iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop with AutoWash Dock - Extending Spinning Mop Pads, Self-Empties, Pad Wash & Heated Drying, Self-cleaning, Recognizes & Avoids Obstacles, LiDAR Navigation
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AI Verdict
This 11-pound robot vacuum and mop with a 0.5-liter dustbin and AutoWash dock is for homes with mostly hard floors needing automated vacuuming and heated mop pad drying.
This robot is a strong contender for hard floor cleaning with its extending spinning mop pads and heated drying dock. However, its below-average carpet suction and app limitations make it a less ideal fit for homes with significant carpeting or users who prefer granular control over cleaning settings.
If you have more carpet, look for models with higher air watts or a dedicated carpet-cleaning brush system, and check user reviews specifically for carpet performance.
Regret Score™
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Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- DualClean Mop Pads with PerfectEdge extend mopping coverage by 18% along edges.
- SmartScrub feature provides 2x deeper scrubbing for tough messes.
- PrecisionVision AI Technology recognizes and navigates around cords, socks, and pet waste.
- AutoWash Dock self-empties for 75 days and heat-dries mop pads at 45 degrees Celsius.
- Mop pads auto-lift when sensing carpet, allowing for seamless multi-surface cleaning.
- ClearView Pro LiDAR expertly maps your home and adds furniture to the map for navigation.
Cons
- Carpet cleaning performance is below average, with 343 FPM suction on carpet compared to a 420 FPM category average.
- Mopping can be inconsistent, with users reporting it being too wet at the start and too dry towards the end.
- The iRobot Home app is described as clunky, unintuitive, and buggy, lacking settings for obstacle avoidance or mop wetness.
- Hair tangles frequently in the main and side brushes, as it lacks conical rollers for better hair management.
- The robot lacks an onboard water tank, requiring frequent trips to the base station to rewet mop pads.
Dimension Scores
It excels at hard floor vacuuming and mopping with 2x deeper scrubbing and 18% extended mop coverage, but its 343 FPM carpet suction is below average.
The AutoWash dock provides 75 days of hands-free dust emptying and heated mop pad drying, but the app is reported as clunky and unintuitive.
The robot features LiDAR navigation and AI obstacle avoidance, and the dock includes heated drying, suggesting robust components.
The product is battery powered and has a 4W wattage, but no specific energy efficiency ratings are available to compare against category averages.
Best For
- Homes with extensive hard flooring (marble, wood, tile) that require daily vacuuming and mopping.
- Users who prioritize hands-free operation and minimal interaction with the robot for up to 75 days of dust emptying.
- Households with pets that need consistent cleanup of pawprints and general debris on hard surfaces.
Not Recommended For
- Homes with significant carpeted areas where deep carpet cleaning is a primary concern.
- Users who expect advanced app controls for fine-tuning cleaning parameters like mop wetness or obstacle avoidance feedback.
- Individuals with long hair or multiple pets that shed heavily, due to reported issues with brush tangling.
Watch Out For
- The app doesn't show obstacle images, despite the robot's 95 out of 100 score for obstacle avoidance.
- The mop pad washing function uses room temperature water, which may not be as effective for sanitization as hot water.
- The robot's suction power on carpet is 343 FPM, which is below the category average of 420 FPM.
- Hair frequently tangles in the main and side brushes, with anti-tangling features scoring 60 out of 100 by one user.
- The auto-empty bin is loud during operation, which can be disruptive.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 885155045966 |
| ASIN | B0DWG1YNJR |
| Brand | iRobot |
| Color | Black |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Capacity | 0.5 Liters |
| Batteries | 1 12V batteries required. (included) |
| Model Name | Plus 505 Combo |
| Filter Type | Cartridge |
| Form Factor | Robotic |
| Item Weight | 11 pounds |
| Battery Life | 120 minutes |
| Manufacturer | iRobot |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Control Method | App, Push Button, Voice |
| Special Feature | Anti-Fall, Auto Mop Washing, Dirt Detection Sensor, Eco Mode, Edge Cleaning, Intelligent Mop Lifting, LiDAR Navigation, Logical Navigation, Obstacle Avoidance, Pet Hair Pick Up, Precision Laser Mapping & Navigation, Room-By-Room Navigation, Scheduling, Self-Emptying, Self-Refilling, Self-Sealing Dust Bag, Smart Mapping, Wet/Dry |
| Item model number | N185020 |
| Batteries required | Yes |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphones |
| Product Dimensions | 14.1"L x 13.8"W x 4.2"H |
| Included Components | Dirt Disposal Bag, Docking Station, Mop Pad |
| Warranty Description | 1 year manufacturer. |
| Are Batteries Included | Yes |
| Surface Recommendation | Carpet & Hard Floor |
What Buyers Say
What really stands out is how this Roomba handles hard floors, with users consistently praising its vacuuming and scrubbing capabilities on marble and wood. The AutoWash dock's heated pad drying at 45 degrees Celsius is a definite plus for preventing smells. However, the app experience is a recurring pain point, with many finding it clunky and frustrating to navigate. Don't expect it to be a carpet champion, as its suction power there is noticeably weaker than competitors. Plus, if you have long hair or pets, be ready for brush tangles.
“Honestly, this thing is a lifesaver for my tile floors, the mopping actually scrubs and the dock dries the pads so they don't stink, but the app is a nightmare and it's useless on my bedroom rug, so don't even bother if you have thick carpets.”
Common Praise
- Vacuuming performance on hard floors is rated 90 out of 100 by users.
- Obstacle avoidance and navigation score 95 out of 100, recognizing furniture and avoiding items like cords.
- The AutoWash base station's dust collection is excellent, with a very clean dust removal process.
- DualClean Mop Pads extend 18% closer to edges and SmartScrub provides 2x deeper cleaning.
- Mop pads auto-lift when sensing carpet, preventing wetting of rugs.
- Heated pad drying at 45 degrees Celsius prevents odors after mopping.
Common Complaints
- Carpet cleaning performance is poor, with suction below the category average.
- The iRobot Home app is clunky, buggy, and unintuitive, lacking settings for obstacle avoidance feedback or mop wetness.
- Hair gets tangled in the main and side brushes, with anti-tangling features scoring 60 out of 100.
- Mopping can be too wet at the beginning and too dry towards the end of a cycle.
- The robot lacks an internal water tank, requiring frequent returns to the dock to rewet pads.
- The auto-empty bin is loud when it activates.
Ownership Tips
- The mop pads need to be replaced or laundered regularly, even with the self-washing feature.
- The filter in the dustbin is reusable but needs to be cleaned and dried periodically.
- You can manually control bin emptying or mop pad washing/drying through the app.
- The robot identifies carpet areas and lifts mop pads automatically, which is a practical feature for mixed flooring.
- The dirty water tank needs to be emptied, and a small filter in the dock requires occasional cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this Roomba clean carpets effectively?
No, user feedback indicates its carpet cleaning performance is not its strongest feature, with suction on carpet measuring 343 FPM, below the 420 FPM category average.
Can the mop pads be washed with hot water?
The AutoWash dock washes the mop pads with room temperature water, not hot water.
How long does the AutoWash dock hold debris?
The AutoWash dock can hold up to 75 days of dust and debris before needing to be emptied.
Does the robot avoid obstacles like cords and pet waste?
Yes, its PrecisionVision AI Technology is designed to recognize and navigate around obstacles such as cords, socks, and pet waste.
Is the app easy to use?
Many users describe the iRobot Home app as clunky, unintuitive, and buggy, noting a lack of advanced settings for obstacle avoidance or mop wetness.
Does it dry the mop pads?
Yes, the AutoWash dock includes heated pad drying at 45 degrees Celsius to prevent odors.
Buying Guide
When looking at robot vacuum mops, you need to think about your floor types first. If you have mostly hard floors, features like spinning mop pads and heated drying are key for a deep clean and odor prevention. For homes with a lot of carpet, prioritize suction power and brush design, as many combo units struggle there. Also, consider how much control you want from the app; some are much more user-friendly and offer detailed customization than others.
LiDAR Navigation
This is like the robot having a super-accurate mapmaker. It uses lasers to create a precise layout of your home, allowing it to clean efficiently in straight lines and avoid missing spots, even in the dark.
Extending Spinning Mop Pads
Think of these as tiny, motorized scrub brushes that reach into corners and along baseboards, unlike static mop pads that just drag. Spinning motion and extension mean it's actively scrubbing and getting closer to edges, like you would with a hand mop.
AutoWash Dock with Heated Drying
This is your robot's personal spa. It automatically empties the dust, washes the dirty mop pads, and then dries them with heat. This prevents mildew and odors, meaning less gross maintenance for you and fresher-smelling floors.
Obstacle Avoidance (AI Technology)
This feature helps the robot 'see' and steer clear of things like phone chargers, socks, or even pet accidents. It saves you from having to 'robot-proof' your house every time you clean, reducing the chances of it getting stuck or making a bigger mess.
Alternatives
If this doesn't fit your needs, search for robot vacuums with higher carpet suction ratings and advanced app features for granular control, or models with hot water mopping and self-cleaning brushrolls for better hair management.
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