Irobot SCOOBA 5900 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

www.irobot.com

SAVE 15%

on accessories.

See back for details.

Welcome

Congratulations and welcome
to the world of iRobot! You have
joined the growing number of
people who have discovered
a smarter way to clean.

iRobot Scooba is an innovative and easy-to-use product that
will change the way you clean hard floors. When you use Scooba
in your home you will have the cleanest floors you've ever had
without the mess and effort of other floor cleaning methods.

Please take a few moments to review this manual to get
acquainted with Scooba. Should you have any further
questions, visit our website at www.irobot.com.

iRobot Corporation prides itself on listening to its customers,
and we would like to hear from you. Please register your
Scooba and tell us about your experience with your robot.

You can easily register your Scooba at
registering your robot, you’ve guaranteed to be notified of any
product upgrades.
of cleaning solution and other accessories at www.irobot.com.

Thank you for joining the iRobot revolution. We look forward to
bringing you more groundbreaking products that will change and
improve your world.

Sincerely,

The iRobot Team

Plus you will receive 15% off your first order

www.irobot.com. By

Important Tips

Table of Contents

Important Tips

Use only the recommended amount of approved cleaning solutions. Other fluids
may corrode electronic parts, cause excessive foaming, create poor traction, and
will void the warranty. See page 14 for details.

Do NOT use bleach in Scooba. Bleach may damage the robot and will void
the warranty.

Scooba contains electronic parts. Do NOT submerge Scooba or spray with
water. Clean with a damp cloth only.

Store or operate Scooba in room temperature environments only, freezing
may damage Scooba.

Scooba is not recommended for use on unfinished or unsealed wood, or
pre-laminated flooring, which can easily be damaged by wet cleaning methods.

Always consult your floor manufacturer for approved cleaning methods.

For best performance

• Remove furniture, clutter, and lightweight rugs from area to be cleaned.

• Use the Virtual Wall to contain Scooba to one room.

• Always empty the Dirty tank after the cleaning cycle is complete.

• Rinse the Dirty tank before storage.

• Keep wheels and brush free from hair and debris by inspecting and
cleaning the bottom of Scooba regularly.

• Remove and rinse the filter, brush, and vacuum port regularly.

• Always store Scooba plugged-in and recharging.

Table of Contents

Scooba's Anatomy and Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 – 7

Scooba's Cleaning Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Battery Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Battery Installation and Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 – 10

Charging Scooba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Scooba's Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 12

Scooba's Cleaning System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Clorox®Scooba Cleaning Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Scooba's Virtual Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Scooba Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 – 17

Scooba Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 – 21

iRobot Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

4 iRobot Scooba Owner's Manual

www.irobot.com 5

Scooba's Anatomy

Scooba's Anatomy

Scooba's Anatomy

Scooba has two main parts: the robot base and a tank.

Power Clean

Virtual Wall

Handle and

Tank Release

Charging

Socket

Sensor

Light

Sensor

Vacuum

Port

Main Brush

Robot Base Scooba’s Tank

Battery Pocket

Filter

Serial Port

Solution Valve

Eject Brush

Cliff Sensors

Squeegee Vacuum

Handle and Tank Release

Floor Prep
Squeegee

Scooba's Lights

Power light

Service Code

8

Power Button
Light

Red Battery empty

Green pulse Charging

Solid green Fully charged

Blinking red Battery not installed

Warning Lights Quick Reference

See page 18 for detailed instructions.

Warning Lights What to do

Battery Status

Check Tank

Check Brush

Clean Button
Light

Green Cleaning

Blue/Green pulse

Solid blue

What it means

Scooba is drying its
cleaning head; the
clean cycle is almost
complete

The Clean tank is
empty; the clean
cycle is complete

I'm Stuck

Vacuum

Port

Accessories

Power

Supply

6 iRobot Scooba Owner's Manual

Scooba
Battery

Virtual

Wall

Dirty Cap Clean cap

Clorox®Scooba

Cleaning Solution

Scooba

Measuring Cup

(Yellow)

(Blue)

Remove and check
brush (page 17)

Restart Scooba

Empty Dirty tank and
close securely

The Clean tank is
empty (see page 20
for troubleshooting)

www.irobot.com 7

Scooba's Cleaning Pattern

Battery Performance

Scooba's Cleaning Pattern

Scooba is a robot that cleans differently than the way most people clean
their floors. Scooba uses iRobot's AWARE™ Robot Intelligence System to
determine the best way to pass over and clean every section of the floor.

In most cases, Scooba will pass over the same area of the floor multiple
times to ensure a thorough cleaning. Scooba can clean rooms up to 200
square feet with a full tank, while larger rooms may require an additional
cleaning cycle.

Tip: For smaller rooms, pre-mix 1 measuring cup of Clorox®Scooba cleaning solution
with 1 quart of water. Partially filling the tank will shorten Scooba’s cleaning time.

While Scooba is cleaning it calculates the best path to clean your floor and
determines the best times to use its various cleaning behaviors:

Spiraling: Enables Scooba to efficiently clean a concentrated dirty area.

Wall following: Enables Scooba to clean the room perimeter and navigate

around furniture and obstacles.

Room Crossing: Enables Scooba to clean new areas while crisscrossing the room.

Light Sensing: Keeps Scooba from stopping in dark or hard-to-reach places.

Battery Performance

Scooba is powered by a rechargeable battery. Scooba's
battery will last for hundreds of cleaning cycles before
needing replacement.

Battery Storage

For best battery performance, iRobot recommends storing Scooba's battery
in Scooba with the power supply plugged in.

Battery Life

Fully charge Scooba's battery (up to 4 hours) before each cleaning cycle.
When fully charged, Scooba's battery will always last longer than a full Clean
cycle. If you would like to run Scooba more frequently, you can purchase
additional batteries and chargers at www.irobot.com. The battery should
be replaced if Scooba cannot complete a cleaning cycle when fully charged.

16-Hour Refresh Charge

Under some circumstances, Scooba uses a special 16-hour charge cycle
to extend Scooba's battery life. Scooba will use this charge cycle when the
Scooba has been unplugged for an extended period of time or during the
battery's first charge.

TIP: For best performance, always store Scooba's battery on a plugged-in charger.
Charge Scooba’s battery overnight for the first charge.

Scooba will alternate
between spiraling, wall
following, and room crossing
during a cleaning cycle.

TIP: For best performance and floor coverage, clear your floor of chairs, clutter,
and light rugs. Use a Virtual Wall to contain Scooba to one room.

8 iRobot Scooba Owner's Manual

Battery Installation and Removal

Placing Battery in Scooba:

Rotate battery into its slot, making sure the yellow battery tabs fit inside the
guide holes.

www.irobot.com 9

Charging Scooba

Scooba's Tanks

Removing the Battery from Scooba:

Grip the battery, making sure to push the release tab, then rotate up.

Battery

Release

Tab

Push release tab Rotate battery up

Charging Scooba

Charge Scooba's battery by plugging the power supply into Scooba.

Scooba’s Power
Button Light

Red Battery empty

Green pulse Charging

Green fast pulse

Solid green Fully charged

Blinking red

Battery Status

16-hour refresh
charge

Battery not
installed

Scooba's Tank

Scooba's tank is completely removable from the robot base. Scooba has a
unique two-chamber tank design that ensures fresh cleaning solution never
mixes with the dirty water Scooba picks up as it cleans.

Clean Tank

The Clean tank holds the Clorox®Scooba cleaning solution and water that
Scooba uses to clean the floor. Before each use, the Clean tank is filled with
water and 1 measuring cup (1-1/2 oz.) of Clorox®Scooba cleaning solution.

Fill the Clean tank before cleaning with Scooba.

Press handle to remove
tank.

Remove tank from robot
base.

Using the included
measuring cup, measure
and pour Clorox®Scooba
cleaning solution into the
Clean tank.

TIP: Always make sure that the green power light of the power supply is ON while
plugged into the wall.

10 iRobot Scooba Owner's Manual

Slowly fill the remainder of
the Clean tank with warm
or cold tap water. Tilt the
tank back and ensure it is
completely filled to the top.

CAUTION: Fill with cold or luke-warm water only. Do not fill Scooba’s tanks with hot water.

CAUTION: USE ONLY APPROVED CLEANING SOLUTIONS. Clorox®Scooba
cleaning solution is specially formulated for Scooba. Other solutions may damage
Scooba, causing corrosion of electronic parts, excessive foaming, and poor traction.
Use of other solutions will void the warranty. See page 14 for details.

Push the Clean tank cap
closed and place tank
back in robot.

Push firmly on tank until
you hear an audible click.

www.irobot.com 11

Scooba's Tanks

Scooba's Cleaning System

Dirty Tank

Scooba puts down clean solution, scrubs the floor, and collects all of the
dirty solution into the Dirty tank. Empty and rinse the Dirty tank after every
cleaning cycle.

Empty and rinse the tanks after every cleaning cycle.

Press handle to release
tank.

Remove tank from robot. Empty Dirty and Clean

tanks.

Scooba's Cleaning System

Scooba uses four cleaning methods in every pass.

1) Preps – Scooba picks up loose dirt and light debris from the floor.

You do not need to sweep the floor before using Scooba unless you

have large objects such as pebbles or large food particles on the floor.

2) Washes – Scooba continuously lays down a small amount of fresh

cleaning solution.

3) Scrubs – Scooba gently scrubs to clean spills and grime.

Rinse Dirty and Clean
tanks with warm water.

Remove and rinse
Scooba's filter and
vacuum port.

12 iRobot Scooba Owner's Manual

Place the tank back in
Scooba. Push down firmly
on the tank until you hear
an audible click.

4) Dries – Scooba's squeegee vacuum picks up dirty water and debris,

leaving your floor clean and dry.

Scooba will clean until it has used all of the solution in the Clean tank,
approximately 45 minutes. At the end of a cleaning cycle, Scooba will enter
a drying mode.

Internal Drying Mode

At the end of the cleaning cycle, Scooba will enter a brief internal drying
mode to remove any liquid remaining on its brushes and inside its cleaning
mechanisms. During this time Scooba’s Clean light will blink blue.

TIP: If you wish to end a cleaning cycle early, iRobot recommends activating the
internal drying mode first:

• To start drying mode while the robot is cleaning, just press Clean.

• To start drying mode when Scooba is off, press Power & then press Clean twice.

www.irobot.com 13

Clorox®Scooba Solution

Scooba Virtual Wall

Clorox®Scooba Cleaning Solution

Clorox®Scooba cleaning solution is a specially formulated cleaning
solution that is safe for use in Scooba. The solution is designed to
be tough enough for cleaning, but safe around children and pets.

CAUTION: Use only approved cleaning solutions in Scooba. Other solutions
may damage Scooba causing corrosion of electronic parts, excessive foaming, and
poor traction. Use of other solutions may damage the robot and voids the warranty.

Clorox®Scooba cleaning solution has been specifically engineered to be safe
and effective on hard floor surfaces, including tile, linoleum, vinyl, marble,
slate, stone, and sealed hardwood.

The solution contains no bleach.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE SCOOBA ON THESE SURFACES:

• Carpet or rugs

• Unsealed hardwood or stone

• Laminate flooring (such as Pergo®)

Scooba is not recommended for use on unfinished or unsealed hard floor surfaces, carpet, rugs
or waxed floors. These surfaces may be damaged by water (an unsealed floor does not have a
coat of polyurethane to protect the sub-flooring from water damage). Additionally, Scooba is not
safe for use with laminate flooring which may be damaged by wet cleaning methods.

TIP: When using Scooba on sealed hardwood floors, inspect the floor surface for worn
finish, bare wood, or separated and unsealed joints. Do not use Scooba on your hard­wood floor if any of these conditions exist. Follow the floor manufacturer's cleaning
recommendations.

Scooba Virtual Wall

The Scooba Virtual Wall creates an invisible barrier that
Scooba will not cross. Virtual Walls can be set to block
areas from three to eight feet wide.

TIP: Use the Virtual Wall to block doorways or to keep Scooba away from cords.

The Virtual Wall beam is keyhole
shaped. A small halo prevents Scooba
from bumping the Virtual Wall and a
larger lobe-shaped section blocks off
areas of your home where you don't
want Scooba to go.

Virtual Walls require 2 “D” batteries.
Virtual Walls will automatically shut
themselves off at the end of a
cleaning cycle.

Approved Cleaning Solutions

iRobot approves using only Clorox®Scooba cleaning solution or 2 oz. of
white vinegar with Scooba. iRobot does not assume responsibility for floor
damage caused by the use of vinegar on hard floor surfaces.

14 iRobot Scooba Owner's Manual

TIP: For best performance, place the Virtual Wall on the outside of the doorway
you wish to block, and always set the Virtual Wall to the shortest setting possible.

www.irobot.com 15

Scooba Maintenance

Scooba Maintenance

Scooba Maintenance

To keep Scooba running at peak performance, perform the following mainte­nance tasks after every cleaning cycle:

Rinse Scooba's Dirty and Clean tanks

Partially fill the Dirty tank
with water.

Clean Scooba's filter

Empty and rinse both the
Clean and Dirty tanks.

Clean Scooba's brush

Scooba's brush is located inside a cartridge called the “cleaning head.”
Access to the cleaning head is inside Scooba, so the tank needs to be open
when removing and replacing the cleaning head.

Push the Eject Brush
button to remove the
cleaning head.

Open the cleaning head
and remove the brush.

Rinse cleaning head and
brush under warm water.

Remove filter. Rinse under warm water. Replace filter.

CAUTION: Scooba contains electronic components that can be damaged by spills
of water or other liquids. Clean the bottom and top of Scooba with a damp cloth only.
Do not pour or spray water onto Scooba, other than into the Clean or Dirty tanks.

16 iRobot Scooba Owner's Manual

Replace Scooba's
cleaning head.

Rinse Scooba's vacuum port regularly

Remove vacuum port. Rinse under warm water. Replace vacuum port.

www.irobot.com 17

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Warning Lights

Scooba has several warning lights that tell you if the robot needs assistance.

Power Light

Service Code

8

Warning Light Possible Cause What To Do

The brush is jammed.

The cleaning head is
improperly installed.

Scooba cannot move.

The tank is not in the robot.

The filter is missing.

(Yellow)

The Dirty tank is full. Empty the Dirty tank.

Check Tank

Check Brush

I'm Stuck

Remove and clean Scooba's
brush and cleaning head.
With cleaning head and tanks
removed, turn Scooba over,
inspect and clean brush shaft.

Remove and replace Scooba's
cleaning head (page 17).

Confirm that Scooba's wheels
are unobstructed and that they
offer some resistance when
turned by hand.

Place the tank in the Robot
and make sure the tank latch
is securely closed.

Remove, rinse and replace
Scooba's filter. Ensure filter is
installed properly (page 16).

Service Codes

Scooba can self-diagnose problems. If Scooba's
red service code comes on, refer to the following
chart. If the problem persists, contact iRobot
customer care at www.irobot.com/support for
customer service assistance.

Error Code What It Means What To Do

1

2or3

4or5

7or8

9

C

b
H
d

Vacuum malfunction Remove and rinse Scooba's filter and vacuum port (page 16).

Inspect the left wheel. Spin the wheel by hand, the wheel

Left wheel malfunction

Right wheel malfunction

Battery or Charger issue

Charger issue Contact iRobot customer care.

Scooba's cliff
sensors are dirty or
malfunctioning

Bumper problem

Battery is too hot

One of Scooba's wheels
is off the floor; you may
have picked up the robot

should offer some resistance. If it does not, or if it's stuck
and you can't dislodge the obstruction, contact iRobot
customer care.

Inspect the right wheel. Spin the wheel by hand, the wheel
should offer some resistance. If it does not, or if it's stuck
and you can't dislodge the obstruction, contact iRobot
customer care.

Unplug the power supply and remove the battery. Re-insert
the battery and ensure it is fully seated and clicks into place.
Reconnect the power supply to the charging socket.

Clean cliff sensors with a cotton swab (see page 6 for
sensor location). The three cliff sensors are the black pieces
located behind the bumper and are accessed by turning the
Scooba over. Make sure the tanks are empty before turning
Scooba over.

Tap the bumper to ensure that it moves in and out. Visually
inspect bumper edges for debris.

Make sure Scooba was not recently filled with hot water or
charged in a hot place. Wait for Scooba and battery to cool
down and try again.

Inspect all wheels. Push the wheels up and down. Put the
robot back on the floor, press Clean.

8

The Clean tank is empty and
your cleaning cycle is complete.

(Blue)

Battery has lost its charge.

(Red)

18 iRobot Scooba Owner's Manual

Empty the Dirty tank and rinse
(see page 20 for complete
troubleshooting).

Recharge Scooba's battery
(page 10).

E

F

P

Robot electronics
malfunction

Front wheel malfunction

Pump malfunction Contact iRobot customer care.

Remove any obstacles from brushes and wheels. If problem
persists, contact iRobot customer care.

Ensure the front wheel can spin freely. Lightly push wheel up
and down. If material is stuck in the wheel, the front caster
wheel can be easily removed, cleaned and replaced. Put the
robot back on the floor, press Clean.

www.irobot.com 19

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Blue Check Tank Troubleshooting

Normally, Scooba's blue “Check Tank” light
illuminates when Scooba’s Clean tank is empty.
If the Check Tank is lit and the Clean tank is
not empty, follow these steps to troubleshoot
the issue.

Eject BrushSolution Valve

Inspect and clean Scooba's
solution valve with a damp
cloth.

Battery

Filter

Confirm that the battery, filter, and vacuum port are properly
installed, and that the tank is completely closed.

Vacuum

Port

General Troubleshooting

Problem Likely Cause What To Do

Press power, then press Clean to start
Scooba.

Place battery into a plugged-in charger and
charge it (page 10).

Remove battery and ensure that battery
tabs are placed inside Scooba's guide
holes before closing Scooba's tank.

See page 20 for troubleshooting.

Empty and rinse the Clean tank thoroughly.
When re-filling, make sure to use only one
measuring cup of Clorox®Scooba cleaning
solution in a full tank (1 quart) of water.
If you want to partially fill the tank for a
smaller room, you need to pre-mix one
measuring cup of cleaning solution in
one quart of water before filling the tank.

With the tank open, slide the cleaning head
out of Scooba. Squeeze the cleaning head
completely closed over the brush before
re-inserting it into its proper location.
(page 17)

Scooba will not
start cleaning

Excessive foam
coming out of
Scooba

Cleaning head
sticks out of
Scooba, will not
engage

Power is off

Battery is not charged

Battery is not correctly seated

Blue “Check Tank” light
illuminates

There is too much cleaning
solution concentrate in Clean
tank.

The cleaning head is not
closed tightly over the brush.

Fill Scooba's Clean tank with approximately 1 cup of cold water, shake vigorously, and empty it to
remove any debris in the tank. Refill Scooba's Clean tank with water and Clorox®Scooba cleaning
solution or vinegar. Use up to one full Scooba measuring cup of cleaning solution if the check
tank light remains on.

If the battery’s yellow tabs are not inside the guide holes in the battery
pocket, the tank and robot base may not be properly connected.

Use of only water or extremely small amounts of cleaning solution reduces
Scooba's ability to recognize water in the Clean tank. Always use the recommended
amount of cleaning solution and water.

20 iRobot Scooba Owner's Manual

www.irobot.com 21

Contact iRobot

Safety Instructions

Contact iRobot Customer Care

If you have questions or comments about Scooba, please contact iRobot
before contacting a retailer.

Please visit our website at www.irobot.com for support tips, accessories, and
frequently asked questions, we would like to hear from you.

If you need further assistance:

• Visit the iRobot support website at www.irobot.com/support

• Call our customer care representatives at 877-855-8593

iRobot Customer care hours:
Monday-Friday 9AM - 7PM Eastern Time
Saturday 9AM - 6PM Eastern Time

Important Safety Instructions

CAUTION: DO NOT EXPOSE ELECTRONICS OF SCOOBA, ITS BATTERY OR THE
CHARGER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL. CHARGE USING STANDARD U.S. (120V AC) OUTLET ONLY.

Always use care when operating Scooba. To reduce the risk of injury or damage, keep these
safety precautions in mind when setting up, using and maintaining your Scooba:

GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Read all safety and operating instructions before operating Scooba.

• Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference.

• Observe all warnings on Scooba, battery, charger and in owner's manual.

• Follow all operating and use instructions.

• Refer all non-routine servicing to a qualified service personnel.

• Your floor may be slippery while Scooba is cleaning and after the cycle is complete.
Drying times may vary.

SCOOBA USE RESTRICTIONS

• Scooba is for indoor, non-commercial use only.

• Use only approved cleaning solutions. Use of other cleaning solutions will void your warranty.

• Scooba is not a toy. Do not sit or stand on this device. Small children and pets
should be supervised when Scooba is cleaning.

• Clean with a damp cloth only. Do not pour or spray water onto Scooba.

• Do not use this device to pick up anything that is burning or smoking.

• Do not use this device to pick up spills of bleach, paint, or other chemicals.

• Before using this device, pick up objects like clothing, loose papers, pull cords for blinds
or curtains, power cords, and any fragile objects. If the device passes over a power cord
and drags it, there is a chance an object could tumble off a table or shelf.

• If the room to be cleaned contains a balcony, a physical barrier should be used to
prevent access to the balcony and ensure safe operation.

• Do not use this device to pick up flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline.

• Always remove the battery before long-term storage or transportation.

• Operate at room temperature only. Freezing or excessive heat will damage Scooba.

22 iRobot Scooba Owner's Manual

SCOOBA BATTERY AND CHARGING

• Operate your Scooba only from the type of power source indicated on the marking
label. If you are not sure of the type of power supplied in your home, consult your
local power company.

• Charge using a standard U.S. (120V AC) outlet only. Product may not be used with
any type of power converter. Use of other power converters will immediately void
the warranty.

• Use only the charger supplied by the manufacturer to charge this device.

• Do not use a charger with a damaged cord or plug.

• Charge indoors only.

• Never handle chargers with wet hands.

• Always disconnect Scooba from the charger before cleaning.

www.irobot.com

23

Register your
iRobot

®

Scooba

™

today. SAVE 15%
on all accessories.

*

Clorox®Scooba
Cleaning Solution

Five 32 oz. bottles of
Clorox Scooba Hard
Floor Cleaner. Fills
Scooba’s tank 80
times.

........................ $24

Scooba Virtual Wall

Keep Scooba cleaning
where you want or
away from obstacles.

........................ $29

99

®

99

Scooba Battery

Get more continuous
cleaning time from your
Scooba with a second
rechargeable battery.

........................ $59

99

Scooba
Replenish Kit

Replace Scooba’s
brush, wheels, vacuum
port, and squeegees for
optimal performance.

........................ $29

Scooba Wetsuit

15” diameter, washable
storage mat for Scooba.

........................ $12

™

Scooba Battery
Charger

Rapidly charges
Scooba’s battery
outside of the robot.

........................ $39

Get iRobot accessories at:

800.727.9077 or visit: store.irobot.com

*See registration card for details. Pricing and availability subject to change. Shipping and handling not included.

99

99

99

© 2006 iRobot Corporation, 63 South Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. All rights reserved. iRobot and Vir tual Wall are registered
trademarks of iRobot Corporation. Scooba is a trademark of iRobot Corporation. US Pat. Nos. 6,690,134 | 6,809,490 | 6,594,844.
Other patents pending. Clorox is a registered trademark of The Clorox Company. All rights reserved. Pergo is a registered
trademark of Pergo Incorporated. All rights reserved.