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Setup & Mapping

Preparing Your Home for a Robot Vacuum’s First Clean

A little preparation before the first clean saves the robot from getting stuck and saves you from cleaning up a tangled mess afterward.

Clear loose cables

Phone chargers, lamp cords, and headphone cables are the single most common cause of a robot getting tangled and stopping mid-clean. Tuck them along baseboards or route them up off the floor.

Secure loose rugs

Rugs with fringe or curled-up edges can catch in the brushroll or throw off navigation. Flatten edges or set a no-go zone around problem rugs for the first few runs.

Pick up small objects

Socks, small toys, and pet bowls left on the floor are common obstacles. Camera-based robots may avoid them; simpler robots may push them around or get stuck, so a first-time sweep is worth the two minutes.

This guide is general information to help you use your gear, not professional, legal, or insurance advice. Rules vary by region — check your local regulations where relevant.