping into objects for several reasons. Firstly, it may be due to the presence of a lot of obstacles in its path. When there are numerous objects in its path, the robot may find it challenging to navigate smoothly and might constantly bump into things. Secondly, if your room is poorly lit, the robot vacuum’s sensors may not accurately detect the furniture and objects around it. Lastly, if the robot vacuum’s sensors are dirty, they may not function correctly and cause the machine to bump into furniture. Regular cleaning and maintenance, improving lighting, and reducing clutter can help mitigate these issues.
How do I keep my Roomba from damaging furniture?
To prevent your Roomba from causing potential damage to furniture, there are several methods you can adopt.
Firstly, using protective strips or bumpers on your furniture can act as a safeguard. These strips are often made of rubber or soft plastic and can be attached to the edges or corners of your furniture to soften the impact if the Roomba bumps into them.
Secondly, consider utilizing Roomba’s ‘Gentle navigation’ setting if available, which is specifically designed to mitigate the risk of damage.
Lastly, making use of Roomba’s Virtual Wall feature or other barrier methods can help direct your Roomba away from delicate or valuable furniture, preventing any accidental collisions.
Regular checks and updates to your Roomba’s settings, as well as keeping your home environment Roomba-friendly, are also essential preventative measures.
How do I keep my robot vacuum from getting stuck under my furniture?
To prevent your robot vacuum from getting stuck under furniture, there are a few steps you can take.
Firstly, consider using furniture risers to elevate the feet of your furniture and create more space for the robot vacuum to pass through without getting stuck. You can also use boundary markers or other barriers to discourage the vacuum from venturing into tight spaces.
Secondly, rearrange your furniture to create more open spaces for the vacuum to navigate through.
Lastly, regularly check and remove any potential hazards or obstacles that may get in the way of your robot vacuum’s path. Keeping your floors clear of clutter will also help prevent the vacuum from getting stuck.
Conclusion
With these tips and tricks, you can effectively prevent your Roomba from bumping into furniture or getting stuck under it. From using barriers and boundary markers to optimizing furniture layout and managing light reflections, there are various methods to keep your home environment Roomba-friendly. Regular maintenance and cleaning of your Roomba’s sensors are also essential to ensure smooth and efficient cleaning. By following these tips, you can make the most out of your Roomba without worrying about furniture damage or interruptions in its cleaning process.