Roomba 205 DustCompactor
User Manual
Getting Started
- Remove the protective film from the camera and the foam protectors from behind the bumper.
- Place the Home Base on a hard floor surface, ensuring good Wi-Fi coverage. Maintain a clearance of 0.5 meters on both sides, 1.5 meters in front, and 1.5 meters away from stairs. Note: Do not place the Home Base in direct sunlight. Ensure there is clear space around the Home Base for smooth docking. Warning: Prevent the robot from falling down stairs by ensuring the Home Base is placed at least 1.5 meters away from stairs.
- Plug the Home Base into a power outlet. Route the cord so it does not obstruct the robot's path.
- Attach the edge-sweeping brush. Align the edge-sweeping brush into place and press down until you hear a click.
- Wake up the robot. Place the robot in front of the Home Base and slide it towards the Home Base, aligning the metal charging contacts. After a few minutes, you will hear an audible signal indicating the robot is awake. Note: The robot is partially charged upon delivery, but it is recommended to charge it for 4 hours before starting the first cleaning cycle.
- Download the Roomba® Home app. Scan the QR code with your mobile device's camera or search for the Roomba® Home app in the app store. The app provides step-by-step instructions for setting up your robot. Once your robot is set up in the app, you can: manage when, where, and how your robot cleans, create automatic cleaning schedules, customize cleaning preferences, utilize smart features, and get tips, tricks, and answers to frequently asked questions. Important: Read the accompanying safety instructions before using your robot.
About the Roomba® 205 DustCompactor™ Robot
The manual provides detailed diagrams of the robot from top and bottom views, labeling various components such as the dust bin release button, dust bin door release button, dust bin opening, caster, Home button, power button, bumper, ClearView™ LIDAR, edge infrared sensor, water tank release button (Combo models only), water tank (Combo models only), carpet detection (Combo models only), charging contacts, cliff sensors, edge-sweeping brush, wheels, flexible edge-sweeping brush, brush guard release tab, brush guard, caster wheel, and pad holder (Combo models only), and mopping pad (Combo models only).
It also details the components of the DustCompactor™ bin, water tank (Combo models only), and Home Base, including the dust bin, filter, dust bin door release button, dust bin door, water tank release button, electrode plates, mopping pad, water tank cover, IR window, charging contacts, power port, and cord management.
Note: The water tank may contain residual water due to quality testing. This is normal.
Note: The DustCompactor™ bin must be installed in the robot for both vacuuming and vacuuming + mopping. Otherwise, the robot will not start.
Charging
Power Indicator Light:
- Solid white light: Battery is fully charged and connected.
- Flashing white light: Robot needs to be placed on the Home Base to charge.
- Pulsing white light: Charging in progress (low battery). If you attempt to start a cleaning cycle, the buttons will flash red, and voice guidance will indicate that the job cannot be started due to low battery.
- Flashing red light: Low battery / error.
Charging During Cleaning: The robot will return to the Home Base whenever it needs to charge. Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the robot will resume cleaning from where it left off.
Standby Mode: The docked robot consumes some electricity. To put the robot into a lower power standby mode when not in use, press and hold the Home button for 10 seconds. You can exit power saving mode by pressing the Home button.
Storing the Robot: To turn off the robot for long-term storage, remove it from the Home Base and press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds. Store the robot in a cool, dry place.
Cleaning
Buttons:
- Home Button: Tap to send the robot back to the Home Base. Press to pause an ongoing cleaning job. Press while a paused cleaning job is active to send the robot back to the Home Base. Press while docking to stop the robot.
- Power Button: Tap to start or pause a job / resume a job. Press and hold for 3 seconds to start the robot. Press and hold for 10 seconds to turn off the robot.
Cleaning Pattern: The robot intelligently navigates and cleans your home in straight lines. It returns to the Home Base after completing a cleaning job or when it needs to charge.
Tips:
- Remove excess items from the floor before starting cleaning.
- Use the robot regularly to keep your floors clean.
The robot will automatically stop cleaning if it has been idle and away from the Home Base for 90 minutes. You can check the robot's status in the Roomba® Home app to see if a cleaning job is complete or paused.
Spot Cleaning: You can direct the robot to clean a specific area by double-tapping the Home button. The robot will stop cleaning once spot cleaning is complete. To send the robot back to the Home Base, press the Home button.
Note: It is recommended to use the Roomba® Home app to manage cleaning. The mobile app allows you to send the robot to clean specific rooms, set up cleaning routines, and create automations and cleaning schedules.
Note: Roomba robots are suitable for vacuuming most floor types. iRobot does not recommend using the robot's mopping function on unsealed hardwood floors and certain laminate and vinyl plank floors, as water may damage the floor and/or subfloor. For more information, visit global.irobot.com.
Vacuuming Only
- If the DustCompactor™ bin is full, empty it before starting cleaning.
- Remove the water tank and mopping pad by pressing the water tank release buttons on both sides of the robot and sliding them out.
- Place the robot back on the Home Base. Start cleaning either from the app or by pressing the Home button.
Important: Clean the DustCompactor™ bin and its parts regularly to prevent dirt buildup. Otherwise, the robot's performance may be affected.
Vacuuming and Mopping (Combo models only)
The robot can vacuum and mop simultaneously when the water tank and mopping pad are installed. When the water tank and mopping pad are installed, the robot will automatically avoid carpets during vacuuming + mopping mode and during mopping-only mode.
Important: Do not add hot water, cleaning agents, disinfectants, or other unsuitable liquids to the tank, as they may damage the robot. Use only cold water or an iRobot-approved cleaning solution. A list of approved cleaning solutions is available at global.irobot.com.
After mopping and vacuuming, empty the water tank and replace the mopping pad.
- Slide the mopping pad into the water tank opening and secure the pad with the hook-and-loop fastener.
Water Tank Cleaning (Combo models only)
- Press and hold both water tank release buttons and slide the tank out from the bottom of the robot as shown.
- Empty the old water from the tank and rinse with fresh water.
- Wipe the exterior of the water tank dry before reinserting it into the robot.
Note: If you wish to clean the water tank with detergent, use only dishwasher detergent. Be sure to rinse the tank thoroughly before reinserting it into the robot. Dishwasher detergent residue can damage the robot during use.
Note: Remove the water tank and empty it, then clean and dry the mopping pad immediately after mopping. This will prevent the growth of unpleasant odors and mold.
Mopping Pad Cleaning
Wash the mopping pad by hand with cold water and allow it to air dry.
Home Base Maintenance and Care
Keep your Home Base performing at its best by performing the maintenance procedures outlined on the following pages.
Part | Maintenance Interval | Replacement Interval* |
---|---|---|
Charging Contacts | Clean once a month | - |
IR Window | Clean once a month | - |
*Replacement interval may vary. Parts must be replaced if they show signs of wear. If you believe you need a replacement part, please contact iRobot Customer Care.
Cleaning Charging Contacts and IR Window: Check that the parts are free of dirt or debris. Wipe them with a clean, dry cloth.
Important: Do not spray cleaning agents or water directly onto the sensors or sensor openings.
Troubleshooting
Robot Troubleshooting: The robot will indicate a problem with voice guidance or an audible signal. You will receive error messages and step-by-step troubleshooting instructions through the Roomba® Home app. If you are unsure whether the robot's cleaning job is complete or paused, you can check the robot's status in the Roomba® Home app.
Home Base Troubleshooting: If the Home Base is not functioning as expected, check the Roomba® Home app for error messages.
Factory Reset: To restore factory settings, press and hold the Home button for 5 seconds, then immediately press and hold the Power and Home buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds (within 5 seconds). All indicator lights will turn off.
Battery Safety and Transport:
- Warning: Lithium-ion batteries and products containing them are subject to strict shipping regulations. If you need to ship the product for service or transport it with you, you MUST follow the instructions below.
- The battery power MUST be disconnected before transport.
- Disconnect the battery power by removing the robot from the Home Base and pressing and holding the Power button for 10 seconds. Press the bumper for 10 seconds while simultaneously holding the Home button. All indicator lights will turn off.
- Pack the robot securely for shipping.
For additional assistance, use the Roomba® Home app, contact Customer Care, or visit global.irobot.com.
Need More Help? We're Here.
If you need product support or want to contact customer service, download the Roomba® Home app or visit global.irobot.com. If you still need assistance after this, and you are in the United States or Canada, call our U.S. Customer Care number at 877 855 8593.
Safety Information: Refer to the safety guide included with your robot or visit global.irobot.com.
U.S. iRobot Customer Care Hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM - 9 PM EST, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM - 6 PM EST.