How to Clean Roomba Wheels (Step-by-Step with Pics)
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The wheels are some of the most neglected parts of a Roomba. Typically, every Roomba has three wheels, a front caster wheel and two side wheels. Cleaning these parts regularly is the key to keep your Roomba running smoothly for as long as possible. Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to clean Roomba wheels.
Why Should You Clean the Roomba Wheels?
Each time a Roomba goes for a cleaning run, dust, hair, and other harmful contaminants stick to the wheels and the parts around them. Therefore, Roomba wheels need to be regularly cleaned to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. In fact, the manufacturer, iRobot, recommends cleaning the wheels once every two weeks.
While it’s true that most robot vacuums can last between five to eight years, you can only maximize its usefulness if you clean the parts regularly. You may be surprised at how quickly dust and debris can accumulate on the Roomba’s parts. By taking care of your Roomba, it will take care of you too!
What to Prepare:
- Phillips screwdriver - You may need two screwdrivers -- a standard screwdriver to loosen the back cover screws and a smaller one to remove the wheel module screws.
- Microfiber cloth - Perfect for cleaning dusty and grimy parts. Not only are they soft, but they are lint-free as well.
- Rubber gloves (optional) - If you want to prevent fingerprint marks on your Roomba, wear a pair of rubber gloves.
- Alcohol wipes (optional) - A convenient alternative to a microfiber cloth. Alcohol wipes can clean and disinfect effectively.
- Can of compressed air (optional) - You can clear dust buildup from in and around the wheel parts of a Roomba. Use it if the wheels are particularly dirty. It is extremely useful to clean small, tight spaces and can be easily bought online.
- Removes dust, lint and other contaminants from hard to reach areas
- Ideal for cleaning cups, keyboards, computer mice, and workstations
- Also great for cleaning items around the home including collectibles, figurines and window blinds
How to Clean Roomba Side Wheels
Each Roomba has two side wheels. Both of them are located on either side of the brush roller. Please note that the wheel modules vary for different Roomba models. The steps are the same for Roomba 500 and 600 series, and also the same for Roomba 700, 800, and 900 series. Here's how to clean Roomba side wheels:
How to Clean Roomba 500 and 600 Series Side Wheels
- Remove the side brush. Start by turning your Roomba upside down. Loosen the side brush screw with a Phillips screwdriver and remove the side brush.
- Remove the bottom cover. Once the side brush is removed, loosen the four screws that retain the bottom cover in place, then remove the bottom cover.
- Remove the wheel module. Once the bottom cover is removed, loosen the three screws that hold the wheel module in place, and remove the wheel module. There’s no need to loosen the screws all the way, just loosen it enough to pull the wheel module.
- Clean the wheel module thoroughly. Using a dry microfiber cloth, wipe every part of the wheel module thoroughly. You can also use isopropyl alcohol wipe (link to Amazon) to clean every nook and cranny as they evaporate quickly.
- Repeat the same process for the other wheel. Once both side wheels are cleaned, position the wheel module, tighten the three wheel module screws, replace the bottom cover and tighten the four screws. Replace the side brush and tighten the side brush screw. All done!
How to Clean Roomba 700, 800, and 900 Series Side Wheels
- Remove the side brush. Start by turning your Roomba upside down. Unscrew the side brush screw with a Phillips screwdriver and remove the side brush.
- Remove the battery door and battery. Once the side brush is removed, unscrew the two screws on the battery door, then remove both the battery door and the battery.
- Remove the bottom cover. Once the battery is removed, unscrew the two screws that hold the bottom cover, then remove the bottom cover.
- Remove the wheel module. Once the bottom cover is removed, unscrew the three screws that hold the wheel module in place, and remove the wheel module. There’s no need to loosen the screws all the way, just loosen it enough to pull the wheel module.
- Clean the wheel module thoroughly. Inspect each part of the wheel, then clean them thoroughly with a dry microfiber cloth. You may also use convenient alcohol wipes to remove stubborn grime from the wheel module.
- Repeat the same process for the other wheel. Once both side wheels are cleaned, do the exact same steps in reverse. All done!
Related: Why Is My Roomba Not Charging? (SOLVED)
How to Clean Roomba Front Wheel
- Pull the caster wheel firmly. To clean the front caster wheel, start by turning your Roomba upside down, and then pull on the caster wheel firmly to remove it from the robot.
- Remove the wheel from its housing and clean it. Spin the wheel by hand. If the wheel does not spin freely, remove the wheel from its housing by pressing firmly on the wheel. Once removed, clean any dust and hair from inside the wheel cavity.
- Remove the axle. Once the wheel is removed from its housing, push the axle firmly to remove it completely from the wheel. Clear any hair wrapped around the axle.
- Wipe the wheel, axle, and housing clean. Once all the dust and hair are removed, wipe the wheel, axle, and housing clean with a dry microfiber cloth. You may also use alcohol wipes for convenience.
- Clean the front wheel cavity. Before reinstalling the front caster wheel, remove debris from the front wheel cavity and wipe the inside.
- Reinstall the front caster wheel. After every part is wiped clean, reinstall the axle in the wheel. Then, reinstall the wheel into the housing, ensuring that both sides of the axle snap firmly into place. Reinstall the entire wheel assembly back into the Roomba.
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Final Thoughts
And there you have it, the complete guide on how to clean Roomba wheels, including the front caster wheel and the side wheels. By taking the time to clean dust and hair from the wheels, you are doing your part to ensure the longevity of your robot vacuum, especially if your Roomba is already a part of your family. 🙂
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