Can Robot Vacuums Clean Carpets and Rugs?

Robot vacuums can effectively clean carpets and rugs when paired with the right features. Whether you have thick wool rugs or low-pile hallway runners, today’s smart vacuums are built to handle varied textures, surfaces, and dirt levels with minimal effort on your part.

In this guide, we’ll explore which types of carpets robot vacuums can clean and what to look for when choosing one—such as suction power, brush design, and carpet detection. We also compare Narwal’s top-performing models for different household needs, and walk through how to prepare and operate your vacuum for best results across carpeted areas.

If you live in a home with mixed flooring, pets, or deep-pile carpets, this article will help you confidently select and use a robot vacuum that keeps your rugs clean without wetting or damage.

What Types of Carpets Can Robot Vacuums Clean?

In Australia, common carpet types include wool blends and synthetic fiber carpets, especially in living rooms and bedrooms. These materials are durable but can trap dust and pet hair deep within the fibers. When selecting a robot vacuum, it’s important to ensure it supports high suction power and auto mop lifting—both are essential for maintaining these carpets without damaging them.

Robot vacuums are adaptable and can effectively clean a wide range of carpets, including:

Wool Rugs

Wool rugs, including kilim, Persian, and Oriental rugs. Robot vacuums equipped with powerful suction and rotating brushes can clean these rugs effectively without causing harm.

Silk Rugs

Silk rugs need gentle cleaning because of their delicate fibers. Robot vacuums with soft bristle brushes and adjustable suction settings are ideal for cleaning silk rugs. Creating virtual barriers offers additional protection against unintended damage.

Cotton Rugs

The common cotton carpets in kitchens and entryways have less pile and can be easily maintained with a robot vacuum with high suction and rotating brushes.

Hair-On-Hide Rugs

Hair-on-hide rugs, including cowhide and sheepskin rugs, have unique textures that require special care. Damage can be prevented by switching the vacuum cleaner to gentle suction and brushless modes, or by using a virtual barrier.

Natural Fiber Rugs

Sisal, jute, and seagrass rugs are environmentally friendly and long-lasting. Despite their slightly uneven surfaces, most robot vacuums can handle them with ease.

Synthetic Fiber Rugs

Common in full carpets, synthetic fiber carpets require strong suction and rotating brushes to effectively remove dirt and debris. Robot vacuums equipped with these features can clean synthetic fiber rugs efficiently.

What Should You Consider When Selecting a Robot Vacuum for Carpet Cleaning?

When selecting a robot vacuum for carpet cleaning, it's important to evaluate several crucial features and factors to ensure the best performance and convenience. Here’s what to look for:

Suction Power

Powerful suction is essential for effectively removing dirt, dust and debris from your carpets. Choose a robot vacuum with high suction power, typically measured in Pascals (Pa). For deep pile carpets, the suction power should exceed 2000Pa to guarantee optimal cleaning performance.

Brush Design

Rotating brushes play a key role in loosening and lifting dirt from carpet fibers. Some robot vacuums feature dual brush systems or specialized brushes designed to handle pet hair without tangling. Rubberized brushes are often more effective and easier to maintain than traditional bristle brushes.

Carpet Detection

Carpet detection sensors enable the robot vacuum to automatically adjust its suction power when moving from hard floors to carpets. This feature ensures thorough cleaning without needing manual adjustments. 

Navigation and Mapping

Advanced navigation systems, such as LiDAR or camera-based mapping, help the robot vacuum navigate efficiently and avoid obstacles. This technology allows for more precise cleaning paths and better coverage of the entire floor area.

Battery Life

Extended battery life is essential to cover large areas without frequent recharging. Opt for models with extended runtimes, especially if your home has extensive carpeted spaces. Some robot vacuums also come with auto-recharging capabilities, where they return to their dock, recharge, and continue cleaning.

Dustbin Capacity

The larger the dumpster capacity, the less frequently it will be emptied, making maintenance easier. Some high-end models offer self-emptying features, where the robot empties its dustbin into a larger bin in the docking station.

Smart Features

Smart connectivity options, such as app control and voice commands (compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant), provide greater convenience and control over your robot vacuum. These features allow you to schedule cleanings, set virtual barriers, and monitor cleaning progress from your smartphone.

Mopping Functionality

If you want an all-in-one solution, consider a robot vacuum with mopping capabilities. These models can vacuum and mop simultaneously, offering more comprehensive cleaning. Look for features like automatic mop lifting to avoid wetting carpets.

Noise Level

Low noise levels are crucial if you plan to use your robot vacuum at home. Quieter models are less disruptive, especially in homes with pets or children.

Reliability and Brand Reputation

Opt for a robot vacuum from a well-known brand with a reputation for reliability and excellent customer support. Reviewing customer feedback and seeking recommendations can help you choose a model that suits your needs and expectations.

Best Narwal Robot Vacuums for Cleaning Carpets and Rugs

If you're looking for a robot vacuum that can clean carpets and rugs effectively, Narwal offers several models with advanced features tailored for different floor types. Below are the top three models best suited for carpet cleaning, especially in Australian homes where mixed flooring is common.

Narwal Flow

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Suction Power: 22,000Pa
Carpet Detection: Yes, with CarpetFocus™ technology
Auto Mop Lifting: 12mm (track mop)
Recommended for: Thick or high-pile carpets, wool rugs, and homes with both rugs and tiles

Narwal Flow is designed for challenging carpet conditions. Its CarpetFocus™ system detects carpet and lowers the brush cover to form a sealed, high-pressure airflow zone—boosting dirt pickup up to 2x versus standard models. Combined with 22,000Pa suction, it excels at pulling up embedded debris from thick, plush, or high-pile carpets. The track mop lifts 12mm to prevent wetting sensitive wool rugs, making it ideal for spaces with both hard flooring and soft surfaces. In multi-area homes, Flow seamlessly adapts as it navigates thresholds, rug edges, and ledges up to 40mm using its dual 136° cameras and AI-powered TWINAI Dodge system.

Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra

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Suction Power: 18,000Pa
Carpet Detection: Yes
Auto Mop Lifting: 12mm
Recommended for: Medium to high-pile carpets, homes with pets, multiple floor transitions

Freo Z10 Ultra is tailored for families with pets and carpets in high-traffic areas. When transitioning to rugs, its ultrasonic carpet sensor increases suction and lifts the mop automatically, avoiding moisture contact on delicate fabrics. The EdgeReach™ triangular mop applies 800g of pressure and twists to scrub along carpet edges and skirting boards. Its dual 136° RGB cameras and AI detect over 200 common household obstacles—including curled rug corners and pet toys—and steer accordingly. This model is ideal for homes with layered flooring, where the robot moves between hardwood, synthetic rugs, and carpeted bedrooms without missing a beat.

Narwal Freo Z Ultra

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Suction Power: 12,000Pa
Carpet Detection: Yes
Auto Mop Lifting: 12mm
Recommended for: Low-pile rugs, bedrooms, mixed flooring with regular light cleaning needs

Freo Z Ultra suits homes with low-pile rugs or thin carpet overlays, such as in bedrooms or under desks. It uses dual HD cameras and twin AI chips to identify surface types and adjust cleaning mode in real time—vacuuming dry debris from rugs or switching to mop mode for adjacent tiles. Its EdgeSwing™ mop technology allows the mop to reach baseboards and rug edges closely, ensuring consistent cleaning even around lightweight or easily-moved mats. The mop lifts 12mm when a rug is detected, making it safe for areas with mixed soft and hard flooring. Quiet operation and hot-water mop cleaning make it perfect for daily use in quieter households.

Choose Narwal Flow if you have thick carpets and want the strongest suction for deep cleaning.

Choose Freo Z10 Ultra if you have pets and mixed flooring—it’s powerful and low-maintenance.

Choose Freo Z Ultra if you want quiet, simple daily cleaning, especially for smaller spaces or thin rugs.

Finally, let’s learn how to properly use a robot vacuum cleaner to clean carpets!

How to Clean Carpets with a Robot Vacuum?

1. Prepare the Area

Remove Obstacles: Clear the floor of small objects, toys, cables, and other potential obstructions that could interfere with the vacuum’s movement. If your carpet or rug has long tassels, fold them underneath to prevent them from getting tangled in the brushes.

2. Set Up the Robot Vacuum

Map the Area: If your robot vacuum has mapping capabilities, let it run through the entire cleaning area once to create an accurate map for efficient cleaning. Ensure your robot vacuum is fully charged before starting a cleaning session to avoid interruptions.

3. Configure Cleaning Settings

Adjust Suction Power: Set the suction power to a higher setting if your carpet is thick or high-pile. Most robot vacuums allow you to adjust suction power through the app or on the device itself.

Set Virtual Boundaries: Use the app to set virtual barriers or no-go zones around areas where you don’t want the vacuum to clean, such as delicate rugs or areas with lots of cables.

4. Start the Cleaning Cycle

Choose the Right Mode: Select the appropriate cleaning mode for your carpet type. Some vacuums offer specific modes for deep cleaning carpets. Keep an eye on the robot vacuum during its first few runs to ensure it’s handling your carpets and rugs correctly and not getting stuck.

5. Regular Maintenance

Empty the Dustbin: After each cleaning cycle, empty the dustbin to ensure optimal performance for the next run.

Clean Brushes and Filters: Regularly check and clean the brushes and filters to remove any hair or debris that might be clogging them.

Replace Parts as Needed: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing brushes, filters, and other parts to maintain the vacuum’s efficiency.

Automate Cleaning: Use the scheduling feature to set regular cleaning times, ensuring your carpets and rugs are always clean without you having to remember to start the vacuum.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your robot vacuum cleaner effectively cleans your carpets and rugs, keeping your home tidy with minimal effort on your part.

Do robot vacuums get stuck on rugs? 

Robot vacuums are built to manage various surfaces, including rugs. They may stick to carpets with thicker piles or loose threads, however. Advanced models with better sensors and algorithms can minimize this issue.

Can robot vacuums go from hardwood to carpet? 

Yes, robot vacuums can smoothly move from hardwood to carpet. Their advanced sensors detect different floor types and automatically adjust the cleaning settings to provide optimal performance on both surfaces.

How often should rugs be vacuumed?

Generally, it is recommended to vacuum once a week, but this may vary depending on traffic and household activities. The recommended cleaning frequency should be determined based on actual conditions.

Are robot vacuums suitable for Australian homes with mixed flooring?

Yes. Narwal robot vacuums support automatic suction adjustment and mop lifting, making them well-suited for homes with a combination of hardwood, tile, and carpeted areas—common in many Australian households.

Choose the Right Robot Vacuum for Clean Carpets and Effortless Home Care

In conclusion, robot vacuums are highly capable of cleaning carpets and rugs, provided you choose the right model and take the necessary precautions. These vacuums provide a convenient, time-saving solution for maintaining a clean home. With advanced features and powerful performance, models like the Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra, Freo Z Ultra, and Flow are excellent choices for anyone looking to invest in a robot vacuum.

For Australian homes, where mixed flooring is common, investing in a robot vacuum with adaptive suction and advanced mapping is especially helpful.

Ready to upgrade your cleaning routine? Explore the Narwal Australia official store or browse our best robot vacuums for carpets and rugs to find the perfect model for your needs.