How to empty a robot vacuum bin, dock bag or bagless base

Emptying the robot's own bin

Robots without a self-empty dock, and robots whose dock has stopped emptying, need the onboard bin emptied by hand, ideally after every run. The bin usually sits under a lid on top of the robot (many Roborock and Dreame models) or slides out from the back (many Eufy, Roomba and Shark models).

1. 1

   Stop the robot and let it finish docking or switch it off.

2. 2

   Press the bin release button or lift the top cover, then slide or lift the bin out.

3. 3

   Hold it over a rubbish bin and open the bin lid or flap.

4. 4

   Tap out the dirt and pull off any hair caught on the edges.

5. 5

   Tap the filter gently against the inside of the bin to knock off dust.

6. 6

   Refit the filter, close the lid and click the bin back into the robot.

Note:Only rinse the bin and filter with water if your manual says they are washable, and let them dry fully, usually 24 hours, before refitting.

Changing a bag in a self-emptying dock

Bagged docks from Roborock, Dreame, Eufy and iRobot hold several weeks of dirt. The app usually warns when the bag is full or the robot stops emptying. Most bags have a cardboard collar with a tab that closes the opening as you pull it out, so dust stays inside.

1. 1

   Open the dock's top lid or front cover.

2. 2

   Pull the bag's handle or tab upwards; the opening seals as it comes out.

3. 3

   Put the full bag straight into the household rubbish.

4. 4

   Wipe any dust from the bag holder with a dry cloth.

5. 5

   Slide the new bag's collar into the guides until it clicks or sits flush.

6. 6

   Close the lid; many docks will not run with the lid open or no bag fitted.

Dock bag sizes and fit →

Emptying a bagless base

Shark's self-empty bases and some Ecovacs and Lefant stations collect dirt in a clear bin rather than a bag. Shark lists 45 to 60 days of capacity on its bases, depending on the model. When the bin reaches the max line, empty it.

Lift the bin out of the base, hold it low inside an outdoor bin or a large bin bag and press the release to open the bottom flap. Tap the sides to free packed dust and hair. Every few emptyings, check the filter and rinse it if the manual says it is washable; Shark's RV2310AE filter, for example, is cold water only. Our bagged against bagless comparison explains the pros and cons.

Emptying the dirty-water tank on a mop dock

All-in-one docks have a clean-water tank and a dirty-water tank. The dirty one collects the water used to wash the mop and needs emptying after each mopping run or at least every couple of days, otherwise it starts to smell.

Lift the dirty-water tank out by its handle, open the lid over a sink or toilet, pour it away and rinse the tank with clean water. Wipe the mop-washing tray at the bottom of the dock too, as hair and grit collect there. Then refill the clean-water tank with cold tap water unless the maker allows warm water. Our page on cleaning a robot vacuum and its dock covers the monthly deep clean.

How often to empty each part

Use this as a starting point and adjust for pets and how often the robot runs.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my robot vacuum not emptying into the dock? The bag may be full, the dock lid open, or the evacuation port blocked with hair. See our dock not emptying fixes.

Can I empty a dock bag and reuse it? No. Bags are single-use and seal when removed.

Is it normal for the self-emptying to be so loud? Yes, it is a short, loud burst. Set Do Not Disturb hours in the app if it disturbs you.

Do I need to empty the robot bin if I have a self-empty dock? Usually not, but check it now and then for large debris or hair that the dock could not pull through.