Got a Roomba that keeps bumping into furniture or missing corners? You’re not alone. Most people run into a few hiccups when their robot starts roaming the house. The good news is you can fix most of these issues in minutes, without calling tech support.
First, look at the floor. Thick rugs, loose cords, or small toys can trap the wheels. Roombas have sensors, but they can’t see a stray LEGO brick. Clear the obvious clutter before you start a cleaning run.
Second, check the brushes. Hair, dust, and debris wrap around the side brush and main roller, slowing the robot down. When the brush can’t spin freely, the unit struggles to move and may stop mid‑room.Third, the mapping software can get confused by recent changes. If you moved a couch or added a new bookshelf, the robot’s virtual map may still show the old layout. That mismatch forces the Roomba to backtrack a lot, which looks like it’s stuck.
Clear the floor of anything that could catch the wheels. A quick sweep for socks, cords, or pet toys saves a lot of frustration. For rugs, make sure they’re low‑pile and securely anchored. If the robot still hesitates, try a “room‑by‑room” clean instead of a full‑house run.
Give the brushes a once‑a‑week clean. Pull them out, remove hair with a small brush or tweezers, and tap off dust. A clean brush means smoother movement and better suction.
Refresh the filter. A clogged filter reduces airflow, which makes the Roomba work harder and can cause it to stop. Tap the filter gently over a trash can, then replace it every few months.
Re‑run the mapping mode after any big furniture change. Most Roombas let you start a “reset map” from the app. Let it drive around the house once without obstacles, and it will learn the new layout.
If you have a smart home hub, link the Roomba to your routine. Setting it to clean when you’re out prevents it from running into people moving around, which cuts down on bump‑ins and resets.
Finally, keep the wheels clean. Dust can build up on the rubber, making them slip. Wipe them with a damp cloth every couple of weeks.
Follow these steps and you’ll notice a smoother, faster clean. The Roomba will cover more ground, avoid the usual sticking spots, and keep your floors looking great without you having to chase it around.
Got a specific problem? Drop a comment and we’ll troubleshoot together. Happy cleaning!
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