Many know Shark for their high-tech, high-quality cleaning products. Even though I’m a big fan of cleaning technology (and trying fun household devices), I never thought I needed a robot vacuum.
While the concept seemed cool, I was always skeptical of the advertisements and videos I’ve seen on online. Plus, I do enjoy cleaning. Could a robot really do as thorough of a job mopping and vacuuming my home as I can do?
Why have a robot take that away from me?
After trying the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Mop, I’ll admit that I’m impressed with it’s ability to clean the floors in my three-story townhome.
With a hefty price tag over $1,000, purchasing a device like this is certainly an investment. But is it an investment that’s worthwhile? Here’s what you need to know before buying the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal.
Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Vac & Mop
Getting Set Up and Cleaning
One thing to love about every SharkNinja product is how easy they make set up of their devices.
Even for a somewhat-complicated product like this PowerDetect Reveal, the step-by-step photos, videos, and simple start guide makes set-up approachable. I found the quick start guide very simple to follow, but if you’re a visual learner, don’t skip scanning the QR code to check out the helpful instructional video.
The set-up process involves downloading the app on your phone, which serves as a remote to instruct the robot on what to do. Once you get the app set up, your new robot will go on a “test run,” creating a map of your home’s floor plan. Below is an example map of the first floor of my home. Here, you can see where it learns the placement of the home base and learns where your furniture is (so it can go around it).
Pros
- Maps out your entire home.
- Tells you what it's doing each step of the way.
- Self-cleaning mop pad.
- Doesn't run into furniture or damage items.
- Can mop and vacuum.
- Comes back later to fight tough stains.
- Strong vacuum suction.
Cons
- A little loud when emptying dust bin.
- Requires ample floor space for the base.
- App is very basic and could use some improvement.
Fun and Entertainment Mixed with Convenience
Putting aside the technical features of this impressive vacuum, I can’t ignore that it’s fun to use. There’s something delightful about sitting on your couch while your new robot friend puts in the work cleaning your home.
As it goes about each step of the process, it speaks aloud to you and lets you know what’s happening. For example, if it runs out of battery during a cleaning process it will tell you that it’s returning to the base to get some charge. Or, if it needs to “refuel” on water and cleaning solution to mop your floors, it will tell you. If the UV light picks up a caked-on stain that needs some extra attention, it announces it will come back to it later.
When I first started using this Shark robot vacuum, it definitely gave me a good laugh. The app will have you name your device too, which adds to the humor. After the fun wears off though, what really matters is the convenience offered by this device.
Specifications
- Cleaning capability: UV Stain Detect using UV light.
- Mopping power: Hypersonic mopping.
- Color: Black (White available via Costco).
- Cleaning path width: 12.4 inches.
- Battery life: 180 minutes.
- Charge time: 4 hours.
- Cleaning: Self-cleaning mop pad.
Vacuuming and Mopping
As the robot travels around your home, you have the option to just vacuum, just mop or do a full cleaning cycle which involves a vacuum and then a mop.
Unlike other automatic mops I’ve tried, this device actually cleans and dries itself when it returns to the base. This feature helps maintain sanitation and avoid moldy smells. (If you’ve ever used a 2-in-1 mop before and didn’t clean it enough, you’ll know this problem all-too-well).
The vacuuming and mopping process length depends on how much floor space is in your home. It goes very slowly, so I’d recommend putting it on at a time where you don’t need to use the space.
You’ll also want to make sure you secure loose cords and remove items on the floor so it can do the best job. (It will eat up your phone and computer cords!). The device is a little noisy, but I didn’t find it too bothersome.
Once it returns to the base, it gets a little noisier as it dries the mop pad and empties the debris into the dust bin.
Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Vac & Mop
In My Expert Opinion
Do you need a robot vacuum like the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal for your home? Probably not. No one needs a robot vacuum that’s this expensive. But should you want one? Should this fun device make your holiday wish list this year?
Absolutely. Despite a hefty price point, this robotic vacuum can take the stress away from maintaining clean floors in your home. For those with frequent spills (lots of pets and kids), a robot friend like this could be a life-saver and major time-saver.
As far as home types go, I think this vacuum/mop combo would work best in a home with primarily hard floors. Homes that are all carpeting may not really get a chance to take advantage of the mopping capabilities of this vacuum. A traditional robot vacuum (not a 2-in-1) might work better in these scenarios.
The technology and capabilities of the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal are undeniably impressive. Once you use it a few times, you’ll find yourself mesmerized with just how much it can do as it learns your home over time.
In a world full of skeptics who worry how technology is harming society, devices like this Shark robotic vacuum show how we can use smart home devices to improve our lives and spend more time doing things we love.
