BASIC OVERVIEW OF THE SCOOBA

Basic Overview of the Scooba

Currently there are two types of Scooba`s available.  The Scooba 230 is designed for those hard to reach places (behind the sink, around the toilet or underneath furniture).  The Scooba 385 is better suited for large scale areas (kitchen, living room or anywhere that has hardwood, tile or laminate flooring). Both models are user friendly. 

The Scooba only uses fresh water and cleaning solution, unlike the traditional mop and bucket. , Therefore, the Scooba never cleans the floor with dirty water.  Whether dirt or, grime or wet spills, the Scooba will clean.  The Scooba is safe to use on all hard floor surfaces, including wood and tile.

The Scooba`s have been proven to assist in reducing the spread of bacteria by removing up to 97% from the household.  

*When used as directed, laboratory tests show elimination of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and Escherichia coli after two passes with Scooba. Individual results may vary".

Overall if you are looking for that one household item to help lighten the load of household chores, a Roomba Robotic Vacuum or Scooba just might be the right solution for you.  There are numerous makes and models, and further research will help you make the decision on which will be the best fit for your household. 

MODELS OF ROOMBA'S ON THE MARKET

Current models of Roomba`s:

790,780,770, 760, 650, 560 and 530 

700 Series

The 700 Roomba series is the newest production of vacuums.
The robotic vacuums designed in this series were created to effortlessly work on both hard surfaces and carpets.  Some of the essential components that make up the appeal of the 700 series are as follows:

• 780,770,760 – Each have the AeroVac TM Series 2 which are bins that will hold more debris than the other models.  Also with its suction will pull debris and hair from the brushes into the bin.

• 780,770,760 – Each comes with the HEPA filters that will grab fine particles that are emitted into your household (helps aid in reducing allergens).

• 780, 770 –Each have an indicator light that notifies when the bin is full.

• 780,770 – Each have sensors known as the Dirt Detect Series 2 Advanced technology that enables visual sensors to detect dirt and grime, which is in addition to the standard acoustic sensors built into the other models.

• 790 – Convenient wireless controller center that enables you to control your device as opposed to the standard push button on the Roomba.

 
600 Series

The 650 and 630 were both introduced in late 2012.  While very similar, they have a few vast differences.  The 650 offers convenient scheduling while the 630 does not.  As identified with the 700 series, the 650 or 630 does not have the dual-HEPA filters, Dirt Detect Series 2 or the heavy duty AeroVac TM Series 2 advances.

Common Features in all current models of the Roomba Vacuum (700, 600 and 500 series)

• Dirt detection
• Self-charging base
• Spot cleaning
• Quick 3 hour charging
• Bumpers –to help minimize scuffs on furniture or the Roomba.    (Lighthouse is highly recommended to aid in prevention of this).

For additional charges, some models allow you to add extra filters, brushes, virtual wall and lighthouses to the packages.  Roomba vacuum being a poplar device may cause some replacement parts to be back ordered   It is highly recommended to keep replacement parts on hand, at least one set handy to avoid any holdups the routine of your Roomba device.

When shopping for your Roomba it is best to consider the size and layout of your home and what your expectations are in terms of cleaning.  Once you have that taken into account you should be able to find a perfect fit for your household.

Overall, the Roomba Vacuum’s notable technological products can help liberate a busy household from every day redundant chores, while aiding in reducing allergens caused by everyday dust, debris and grime.  This investment of on average $300 will give you time to spend doing the things you love without the worry of getting your chores done.

PROS AND CONS OF A ROOMBA VACUUM

PROS:

• Saves time and less effort – The Robotic Vacuum can clean while you’re away!  Nothing beats coming home to a clean home and it takes little effort on your part.

• Cleaner floors more often – With most busy households most don’t have time to clean as often as they want or need.  With a Robotic Vacuum, you can schedule and program how often you want it to clean.  Can be programmed to clean every day of the year, which will end up keeping a household cleaner than your average vacuum cleaner (which requires someone to operate).

• Got allergy’s or household pets -   A Robotic Vacuum when used frequently will help keep those dust bunnies and dirt piles at bay.  You may notice and improvement in allergy symptoms, which can be an overall health benefit.

• Unsupervised chores –The Robotic Vacuum requires minimal set up, you can rely on your robot vacuum to work independently and unsupervised.   It is encouraged that on first use, that you supervise to see which furniture may cause the device the most obstacles.  If required, you may be required to move things.

• Easy to use – Program if you wish to clean when you’re not home or push a button to start the job. There may be some areas you will not want your Robotic vacuum to clean.  Most manufacturer have boundary markers; some use special strips (magnetic or other) and others use infrared light. More intelligent models of robots are able to clean multiple rooms, stopping to recharge the battery and then continuing the job where they left off. 

• 4-5 or more Cleaning Modes – Most models have 4-5 or more cleaning modes such as zig zag, diagonal, wall following or zig zagging.

• Intelligent – Each Robotic vacuum has sensor to detect all kinds of things.  Examples are:

- Recent path it has cleaned;
- Stairs;
- Dirt and dust bunnies;
- Continually cleaning of dirty area until no further dirt;                       

- Charging base (home station); and
- Large or small obstacles (will use sensors to navigate around).

• Minor Maintenance and TLC - Little maintenance is required.  Depending on how often you use the robot, you will need to clean the roller brushes and empty the dirt drawer.  Replacement of batteries or ensuring the docking station is in charging mode.

• Compact – Most Robotic Vacuums have a sleek design to them that allow them to reach hard to reach places.  The unique shape allows the device to clean under most low setting tables, stools, couches and corners.  Most are also equipped with bumpers to prevent scuffs and damage to device or objects.

CONS:

• Not Completely Automated - Although the Robotic Vacuum can navigate itself around most furniture, time to time it may get stuck in nooks and crannies and odd spaces.   You may come home to a dead battery and it stuck in the spot.  However, as stated above it is recommend on first use to watch the device to see what obstacles and places prose a problem and prepare your house to be friendly.

• Standard TLC – Like a normal vacuum you will need to maintain and routinely clean it once every two or three uses.  This includes cleaning the small bristle that collect dirt, routinely empty the dirt from the debris bin and rinsing the robot`s air filters.

• Noisy for some – Some may find the Robotic Vacuum noisy, but then again what vacuum isn't?   Most people use the Robotic Vacuum while they are away, so most don’t find this to pose a problem or to be a deterrent in purchasing one.

• No Stairs and needs level floors – Not capable of descending or climbing stairs.  Traditional vacuuming will be required.  Most Robotic vacuums will need level floors to operate.  Most models cannot operate beyond a 30-35 degree slope.

• Replacement parts and warranty – Like anything, you may run into snags that will require maintenance calls into the company`s customer service department.  When researching on Robotic vacuums make sure to look into warranty and being an investment may want to upgrade warranty.  It is better to be safe and protect your investment.

• Costly Investment – depending on which Robotic Vacuum you decide is the best fit for you, you may be looking at on average $250-$400 and up.  You may be able to get your hands on an older model for around $100.00.  But with any investment insure you have warranty. 

While the argument remains between the Roomba Vacuum and traditional vacuum, but most that have welcomed the Roomba vacuum into their household stay, most will say they would rather live with it than without it.

BASIC OVERVIEW OF ROOMBA VACUUMS

Most Roomba vacuums maneuver around on two wheels which operate on one or more non driving caster wheels.  Each Robotic vacuum comes with a variety of sensors underneath and inside the robot that assist the robot with feedback about its environment and even the state of its battery life.   Just like your standard vacuum, you will find a motor that produces suction and rotating brushes that aid in sucking up the debris and dirt.

In order for the Roomba to cover the majority of your household, a little bit of preparatory work will be required.  Such things as moving chairs or light furniture out of the way, children’s toys, bigger pieces of garbage and anything that may pose as an obstacle for the Roomba.  This does not have to be done every time, more so when you want a more desirable clean.

Furthermore, like anything  the Roomba will require some maintenance and TLC.  It is best to clean the filters and brushes and empty the bin after every use.  This takes less than 5 minutes.  

Batteries will need to be replaced, which will depend on the frequency of use and the size of the house (bigger the house, the longer it works).  Most Robotic vacuums come with a docking station and sensor that will guide the vacuum back to the station to recharge its batteries.

WHY ROOMBA?

In today’s society, we live in a busy world.  The average family household consist of two working parents and busy children, when does one have time to tend to household chores?  That’s where the Roomba line of vacuums and the new Roomba Scooba comes into play.  Now, the Roomba is not a replacement for the traditional household vacuum or mop, but rather used as a supplement to aid in keeping on top of everyday household cleaning.

Most will say, well I already own a dyson or another high end vacuum or steam mop that does a fantastic job. But my question to you, is how often do you use it on a weekly basis, and how often do you need to use it on a weekly basis?  Most people do not vacuum or mop enough to keep the household clean all the time.  Who wants to trade quality time with the family for cleaning, I know I don`t.

While it cannot replace the traditional overall cleaning, the Roomba line or robotic devices, when used properly will assist in removing the grime and everyday dirt and dust that accumulates on a daily basis.  You can choose to use the Roomba as often as you wish.  Use of the Robotic device will help stretch out the frequency of major household cleaning; therefore you will have more time to spend at work or with your family.