Roombas are a great way to automate your cleaning process. Roomba comes with a self-emptying function. In old models, this function wasn’t present. In the latest models, Roomba has introduced the feature of self-emptying. We have personally used this feature and found it very useful. It saves you a lot of time in terms of emptying the bin. While using it can also cause errors and problems.
So what happens if the Roomba is not self emptying?
Check your Do Not Disturb mode (DND) is disabled. There may be other causes like an error in the evacuation port, or the lid. A dirty clean base can also be a problem for not emptying. Check your power supply issues, cleaning the base must get the power to work.
Does the iRobot Roomba Automatically Empty Itself?
It depends on the models. Old and previous models of Roomba don’t have the auto-emptying feature. But the latest models have this function to empty itself. They come with a self-emptying bin. They have an Auto dirt-removal function that allows the vacuum to put the dirt into a disposal bag.
This feature can save a lot of time. Keep in mind you have to replace the disposal bag when it becomes full or every 3-4 months. People may be asking this question:
Which Roomba models have self emptying features?
We have tested and found out that iRobot Roomba s9+, Roomba j7+, and Roomba i6+ currently have this feature. You must conduct your research to find the vacuum according to your needs and budget.
Why is Your Roomba Not Emptying the Bin?
If your Roomba not self emptying the bin, it can be of many issues. Check if your Do Not Disturb mode is on or off. Making it off will eventually cause the vacuum to not empty itself. Moreover, dirt accumulation under the front bumper can also be a major cause of it.
Here are some of the reasons why your Roomba not self emptying the bin.
- The base station is not getting enough power supply to function.
- Dirt or debris accumulation in the onboard dustbin
- The Do Not Disturb feature is on.
- Poor positioning on the docking station. If the vacuum is not properly placed on the docking station, it can’t start the self-emptying process.
- Your Robot vacuum doesn’t have the self-emptying feature.
- The clean base setup with your Roomba is not properly setup
- Clogged up or dirty sensors.
Regularly clean your base station and onboard dustbin on Roomba to make it work efficiently. If you have any other causes you can contact customer support for further support and assistance.
1. Check Your Do Not Disturb Mode
Roomba comes with a Do Not Disturb mode. With this mode, you can stop your Roomba from making any noise. This stops cleaning at unnecessary times like when you’re sleeping
Do Not Disturb can be a cause of Roomba not self emptying. Therefore if you want your vacuum to automatically clean the bin, disable this feature.
2. No Proper Alignment On Base Station
When Roomba goes back to the cleaning base to clean itself, it has to be perfectly aligned with the clean base station. If your Roomba is not compatible with your clean base, it won’t empty itself automatically. This issue mostly happens when you buy a clean base separately.
To avoid this issue, make sure to buy a base station that works with your required vacuum smoothly. Don’t buy from third-party sellers, always buy from authentic and trusted sellers.
3. Fully Clogged Base Station
Clean your base regularly to run the self emptying system seamlessly. Sometimes the base station becomes full of dirt, and debris which becomes an issue. After cleaning, your Roomba docks to the base station where it empties itself. But if the base is fully clogged or full, the vacuum can’t be able to start the emptying process.
Clean the base station in a few days or a few weeks to prevent any further mishaps!
4. Clean Base Plug Issues
If your Roomba is compatible with your base station and the base station is also empty and working finely. The problem is with your power supply. The plug of the Base station may be damaged or not working. Check the outlet. Undoubtedly, the Base station won’t work if it doesn’t get enough power supply.
To prevent this issue, replace or get a new plug for your base and then check if the problem is resolved. Most of the people whose Roomba and Base both are working, find this solution helpful. Verify if this is your case also.
5. Power Supply Issues
The base station works due to the power supply. Ensure the power supply is not interrupted and the connection between the power supply and base is perfectly fine. If the base doesn’t get sufficient power supply, it won’t be able to work.
As a result, the Roomba will lack the feature because it depends on the base station to clean itself.
How to Solve Roomba Not Emptying The Bin
If your vacuum has cleaned your home, and after cleaning it goes to the base station. But the Roomba is not emptying the bin. You can try the following solution to solve your problem.
Here are the main fixes:
1. Clean The Roomba Sensors
Clean base works with Roomba due to its sensors. Sensors help the Roomba to send signals to the Clean base that the Roomba is ready to empty its dustbin. After a period of usage, sensors can get dirty or clogged. When sensors become clogged, they won’t be able to communicate with the Base station correctly.
Clean the Roomba sensors regularly to maintain their automation as well as navigational performance. Here is how to clean your Roomba sensors.
- Step 1 is to remove the dustbin from the back of the robot vacuum.
- If there’s a latch, it’s easily removable.
- After removing it, use a soft brush to clean the dustbin.
- When it is cleaned, place it back in the vacuum.
- Now take a wipe and clean the front, back, and side sensors.
Dock your Roomba back to the base station to check self-emptying feature working or not.
2. Clean your Roomba Bin Manually
First of all, the latest Roomba models self empty their dustbins. You don’t need to manually clean your Roomba bin. In case, your Roomba is not cleaning its dustbin automatically. Clean your Roomba manually.
You can clean it by using the Robot manually or the iRobot Home app.
3. Reset your Roomba Vacuum
Resetting your vacuum will help you troubleshoot some issues like Wi-Fi connectivity, software problems, or any other issues. You can perform a clean reset on your vacuum. Follow these steps:
- Pick up your Roomba from the floor.
- Find the CLEAN button on top of the vacuum.
- Press and hold the CLEAN button for 10-15 seconds.
- When you start hearing the musical sounds, know that it is an indication of soft resetting your vacuum
- Wait for 2-3 minutes and your Roomba will reset.
NOTE: You have to set up your Roomba again. For instance, connecting to the Wi-Fi settings newly, setting up your iRobot app. Don’t worry your map settings won’t be lost.
4. Disable Do Not Disturb Mode
iRobot has added the DND feature in the latest models. If the voice of Roomba disturbs you or irritates you sometimes at night. You have to try this feature. The Do Not Disturb feature temporarily stops the self-emptying process until the DND feature turns off.
Turning it may be a cause of Roomba not self emptying. Most of the users according to our research have enabled this feature which has caused them problems.
Follow the steps to disable the Do Not Disturb feature;
- Open your iRobot Home app and select your Robot.
- Open the settings, then click on robot settings.
- Find and make sure that the Do Not Disturb mode is off.
- If it’s enabled, turn it off
5. Clean Charging Contacts
Roomba connects with the base station through the charging contacts. Roomba also does the charging process through the charging contacts on the docking station. Charging contacts can become dirty if not cleaned in a while.
How to clean the charging contacts on the base station?
- Remove the base station from the power supply.
- Step 2 is to take a microfiber cloth and dip it slightly in isopropyl alcohol.
- Clean the charging contacts on the base station and the Roomba gently.
- Don’t try to clean the contacts with force.
- Wait for the charging contacts to dry, then reconnect the base station with the power supply.
If there’s a status light on the Roomba, it indicates that it’s charging.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have given the guide to solve your Roomba not self emptying problem.
Here’s a short list:
- Clean the Roomba sensors.
- Clean the Roomba vacuum bin manually.
- Reset your Roomba vacuum.
- Disable Do Not Disturb (DND) mode.
- Clean Charging contacts of the base station and Roomba
If your problems continue, try contacting your manufacturer or customer support. Click Here to learn more about Roomba, robot vacuums, and best comparisons.
FAQs
Which Roomba models have self-emptying features?
We have tested and found out that iRobot Roomba s9+, Roomba j7+, and Roomba i6+ currently have this feature.
What are the reasons Roomba has stopped self-emptying?
There are many reasons, but most of the common ones include power supply issues, Do Not Disturb mode enabled, clogged base station, poor alignment of Roomba on the base station, and clean base plug issues.
Can a full dustbin prevent my Roomba from self-emptying?
A full dustbin will cause your Roomba to prevent the self-emptying feature. Therefore it’s essential to empty your dustbin for the optimal working of Roomba. Clean the Roomba’s dustbin once in a while.
When Should I Empty My Roomba Clean Base?
Empty your Roomba Clean base every 50-60 days. It depends on your environment, if your environment is dirty you have to clean it regularly.
Does Roomba automatically empty itself?
The latest Roomba models have this self emptying feature, which automatically empties its dustbin after a cleaning session. Not every robot vacuum has this feature.
Does Roomba tell you when to empty?
According to iRobot, if the red full bin indicator is illuminated or blinking, it means Roomba’s bin is full.
