Review of iRobot Braava 380t Mopping Robot

If you really hate mopping and would rather spend your time doing just about anything else then here’s some excellent news for you – you don’t have to! Over the past decade, robotic technology has advanced tremendously resulting in a wide variety of highly effective automated cleaning devices.

These devices have completely revolutionized the way cleaning is carried out in our homes. One of these devices is the mopping robot which can tackle stains and dirt like a pro leaving any floor spotlessly clean.

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The iRobot Braava 380t is one such robot that does a very good job of maintaining clean floors.  Of all the models, the 380t is among the few that come very close to mimicking a real mop both in terms of functionality as well as design.

Compared to traditional mopping, this miniature robot is very economical, it uses significantly less water while still delivering a smooth shine on floors. It uses disposable microfiber cleaning cloths, which can easily be replaced, to pick up dust, dirt, hair, and any other form of minute debris on floors.

Combined with other great features and solid good looks, the iRobot Braava 380t proves to be a mopping machine delivering much more than the average mopping robot.

About The Product

Product Specifications

  • Product dimensions —  6 by 8.5 by 3.1
  • Item weight —   8 pounds
  • Shipping weight   —   8 pounds
  • Manufacturer  —    iRobot
  • ASIN —   B00DCCYD6U
  • Origin  —   USA
  • Item Model Number —   Braava 380t

Important Features

  • Northstar Navigation Cube
  • Two cleaning modes
  • Disposable microfiber cleaning cloths
  • Turbo Charge Cradle
  • “Whisper” quiet.
  • Simple design and easy to use
  • Lightweight
  • Cleans all floor types.

IRobot Braava specializes in creating units that can be used on any floor type and in any home regardless of the size. The 380t model is a perfect example that is suitable for all environments.

Northstar Navigation Cube

The iRobot Braava 380t comes with inbuilt Northstar Navigation Cubes that function like an indoor GPS system to enable the robot mop easily maneuver around the house without bumping into objects and repeating areas it has already worked on. Users can purchase additional cubes to increase the range the 380t model can clean in a single run especially if dealing with super-sized rooms e.g. halls.

Two Cleaning Modes

Users can choose between the “dry sweeping” and “damp mopping” cleaning modes. The dry sweeping mode is designed to work with dry microfiber cloths and damp mopping with wet cleaning cloths. The two modes provide variety and make it easier to clean different rooms depending on the type of dirt and urgency. Dry sweeping is much faster than damp mopping.

Disposable Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

The Braava 380t uses disposable microfiber cleaning cloths for extra convenience. Once the cleaning is done, either dry sweeping or damp mopping, the cloths can easily be swapped with fresh ones and the machine tucked away while it waits for the next cleaning session. Swapping the clothes is a cinch. No manual or technical expertise is required. Each cleaning mode has its own distinct “head” to which the cloth is meant to attach.

Turbo Charge Cradle

The iRobot Braava 380t comes with a Turbo Charge Cradle with every purchase that can easily charge the mopping robot in two hours. This cradle is only compatible with the Braava 380t and is super convenient, especially in times of blackouts. The cradle also simultaneously acts as a device that offers storage to the Braava 380t.

“Whisper” Quiet

IRobot built this model with a motor that produces very little sound, especially when in “damp mopping” mode that many have compared to a whisper due to its inability to distract. Users can go about their business uninterrupted without any audio indication that the mopping robot is actively present.

Easy to Use

This Braava model has a simple design with only three buttons i.e. one for turning the machine on, and the other two for turning on the cleaning modes i.e. dry sweeping and damp mopping. The buttons are placed at the top of the unit for ease of use. Operating the machine does not require any technical expertise.

Lightweight

The machine can be easily lifted and stored where it will wait for the next cleaning session.

Cleans All Floor Types

Hardwood, laminate, tiles, vinyl, and more can easily be cleaned by choosing one of the two cleaning modes available.

What Customers Say

Customers are impressed by the robot’s ability to clean every floor and to trace the most effective routes while doing so. The majority of them also love the super-low sounds it produces while it runs. Additionally, the price is very affordable.

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Some downsides pointed out include: the machine requires a bit more hands-on interaction compared to robot vacuums. Some hands-on action is required when applying and removing the disposable water-activated cleaning pads which is entirely unavoidable. This, however, can be done after every two hours when the robot cleaner recharges.

Another downside of iRobot Braava 380t is the machine does not clean grout i.e. spaces between walls and floors.

Lastly, some model parts in a few machines malfunctioned too easily. These, however, are covered in the warranty issued with every purchase.

Buying Advice

If mopping floors isn’t your cup of tea then the iRobot Braava 380t can take this pesky chore out of your hands enabling you to focus on more productive and fun tasks. This robot can clean pretty much any flooring and can do so in a very small non-interrupting tone.

It is easy to use and is very light i.e. can easily be lifted to be stored. In addition, it occupies very little space allowing it to be tucked away in various small spaces. For a price below $250, it is definitely a worthwhile investment for any homeowner.

Conclusion

iRobot Braava 380t, the mopping robot is among the few that can easily clean at the push of a button and return back to the original starting position when the cleaning is done where it powers down automatically. With the iRobot Braava 380t, you always know where you can find it.

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