My iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum: A Love-Hate Relationship

Around the holidays, “someone” joined our family: a iRobot Roomba! I’d been hankering to try one out for a long time, and as family of four with two sheddy cats, I was desperate for some help in containing the constant debris. You can find a million reviews online, but I’m gonna tell it to you straight: it’s a love-hate relationship.

Here’s why:

6 Reasons That My Roomba Is Like Having an Invisible Housekeeper

1. When I’m not home, she can get to work—but doesn’t even need keys to get inside. 
2. When she’s working, I can lie on the couch watching The Real Housewives and not even feel guilty that she’s hard at work and I’m…not. 
3. She’s good at her job.
4. I can have her come every single day, no extra charge. 
5. She’s got more stamina than I do. 
6. She’ll work any time of day—I just have to ask beforehand.

On the other hand, all is not sunshine and roses with Rosie the Roomba. She can be sorta high maintenance, doesn’t understand my need for silence, and is always underfoot. In that way, and a few others, she’s like a kid.

4 Reasons That My Roomba Is Like Having Another Child in My House

1. I always have to clean up after her (see picture of underbelly after a short stint in action, below).
2. Sometimes she gets into a sticky situation and needs a hand (those chairs near the dining table are a tough spot).
3. She’s indefatigable. 
4. Once she gets going, she doesn’t shut up. 

Overall, “Rosie” the Roomba is a delight, but she requires a lot of maintenance to keep her delightful.

Do you have a Roomba? How do you like it? Tips for helping her help me even more? Spill!

More Home Product Reviews:

• Organize Every Room in Your House with These 4 Key Products
• Roomba 600 Series Review: A Mom’s New Bestie
• Artful Toy Organization