Roomba Keeps Cleaning The Same Area [SOLVED!]

Is your Roomba fixated on cleaning the same area?

Do you feel frustrated that it’s not covering as much ground as it should?

This blog post is here to help 🙂

We’ll delve into the various reasons your Roomba might be acting this way, as well as provide detailed, easy-to-follow solutions to get it back on its path.

Why Your Roomba Keeps Cleaning The Same Area

If your Roomba seems to be stuck in an infinite cleaning loop, it could be due to several factors. Some of the primary culprits are dirty sensors, interference from other devices, insufficient light, dirty wheels, a filled vacuum compartment, or an activated “Edge Clean” feature.

Below, we’ll explore each of these possibilities in detail, and guide you on how to address them.

Issue 1: Dirty Sensors

Roomba navigates its surroundings and detects obstacles with the help of various sensors.

When these sensors get covered in dust or dirt, the Roomba may mistake the area as dirty and continue to clean it in an attempt to achieve optimum cleanliness.

Solution:

1. Begin by turning off your Roomba and removing its battery. This precautionary step will protect your device from potential electrical damage during the cleaning process.
2. Identify the sensors. These are usually small, clear openings found on different parts of the Roomba.
3. Carefully clean the sensors with a Magic Eraser or clean melamine foam. Be gentle during this process to prevent any possible damage to the sensors.
4. Once you’ve finished cleaning, reinstall the battery, turn on the Roomba, and observe whether it navigates properly.

Issue 2: Interference

Other devices in your home may emit infrared signals that interfere with your Roomba’s sensors, leading to confusion and repetitive cleaning in one area.

Solution:

1. Move the Roomba to a different location in your home and observe whether its behavior changes.
2. Identify any potential devices that could be emitting infrared signals, such as other home automation devices or certain types of lighting, and switch them off.
3. If possible, provide a dedicated space for your Roomba to operate, free from possible interfering signals.

Issue 3: Lack of Light

Roombas require a certain amount of light to navigate efficiently.

If the light in your home is dim, it could be causing your Roomba to clean the same area repeatedly.

Solution:

1. Ensure that the room your Roomba is operating in is well-lit.
2. If the issue persists even in a well-lit room, try using the Roomba during daylight hours when natural light is plentiful.

Issue 4: Dirty Wheels

Over time, Roomba’s wheels can accumulate dirt and debris.

If not cleaned regularly, this buildup can affect the Roomba’s mobility, resulting in the device staying in the same area.

Solution:

1. As before, start by turning off the Roomba and removing its battery.
2. Gently clean the wheels using a dry cloth, making sure to remove any dirt or debris.
3. After cleaning, reinstall the battery and check whether the Roomba can move around freely.

Issue 5: Full Vacuum Compartment

A filled vacuum compartment could cause your Roomba to keep cleaning the same area.

When the compartment is full, the Roomba may struggle to pick up more debris, prompting it to re-clean the area.

Solution:

1. Begin by switching off your Roomba and removing its dustbin.
2. Empty the contents of the dustbin and give the filter a good clean.
3. After cleaning, place the dustbin back in the Roomba and see if the issue has been resolved.

Issue 6: Edge Clean Feature

The Edge Clean feature is designed to command your Roomba to clean along the edges of a room more frequently.

If this feature is active, your Roomba may keep returning to the same area to clean the edges.

Solution:

1. Open the iRobot HOME App on your device.
2. Navigate to the settings of your Roomba and find the Edge Clean feature.
3. Disable the Edge Clean feature and observe whether this changes the Roomba’s cleaning pattern.

If Troubleshooting Doesn’t Work…

Despite your best efforts, if your Roomba continues to clean the same area, it might be time to seek professional help.

Check whether your Roomba is still under warranty. If it is, reach out to iRobot’s customer service. They are equipped to guide you through advanced troubleshooting steps or facilitate a repair or replacement, if necessary.

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the Roomba’s sensors and components, is essential to ensure its effective operation.

Keep your device clean and well-maintained, and you’ll be able to enjoy a longer lifespan and better performance from your Roomba!