Roomba Brushes Not Spinning? How To Fix This?

The way we clean our homes has been completely transform by Roombas, which use smart technology to perform everyday chores like vacuuming on their own. Even with their sophisticate construction, they can still have problems. The most frequent one is Roomba Brushes Not Spinning. This issue may hinder the device’s cleaning efficacy, causing dirt and debris to be left behind. Don’t worry if the brushes on your Roomba aren’t rotating, there might be a few other explanations for this problem. We’ll go over the typical causes of this issue and solutions in this blog.

Comprehending The Brush System Of The Roomba

Prior to delving into the potential causes of your Roomba’s non-spinning brushes, it is beneficial to comprehend the brush mechanism. Usually, the Roomba has two brush sets:

• Main Brush: The Roomba’s main brushes are position on its underside and are intent to collect dust, debris, and grime from hard floors and carpets.
• Side Brush: The Roomba’s side brush, which is a smaller brush, is used to clear dirt, particularly from corners and edges, out of the way of the main brushes. The Roomba won’t clean well if the side brush or the main brushes stop spinning, thus fixing the problem is crucial.

Why Do The Brushes Not Spin?

The brushes on your Roomba may not be rotating for a number of reasons. Here are a few typical causes:

Trash and Hair Deposition

Especially when they clean spaces with long-haired dogs or thick carpets, Roombas frequently gather hair, thread, and other debris in their brush compartments. The accumulation of material may jam the brushes or entangle the brushes around the axles, impeding their free rotation.

Exhausted Brush Bearings

The brushes’ bearings are subject to wear and tear over time. The brushes may jam or cease to spin as a result of this. The brush bearings on earlier Roomba machines are especially vulnerable to wear and tear from frequent use.

Worn-Out or Defective Side Brush Motor

The Roomba will continue to work normally, but the side brush will cease to spin if its own motor burns out or experiences other problems.

Problems with The Brush Module

The brushes on certain Roombas are house in separate modules. The brushes may stop functioning correctly if these modules malfunction or if damage occurs to their internal gears.

Problems with Software or Sensors

Occasionally, the Roomba may fail or cease spinning because of software bugs or sensor problems that keep it from accurately identifying its brushes.

How To Resolve The Non-Spinning Roomba Brushes?

Upon determining a few potential reasons, the following stage is to address the issue. Here are detail instructions for diagnosing and fixing brush-spinning problems.

1. Tidy up the Debris Extractors and Brushes

The majority of brush-related problems arise from hair and debris being lodged in the brushes. To clean them, take these actions:

Disconnect the Roomba: Firstly make sure the Roomba is off before doing any maintenance to avoid unintentional activation. Then take out the brushes by inverting the Roomba and removing the brush guard, which is often fasten with screws or clips. Then take away the side brush as well as the primary brushes.

Clean the Brushes: Firstly cut away any hair, thread, or debris that may be twist in the brush rollers, side brush, and brush bearings with a pair of scissors or a cleaning tool (Roombas frequently come with one). Next ensure that every brush is clean all the way around.

Clean the Bearings: There are little plastic bearings at the end of each primary brush. These bearings frequently gather dirt and hair, which can stop the brushes from spinning. Next take them out and give them a thorough cleaning.

Put the Brushes Back Together: After cleaning is complete, replace the brushes’ bearings, put the brushes back into the Roomba, and fasten the brush guard. Remember to use the same method while cleaning the side brush.

2. Inspect and Swap Out the Brush Bearings

The brush bearings may be worn out if cleaning the brushes doesn’t fix the problem. To make sure:

Examine the Bearings: You may need to replace them if they are loose or broken. The bearings may get deteriorate over time due to friction from dirt accumulation or normal wear and tear, which will stop the brush from rotating smoothly. 

Place an Order for Replacement Parts: Get a fresh set of brush bearings if need. These are available for purchase directly from iRobot, the company that makes Roombas, or through merchants online.

3. Swap Out the Side Brush Motor

A problem with the motor that powers the side brush might be the cause if it is not rotating. To fix:

Test the Side Brush Motor: Take off the side brush and turn on the Roomba to observe if the motor spins. The motor can be burned out if it doesn’t.

Replace the Side Brush Motor: If the motor has really failed, you will need to buy a new one, which is often easy to install by unscrewing the old one and turning on the new one. Please refer to your Roomba’s handbook for precise instructions.

4. Examine the Brush Module

The brush module itself may be the source of the issue if inspecting the bearings and cleaning the brushes are ineffective. The brush module in certain Roomba models houses the motors and gears that regulate the brush’s spin.

Examine the Gears: The brushes won’t spin if the brush module’s gears are broken or obstruct by debris. The problem may be fixed in certain situations by dismantling and cleaning the module.

Replace the Brush Module: Changing the brush module as a whole can be required if the motor has failed or the gears are irreparably damage. You may buy replacement modules online, and your user manual usually has installation instructions.

5. Apply a Software Update or Factory Reset

Occasionally, a software glitch might cause the brushes to cease spinning. To fix this:

Update the Software on Your Roomba: Make sure the most recent firmware is installed on your Roomba. If your Roomba model is equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, you may accomplish this task via the iRobot app.

Factory Reset: Try doing a factory reset on the Roomba to return it to its factory settings if an update doesn’t fix the problem. This can occasionally fix sensor problems or system glitches that could be impairing the functioning of the brush.

Tips for Preventive Maintenance

To prevent future issues with the brushes on your Roomba, take into account following maintenance suggestions:

• Maintain Brush Cleaning Schedules: Establish the weekly routine of cleaning your Roomba’s brushes, particularly if you have pets or often trafficked areas in your house.
• Change The Brushes as Needed: Roomba brushes become worn out over time. Depending on how much you use them, replace them every 6 to 12 months for optimum performance.
• Keep Extra Debris Off the Floors: Your Roomba is less prone to have blockages and tangles the less hair and big debris it has to cope with.

Final Thoughts

Don’t worry if the brushes on your Roomba aren’t rotating. You can usually get your Roomba back to cleaning at its best with a little troubleshooting and basic fixes. You may assist avoid this problem in the future by routinely cleaning the brushes and keeping a watch on the brush bearings, side brush motor, and brush module.