By Manu Sharma
As India responds to the global call for sustainable living, it is worth re-evaluating how everyday household choices can make a difference. Traditionally, Indian households have relied on manual mopping. While these methods have served generations well, the challenges of rapid urbanisation, water scarcity and climate change call for smarter solutions.
Here comes the robot vacuum: a quiet revolution in home care that is enabling Indian families to clean more efficiently and in a more sustainable way.
Precision Cleaning Reduces Waste
One of the standout features of modern robot vacuums is their ability to clean in a measured and consistent way. For example, studies have shown that in multiple trials, these devices use water with a variance of only ±2 grams.
This precision ensures that only the necessary amount of water is used each time, eliminating the uncertainty and overuse that often accompany manual cleaning. This predictability aligns with the principles of a circular economy, where resource efficiency and waste minimisation are key
Data-Driven Efficiency
Perhaps the most transformative advantage of robot vacuums is their use of smart technology. Through AI-enabled mapping and sophisticated sensors, these devices are able to spot and target the dirtiest areas, thus preventing superfluous cleaning and the use of unnecessary resources.
This data – centred method guarantees that less water, electricity, and time are consumed during the cleaning process without sacrificing cleanliness. For busy Indian families, this implies having a cleaner home with less exertion and less environmental impact.
Significant Water Conservation
Water scarcity is a growing concern in India, with many cities facing acute shortages. Traditional mopping, a daily ritual in most Indian homes, can be surprisingly water-intensive. Recent data shows that a robot vacuum uses just 281 grams of water to mop a 3m² area, while a conventional mop consumes nearly 995 grams for the same space — almost 3.5 times more.
This dramatic reduction in water usage is not just a technical achievement but a vital step toward sustainable living in a country where every drop counts. By switching to smart cleaning, households can play a direct role in conserving one of our most precious resources.
Less Disposable Waste
Sustainability is not only about what we use, but also about what we discard. Traditional cleaning methods often rely on disposable wipes, mop heads or disposable cleaning pads, all of which contribute to landfills. In contrast, robotic vacuum cleaners are usually designed with reusable filters, washable mops and durable components.
This means less disposable material ends up in the trash, reducing the overall environmental footprint of the home and supporting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Controlled Use of Cleaning Agents
Indian homes often rely on generous doses of chemical cleaners to achieve that “just-mopped” shine. However, overuse of these chemicals can harm both the environment and our health. Robot vacuums, with their precise dispensing systems, can clean effectively with little or no added cleaning agents. This not only reduces chemical runoff into our water systems but also cuts down on household exposure to potentially harmful substances. In the long run, this shift can make Indian homes healthier while easing the environmental burden of chemical production and disposal.
As robotic vacuum cleaners become more affordable and accessible, especially in metros and tier 2 cities, Indian consumers are discovering that technology and tradition can coexist perfectly. By adopting these smart devices, households can maintain the high standards of cleanliness they value while significantly reducing water consumption, dependence on chemicals and waste. On this World Environment Day, let’s remember that even small changes in our daily lives can have a big impact on the planet.
(The author is the Managing Director, Dreame India)
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