# How to clean a Roomba: brushes, wheels, sensors and filter

> Clear the hair and debris from the brushes, the bearings and the front wheel, wipe the cliff sensors with a dry cloth and clean the charging contacts with a lightly dampened pad of melamine foam. Only tap the filter clean. Do not wash it.

Edited by Martin Kilarski. Published on October 22, 2026, updated on October 22, 2026. Founder and editor of Best at Best, with ten years in web development and a focus on search, conversion and data analysis.

## What do you clean on a Roomba?

On its care pages iRobot lists the parts you clean regularly, a little different for each series: the brushes with their bearings, the front wheel, the edge brush, the cliff sensors, the charging contacts and, on older models, the side wheels and the filter. iRobot gives no fixed schedule. Look at the robot itself instead: hair around a brush or the wheel means it is time.

A build-up of hair and dirt can damage the robot for good. [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/8247) says so about the brushes of the 600 series, and that a front wheel clogged with hair and debris can damage the floor. The parts follow one by one below. The steps differ a little by series, so read the row for your model.

| Part | What you do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Brushes and bearings | Take them out of the robot, remove hair and debris and clean the bearings. | [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/2450) |
| Front wheel | Pull the wheel out, clear debris from the cavity and remove hair from the axle. | [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/31041) |
| Edge brush | Undo the screw, clean the brush and its post and put it back. | [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/31041) |
| Cliff sensors | Wipe them with a clean, dry microfiber or soft cotton cloth. | [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/2450) |
| Charging contacts | Clean them on the robot and on the dock with a lightly dampened pad of melamine foam. | [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/2450) |
| Filter | Tap it clean over the trash. The filter is not washed. | [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/8247) |

## How to clean the brushes and bearings

On the i Series, the j Series and the Combo 10 Max the brushes sit in the cleaning head module. Here is how to clean them, [according to iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/2450):

1. Open the cleaning head module door by pushing on the green tab on the right side of the brushes.
2. Take the brushes out of the robot and remove hair and debris from the square and hex pegs of the brushes.
3. Clear debris on and under the gray bearings and put the bearings back on the brushes.
4. Make sure the vacuum path is clear.
5. Put the brushes back, matching the shape of the pegs to the shape in the module, and close the door.

On the 600 and 700 series you lift the brush guard by both yellow tabs and take out the two brushes and their bearings. [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/2079) says the cleaning tool in the box pulls hair off the bristle brush easily. Do not run the robot without the bearings. If you lose them, iRobot Customer Care supplies new ones, [says iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/8247).

## The front wheel and the side wheels

On the i Series, the j Series and the Combo 10 Max you clean the front wheel like this, [according to iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/31041):

1. Pull firmly on the front wheel to take it out of the robot.
2. Remove debris from inside the wheel cavity.
3. Spin the wheel by hand. If it turns stiffly, take it out of its housing, push the axle out firmly and clear the hair and debris around it.
4. Put everything back and make sure the wheel clicks into place.

On the 600 and 700 series you always take the wheel out of its housing, pull the axle out and wipe everything clean. For the 600 series iRobot also describes the side wheels. Push them up and down a few times and shake out loose debris from the wheel well. Then turn both briskly by hand. They should turn freely and with the same resistance. If you have compressed air, blow gently into the wheel well, [says iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/8247).

## The sensors and the charging contacts

Wipe the cliff sensors with a clean, dry microfiber or soft cotton cloth. The number differs by model: the 600 series has [four](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/8247) and the 700 series six openings, [writes iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/2079). From the 770 up, the 700 series also has two optical bin sensors, which you wipe with a dry cloth after taking the bin out.

For the charging contacts on the i, 600 and 700 series, first unplug the dock and wait 60 seconds. Then clean the contacts on the dock and on the robot with a clean, lightly dampened pad of melamine foam, such as a Magic Eraser. The contacts should have a visible shine, [writes iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/2450). For the j Series [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/31041) names the same lightly dampened melamine foam.

On the Combo 10 Max you wipe the sensors and the charging contacts with a dry cloth. Press and hold the wheel switches to expose the charging contacts. iRobot warns not to spray water or a cleaning solution onto the sensors or the sensor openings.

## The bin and the filter

You tap the filter clean over the trash. [iRobot](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/8247) says filters are not designed to be washed, and on the 700 series that water can damage the robot and void the warranty. How to empty and tap out the bin and filter of your model is in the guide on [emptying a Roomba](https://bestatbest.com/us/blog/how-to-empty-a-roomba).

## Still not working properly afterwards?

If the robot keeps reporting an error after cleaning, see the guide on [a Roomba that goes in circles, beeps or flashes red](https://bestatbest.com/us/blog/roomba-going-in-circles-beeping-red-light) or [reboot the robot](https://bestatbest.com/us/blog/how-to-reset-a-roomba). If you would rather replace it, see what iRobot costs today, October 21, 2026. Models on sale: 12.

| Model | Station | Today's lowest price | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| [iRobot Roomba 105 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-105-combo) | charging dock only | $179 at iRobot (brand store) | number 162 in our ranking |
| [iRobot Roomba 105 Vac+](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-105-vac-plus) | self-emptying station | $279 at iRobot (brand store) | number 161 in our ranking |
| [iRobot Roomba 105 Combo+](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-105-combo-plus) | self-emptying station | $299 at iRobot (brand store) | number 160 in our ranking |
| [iRobot Roomba Max 715 Vac+](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-max-715-vac-plus) | self-emptying station | $499 at iRobot (brand store) | not ranked |
| [iRobot Roomba Plus 415 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-plus-415-combo) | all-in-one station | $599 at iRobot (brand store) | number 116 in our ranking |
| [iRobot Roomba Plus 515 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-plus-515-combo) | all-in-one station | $699 at iRobot (brand store) | number 102 in our ranking |
| [iRobot Roomba Plus 4020 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-plus-4020-combo) | all-in-one station | $749 at iRobot (brand store) | not ranked |
| [iRobot Roomba Max 775 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-max-775-combo) | all-in-one station | $799 at iRobot (brand store) | number 45 in our ranking |
| [iRobot Roomba Plus 575 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-plus-575-combo) | all-in-one station | $799 at iRobot (brand store) | number 64 in our ranking |
| [iRobot Roomba Plus 678 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-plus-675-combo) | all-in-one station | $899 at iRobot (brand store) | not ranked |
| [iRobot Roomba Plus 507 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-plus-507-combo) | all-in-one station | $999 at iRobot (brand store) | not ranked |
| [iRobot Roomba Max 875 Combo](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/irobot-roomba-max-875-combo) | all-in-one station | $1,199 at iRobot (brand store) | not ranked |

All iRobot models are on the [iRobot page](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/brand/irobot), and the [advisor](https://bestatbest.com/us/robot-vacuums/advisor) finds the robot that suits your home in seven questions.

## Frequently asked questions

**How often should I clean my Roomba?**

iRobot gives no fixed schedule on its care pages, only that you clean the parts regularly. Look at the brushes and the front wheel: hair around them means it is time.

**Can I wash a Roomba filter?**

No. For the 600 series iRobot says filters are not designed to be washed, and for the 700 series not to expose them to water. You tap them clean over the trash.

**What do I clean the charging contacts of a Roomba with?**

With a clean, lightly dampened pad of melamine foam, such as a Magic Eraser. On the i, 600 and 700 series, unplug the dock first and wait 60 seconds.

**Can I spray cleaning solution on a Roomba’s sensors?**

No. For the Combo 10 Max iRobot says not to spray water or cleaning solution onto the sensors or the sensor openings. Wipe them with a dry cloth.

## Sources

- [iRobot: The Roomba i Series essential care and maintenance procedures](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/2450)
- [iRobot: Care and maintenance procedures, Roomba j Series and Combo 10 Max](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/31041)
- [iRobot: The Roomba 700 series essential care and maintenance procedures](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/2079)
- [iRobot: The Roomba 600 series essential care and maintenance procedures](https://homesupport.irobot.com/articles/en_US/Knowledge/8247)

Page: https://bestatbest.com/us/blog/how-to-clean-a-roomba