Sweep dreams: the pros and cons of robot vacuums for carpet

6 May 2025

One of the greatest joys of living in this age of technology is the unexpected; innovative solutions for problems we didn't quite realise needed solving. Among these innovations, robot vacuums have emerged as popular household assistants, quietly patrolling our floors while we focus on priorities beyond housework.


The rise of robot vacuums

It was the iconic Roomba released in 2002 that made robot vacuums more accessible to the masses, and since their first release, they’ve evolved significantly. These disc-shaped devices have become increasingly sophisticated with advanced sensors, mapping capabilities, and even AI-powered obstacle recognition to help with the chore of vacuuming.


Hooray! the advantages of robot vacuums

Time and energy savings

Perhaps the most significant benefit of robot vacuums is the gift of time. Like many Christchurch folk, if you juggle demanding work schedules, family commitments, and active lifestyles, or if you’re struggling with mobility or fatigue, a robot vacuum is a godsend. Setting your robot vacuum to clean while you're at work or asleep means one less household chore on your plate. For busy professionals and families, this almost-effortless maintenance helps extend the life of your carpets by removing surface debris before it becomes embedded.


Programmable convenience

Modern robot vacuums offer impressive scheduling capabilities. This set-and-forget approach means regular maintenance cleaning happens without your direct involvement, keeping floors presentable. You can spare yourself the irritation of seeing life’s debris burgeoning daily on your carpet!


Access to hard-to-reach areas

With a slim height profile, robot vacuums have the capabilities to clean under furniture that might otherwise collect dust. Sliding easily under beds, sofas, and cabinets, the areas that can be neglected during routine cleaning are now debris free without the need for the exertion of heavy lifting. This is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers, and can discourage carpet beetle from setting up shop in these dark, undisturbed spots. 



A person is sitting on a couch while a robot vacuum cleaner is cleaning the floor.

Handy aid for the elderly or infirmed

Manual vacuuming can quickly become just too hard for the elderly, and anyone suffering from fatigue or muscular or skeletal pain. Instead of vacuuming less, this may be the time to vacuum more frequently as you may be spending more time indoors than ever before and potentially having more visitors too! The effortless relief of having regularly vacuumed floors will keep your home guest-ready at all times.


Boo! the limitations of robot vacuums

Potential for vacuum wear patterns on carpet

The Advanced Carpet Cleaning team have seen some carpets develop visible wear patterns due to the robot brushing in the same direction and configuration every clean. Unlike manual vacuum cleaning, where carpet is more likely to be vacuumed from different angles and directions each time, the robot’s singular pattern of cleaning can produce marked and premature wear.

Vacuum robots can also leave wheel track marks about 8cm from the wall or edge of furniture. As the vacuum is always following the same path, the groove can become quite noticeable, requiring a vigorous manual vacuum to bring pile back up again.


Surface-level cleaning only

While robot vacuums are excellent for light sweeping duties, for carpet care we recommend using your manual vacuum cleaner – with its more powerful suction – every month or so, for a more vigorous and thorough clean. If you have a quality manual vacuum, this will ensure you’re getting more of the mid-level dry soils which is an important way to extend the life of your carpet.

Note – vacuum robots usually do not like long hair, and some models may not handle rug tassels or phone charging cables well, either! 


Navigation challenges

Despite technological advances, robot vacuums struggle with certain obstacles. They can get stuck under furniture, tangled in rug tassels, or confused by complex room layouts. Stairs are a step too far for these little workers! And they need clear floor space to operate effectively – meaning you do still need to tidy and pick up items before they can get to work.



A cat is laying on a couch next to a robot vacuum cleaner.

Limited bin capacity

The compact and slimline design of robot vacuums necessitates smaller dust collection bins. For homes with pets, children, or high foot traffic, this means they need frequent emptying – sometimes mid-cleaning cycle.


Ineffective for spills and deep soil

When faced with sticky spills, pet accidents, or ground-in dirt and stains on carpets, robot vacuums fall short. We’ve all seen videos online of a robot vacuum smearing a small sticky patch into a room-sized disaster! If there’s any sort of wet or sticky spill, attend to it well before your next robot clean is due. For carpet stain removal in Christchurch, there's simply no substitute for professional carpet cleaning, expertise and equipment.


Unsuitable for specialty surfaces

While modern robot vacuums handle different flooring types reasonably well, they may not be the best option for delicate surfaces like fine Persian rugs for example. Professional rug cleaning services in Christchurch offer specialised approaches for different materials, ensuring proper care for valuable or delicate items.


Finding the right balance for clean carpets

How do you find the sweet spot of looking after your carpets, keeping them hygienic and protecting them to extend their life? The most effective approach combines modern technology with professional expertise. Consider robot vacuums as your daily maintenance assistants that keep floors presentable to the eye and reduces surface debris before it progresses to being embedded. Professional carpet steam cleaning provides the deep, restorative cleaning essential for healthy indoor environments and significantly extending your carpet's lifespan.


For homes with pets or allergy sufferers, our professional carpet cleaning provides health benefits beyond aesthetic improvements. Deep extraction removes allergens, pet dander, and other contaminants that robot vacuums simply cannot address.



A white cat is sitting on top of a robotic vacuum cleaner.

If there’s a bot in your house, Christchurch's premier carpet cleaning company Advanced Carpet Cleaning recommends this comprehensive care strategy to hit the sweet spot:


  • Deploy robot vacuums for everyday maintenance


  • Recognise any wear patterns early


  • Address spills immediately with professional carpet stain assistance – see our free downloadable Carpet Stain Treatment guide, or give us a call


  • Resolve to book regular carpet cleans for your high-traffic areas – annually for most homes, two-yearly for others


  • Pop our number in your Contacts: Advanced Carpet Cleaning, 0800 566 576.


It’s important to note that despite the convenience of robot vacuums, certain situations always warrant professional attention:



  • Deep cleaning before or after special events


  • Addressing pest issues with combined carpet cleaning and pest control services


  • Dealing with water damage or significant stains


  • Treating specific problems like carpet moth by using a certified provider




When all’s said and done

Robot vacuums have certainly earned their place in the modern Christchurch home, and it’s likely they will improve even further over time. But while they’re brilliant at daily dust patrols, their limitations should be kept in mind. At Advanced Carpet Cleaning, we believe the smartest strategy blends convenience with a bit of elbow grease, and professional expert care.


So, while your tiny titan is recharging, call Advanced Carpet Cleaning to get a free quote or book a service, 0800 566 576. No bots here – we’re always here and happy to help! 

GOT A QUESTION? GET IN TOUCH
A close up of a carpet beetle on a Christchurch carpet.

Carpet pests: battling beetles, and managing moths

6 May 2025
The thought of carpet beetles or carpet moths sharing your home is never going to be pleasant. These unwelcome squatters, while small, can be mighty destructive – tiny invaders that, if left untreated, can wreak havoc on your carpets, upholstery, and cherished fabrics until you find your cashmere sweater is tatty from holes. For Christchurch homeowners, understanding these resilient pests and knowing when it's time to call in the professionals is crucial to protecting your home. Is it carpet beetle, or is it carpet moth? Both carpet beetle and carpet moth (also called clothes moth) are prevalent in New Zealand, and much of what you need to know applies to both, including control and treatments. First of all, here are the differences: Carpet beetle larvae have a dark, hairy beetle appearance and move like beetles. They’re referred to as “woolly bears” but are truly not that cute! Carpet moth larvae live in portable silken cases, are less hairy and may leave behind their silken tubes, webs or cases as they mature. Both will travel to find food. Adult carpet beetles are small (2-3mm), oval, and dark coloured. adult carpet beetles tend to loiter near windows. While less harmful than larvae, they may indicate a breeding population, which is not good news. Carpet beetles have a long lifespan when compared to other NZ pests which means it’s crucial to take an Integrated Pest Management approach to disrupt their life cycle and prevent reinfestation. Adult carpet moths are larger, lighter in colour and have wings with distinct dots on their forewings. Although they have wings, they will often walk or hop/fly across surfaces. Not all moths that come indoors are carpet moths. Their purpose, once matured to adult beetles or moths, is to mate and lay more eggs – in your house! Adult carpet moths don’t eat fibres. Spotting the signs of carpet pest infestation Carpet beetles and moths are masters of disguise, often going undetected until significant damage has occurred, but even aside from live sightings there are telltale signs to be vigilant for: Damaged fabrics : look for irregular holes or bare patches in carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Damage may appear as clean-cut holes on some fabrics, or it may look like the fibres have thinned which can be mistaken for wear and tear. Shed skins : as carpet beetle larvae develop they molt, shedding their skin. These tiny, shell-like casings are found near infested areas and resemble small, dry husks. Carpet moth larvae live in silken tubes or casings and will shed these as they mature. Faecal matter : small, granular droppings typically seen around areas of damaged materials can indicate carpet pest activity. Unusual worn areas : pay special attention to carpets under rarely moved furniture, inside wardrobes, and around the edges of rugs. There is no reason for carpets to look threadbare in these areas, and these undisturbed spots are prime carpet beetle and carpet moth real estate. 
A room with a door and a stain on the floor.

Plumbing fail? Laundry tub overflow? Don't ignore wet carpet!

7 April 2025
A plumbing failure or laundry tub overflow can soak carpets fast. Learn why quick action matters and how to prevent lasting water damage in your home.