ScoobaThe latest version of iRobot's floor washing robots builds on the success of, and improves upon the weaknesses, its predecessors. The Scooba 380 handles up to 850 square feet, although the tank is good for 425 square feet, so there's going to be a refill of the cleaning solution and a dump of the dirty water in the cleaning cycle. To be fair that's a good thing, I'm always amazed by how much dirty water comes off my "clean" floor, even just a couple of days apart from cleaning. The Scooba 380 is not a vacuum, so it's a good idea to run a Roomba or sweep up the dust before you unleash it. The previous Scoobas required a special Clorox cleaning solution, this one can use vinegar and water.

I was skeptical of the Scooba's ability to clean, after all a mop and a bucket have been used for hundreds of years, how is a little robot going to do a better job? Well I found out. The Scooba 380 will make several passes over each area- how many times do you mop it by hand? If you're like most people (and me!)- once or twice. The Scooba hits those areas again and again. Next question, how many times do you change your mop water when you're doing the floor? Once? Twice if it's really dirty? The Scooba constantly puts out clean fluid, then suctions up the dirty water.

Here's a video of how the Scooba works:
Scooba 380

Another reason the Scooba 380 beats a mop and bucket it because...well, it's easy. I'll run my Scooba two or three times a week, I used to mop once- because it's a pain. With the Scooba, I set up my virtual walls (think of it like little flashlights that create an invisible barrier for the Scooba), add the cleaning solution to water, prime the Scooba, and walk away. I come back when it has filled the dirty water tank, dump that water and rise the tank, refill with clean water, and after another cycle (I like to watch TV while it works, indulgent, I know) the floors are done.

So it sounds great, what's the catch? Well Scoobas aren't inexpensive. Also they can be temperamental- if you don't set the tank in properly, or prime the system using the included "mini turkey baster" it's not going to put out fluid. If you have deep scuffs, or something is caked on the floor which requires scrubbing with a brillo pad on your hands and knees, the Scooba 380 won't get that clean. Also if you have tile with deep grooves in the grout, the Scooba can't suction out all the water. All that being said, the convenience of having a chore that can on a good day be called boring and on a bad day be called tortuous virtually eliminated, is definitely worth it for me, and thousands upon thousands of Scooba owner like me.

Differences between Scooba models:
Scooba 5800

  • Small room, about 250 square feet
  • Includes 1 virtual wall

Scooba 350

  • 1-3 Average Rooms, about 500 square feet
  • Includes 1 virtual wall

Scooba 380

  • 3-4 Average Rooms, about 850 square feet
  • Includes 2 virtual walls

And here are the auction prices for comparison:

Here are the current prices at Amazon:

iRobot 330 Scooba Floor-Washing Robot iRobot 330 Scooba Floor-Washing Robot
List Price: $399.99

Average Rating: star 3.5 Scooba 380 Review

 

Features

  • Floor-washing robot cleans sealed hardwood, tile, linoleum, and more
  • Can handle up to 250 square feet on a single battery charge
  • Uses water, water and vinegar, or Clorox Scooba cleaning solution
  • Preps, washes, scrubs, and dries; cliff sensor; 1 virtual wall included
  • Measures 14-3/4 by 14-3/4 by 3-1/2 inches; 1-year warranty
Replacement Battery for iRobot Scooba 5900 5800 APS 3500mAH Replacement Battery for iRobot Scooba 5900 5800 APS 3500mAH

Average Rating: star 5.0 Scooba 380 Review

 

Features

  • Compatible APS replacement battery for iRobot Floor Washing Robot Scooba 5800 and 5900
  • Battery life lasts for hundreds of cleaning cycles
  • Charges in 3 hours with APS charger
  • Powers Scooba for up to 90 minutes of continuous clean up.
  • Keep a second battery on hand to double your Scooba's cleaning time
iRobot 5950 Clorox Scooba Cleaning Solution iRobot 5950 Clorox Scooba Cleaning Solution

Average Rating: star 4.0 Scooba 380 Review

 

Features

  • Effective on all sealed hard floors
  • Safe around children and pets
  • Gentle enough to be used on sealed hardwood
  • Strong enough to clean tough spills
  • Contains no bleach
Outdoor Sports Comedy Video Collection: Gone Fishin'; Captain Ron; Tim & Harvey in the Great Outdoors Outdoor Sports Comedy Video Collection: Gone Fishin'; Captain Ron; Tim & Harvey in the Great Outdoors
List Price: $44.99

 

Features

  • Enjoy the great outdoors in 3 hilarious comedy hits!
  • Big laughs!
  • Great for the whole family!
  • Good clean fun!
  • Rated PG/PG-13
iRobot Scooba Accessory Kit with 2 Virtual Walls & Wet Suit iRobot Scooba Accessory Kit with 2 Virtual Walls & Wet Suit

 

Features

  • 2 Scooba Virtual Walls
  • 1 Scooba Mat
  • 1 Replacement Brush and Cover
  • 1 Vacuum Port
  • 1 Squeegee, 1 Front Caster Wheel and 2 Tires.
iRobot Scooba Castor Assembly iRobot Scooba Castor Assembly

 
Scooba® Accessory Kit Scooba® Accessory Kit

 
I Love Scooba Embroidered Cap I Love Scooba Embroidered Cap

 
I Love Scooba T-shirt I Love Scooba T-shirt

 
Tenergy Replacement Battery for iRobot Scooba 5900 Tenergy Replacement Battery for iRobot Scooba 5900

Average Rating: star 3.5 Scooba 380 Review

 

Features

  • Nickel-Metal-Hydride battery is environmentally safe
  • Charges in less than 3 hours
  • Lasts up to 80 minutes per charge
  • Battery life lasts for hundreds of cleaning cycles

"Scooba 380 Review" by Arthur was published on July 11th, 2009 and is listed in Roomba.

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