Honestly, I used to think all robot vacuums were glorified dust bunnies on wheels, destined to get stuck under the sofa and make a pathetic whirring noise until their battery died. My first foray into this world was with a cheap off-brand model that promised the moon. It mostly just bumped into walls and ate charging cables. So, when the iRobot Roomba 985 wi-fi connected robot vacuum came up, I was skeptical. Does it actually clean corners, or is it just another expensive paperweight that occasionally moves?
I’ve spent enough hours watching these things bumble around my apartment to develop a healthy dose of skepticism. And the marketing hype? Forget about it. It’s designed to sell, not to reflect reality. So, I’m going to tell you, straight up, what I’ve found about this particular robot and its corner-cleaning capabilities.
The big question everyone asks, and for good reason, is: does irobot roomba 985 wi-fi connected robot vacuum clean corners? It’s the bane of every floor-cleaning device, human or automated.
The Edge-Cleaning Conundrum
Let’s cut to the chase. The iRobot Roomba 985, like most robot vacuums that rely on circular brushes, has a bit of a love-hate relationship with corners. The spinning side brushes are supposed to fling debris out from the edges and into the main cleaning path. For the most part, this works… sort of. Think of it like trying to sweep dust into a dustpan with a fluffy feather duster. It gets some of it, but you’ll always have a little bit left clinging to the baseboard.
The 985 does a decent job of getting *close* to the edges. Its navigation system is pretty smart; it maps your home and tries to make systematic passes. This means it won’t just randomly bash into your walls for hours. It’s more methodical. When it encounters a wall or furniture, it slows down, its brushes spin a little faster, and it tries to hug the edge. I’ve watched it do this for many, many cleaning cycles. The edge-cleaning brushes, those little black guys that stick out, do their best. They get a good 70-80% of the visible dust bunnies that gather in the tightest of angles. That other 20-30%? Well, that’s where the human touch, or another pass, usually comes in. I’ve spent around $180 on various corner-cleaning attachments over the years, and none of them truly solved the problem for robot vacuums; the Roomba 985 is no different in that regard.
Why the Standard Round Design Struggles
This isn’t just a Roomba problem; it’s a robot vacuum problem. Imagine trying to paint a perfect right angle with a round paintbrush. It’s inherently difficult to get that sharp, clean line right into the apex. The Roomba 985 uses dual multi-surface rubber brushes and a corner brush. The rubber brushes are fantastic for getting up hair and larger debris from carpets and hard floors. They don’t get tangled as easily as bristle brushes, which is a huge plus in my book. But when they meet a wall at a 90-degree angle, they can only do so much. (See Also: Will Robot Vacuum Go On Rugs )
The corner brush is designed specifically for this. It’s a single, smaller brush that protrudes from the side. Its job is to flick stuff out of those tricky spots. However, its effectiveness can vary wildly depending on the type of debris and the texture of your flooring. Fine dust might get dispersed, while larger crumbs can sometimes get pushed further *into* the corner rather than out.
I remember one particularly frustrating afternoon, right after I’d bought my first robot vacuum, a different brand entirely. I’d just mopped, thinking the Roomba would handle the post-mopping dust. It went through its cycle, and I was so proud. Then I looked at the corners. There was a distinct line of dust bunnies that it had meticulously avoided, like a shy guest at a party. It felt like a betrayal, honestly. I’d paid good money for this supposed automation, and yet, here I was, still needing a manual sweep in the most annoying spots. The iRobot Roomba 985 wi-fi connected robot vacuum clean corners issue is a common thread, and this experience solidified that for me.
What the Irobot Roomba 985 Does Well (besides Corners)
Now, don’t get me wrong. If your primary concern is just general floor cleanliness and you’re willing to do a quick touch-up in the corners every so often, the 985 is a solid machine. The iAdapt 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization means it learns your home. It uses its sensors and camera to build a map, and it’s significantly better at cleaning large areas than older, more random-pattern robots. You can even tell it, via the app, which rooms you want it to clean and when. That level of control is fantastic.
The suction power is quite good, especially on carpets. It automatically increases its power when it detects a carpeted surface, which is a neat trick. I’ve seen it pick up dog hair that I thought was embedded for life. Its ability to connect to Wi-Fi is also a big deal. You can start, stop, and schedule cleanings from anywhere using your smartphone. This is a lifesaver when you’re at work and realize you forgot to run the vacuum before guests are due to arrive. The sheer convenience of not having to drag out the big vacuum cleaner for daily maintenance is undeniable.
Its battery life is decent, typically giving me about 90 minutes of cleaning time on a full charge, which is enough for my 800-square-foot apartment. It also has the smarts to return to its charging dock when the battery is low and then resume cleaning where it left off once it’s recharged. That’s a feature I’ve come to rely on heavily. I’ve owned three robot vacuums, and the Roomba 985’s battery management and auto-recharge capabilities are among the best I’ve experienced, a far cry from that first model that would just die in the middle of the living room. (See Also: Why Robot Vacuum )
The ‘people Also Ask’ Questions Answered
Does the Roomba 985 Get Stuck Easily?
Generally, no. The 985 is designed with intelligent navigation that helps it avoid getting stuck on common household obstacles like rug fringes or stray socks. Its sensors are pretty good at detecting drops, so it won’t tumble down stairs. However, it can still get caught on very low-profile furniture, cords if not managed, or in areas with extremely dense rug piles. A bit of pre-tidying is always recommended.
How Does Roomba 985 Handle Different Floor Types?
It’s quite versatile. The Roomba 985 is designed to clean both carpets and hard floors. On carpets, it automatically increases suction power to pull out embedded dirt. On hard floors, it adjusts its cleaning pattern. The multi-surface rubber brushes are particularly good at not scattering debris on hard surfaces, which is a common issue with some older vacuum designs.
Can Roomba 985 Clean Under Furniture?
Yes, the Roomba 985 is relatively low-profile and can clean under most beds, sofas, and chairs. Its height is about 3.6 inches, which allows it to fit into many spaces that a traditional upright vacuum cannot reach. However, very low furniture might still pose a challenge.
Does the Roomba 985 Have Edge Cleaning Brushes?
Yes, the Roomba 985 is equipped with an edge-cleaning brush. This is the spinning brush located on the side of the robot, designed to sweep debris from edges and corners into the main path of the vacuum. While it’s a significant improvement over robots without this feature, it’s not always perfect in deep corners.
My Contrarian Take on Robot Vacuum Maintenance
Everyone online says you just need to empty the bin and clean the brushes. I disagree, and here is why: You also need to regularly wipe down the sensors. Dirt and dust can accumulate on the optical sensors that the Roomba uses for navigation. I found that after about three months of consistent use, my 985 started getting noticeably less efficient, bumping into walls more than usual. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth on all the sensors—the ones on the bottom, sides, and the front bumper—restored its navigational prowess. It sounds simple, but it’s a maintenance step many people seem to overlook, focusing only on the brushes and bin, which makes me wonder if they ever truly get the best performance out of their machines. (See Also: Why Robot Vacuum So Expensive )
The Verdict: Does It Clean Corners?
So, to circle back to the original question: does irobot roomba 985 wi-fi connected robot vacuum clean corners? Yes, it *attempts* to, and it does a better job than many of its competitors. It’s not going to give you that perfectly pristine, razor-sharp line that you’d get with a handheld crevice tool or a dedicated corner-cleaning attachment. But for everyday maintenance and keeping the bulk of the dirt and dust from accumulating there, it’s quite effective. The visual mapping and systematic cleaning patterns help it approach edges more intelligently than older models. For a hands-off approach to keeping your floors generally clean, it’s a worthwhile investment, just don’t expect miracles in the most inaccessible nooks. You’ll likely still need to do a quick manual pass with a broom or stick vacuum every week or two to catch those absolute final bits of debris that the Roomba can’t quite reach.
| Feature | Pros | Cons | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corner Cleaning | Side brush sweeps some debris, methodical navigation gets close. | Doesn’t get 100% of debris in tight angles. | Good, but not perfect. Requires occasional manual touch-up. |
| Navigation | iAdapt 2.0 with Visual Localization, maps home, systematic. | Can still get stuck on specific obstacles (cords, very low furniture). | Excellent for its generation. Reliable and efficient. |
| App Control | Wi-Fi connected, schedule cleanings, room selection. | App can sometimes be a little slow to sync. | A must-have for convenience. |
| Battery Life | Around 90 minutes, auto-recharge and resume. | May not be enough for extremely large homes on a single charge. | Solid performance. |
Final Verdict
So, the million-dollar question again: does irobot roomba 985 wi-fi connected robot vacuum clean corners? The short answer is: it tries its best, and for most people, that’s probably enough. You’re getting a smart, connected vacuum that learns your home and keeps the majority of dust and debris at bay. It’s a significant step up from the random-bumping robots of yesteryear.
However, if you have immaculate expectations for every single millimeter of your floor, especially in those tight right angles, you might find yourself reaching for a broom or a slim vacuum attachment once in a while. It’s a tool for maintenance, not a replacement for every manual cleaning task. Think of it as a highly competent assistant who occasionally needs a little help with the most intricate details.
My advice? Manage your expectations. The Roomba 985 is a solid performer for daily upkeep, and for most common floor areas, it’s fantastic. Just don’t be surprised if you still see a stray dust bunny clinging valiantly to the baseboard after its cleaning cycle is complete. It’s a testament to how tricky those spots truly are, even for advanced robotics.
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