Roomba Not Vacuuming: Troubleshooting and Solutions

Are you facing issues with your Roomba not vacuuming properly and leaving behind dust particles and debris? Don’t worry, it’s a common problem faced by many users. In this article, we will cover the troubleshooting techniques and solutions for your Roomba not vacuuming efficiently.

Stick around and pay attention to learn more about the cleaning performance, battery power, cleaning cycle, and efficient cleaning routes to get your Roomba to complete the cleaning task.

We will also discuss the cleaning machine’s cleaning head module, multi-surface brushes, and cliff sensors to give you the optimal performance you need. With our tips, you’ll have your Roomba scooping up the pet hair and debris particles you need it to.

Reasons Why Roomba Is Not Vacuuming!

Roomba is a popular brand of robot vacuum cleaners known for its ability to clean efficiently. However, users may encounter situations where it seems like their room is not vacuuming properly. Here are some possible reasons why this may be happening and what you can do to fix it.

One Wheel Handing Down:

Roomba is a highly efficient robot vacuum that makes cleaning tasks more convenient and effortless. However, there may occur, infrequent but annoying, errors that could disrupt the cleaning process. One such error is Error 1, which indicates that one of the Roomba’s wheels is ” handing down.” This error halts the cleaning process as the wheel in the air cannot move the device forward.

To fix the One Wheel Handing Down:

To fix the One Wheel Handing Down error, follow these quick and straightforward steps. Firstly, turn off your Roomba, and begin by flipping it over to access the wheels. Secondly, locate the two wheels and push them up and down while shaking the Roomba. This motion will help loosen any particles that may be stuck within the wheels.

Afterward, hold onto the wheel that seems okay and rotate the other wheel. Keep doing this until both wheels sit precisely and align themselves correctly. Finally, place the Roomba in a new location, and press the CLEAN button to restart the cleaning process.

Main Extractor (Brushes) Trapped In Dirt

If you’re seeing Error 2 on your Roomba’s screen noting that the extractor frame and surface contain hair or dust that are blocking the device from operating as usual – here is a quick solution for you.

Locate and prepare the brush cover/guard

Firstly, turn the device off and flip it over. Look for the brush cover/guard on the left and right side, indicated with 2 yellow taps. Raise these taps to access the brush cover/guard.

Remove the extractors and cut trapped hairs

Carefully, remove the bearings from both extractors to access the trapped hair and debris. Grab a pair of scissors and cut out the hair that is clogging the extraction brushes. For harder-to-reach hair, use a utility knife to cut them free.

Reinstall extractors and brush cover/guard

Once the hair is removed, put the bearings into the extractors and put them back in their right place. Reinstall the brush cover/guard and lower the 2 taps to secure it again. Before turning the Roomba back on, check the caster front wheels and sides to remove any hair or debris trapped there.

Restart the device and check for functionality

Once everything is reinstalled, turn the Roomba back on and check if it functions like normal. This should clear any errors stating that the extractor frame and surface contain trapped dust or hair.

Keep your Roomba extractor clean to ensure optimal performance and a complete cleaning job every time.

Roomba On The Obstacle

Avoiding Obstacles – How to Fix Roomba Error 3

Roomba can stop functioning if it comes in contact with an obstacle or a jagged surface. Prompted by Error 3 on the screen, it is essential to know precisely how to fix the problem to get the device working again.

Inspecting The Wheels

When confronted with Error 3, the first step should be to lift the device off the floor and check if the wheels are aligned correctly. If they are not, this can cause the device to get stuck on surfaces and prompt the error message. Ensuring the wheels are appropriately aligned should solve the problem.

Placing the Roomba

If the wheels are in order or the device still cautions with an Error 3, placing it in the center of the room can be a helpful solution. In the center, the Roomba does not have to tackle any obstacles or uneven surfaces, which could otherwise prompt the issue.

Restarting with the CLEAN Button

Pressing the CLEAN button can also help restart the Roomba device and eliminate the Error 3 message. If the device keeps stopping due to obstacles during cleaning tasks, this simple solution can help.

Cliff Sensors and Cords

Furthermore, it’s vital to ensure all cords and obstacles are out of the way before beginning the cleaning cycle. That way, the Roomba will not stop functioning due to an obstacle or cord interruption during a cleaning session.

Left Wheel Is Stuck

Roomba Error 4 is a warning message indicating that the left wheel is stuck in debris or other particles. This issue needs to be resolved quickly to maintain the cleaning efficiency of your device. Follow the steps below to fix the problem and get your Roomba back to optimal performance.

Turn Off and Flip the Vacuum Cleaner

The first step to take is to ensure the vacuum cleaner is turned off and flipped. This will enable easy access to the left wheel, which needs fixing.

Push Left Wheel Up and Down

Next, push the left wheel up and down a couple of times to dislodge the trapped debris. Do this until there’s no more dust coming out of it.

Ensure Left Wheel is Rotating Freely

Turn the left wheel continuously to ensure it’s rotating freely. This will reveal if something is still blocking it from proper rotation.

Move Roomba on Even Ground

If you suspect that something is blocking the left wheel, place your Roomba on even ground and move it in a front and backward motion for one foot (0.3 meters). This will help to release any blockages that might be hindering the free rotation of the wheel.

Clean with Compressed Air

Lastly, use compressed air to clean the left wheel properly. This will remove any remaining dust particles that were not eliminated earlier. After cleaning, test the Roomba to ensure it’s working optimally.

Right Wheel Caught In Debris

If your Roomba displays Error 5 or Error 7 indicating the Right Wheel is caught in debris, you need to fix this issue immediately to maintain its cleaning efficiency. Follow these simple steps to get your Roomba back to optimal performance.

Shut Down and Turn Over Your Roomba

The first step is to shut down and flip your Roomba over. This will enable you to access the Right Wheel easily.

Remove Screws and Back Guard Cover

Next, use a screwdriver to remove all the screws that hold the back guard in place, uncovering the wheel assembly inside. There might be around 6 to 8 screws depending on the Roomba model.

Detach the Right Wheel Using a Screwdriver

Locate the two screws that hold the Right Wheel in place and use the same screwdriver to detach them. Take the Right Wheel out to begin cleaning.

Cliff Sensors Are Dirty

When the display shows Error 6 on your Roomba vacuum cleaner, it indicates that the cliff sensors are trapped in debris, and this might cause the machine to get stuck on a dark surface. However, you can fix this issue easily by following these simple steps:

Turn the Vacuum Cleaner Off and Flip It

To fix this problem, start by turning off the vacuum cleaner from the power outlet and flipping it over. This will enable you to access the cliff sensors on the front and rear sides.

Clean the Cliff Sensors with a Cotton Bird or Tiny Brush

Once you have access to the cliff sensors, use a cotton bird or tiny brush to wipe out any dirt or debris around the sensors. You’ll find six of these sensors on the front (four) and rear (two) sides.

Dust Container Is Filled With Dust

As the Roomba goes about its vacuuming activities, it collects dust, debris, and hair. Over time, the accumulated dirt fills up the dust container to its maximum level. When this happens, the screen displays an Error 8 message, and the Roomba stops working.

How to Fix the Problem

To address the issue of a filled dust container, you have to empty the dirt from the bin. First, press the dust container release button, which is round in shape. Gently slide out the dust container while holding it upright and straight.

Next, move the dust container on top of a dustbin or trash can, and simply unfold the door to release the contents of the bin. Remember to grab a brush and wipe out any remaining dirt or debris.

To access the filter compartment, pull up the lid located in the top area of the Roomba. Remove the filter holding the yellow label and knock it gently so that dust comes out. Reinstall the filter and close the lid.

The bumper Or Its Sensor Are Dirty

When the Roomba bumper is dirty or its sensor is obstructed, it may not function normally. This will result in an Error 9 message appearing on the screen.

Fixing a Dirty Bumper or Obstructed Sensor:

First, turn off the vacuum cleaner and hold the Roomba upside down in your lap. Locate the bumper and check if it is dirty. If yes, use a soft cloth to wipe it clean. Ensure there is no visible dust or debris left on the bumper.

Next, inspect the bumper sensors and ensure there is no dust or dirt obstructing them. Take a small screwdriver and gently scrape any dirt or dust that may be present around the sensors. Avoid using excessive force while doing this to prevent damage to any electrical wires.

Once the areas around the bumper and sensors are cleaned, hit the bumper 10-20 times in a soft and quick manner. This will free any dust particles that may be trapped inside.

Finally, use a clean brush to wipe off any remaining dirt from the bumper. After doing this, turn on the Roomba and observe if the problem is fixed. If not, consider contacting iRobot customer care for further assistance.

Internal System Bug

One of the most common error codes users may face while operating their Roomba is Error Code 10. It signifies an internal system bug that could potentially interrupt the device’s cleaning cycle.

Fixing this error code requires a thorough inspection of the device’s internal components, followed by a cleaning process, and if necessary, replacement of any damaged parts.

Start by checking the device’s wheels, which may sometimes become blocked by dust and debris. Ensure that the wheels are running freely. In case the wheels are not turning, move them in an upward to backward motion for a few times to unclog the blockage.

If cleaning the wheels does not resolve the issue, hold down the SPOT and DOCK buttons simultaneously for about ten seconds. This will help reboot the vacuum cleaner, and you can then check if it is working correctly by placing the Roomba on a flat surface.

If the internal system bug still persists, consider checking and replacing the wheels, including the caster front tire. Small particle buildup from daily cleaning may result in the Roomba’s internal system bug or software glitch, necessitating wheel replacement.

FAQs

How do I empty the dirt compartment?

Lift the dustbin cover and pull out the dustbin. Press the dustbin release button and the dirt will be released into the trash. Reattach the dustbin to the Roomba by aligning the bin and pressing it down until it clicks into place.

What should I do when the beater brushes get tangled with hair or lint?

Turn off the Roomba and remove the beater brushes. Use scissors or a cleaning tool to carefully cut or remove the hair and lint from the brushes. After cleaning, reinstall the brushes into the Roomba.

How do I clean the rolling ball wheel?

Gently remove hair, dirt, and other debris from the rolling ball wheel with a paper towel or clean cloth. Any remaining residue can be cleaned off with warm water.

What should I do if the Roomba’s bumper or sensors are not functioning correctly?

First, make sure that the bumper and sensors are clean and free of debris. If cleaning them doesn’t solve the issue, try resetting the Roomba by holding down the CLEAN button for 10 seconds until you hear a beep. If the problem persists, contact iRobot customer care for assistance.

What does it mean if I see an internal system error code?

If you see an error code, such as Error Code 10, follow the steps outlined in the Roomba user manual. Typically, this involves cleaning the Roomba’s internal components and checking for any damage to the wheels or beater brushes. If the issue persists, contact iRobot customer care for further assistance.

Conclusion

When your Roomba is not vacuuming, it can be frustrating to determine the root cause of the problem. However, by following the troubleshooting tips outlined in this article, you can identify and resolve common issues such as tangled brushes, dirty sensors, and low battery power.

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the unit and its components, can help prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. Remember to reach out to iRobot customer care for further assistance if needed.

With these solutions, you can ensure that your Roomba performs at its optimal cleaning capacity and efficiently completes its cleaning missions.