The Roomba is a popular brand of robotic vacuum cleaners that have revolutionized the way we clean our homes. It uses a combination of sensors and navigation technology to clean floors and carpets automatically without any human intervention. One of the latest features of the Roomba is the “Keep Out Zone” feature, which allows users to set up virtual walls or boundaries around areas they do not want the Roomba to clean.
This article explores which models of Roomba have this feature and how it works. We will discuss the benefits of using the “Keep Out Zone” feature and why it is an important consideration for homeowners who own a Roomba. So, if you are thinking of purchasing a Roomba or upgrading your current model, read on to find out more about this useful feature.
What are Keep Out Zones on Roomba?
Keep Out Zones are a useful feature that allows Roomba robot vacuums to avoid specific areas in your home. They essentially create invisible barriers that Roomba is programmed to recognize and avoid during its cleaning cycle. Keep Out Zones are ideal for households with children or pets, delicate items, or rooms that you don’t want Roomba to clean.
When setting up a Keep Out Zone, you can use the Roomba app to draw a virtual boundary around the area you want to avoid. You can also set up multiple zones if needed. Roomba will then use its sensors to detect the boundary and steer clear of it during its cleaning cycle. This feature ensures that your home remains clean without the risk of Roomba damaging or bumping into belongings in designated areas.
Benefits of Keep Out Zones on Roomba.
The implementation of Keep Out Zones on Roomba offers numerous benefits for homeowners. Firstly, it allows individuals to have greater control over where their Roomba is cleaning. Users can mark out areas they do not want their device to venture into, including children’s play areas or pet beds, ensuring the Roomba adheres to the cleaning area required while avoiding these specific places. With Keep Out Zones, Roomba can also avoid problem areas such as electrical cords and furniture. This ensures that the device continues to work efficiently without getting trapped or causing damage.
Secondly, Keep Out Zones can enhance privacy. By preventing the Roomba from entering certain spaces, users can keep their personal items and sensitive documents safe. This feature offers a practical solution for those who work from home or need to keep valuables out of sight. The implementation of Keep Out Zones further adds to the convenience of using Roomba, allowing homeowners to personalize their cleaning routine and ensure it is to their preferences.
Roomba Models with Keep Out Zones Feature.
Roomba has been one of the leading brands in robotic vacuums, and the brand has been around for over two decades. The newer Roomba models come equipped with advanced features and functionalities that make cleaning a lot easier and hassle-free. One such feature is the Keep Out Zones feature that lets the user create virtual barriers and restrict the Roomba from entering specific areas.
The Keep Out Zones feature is available in some of the newer Roomba models. The Roomba i7, i7+, s9, and s9+ are the models that have this feature. The user can create Keep Out Zones or virtual barriers using the iRobot Home app on their smartphone. This feature comes in handy when the user wants to keep the Roomba out of certain areas like children’s play areas or rooms with expensive furniture. With this feature, the user can ensure that the Roomba doesn’t knock over fragile items or get stuck in tight spaces.
How to Set Up Keep Out Zones on your Roomba.
Roomba’s Keep Out Zones feature enables users to control where their Roomba vacuum cleaner should clean or avoid. The feature is available on select models and can be set up easily. To set up Keep Out Zones, users must first ensure that their Roomba is connected to the Wi-Fi network. Then, they must download and open the iRobot HOME app on their smartphone or tablet and select their Roomba device.
Next, they should tap on the “Clean” option and then select “Custom Clean.” From here, users can choose the areas that they want their Roomba to avoid and mark them as Keep Out Zones on the interactive map. These zones can be edited, added, or removed at any time. With this feature, users can avoid cleaning areas with delicate objects, pet areas, or even avoid cleaning rooms that they don’t want Roomba to go into. Setup is easy and straightforward, and once set, users can have peace of mind knowing that their Roomba will not go into areas where it’s not intended to clean.
Troubleshooting Keep Out Zones on Roomba.
When using the Keep Out Zones feature on your Roomba, you may encounter some troubleshooting issues. One common issue is that the Roomba may still enter the Keep Out Zone despite setting it up properly. This can happen if the infrared beam from the Virtual Wall is obstructed by furniture or other obstacles, causing the Roomba to ignore the restriction.
Another troubleshooting issue could be that the Roomba stops cleaning altogether and won’t move beyond a certain point. This could be due to a malfunctioning Virtual Wall or a low battery. To fix this issue, try changing the batteries in the Virtual Wall or moving the charger closer to the Roomba’s current location. If the issue persists, it may be a software issue, and you should reach out to the Roomba customer support team for further assistance.
Alternatives to Keep Out Zones on Roomba.
While Keep Out Zones on Roomba are a convenient feature, not all models have it. So, what are the alternatives? One option is to use physical barriers to prevent the Roomba from going into certain areas. This could include baby gates or furniture rearrangement to block off certain rooms or areas.
Alternatively, some Roomba models have virtual walls that can be used to create zones the robot should avoid. These are efficient and easy to use, and come in a variety of types such as infrared, radio frequency, and halo. While they may cost extra, they can be a lot more convenient than constantly moving furniture or other physical barriers. Ultimately, understanding the alternative options for creating Keep Out Zones on Roomba can help you make the most of your robotic vacuum and keep your home clean and tidy.
Final Thoughts: Are Keep Out Zones worth it on Roomba?
In conclusion, Keep Out Zones are a valuable feature for Roomba owners who want an even more personalized cleaning experience. By setting up virtual walls, users can ensure their Roomba avoids certain areas of their home, such as pet food bowls or delicate ornaments. This feature adds an extra layer of convenience and customization to the already impressive cleaning capabilities of Roomba.
However, whether Keep Out Zones are worth it largely depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you have a lot of pets or fragile items that you want to protect, this feature may be a game-changer for you. On the other hand, if you don’t have any specific areas of concern or simply don’t feel the need for this feature, then it may not be worth the extra cost. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if Keep Out Zones are a must-have feature for your Roomba.
Conclusion
To conclude, Roomba has introduced an advanced feature that adds to the convenience and customization of their already impressive robot vacuums. Keep Out Zones is a handy technology that ensures cleaning of only specific areas while avoiding others, allowing users to achieve a more targeted cleaning approach. Whether you want to avoid a certain carpet area or protect valuable items snugged in a corner, Roomba’s Keep Out Zones feature is the answer to several homeowners’ cleaning woes.
Overall, Roomba’s Keep Out Zones is a remarkable technological innovation. Its ability to create virtual boundaries and map out certain cleaning areas is remarkable, and it adds a new level of customization to cleaning that is unparalleled. By integrating Keep Out Zones into their robotic vacuum lines, Roomba has once again shown why they are the leaders in the robotic vacuum industry.