'I tried a robot vacuum cleaner - but I had to give floors a once over myself'

Hoovering is one of those unavoidable chores, but technology is constantly evolving to make this numbing task easier.

Robot vacuum cleaners have become popular over the years, promising to suck up debris while navigating seamlessly through the home at the flick of a switch. But do they actually work? After trying one model, I believe I can answer this burning question.

I tried out the Lubluelu 2 in 1 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, which I put to work on cleaning my entire two bedroom flat. As well as being an automatic hoover, its mop feature can clean up spills while spraying water for an extra sparkle.

I'm someone who dislikes lugging a heavy hoover around and live in an old building, which is never short of dust. So, I was intrigued by this product, which is currently reduced on Amazon to £199.99 from £239.99.

As a cat owner, I also have to deal with with stepping on stray debris from the litterbox that is regularly scattered. As such, I hoped it would eliminate the need to get on my knees with a dust pan and brush to clean these up.

There's no question that this device is equipped with advanced technology, as well as strong hoover power. Not only was it able to glide though my flat with precision, it also sucked up plenty of debris.

Saying that, I did not feel that the Lulbuelu robot vacuum cleaner replaces its larger hand-held counterparts. Yes, it will make your life easier, but you'll still have to give your space a regular clean yourself.

How it works

The vacuum is equipped with WiFi which connects it to an app on your phone. Included is very easy-to-follow instructions and even a link to a YouTube video offering a visual set-up demonstration.

Because of this, getting the Lubluelu vacuum ready to go took about 10 minutes, fairly quick considering it was my first time using such a device. Once I got used to it I found the app to be fairly straight forward.

Once that was done, I simply tapped the smart cleaning option from my phone and let it run free. Its mapping technology helps recognise areas in the home which it can later return to.

Back on the app, you can select specific spots of the home that you want cleaned through the pin and go function. There are also options to select wider areas, or restrict access to other rooms.

Results

After giving the vacuum enough time to do its thing, I ventured out to see the results myself. I was expecting an absolutely spotless floor, as if a maid had somehow snuck into my home and worked their cleaning magic.

However, upon inspection, there was still a decent amount of visible particles, but these were concentrated to the edges of walls, deep corners and tougher to reach spots.

Thanks to the interactive map, I saw exactly where the vacuum had travelled and found that every covered part was considerably cleaner. It also had no issue with the larger cat litter, all though some was still strewn by the box.

While cleaning, I thought the hoover might lose its way, becoming stuck in some hard to reach place. Only once did I have to move it, after it made its way over an extension cable and several wires.

It travelled easily between rooms with slightly higher floors and only clogged once thanks to a stray apron strap (the app also notifies you of this).

Switching to the mop function was easy and it did a decent job of getting up visible food stains. I could only test this on our small kitchen floor, so I can't say how it would fare on a bigger surface.

Final thoughts

The Lubluelu robot vacuum cleaner has become a part of my daily routine. I love that after cooking dinner I can retire to the living room while it attends to all the fallen food scraps.

I'm using the dustpan and brush far less and can't say it hasn't made life easier. I feel it would be ideal for someone with back problems or reduced mobility - or those who despise vacuuming.

However, I still do my weekly rounds with the big hoover to ensure no spot goes uncleaned. Saying that, every time I use this model, I find that it carries out its intended functions with ease.

To get your own Lubluelu 2 in 1 Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop for £199.99, visit Amazon here to order now.

If you're looking for a more expensive option, then B&Q is selling the RoboVac L35 Hybrid UK Version for £349.99. Meanwhile, Amazon is selling a robot vacuum for as little as £11.99.

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