Roomba robot vacuums make life easier for busy people, but some say they also make life noisier. Are Roombas loud? Well, they do make some noise, but not nearly as much as you might think.
Roombas operate at a noise level of 60-70 dB. This is about the same level as a dishwasher or a normal conversation. If your Roomba is louder than this, it may indicate that something is wrong with the robot.
Roombas vary in noise levels from one series to another, with the larger, more sophisticated models typically producing the most noise. Read on to learn about a Roomba’s noise level and what it means.
How Loud Are Roombas?
The absolute maximum noise level for a Roomba is 70 decibels. Compared to your upright vacuum, whose minimum noise level is about 74dB, a Roomba will probably seem almost whisper quiet.
Still, it may not be a good idea to run the Roomba while the baby is sleeping or the kids are doing their homework.
Several factors affect the noise level produced by a Roomba robot vacuum, including:
Size of Vacuum
Even the loudest Roombas are still significantly quieter than a conventional vacuum.
But there is always a modicum of noise associated with any mechanical device, and Roombas are no exception.
Smaller robot vacuums are typically quieter than large Roombas because the bigger the vacuum, the bigger the motor that powers it.
And of course, motors make noise.
Larger vacuums work at higher suction levels with larger brushes, so the noise level will naturally go up some.
Type of Floor (or Wall)
As well, Roombas are typically quieter on carpet than on hardwood floors.
This is because the carpet absorbs some of the noise while a hardwood or tile floor will amplify it.
Small spaces may also make your vacuum seem louder because of the echo involved.
Bare walls will increase echo, so your Roomba may seem louder in areas with little or no objects on the walls.
Age of Vacuum
As Roombas age, they can get a little louder than usual because of the wear and tear on them.
So, if your Roomba is ten years old or older, you can probably expect it to make itself heard a little more insistently.
The plastic casing may become a bit loose and start to rattle, or the gears may wear and start to may noise.
How Well It Is Maintained
Since vacuums do the dirty work in our homes, they end up carrying a lot of the garbage that they picked up.
If proper maintenance is not done routinely, your Roomba could start to clamor for your attention.
Which Roomba Is the Quietest?
While the median noise level for most Roombas is about 68dB, one Roomba takes home the prize for the quietest robot vacuum: the Roomba 671. This vacuum operates at a mere 58dB, which is quieter than a normal conversation.
The Roomba 671 can be operated remotely via a phone app or activated by voice commands via Alexa.
It can run for an hour and a half on a single charge, and it is smart enough to navigate your house on its own.
It self-adjusts its height to match the type of flooring it must clean and works well with most carpet types except for shag carpets, but then, who still has shag carpet anyway?
The Roomba 671 can detect high traffic areas in your home and works harder to remove excess dirt. Its edge-sweeping brush ensures that your corners are attended to as well as the open floor. When it is finished or needs a recharge, it returns itself to the docking station.
How Can You Quiet a Roomba?
While there will always be some level of noise associated with your robot vacuum, you can keep the noise level down by simply caring for your robot as you would a conventional vacuum.
Regular maintenance goes a long way toward reducing the amount of noise your Roomba makes.
Two important ways to lower the volume are to:
- Keep brushes and extractors clean
- Keep the cleaning head clean
These parts usually pick up the most debris because they are in direct contact with the floor.
If your brushes get hair wrapped around them or small pebbles lodged in them, it’s going to create a greater noise level than average.
The cleaning head also needs to be kept free of debris and gunk to ensure maximum cleaning with minimal noise. Periodically, you need to lubricate all moving parts and ensure that the brushes aren’t scrubbing against each other.
If your Roomba’s noise level is a distraction for you, it may be possible to drown it out with some lively music or white noise.
If the noise level still bothers you, you could schedule your robot to clean while you’re away from home.
Just be sure that no pets are alone inside since the robot may frighten them.
When Should the Noise Trouble You?
If you notice louder-than-usual noise or weird sounds coming from your robot, this is probably an indicator that your vacuum needs some attention. Never ignore new sounds that aren’t the norm for your robot vacuum.
Some robots have speech capabilities that can alert you when something is wrong.
Others use a system of beeps or tones to tell you they need maintenance. Always pay attention to what your robot is telling you.
You should become concerned if you hear your robot making one of these sounds:
Grinding
A grinding sound may indicate that your brushes are scrubbing against each other or that they are wrapped up with hair or something similar.
This can cause your vacuum to run hot as it struggles to free itself. The increased friction can burn the motor out prematurely.
When you hear this sound, stop your vacuum immediately and check for anything that may be restricting the movement of the brushes.
Clicking
A clicking sound may indicate that gears are slipping.
This could mean that it’s time for a lube job on the robot’s moving parts. Remember, if it moves, at some point, it’s going to need oiling.
A clicking sound may also indicate that small pieces of debris like pebbles or dirt clumps have gotten stuck in your brushes.
Be sure to keep the vacuum’s dustbin emptied to reduce the chances of debris becoming lodged someplace it doesn’t belong.
Beeping
A beeping sound usually means your robot is trying to tell you something.
It may have gotten stuck in a corner and can’t get itself out, or it may need recharging and can’t find its way back to the station.
Beeping may also indicate that it has become unbalanced, with one or more wheels not contacting a firm surface.
It may be hung up on a ledge or step with no ability to get itself down. After all, its intelligence is only artificial.
Always investigate when you hear an unusual sound coming from your robot vacuum.
Is the Roomba Worth The Noise?
Absolutely! A little noise is a small price to pay for a self-motivated janitor who will take over the hated chore of floor cleaning. Especially since it can be scheduled to do its work in your absence.
But you are most likely to discover that the Roomba doesn’t make as much noise as some of the other appliances in your house. Your washing machine, for example, will efficiently drown out your Roomba, as will your clothes dryer and dishwasher.
So, the Roomba really isn’t that loud after all!
