iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo + AutoWash Base
User Manual
Getting Started
- Remove the foam inserts behind the bumper.
- Install the side brush and the washing cloths. Align the side brush and press until it clicks.
- Install the base ramp by aligning it with the base and pressing it into place.
- Place the base on a hard floor, ensuring good Wi-Fi coverage. Maintain 0.5 m clearance on both sides and 1.5 m in front and from stairs. Note: Do not place in direct sunlight. For optimal docking, ensure no large objects obstruct the base. Warning: To prevent falls down stairs, ensure the base is at least 1.5 m from stairs.
- Prepare the clean water tank. Remove the clean water tank from the base. Fill the clean water tank (right) with water and, if desired, a cleaning solution. Important: Only specific cleaning solutions are safe for your robot. A full list of compatible cleaning solutions is available at http://answers.irobot.com/s/roomba-combo-cleanser or via the app. Do not use other cleaning solutions or bleach-based products.
- Plug in the base. Plug the power cord into a wall outlet. Rewind the cord so it does not obstruct the robot's path.
- Activate the robot. Place your robot in front of the base, then slide it towards the base, aligning the metal charging contacts. After a few minutes, a sound will indicate the robot is activated. Note: Your robot ships with a partial charge, but it is recommended to charge for up to 4 hours before the first cleaning task. To remove your robot from the base, slide it towards you and lift.
- Download the Roomba® Home App. Scan the QR code with your mobile device's camera or download the Roomba® Home app from your app store. The app will guide you through setting up your robot. Once your robot is set up in the app, you can: Control where, when, and how the robot cleans. Create automatic cleaning schedules. Configure personalized cleaning preferences. Enjoy advanced digital features. Consult tips, tricks, and FAQs.
About Your Roomba® Plus 505 Robot
Top View:
- 1. Charging Contacts
- 2. Base Alignment Guides
- 3. Debris Evacuation Port
- 4. LiDAR Detector Bumper
- 5. ClearView™ LIDAR
- 6. Return to Base Button
- 7. Power Button
- 8. Robot Top Cover
- 9. Filter
- 10. AutoEmpty™ or Debris Evacuation Port
- 11. Bin Release Button
- 12. Bin
- 13. Bumper
- 14. Wall Cleaning Sensor
Bottom View:
- 15. Wheel
- 16. Multi-Surface Brush
- 17. Cliff Sensors
- 18. Floor Type Sensor
- 19. Swivel Wheel
- 20. Camera Illumination Indicator
- 21. Washing Cloth
- 22. Washing Cloth Holder
- 23. Washing Cloth Extension Mechanism
- 24. Brush Guard
- 25. Brush Guard Release Tab
- 26. Side Brush
About Your AutoWash™ Base
Front View:
- 1. Dirty Water Tank
- 2. Clean Water Tank
- 3. Charging Contacts
- 4. Base Alignment Guides
- 5. AutoWash™ Water Inlet
- 6. AutoWash™ Cloth Drying Recess
- 7. AutoWash™ Water Evacuation
- 8. Charging Indicator
- 9. Dirty Water Tank Indicator Light
- 10. Clean Water Tank Indicator Light
- 11. Bin Indicator
- 12. IR Window
- 13. Debris Bag Storage
- 14. Spare Debris Bag
- 15. Debris Bag Guide Rails
- 16. Cleaning Brush Accessory
- 17. Debris Evacuation Port
- 18. Main Debris Bin
- 19. Base Filter
- 20. Bin Door
Rear View:
- 21. Water Tank Handle
- 22. Water Tank Cover
- 23. Water Tank Latch
- 24. Evacuation Conduit
- 25. Removable Power Cord
- 26. Cord Retainer
- 27. Cord Rewinder
- 28. Water Inlet
Top View:
- 29. Dirty Water Float
- 30. Clean Water Tube
- 31. Clean Water Float
- 32. Removable Ramp
- 33. Wheel Track
Charging
Power Icon Indicator:
- Power Button:
- Solid White: Charging complete and robot connected.
- Flashing White: Returning to base to recharge.
- Pulsing White: Charging (low battery). If you try to start cleaning while the robot is charging with a low battery, a pulsing white indicator will appear.
- Flashing Red: Error (low battery).
Base Charging Indicator Lights:
- Solid: Robot is charging on the base.
- Off: Robot is not on the base, not charging, or the base is in standby mode.
- Solid White: Robot is fully charged or charging. This light is also on when the base is automatically emptying the bin, during wash/dry cycles, and when the base is in standby mode.
Charging During a Cleaning Task: Your robot will return to the base to recharge. Once sufficiently charged, it will resume the cleaning task where it left off.
Sleep Mode: Your robot consumes a small amount of energy when on the base. You can put the robot into a low-power mode by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds. To exit sleep mode, briefly press the power button.
Storing Your Robot: For long-term storage, turn off the robot by removing it from the base and holding the power button for 10 seconds. Store the robot in a cool, dry place.
Note: Software updates may change the indicator light behavior. Visit global.irobot.com for the latest information.
Cleaning
Button Controls:
- Return to Base Button: Press to return the robot to the base. Press to pause. When the robot is paused, press to return it to the base. When the robot is paused, press to turn it off.
- Power Button: Press to start/pause/resume a task. Press and hold for 3 seconds to turn the robot on. Press and hold for 10 seconds to turn the robot off.
Base Cleaning Indicator Lights:
- Solid Red: Dust bag is full, missing, or improperly installed.
- Solid Red: Dirty water tank is full, missing, or improperly installed.
- Solid Red: Clean water tank is empty, missing, or improperly installed.
Note: It is highly recommended to use the Roomba® Home app to control cleaning. The mobile app can be used to clean specific rooms, set cleaning schedules, and create automations/schedules.
Cleaning Pattern: Your robot automatically explores and cleans your home in straight lines. It returns to the base at the end of a cleaning job or when it needs to recharge.
Tips:
- Clear the floor of clutter before starting a cleaning cycle.
- Use your robot daily to maintain your floors.
After 90 minutes of inactivity off the base, your robot will automatically end its cleaning job. If you are unsure whether your robot has finished or is paused, check the Roomba® Home app for its status.
Targeted Cleaning: Double-press the power button to perform targeted cleaning in a specific area. After targeted cleaning is complete, your robot will end the job. Press the return to base button to send it back to the base.
AutoEmpty™: Your robot will automatically empty its dust bin at the end of each cleaning job.
Note: Roomba robots are generally designed to vacuum most floor types. iRobot does not recommend using the washing function on unfinished hardwood floors and certain laminate or vinyl floors due to potential water damage to the floor and/or subfloor. For more information, visit global.irobot.com.
Starting a Cleaning Routine from Your Base
If the clean water tank and dirty water tank are ready, proceed to Step 5. If the clean water tank or dirty water tank indicator lights are on:
- Lift and remove the tank that requires attention.
- Lift the tank latch to open it.
- Empty the dirty water tank. Fill the clean water tank with water.
- Close and lock the water tank covers. Replace the tanks in the base. Important: Ensure the latch is properly closed before reinstalling.
- With the washing cloths attached, use the app or press the robot's button to send the robot back to the AutoWash™ base.
Washing and Drying of Cloths
Your robot will return to its base for cloth washing as needed during cleaning jobs, and once the cleaning is complete. Cloth drying will only occur at the end of its cleaning job.
Important: Do not interrupt the robot while the cloth washing is in progress. It is normal to hear noises throughout this process as the cloths spin and the wash bin fills and empties.
Once the operation is complete, the base will dry the washing cloths by blowing hot air on them. Drying may take several hours. You can choose different drying durations in the app. The base may emit a low hum when the drying system is active.
Consult the Roomba® Home app to manually start cloth washing, start or stop cloth drying, or customize washing settings.
Robot Maintenance and Care
To ensure optimal performance, regularly perform the following basic maintenance and care procedures. You can find additional demonstration videos in the Roomba® Home app. If you notice your robot picking up less debris from the floor, empty the bin, clean the filter, and clean the brushes.
Side Brush Cleaning
Pull the side brush to remove it. Remove hair, lint, or debris using the cleaning brush, then reinstall the side brush. Important: It is recommended to replace the side brush every 3 to 6 months for optimal cleaning.
Multi-Surface Brush Cleaning
- Press the release tabs on the brush guard and lift to remove it.
- Remove the multi-surface brush.
- Remove hair from the multi-surface brush using the cleaning brush.
- Reinstall the multi-surface brush and brush guard onto the robot. Note: For deep cleaning instructions for the multi-surface brush, visit global.irobot.com. Important: It is recommended to replace the multi-surface brush every 6 to 12 months for optimal cleaning.
Filter and Bin Cleaning
- Lift the robot's top cover to remove it.
- Press the bin release buttons to remove the dust bin.
- Remove the filter.
- Clean debris from the filter using the cleaning brush.
- Open the bin door. Empty and clean debris from the dust bin and filter using the cleaning brush or a clean cloth. Close the bin door.
- Reinsert the filter.
- Replace the bin in the robot.
- Replace the robot's top cover.
Bin Cleaning
- Remove the bin, along with the filter, and open the bin door.
- Rinse the dust bin with warm water. Important: The bin should not be put in the dishwasher.
- Ensure the bin is completely dry. Reinsert the filter, then replace the bin in the robot. Important: For optimal robot and base performance, clean and/or replace robot filters as needed.
Front Wheel Cleaning
Use the cleaning brush to remove hair and debris from the front wheel. Important: If the front wheel is blocked by hair, lint, or debris, you risk damaging the floor. If the wheel does not spin freely after cleaning, contact customer service.
Cleaning of Charging Contacts, Sensors, and Camera Window
Remove the robot from its base and wipe the charging contacts and sensors with a clean, dry cloth or a slightly damp melamine foam. Important: Do not spray cleaning solution or water directly onto the sensors or their openings.
Base Filter Cleaning
Examine the base filter for any accumulation of lint and debris. Wipe with a clean, dry cloth to remove.
Base Maintenance and Care
To maintain optimal performance of your base, follow the procedures described on the following pages.
Cleaning the Washing Cloth System
- Wipe the washing cloth bin with a clean, dry cloth. Check that nothing is blocking the drain port. You can use mild soap and a sponge for stubborn debris.
Bag Replacement
- Pull the bin door towards you and upward to remove it.
- Slide out the card. When pulled out, the bag automatically seals itself so dust and debris cannot escape.
- To install a new bag, slide the card onto the guide rails.
- Replace the bin door. Ensure it is properly aligned.
Water Tank Washing
- Remove both water tanks.
- Lift the water tank latch to open them.
- Empty the dirty water tank.
- Rinse both tanks with warm water. You can use mild soap and a sponge for stubborn debris. Important: Water tanks should not be put in the dishwasher.
- Fill the clean water tank with water. Leave the dirty water tank empty.
- Reinsert both water tanks. Important: Ensure the latch is properly closed on the water tanks before reinstalling them.
Troubleshooting
Robot Troubleshooting: Your robot will alert you to problems with a voice announcement or audible alert. The Roomba® Home app also provides notifications with steps to troubleshoot. If you are unsure whether the robot has finished or is paused, check the Roomba® Home app for its status.
Factory Reset: To restore factory settings, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds, then within 5 seconds, press and hold the return to base button for 5 seconds.
Battery Safety and Shipping Information:
- Warning: Lithium-ion batteries and products containing them are subject to strict transportation regulations. If you need to ship your product for repair, travel, or any other reason, you MUST comply with the following shipping instructions.
- The battery MUST be powered off before shipping.
- Turn off the battery by removing the robot from the base and holding the power button for 10 seconds. Press the bumper for 10 seconds while holding the power button. All indicator lights will turn off.
- Carefully pack the robot for shipping.
Base Troubleshooting: Your base will inform you of issues with indicator lights on the front of the tank and in the Roomba® Home app. If the base is not functioning as expected, refer to the errors in the Roomba® Home app.
Indicator Light | Common Error | Resolution |
---|---|---|
Solid Red | Bag full or missing | Replace the bag if it is full or missing. Ensure the bag is inserted correctly. If the problem persists, remove any debris from the opening at the bottom of the robot and base. |
This product is equipped with a thermal protection system to prevent damage from overheating. The motor will stop running when the protection system activates. If this happens, unplug the appliance, let it cool for 30 minutes, remove any objects that may be obstructing the opening and evacuation tube, then plug it back in.
For assistance, open the Roomba® Home app, contact our customer support team, or visit global.irobot.com.
Need Assistance? We Can Help.
Download the Roomba® Home app or visit global.irobot.com for product help or to contact your local support center. If you still need assistance in the U.S. or Canada, call the customer service team at (877) 855-8593.
U.S. Customer Service Hours:
- Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time
- Saturday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time
Safety Information: Please refer to the safety guide provided with your robot or visit global.irobot.com.