Robot vacuums are a great way to keep your home clean and free of dust, but they can be incredibly frustrating when they bump into furniture and get stuck. This problem is especially pronounced in homes with lots of furniture or small living spaces. Not only does it stop the robot vacuum from doing its job, it also takes up valuable time as you try to figure out why the vacuum won’t move.

Fortunately, there are some solutions that can help prevent this issue from happening again. In this blog post, we’ll give some tips that may help keep your robot vacuum running smoothly without getting caught on furniture pieces around your house.

Do Robot Vacuums Go Under Furniture?

Robot vacuums can go under furniture if it is higher than the robovac’s height unless you put some barriers around the furniture, create no-go zones, or block the robovac from bumping into furniture. Some robot vacuums with advanced navigation system can learn the environment and know what to do when they encounter furniture. Less advanced robot vacuums need additional help from you to avoid getting stuck under furniture.

Understanding How Robot Vacuums Navigate

Sensors and cameras

Robot vacuums use a combination of sensors and cameras to navigate their environment. Sensors, such infrared and ultrasonic sensors, detect objects in the vacuum’s and help it avoid obstacles. These sensors and cameras allow the robot vacuum to detect furniture, objects, or other obstacles which can then be avoided. Additionally, with visual information from the camera, robot vacuums can recognize patterns or common objects in the environment.

Mapping systems

Mapping systems for robot vacuums use sophisticated algorithms to create a virtual map of the environment and help them to navigate around obstacles. This system allows the robot vacuum to remember an area, so they can return to it later on. They are also able to detect and recognize furniture pieces so that they can move around them accordingly. The mapping system also allows you to draw virtual boundaries or no-go zones around furniture so that the robot vacuum will not go near it.

How to Keep Robot Vacuums from Bumping into Furniture and Getting Stuck

Keeping the lights on

Keeping the lights on in the home can help a robot vacuum avoid bumping into furniture and getting stuck. This is because the sensors used by robot vacuums rely on light to detect obstacles. When there is sufficient light in a room, these sensors can locate objects more easily and thus help the vacuum steer clear of them. Additionally, robot vacuums with cameras can also use visual information to recognize furniture and objects.

Creating virtual boundaries

Virtual boundaries are one of the best ways to keep your robot vacuum from getting stuck on furniture. By setting up digital walls or no-go zones, you can restrict the robotic vacuum’s access to certain areas of the house. This can be done using the robot vacuum’s mapping feature and allows you to block off any areas where furniture could get in the way of its cleaning path.

Restricting the cleaning area

Restricting the cleaning area is an effective way to keep a robot vacuum from bumping into furniture and getting stuck. By setting specific boundaries around the area that you want it to clean, the robot vacuum will be able to avoid running into furniture and other obstacles.

This can be done through virtual boundaries or no-go zones, which can restrict the robot vacuum’s access to certain areas of the house. Or you can set up some real boundaries to block the robot vacuum as the image above. Additionally, you can also use the mapping feature to create a cleaning pattern for the robotic vacuum that will help it avoid furniture on its route.

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

How do I stop my Roomba from going under the couch?

You can use physical barriers such as cardboard or Plexiglas to block off access to areas under the couch. Additionally, you can use adhesive wall guards or furniture risers to create pathways for the vacuum in tight spaces and around corners where there may be furniture blocking its path.

How do I stop my robot vacuum from hitting furniture?

You can use physical barriers such as cardboard or Plexiglas to block off access to areas with furniture. Additionally, you can increase the thickness of your robot vacuum by adding wheel covers or guards and inspecting it regularly for any signs of wear and tear. Finally, be sure to inspect the area around furniture for any potential obstructions that could block the robot vacuum’s path.

How to Have Roomba Clean Under Couch

If your Roomba has a detachable brush head, you can use it to clean under the couch. Alternatively, you can use a long-handled dusting tool or other cleaning device to reach hard-to-reach areas beneath furniture. Additionally, if your Roomba is equipped with Lighthouse technology, you can set up virtual “lighthouses” to help guide the vacuum around furniture and into tight spaces.

How to Stop a Robot Vacuum From Getting Stuck Under the Dining Table

You can use physical barriers such as cardboard or Plexiglas to block off access to areas beneath the dining table. Additionally, you can use adhesive wall guards or furniture risers to create pathways for the vacuum in tight spaces and around corners where there may be furniture blocking its path.

Finally, be sure to inspect the area around furniture for any potential obstructions that could block the robot vacuum’s path. This can help prevent your robot vacuum from getting stuck underneath furniture.

Read more: Tips to block any robot vacuum from stairs, furniture and bathroom

Conclusion

Overall, following these tips and guidelines can help ensure that your robot vacuum remains in top condition and avoids getting stuck on furniture or other surfaces. By inspecting parts regularly and keeping the wheels clean, you can reduce the risk of accidents and keep your robot vacuum running smoothly. Additionally, by using physical barriers or guides to block off access to tight spaces, you can help ensure that your robot vacuum is able to avoid any potential obstructions. With these tips in mind, your robot vacuum will be able to stay safe and efficient for many years to come.