How to clean your robotic lawnmower: A complete guide

Robotic lawnmowers have become an indispensable tool for many people when it comes to garden maintenance, as they enable convenient and efficient lawn care. However, as with any mechanical device, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance. Cleaning your robotic lawnmower not only extends its lifespan but also improves its efficiency. This guide describes the essential steps for cleaning your robotic lawnmower in detail, using the Segway Navimow series as an example.

Why is regular cleaning of your robotic lawnmower so important?

Regular cleaning is essential to maintain performance and ensure effective mowing. Over time, grass clippings, soil, and dirt accumulate on the machine. This reduces its efficiency and can damage important components. Regular cleaning of your mower offers the following benefits:

• A longer lifespan for the mower.
• Improved lawn mowing quality.
• Prevents blockages in moving parts caused by accumulated dirt.

How often should a robotic lawnmower be cleaned?

The cleaning frequency depends on the intensity of use and the operating environment. General guidelines are as follows:

• Regular use: Clean at least once a week.
• Intensive use (e.g. in wet weather or humid conditions): Clean after each use.
• Grass clippings accumulation: The device should be cleaned immediately if grass clippings accumulate around the mower blades.

The Segway Navimow i-series robotic lawnmowers, for example, are designed for frequent use with minimal maintenance. Generally, weekly inspections, maintenance, and cleaning should be performed. Any damaged or worn parts should be replaced. This ensures the lawnmower functions properly. This applies to all models, from the entry-level Segway Navimow i105 to the advanced Segway Navimow i108. Basic maintenance is necessary to guarantee optimal performance.

Do not perform maintenance work in sandals or barefoot. Always wear long trousers and sturdy work shoes when servicing the robotic lawnmower.

A notice:

Before you begin cleaning, please prepare the following essential tools:

• Soft brush or soft cloth: for removing loose grass clippings and dirt.
• Water source (garden hose or bucket): for rinsing the mower deck and blades.
• Screwdriver: for removing the blades, if necessary.
• Dry towel: for drying the mower after cleaning.

How to clean a robotic lawnmower step-by-step: Using the Segway Navimow i-Series robotic lawnmower as an example

Next, I will demonstrate how to clean a robotic lawnmower using the Segway Navimow i-Series. The detailed procedure comprises seven steps.

Step 1: Switch off the robotic lawnmower

Always ensure the mower is switched off and disconnected from the charging station before cleaning. It must also be switched off before turning the robotic mower upside down. This prevents accidental movement of the blades.

Step 2: Clean the mower blades of the robotic lawnmower

The mower blades are the heart of the robotic lawnmower. Grass clippings and dirt easily accumulate on them, reducing their efficiency. Therefore, carefully remove grass clippings and dirt with a soft brush. For heavy soiling, remove the blades using a screwdriver. Wipe them with a cloth or soak them in warm soapy water to remove stubborn dirt. Ensure the blades are completely dry before reinstalling them. On models like the Navimow i105, cleaning the blades is straightforward. Simply loosen the three screws with a Phillips screwdriver and then unscrew them to remove the blade from the base. If the blades show excessive wear, replace them immediately to ensure optimal cutting performance.

Step 3: Clean the underside of the lawnmower

The underside is an important area where grass clippings can accumulate. This can lead to blockages and reduce performance. Clean the chassis and cutting deck as needed with a brush or hose. Do not use a pressure washer. During cleaning, ensure the cutting deck rotates freely and the blades can swing freely. Avoid excessive water pressure, as high-pressure water can penetrate sealed areas and damage electronic and mechanical components. Thanks to its easy-to-clean housing design, the Navimow Smart mower effectively reduces the risk of water damage. You should also regularly check the blade guard. If mud, grass clippings, or other debris accumulates on the blade guard, remove it with a dry brush or scraper.

Step 4: Clean the wheels of the robotic lawnmower

Regularly check and clean the wheels of your robotic lawnmower to remove grass clippings and other debris. If a wheel is blocked, remove the dirt and lubricate it. If the wheels are caked with mud or dirt, rinse them thoroughly with a hose.

Step 5: Clean the camera lens of the robotic lawnmower

A dirty camera lens can impair the performance of the robotic lawnmower. Therefore, you must check and clean the camera lens regularly. Gently wipe it with a damp cloth.

Step 6: Clean the charging port and contacts of the robotic lawnmower.

Check the charging port for grass clippings or dirt and remove them immediately. Otherwise, poor contact may occur, preventing the robotic lawnmower from charging.

Step 7: Clean the charging station of the robotic lawnmower

To ensure the robotic lawnmower docks correctly, check the charging station regularly and remove any dirt or mud from its surface. Also, make sure all ports, extension cables, and power supplies connected to the charging station are easily accessible.

A notice:

Do not use alcohol, gasoline, acetone, or other corrosive/organic solvents for cleaning. These substances can damage the appearance and internal structure of the robotic lawnmower. When not in use, store your robotic lawnmower in a dry, sheltered location to protect it from dirt and moisture.

FAQs about cleaning robotic lawnmowers

Can a pressure washer be used to clean a robotic lawnmower?

Although pressure washers effectively remove stubborn dirt, many robotic lawnmowers are not designed for high-pressure cleaning. If you do decide to use a pressure washer, it must be set to the lowest pressure setting to avoid damaging the mower's electronic components, sensors, and other precision parts.

Can a garden hose be used to clean a robotic lawnmower?

To clean the blades, chassis, and wheels of a robotic lawnmower, a garden hose can be used for rinsing. However, care should be taken to ensure that the water pressure is not set too high.

Can washing the robotic lawnmower with water cause damage?

You can use a gentle jet of water to clean the blades, housing, and wheels. However, be careful not to clean the robotic lawnmower with a high-pressure water jet or immerse it in water.

Can robotic lawnmowers clean themselves?

Most models do not have full self-cleaning capabilities. Although designed for relatively easy cleaning, they still require regular manual maintenance by the user. While some high-end models do offer automatic cleaning functions, these typically only cover specific cleaning steps, such as automatic grass ejection or basic self-cleaning functions.

How often should the blades of a robotic lawnmower be cleaned?

The blades of a robotic lawnmower need to be cleaned regularly to keep them sharp and ensure effective mowing. Generally, it's advisable to check and clean the blades every one to two weeks, especially with frequent use. Furthermore, the blades should be replaced regularly to maintain optimal performance.

Conclusion

To maximize the performance and lifespan of a robotic lawnmower, regular cleaning is crucial. Removing dirt, grass clippings, and blockages keeps it efficient and prevents potential damage to vital components. Especially with models like the Segway Navimow, simple maintenance is possible, optimizing the device's performance with minimal effort. Proper care ensures consistently high mowing quality and significantly extends the service life.