A robotic mop is a convenient cleaning tool that can regularly clean your floors with little effort on your part. However, like all electronics, the lithium-ion battery that powers your robotic mop will degrade over time. After 500-1000 cleaning cycles, you may notice the battery no longer holds a sufficient charge to complete a full cleaning cycle. Replacing the battery can restore your robotic mop to work like new again.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of replacing the battery in your robotic mop. We’ll cover:
- Signs it’s time for a new battery
- Safety precautions
- Necessary tools & materials
- Step-by-step battery replacement
- Testing the new battery
Signs It’s Time for a New Robotic Mop Battery
The average lifespan of a robotic mop battery is 1-2 years. However, there are a few telltale signs that indicate when it’s time to replace your robotic mop’s battery:
Shortened Run Times
Over time, batteries lose their ability to hold a full charge. If your robotic mop starts taking longer charges but provides shorter cleaning cycles, the battery needs replacing.
For example, if your robotic mop used to run for 90 minutes on a full charge but now only runs for 60 minutes, the battery is wearing out.
Failure to Hold a Charge
Another clear indicator your battery needs replacement is if the robotic mop no longer holds a charge at all. No matter how long you leave it charging, as soon as you turn it on, the battery icon shows it’s empty.
This battery behavior means the cells are dead and can no longer store or deliver power.
Error Messages
Some robotic mop models display error messages related to the battery. This includes:
- Battery empty/low messages even right after charging
- Charge interrupted messages
- Replace battery messages
Don’t ignore these alerts – take it as a cue from your robotic mop that it’s time to replace the lithium-ion battery.
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Safety Precautions
Before you open up your robotic mop and handle the lithium battery directly, there are a few important safety precautions to take:
Power Down Completely
First and foremost, the robotic mop needs to be completely powered down before disassembling it. Make sure it:
- Is unplugged from the charging dock
- Has been turned off for several minutes (to dissipate any residual charge)
- Displays no indicator lights when pressing the power button
Following these power-down procedures avoids the risk of electric shock when handling the battery.
No Live Power Sources Nearby
Additionally, make sure there are no live power sources nearby that could come into contact with the exposed battery contacts. It’s best to replace the battery in an area without:
- Charging cables
- Wall outlets
- Other electronics plugged in
Choose a battery replacement area that is dry, well-ventilated, spacious, and empty of hazards.
Use Insulated Tools
When prying open the battery compartment and disconnecting cabling, be sure to only use insulated tools like plastic pry tools and rubber-coated pliers. Never use exposed metal tools or jewelry that could cause dangerous shorts.
Wear Protective Gear
As an extra precaution, wear rubber gloves and eye protection. This safeguards against electrocution or injury if any battery particles or fluids splash while you remove or reconnect the battery.
By powering down, clearing hazards, using insulated tools, and wearing protective gear, you minimize safety risks that come with directly handling lithium batteries. Now let’s cover what you need to complete the battery upgrade.
Necessary Tools & Materials
Replacing the battery in a robotic mop only requires a few tools and parts:
Tools
- Flathead screwdriver
- Rubber gloves
- Safety goggles/glasses
- Needle nose pliers (insulated handle)
- Plastic pry tool
- Clean lint-free cloths
Materials
- Replacement lithium-ion battery (proper voltage & dimensions for your model)
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Distilled water
Note: Check your robotic mop’s documentation to verify the exact battery type, voltage, and dimensions required before purchasing a replacement online or from the manufacturer.
The tools serve to safely open the housing and disconnect/reconnect cabling and mounts.
The replacement battery provides the power, while the alcohol and water create a cleaning solution for dusting out the mop’s internals before reassembling.
That covers the essentials – now let’s dive into the step-by-step battery replacement process.
Step 1: Power Down Robotic Mop
As an initial safety precaution, you should first ensure your robotic mop is completely powered off by:
- Disconnecting it from the charging dock
- Pressing the power button until any lights turn off
- Waiting 5 minutes for internal capacitors to dissipate any residual charge
- Verifying no lights illuminate when you press the power button again
This avoids electric shock while you have the housing open and are physically disconnecting/reconnecting the battery inside.
Some mop models also have a small removable battery backup. Check your mop’s compartments and user manual to see if yours has an auxiliary battery pack. Remove this as well.
With your mop completely powered down, you’re ready to open the housing and locate the battery.
Step 2: Access the Battery Compartment
Robotic mops enclose their batteries in plastic housings both for protection and for aesthetics. To access the battery, you need to open this compartment.
Note: Battery compartments differ between robotic mop models – check your instruction manual for exact details. These general steps apply to most:
- Flip the mop over to access the underside/bottom panel
- Use the plastic pry tool to release any perimeter clips or screws
- Detach the panel cover from the main housing
Typically, this bottom panel pops off to reveal the inner frame and electronics.
Be gentle prying this off in case any sensor cables run through the edges. Set the cover carefully aside once detached.
Inside, you should spot the lithium-ion battery mounted to the frame. Most connect via special locking connectors or power cables rather than Velcro/adhesive.
Make note of any cabling running to or from the battery pack. You must detach these connections during the next step when removing the exhausted battery unit.
Step 3: Remove the Old Battery
With the battery exposed, it’s time to remove the expired lithium-ion power cell:
- Release any mounting tabs: Larger batteries attach directly to the mop frame via plastic locking tabs or spring clips on either end. Release these mounts.
- Disconnect any cabling: Smaller batteries often connect to mainboards through connector cables rather than direct contact mounts. In either case, use gentle rocking pressure or unlocked clips to detach any wiring from battery terminals.
- Extract battery: Once fully disconnected, gently lift the battery free from the compartment without yanking any cables.
Avoid touching the metal electrical contacts now exposed to the battery. Set the lithium pack aside on a non-conductive surface while you ready the replacement.
Step 4: Install the New Battery
To restore your mop to working order, you must connect the new replacement battery unit:
- Examine connectors: Inspect the replacement battery’s electrical contacts and cabling. Verify they match what you disconnected from the old battery.
- Attach any contact mounts: If your mop uses spring clips or locking end tabs to secure the battery, attach these mounts.
- Connect replacement battery wiring: Plug the replacement’s power connector cable into the matching port on the main circuit board.
- Ensure snug connections: Double-check all mount points and cabling connections to ensure the new battery is securely in place
The new battery unit should now occupy the same physical footprint and cabling as the previous pack you removed in Step 3.
If gaps exist in the mounts or connectors don’t fully insert, gently adjust until properly seated, then recheck the snugness.
With the battery physically installed and connected electronically, it’s time to reseal the housing.
Step 5: Reseal the Battery Compartment
To protect the battery and internals, you must reattach any opened panels and compartments:
- Clear dust/debris: Use compressed air and a lint-free cloth dampened with water/alcohol solution to gently dust out the interior
- Inspect seals: Run a finger along the perimeter seals on the compartment and panels to ensure no gaps or damage
- Replace panels and doors: Set the bottom panel back into place, pressing along the edges until it clicks and locks
- Reinstall any screws: Some models use perimeter screws rather than clip seals to hold panels in place
Check the aligned edges and reinstalled screws to verify the housing adequately protects the internal components without gaps allowing dust or moisture inside.
With the refreshed battery within and the housing resealed, the physical replacement steps are complete.
Next, it’s time to power it on and test operation with your upgraded battery.
Testing the New Robotic Mop Battery
After completing the installation:
- Reconnect to charging dock: Place the robotic mop into its charging cradle. Verify it detects contact and initiates charging.
- Check indicator lights: While docked, check if the battery or alert lights display on the device. Solid or blinking battery icons indicate it’s taking charge rather than faulty connections.
- Let charge completely: Leave mop docked for a full charge cycle – usually 2-3 hours. This ensures the upgraded battery accepts, stores, and delivers power as expected.
- Perform cleaning test run: Once fully recharged, set the device down and initiate a cleaning cycle per normal operating procedures. Verify it powers on, spins brushes activates sensors, and roams freely about the floor during the test run without any connectivity issues or battery/power faults.
Watch closely the first few times you activate your revived robotic mop – ensure the bottom panel stays snugly in place, the housing doesn’t rattle from loose internals, and the unit normally runs without any odd sounds or warning lights. Especially note if it successfully completes cleaning cycles comparable to when the battery was brand new.
If you encounter issues with odd noises, power faults, or reduced runtimes, contact technical support right away about potential warranty replacement. Most upgraded batteries carry at least 6 months of manufacturer protection.
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Conclusion
While the convenient cleaning your robotic mop provides comes at a price over time in deteriorating batteries, replacing expired power packs restores function. Following proper safety procedures and having the necessary tools, parts, and technical guidance empowers you to conduct this battery upgrade at home. Within a short time, your refreshed mop roves across floors like new again.
Hopefully, this guide gave you the confidence and walkthrough needed to tackle replacing batteries in robotic cleaning assistants. Free yourself of short cycling times or permanently docked dust collectors. Revive your robot – give your floors the obsessive cleanings they need and deserve!