Roomba 104 Robot Vacuum & Mop: The Ultimate Set It and Forget It Cleaner?
This image has been generated using AI for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an actual product image
Getting to Know Roomba 104: What You Need to See First
The roomba 104 sits in the “does the basics right” tier. It aims for orderly routes, a straightforward app, and maintenance you can do in minutes. That’s why it makes sense as a first robot for apartments and simple floor plans.
Bundles you must confirm before judging it
“Roomba 104” can appear in different packages across retailers. Some listings are vacuum-only. Others pair the robot with a charge-only dock, a self-emptying dock, or a light mopping attachment. Verify the exact configuration, included accessories, and spares before comparing prices or making assumptions.
Setup that prevents headaches
Give it two or three full runs to learn your layout. Place the dock on level flooring with open space on both sides. Keep cables, stringy toys, and long curtains off the floor during the first week so it doesn’t learn awkward detours.
Main Features That Define Daily Use
Navigation and cleaning pattern
Once the first map is saved, roomba 104 shifts into orderly, row-by-row paths. It traces edges with intention and reduces random overlaps after the layout stabilizes. If you move furniture, let it complete one “explore” run so the map adapts. Targeted room cleans make the biggest difference in kitchens and entryways, where crumbs and grit show up daily.
Room naming that actually helps
Name rooms the way you speak: “front hallway”, “kids room”, “studio”. Plain language makes voice commands feel natural and reduces misfires. Group small zones (like a tiny foyer) with adjacent rooms for faster runs.
Hard floors, low-pile rugs, and the right cadence
Hard floors are its sweet spot. Daily crumbs, dust film, and tracked-in grit disappear with one pass. Low-pile rugs stay tidy with short, frequent runs. If your home has several thicker rugs, schedule an extra carpet pass or consider a step-up model designed for deeper agitation.
Edges, corners, and thresholds
A neat edge pass wipes the light dust line that hugs baseboards. If a rug fringe flips and causes a bump-back, smooth that edge and rerun the zone; the map will pick the better approach next time. Normal door thresholds are fine. Extra-tall lips may need a thin transition strip.
Battery, runtime, and schedule strategy
Short, frequent sessions beat marathons. A morning kitchen sweep plus an every-other-day whole-home pass keeps debris loads low and the bin manageable. If your bundle supports pausing to recharge and finishing later, long jobs complete without babysitting.
Schedules that fit real life
Create two routines you’ll actually use:
Weeknight Sweep: kitchen, dining, entryway after dinner.
Weekend Reset: whole home while you’re out.
That rhythm keeps floors in a steady “reset” state without turning the robot into a chore.
App experience and voice control
The app lets you save maps, label rooms, build routines, and drop keep-out areas. Most households settle on two to three schedules and leave it alone. Voice control helps when hands are full: send the robot to “kitchen” or “hallway” and let it finish while you do something else.
Keep-out areas that save time
Mark cable nests, pet bowls, and Lego zones as off-limits. Five seconds of map editing prevents five minutes of untangling.
This image has been generated using AI for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an actual product image
Maintenance that keeps performance steady
A five-minute weekly routine protects airflow and pickup:
Empty the bin, or the bag if you own a self-emptying dock.
Tap dust from the filter; replace it on a regular cadence.
Pull hair from the main brush and check the edge brush.
Wipe sensors if you notice edge-stopping behavior.
If you use a mopping attachment, wash and fully dry the pad after each wet run. Keep a spare filter and pad so you don’t postpone maintenance.
Signs it’s time for quick care
A faint dust trail behind the robot, a fuller-than-usual bin mid-run, or a new “thump” on thresholds usually points to a clogged filter, hair on the brush, or something small lodged near the intake. Fixes take minutes and restore the “like-new” feel.
Noise and build feel
Expect an honest mid-level hum. You’ll notice it in the same room during quiet tasks; plan runs for when you’re out or in another room. Dock placement matters more than people think: center it on level flooring, avoid tucking it behind furniture, and give the power cord slack so the base sits flat.
Roomba 104 vs Two Close Rivals
Roomba 104 vs Roomba 105
If you’re comparing roomba 104 vs 105, the 105 leans into hands-off convenience because it’s often bundled with a self-emptying dock. That means far fewer bin dumps and fewer interruptions. Choose roomba 104 if you want the lowest price and don’t mind emptying manually. Choose roomba 105 if you want the least upkeep and a more seamless routine. For details, see the Roomba 104 vs 105 comparison and the Roomba 105 review.
Roomba 104 vs Roomba i3
Think of i3 as a sensible step-up for homes with more carpet. If your layout is mostly hard floors with a few low-pile rugs, roomba 104 remains a smart value. If you have several mid-pile rugs across multiple rooms, the i3’s carpet behavior is the better match.
Price & Accessibility in 2025
Price depends on promotions and, crucially, what’s included. Confirm whether your box is vacuum-only or includes a mopping attachment, and whether the dock is charge-only or self-emptying. Double-check accessories in the box: spare filters, extra bags (if applicable), and a spare edge brush are the parts you’ll actually use.
For model-level capabilities and compatible accessories, review the official iRobot support and feature documentation. To confirm the exact contents and options of the product you’re considering, verify the retail listing for Roomba 104 before you buy.
Official iRobot feature and support information (specs and capabilities)
This image has been generated using AI for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an actual product image
Pros and Cons You’ll Actually Notice
Pros
Orderly, room-based coverage once the map settles.
Excellent day-to-day results on hard floors.
Short, frequent runs keep dust from snowballing.
Routines are simple and reliable; “set and forget” actually works.
Light mopping attachments in some bundles tidy kitchen film and footprints.
Self-emptying bundles cut daily maintenance to minutes per week.
Cons
Charge-only versions mean more manual bin dumps.
Several thick rugs may need a step-up model.
Bundles vary—verify robot version, dock type, and spares before purchase.
Mop pads require care; don’t store them damp on the robot.
As with any budget robot, airflow drops if filters and ducts aren’t cleaned.
Our Editorial Take
The roomba 104 succeeds by keeping the important parts of robot cleaning simple: reliable coverage, clear schedules, and predictable upkeep. For small to medium homes on mostly hard floors, it’s the budget robot that works. If your priority is the lowest effort possible, the 105 with a self-emptying dock makes life easier. If your home leans carpet-heavy, the i3 is a better fit. For everyone else, 104 hits the “good enough, reliably” target that makes a robot vacuum feel worth owning.
FAQ
Does roomba 104 always include mopping or a self-emptying dock?
No. The “104” name appears on vacuum-only packages and on bundles with different docks or a light mopping pad. Confirm the exact configuration.
Can it clean specific rooms on demand?
Yes, once the first map is saved. Room targeting and keep-out areas are available in supported bundles.
What schedule works best for hard floors?
Daily kitchen runs and an every-other-day whole-home pass keep debris loads light and runs short.
How do I keep suction consistent over time?
Empty the bin or bag, tap dust from the filter, remove hair from the main brush, and wipe sensors.
Is roomba 104 a good fit for multiple thick rugs?
It can manage, but a step-up model with stronger carpet behavior is a safer long-term fit.
What’s the practical difference between roomba 104 and 105?
Convenience. The 105’s self-emptying bundles mean far fewer bin dumps with similar smart routing.
Where should the dock live?
On level hard flooring with open space to each side and a straight approach lane.
Explore More
