How to Clean a Roomba Combo 10 Max and AutoWash Dock

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Pause the robot and make the dock safe

End the cleaning job, place the robot on a dry protected surface, unplug the AutoWash Dock, and let recently moving parts stop. Remove the robot bin and keep liquids away from the charging contacts, camera, sensors, dock electronics, and evacuation opening. Work on the dry and wet systems separately so dirty-tank water cannot spill into the dust path.

Step 2: Empty the robot bin and clean its filter

Open the bin door over a trash container and remove packed debris from the bin and inlet. Release the filter, tap it gently against the trash container, and clear dust from its frame with a dry soft brush. Do not wash the filter unless the exact replacement label explicitly says it is washable; the Combo 10 Max filter is normally treated as a dry-clean, replaceable part. Wipe the bin dry and reinstall the filter in the correct orientation.

Step 3: Clear the dual rubber brushes and edge brush

Open the cleaning-head frame, lift out both multi-surface rubber brushes, and remember their color and end-cap positions. Remove hair from the square and hexagonal pegs, under the end caps, and along the rubber ribs. Pull rather than slice near the rubber. Unscrew the edge-sweeping brush only when needed, remove fibers around its post, and replace a brush that is torn or permanently deformed.

Step 4: Clean wheels, sensors, camera, and contacts

Pull debris from the front caster and wipe the drive-wheel treads. Use a clean dry microfiber cloth on cliff sensors, the camera window, floor-tracking areas, and charging contacts. Clean the robot bin sensors and dock's visual docking target and infrared window without spray. iRobot's dock schedule calls for the sensor and target areas about every two weeks; pet hair or dusty rooms may require earlier attention.

Step 5: Remove and wash the mop pad

Detach the mop pad without forcing the lifting arm. Shake off grit, then wash it according to its label and iRobot instructions; a gentle machine cycle or hand wash is appropriate only when the pad label permits it. Skip bleach and fabric softener, which can change absorbency. Air-dry the pad completely and inspect its attachment surface and edges before reinstalling.

Step 6: Empty and rinse the dock tanks

Lift out the dirty-water tank first, carry it upright, empty it into a suitable drain, and rinse it until residue is gone. Clean around its lid, float, and seals without bending them. Rinse the clean-water tank monthly or sooner if film appears. Refill it only to the marked line with fresh water and, if desired, an exact-model-approved solution in the instructed amount. Never mix brands, add fragrance, or improvise with soap.

Step 7: Clean the pad-washing roller

Open the documented service area, release the pad-washing roller, and remove hair and film from the roller and its ends. Rinse the removable roller with water, rotate it by hand to inspect the full surface, and let excess water drain. Do not pour water into the dock cavity or wet the drive connection. Refit the roller only after its ends and receiving slots are clean.

Step 8: Clean both wash basins and the overflow area

Remove the designated wash and overflow basins, discard standing water, and rinse away grit with clean water. Wipe the basin recesses with the dock unplugged, paying attention to drains and seals without inserting a sharp tool. Reinstall each basin flat and fully seated. A tilted basin or trapped debris can interrupt pad washing or cause water to collect where it should not.

Step 9: Check the evacuation path and dust bag

Inspect the robot's evacuation port, dock inlet, and accessible air path for compacted lint. Never reach into a powered dock. Replace the sealed dust bag when the app reports it full or airflow remains poor after the path is cleared; do not empty and reuse a disposable bag. Wipe the bag compartment with a dry cloth and fit the new bag so its collar seals.

Step 10: Reassemble and run a supervised cycle

Confirm the tanks, basins, wash roller, dry filter, robot bin, brushes, and dry mop pad are locked in place. Reconnect the dock, seat the robot, and clear any maintenance alert in the app only after the work is complete. Run a short vacuum-and-mop job and watch the first return, empty, refill, and pad-wash sequence. Stop if there is foam, leaking, grinding, or a repeated docking error.