iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum & Mop – Identifies and Avoids Obstacles Like Pet Waste & Cords, Empties Itself for 60 Days, Clean by Room with Smart Mapping, Works with Alexa​

### Introduction

The iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum & Mop is a robust and advanced cleaning device designed to make home maintenance easier. It offers smart mapping technology to identify and avoid obstacles such as pet waste and cords while providing the convenience of self-emptying for up to 60 days. This product is perfect for pet owners and those who value a clean home without constant manual intervention, and it integrates seamlessly with smart home ecosystems like Alexa.

### Advantages

• Smart Mapping: The device maps your home accurately, allowing you to designate specific rooms or zones for cleaning, enhancing efficiency.
• Obstacle Avoidance: It effectively identifies and avoids obstacles like pet waste and cables, which reduces the likelihood of accidents or interruptions during cleaning.
• Pet Hair Handling: Excellent at dealing with pet hair, which is a significant benefit for pet owners who struggle to keep their homes hair-free.
• Self-Emptying Feature: The vacuum can empty itself for up to 60 days, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and saving time.
• Methodical Cleaning Path: Unlike some models, it follows a systematic cleaning path, which increases area coverage efficiency.
• Alexa Compatibility: Works with Alexa for voice-activated cleaning, providing hands-free operation.
• Multi-Floor Mapping: Can recognize different floors and create maps independently, allowing for versatile use in multi-story homes.
• Battery Performance: Good battery life, capable of cleaning large areas before needing a recharge.
• Mobile App Control: The app is user-friendly, allowing easy scheduling and room-specific cleaning commands.
• Avoid Zones and Room Selection: Users can set “avoid” zones and select specific rooms for the vacuum to focus on, ensuring that cleaning is tailored to their preferences.

### Disadvantages

• Does Not Mop & Vacuum Simultaneously: Users report that the vacuum and mop functionalities do not share the same map and require separate setups.
• Mopping Inefficiency: Mop feature struggles with dried or tough stains and might leave streaks, making it less effective on certain surfaces.
• Tall Height: Too tall to clean under lower furniture like kitchen cabinets.
• Self-Emptying Base Issues: The base may clog with pet hair, and bags can be costly if not regularly emptied manually.
• Limited Battery Return Power: Sometimes doesn't retain enough power to return to its base when near depletion, potentially halting the cleaning cycle.
• Alexa Limitations: Users reported that Alexa commands can lead to cumbersome conversations and connectivity issues.
• Small Dust Bin: Regular emptying required, especially in homes with pets, as it fills up quickly.
• Light Dependency: Requires light to navigate effectively, limiting its function in low-light conditions.
• Mapping Issues: Some users reported mapping problems where the device ignores large areas or repeats cleaned sections.
• Initial Cost & Maintenance: High initial purchase cost, and additional maintenance may be necessary, leading to further expenses.

### Conclusion

The iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ offers advanced cleaning features, particularly beneficial for pet owners and those with busy lifestyles. Its smart mapping and thorough cleaning capabilities make it a solid asset for a tidy home; however, potential users should weigh the advantages against drawbacks like mopping inefficiencies and initial investment. While it offers great convenience, it's essential to consider individual needs and preferences in smart home integration and the specific challenges of the home environment.

### FAQ

1. Can I use the Roomba Combo j5+ in a multi-level home?

Yes, the Roomba Combo j5+ can create and recognize maps for multiple floors, enabling seamless transition and cleaning across levels.

2. Does it support voice commands with Alexa?

Yes, the device is compatible with Alexa, allowing you to use voice commands for operation. However, some users find this feature to be less reliable than expected.

3. How does it handle pet hair?

It is highly effective at picking up pet hair, which is ideal for homes with furry family members, although frequent bin emptying may still be required.

4. Can it clean specific rooms?

Absolutely, you can use the app to select specific rooms for cleaning to tailor your cleaning schedule precisely.

5. Is the self-emptying feature reliable?

While it can self-empty for up to 60 days, users have noted that if not properly maintained, the base can clog, especially with pet hair.

6. How does it manage mopping?

The mop feature is not as robust as some users would like, with issues like streaking on hardwood and inefficiency on dried stains noted by users.

7. Does it work well in the dark?

The device requires adequate lighting to navigate effectively, so it is better suited for use in well-lit conditions.

8. What is the biggest drawback of this vacuum?

The biggest drawbacks include the inefficiency of the mop feature and potential high maintenance costs, as well as some connectivity issues with smart home devices.

9. How long does the battery last?

The battery is efficient for most cleaning tasks, but it may not save enough charge to return to the base if the task is too large.

10. Should I opt for the self-cleaning station?

This depends on your preference. While it reduces the frequency of maintenance, some users find the bags expensive and still prefer to manually empty the bin to avoid clogs.