How to Clean a Roomba Brushes: Easy 2026 Methods

Why Your Roomba Brushes Need Regular Cleaning

I've owned three different iRobot models over the last six years. My Roomba i7+ and the newer j7+ both struggle when the main extractors get clogged. If you have kids who track mud everywhere or a Golden Retriever shedding everywhere, you'll notice the vacuum leaving dirt behind. The motor works harder. It drains the battery 20% faster. I'll be honest, ignoring this maintenance turns a $600 smart vacuum into a very expensive paperweight.

Cleaning the brushes takes exactly 8 minutes. Doing it weekly saves you from buying $35 replacement brush sets every three months. When the brushes are clean, the 3300 mAh battery actually lasts through the entire 1800 square foot main floor. When they are tangled, the robot dies halfway through the kitchen. Let's fix that.

Tools You Actually Need

Don't buy fancy cleaning kits. I've tested the official iRobot cleaning tool, which costs around $15-20. It works fine. But a cheap $3 seam ripper from a craft store does the exact same job for cutting hair. You'll also need a microfiber cloth and a small Phillips head screwdriver. For the side brush, a standard flathead works best.

Keep a pair of needle-nose pliers handy. They cost about $8 at Home Depot and are perfect for yanking out stubborn hair wrapped around the bearings. I also keep a stiff nylon scrub brush in my cleaning caddy. It's great for removing fine dust from the rubber treads. This isn't the cheapest option for tools, but buying quality pliers means they won't snap when you pull on a tough hair knot.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Roomba Brushes (Main Extractors)

This process applies to the dual multi-surface rubber brushes found on the i3, i7, j7, and s9 models. These rubber rollers are fantastic for pet hair, but they still need love.

Step 1: Remove the Brush Frame

Push the two release tabs on the brush guard. Lift the frame out of the robot. It pops right out. Set it on a clean countertop so you don't lose any small parts.

Step 2: Extract the Rollers

Pull the green and gray rubber extractors straight up. You'll see square and hexagonal pegs on the ends. Don't mix them up. The robot's software relies on these specific shapes to spin the brushes in opposite directions.

Step 3: Clear the Bearings

This is where the real gunk hides. Pop off the yellow bearing caps on both ends of the extractors. I use my seam ripper to slice through wrapped pet hair. Pull the hair out with your pliers. If you skip this, the brushes will squeak loudly during your next cleaning cycle. Make sure you clear the hair from both the roller ends and the actual yellow caps.

Step 4: Wipe the Sensors and Frame

Take a dry microfiber cloth. Wipe down the inside of the brush cage. There are four small charging contacts and optical sensors in there. Dust blocks the infrared sensors, causing the Roomba to think the bin is full. I use a cotton swab dipped in a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol to clean the metal contacts.

Step 5: Reassemble

Snap the bearing caps back on. Place the extractors back into the frame, matching the peg shapes. Press the frame back into the robot until it clicks. Give the rollers a quick spin with your hand to ensure they move freely.

Step-by-Step: Cleaning Older Bristle Brushes (600 Series)

If you have an older Roomba 675 or 690, you're dealing with traditional bristle and beater brushes. These require a bit more elbow grease. Hair wraps tightly around the bristles and gets stuck in the end caps.

Step 1: Remove the Cage and Brushes

Press the release tabs and lift the brush cage. Pull out the bristle brush and the rubber beater brush. You'll notice they have different colored ends. Keep track of which side goes where.

Step 2: Pop the End Caps

Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry off the square and hexagonal end caps. Hair will be wound tightly around the metal axles. Slice the hair with your seam ripper and slide it off. I usually have to do this three or four times per cap to get it all.

Step 3: Scrub the Bristles

The bristle brush gets caked with fine dust and dried mud. Take it to the sink and scrub it with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Use your nylon brush to agitate the bristles. Shake off the excess water and let it dry completely for at least 6 hours. Never put a wet bristle brush back into the robot.

Step-by-Step: Cleaning the Side Brush

The side brush sweeps debris into the main path. It takes a beating near baseboards and furniture legs.

Step 1: Remove the Screw

Grab your Phillips screwdriver. Remove the single center screw holding the side brush. Keep the screw safe. I usually put it in a small magnetic bowl so it doesn't roll under the couch.

Step 2: Clean and Reshape the Bristles

Wipe the bristles with a damp cloth. If they are bent out of shape, soak the brush in warm water (about 110°F) for 5 minutes. This softens the plastic. Bend them back into their original curved position and let them air dry. If the bristles are frayed or snapped, just buy a new one. A 3-pack of aftermarket side brushes costs about $12 on Amazon.

Step 3: Clear the Post

Hair loves to wrap around the metal post. Slide your seam ripper under the hair and cut it. Pull it off. Screw the brush back on. Don't overtighten it, or you'll strip the plastic threads inside the motor housing.

Cleaning the Brush Guard and Bin Area

While the brushes are out, you should clean the surrounding area. The brush guard collects a thick layer of static dust. I wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth. Don't use chemical sprays here. The moisture can drip into the wheel motors.

Next, pull out the dustbin. Remove the HEPA filter. Tap the filter gently against the inside of your trash can to knock out the fine dust. Never wash the HEPA filter with water. Water ruins the paper pleats and destroys the filtration. If the filter looks dark gray and tapping doesn't clean it, buy a replacement. A 3-pack of high-efficiency filters costs around $18 and lasts about six months.

Troubleshooting Error Code 2

If your Roomba stops mid-cycle and announces 'Error 2', it means the main brushes are stalled. This happens when a thick rug tassel or a massive clump of hair jams the extractors. I get this error at least once a month because of my thick living room rug.

To fix it, flip the robot over and remove the brush frame. Clear the obstruction. Check the square and hexagonal pegs on the ends of the brushes. If they are stripped or rounded off, the motor can't grip them. You'll need to order a new set of extractors. Once the path is clear, press the CLEAN button to resume the job.

Roomba Model Brush Comparison

Roomba Model	Brush Type	Cleaning Difficulty	Replacement Cost
i3, i7, j7	Dual Rubber Extractors	Easy (5 mins)	$35 - $45
s9, s9+	Wide Dual Rubber Extractors	Easy (5 mins)	$50 - $60
675, 690	Bristle and Beater Brushes	Medium (10 mins)	$20 - $25
Combo (mop/vac)	Single Rubber Roller	Easy (4 mins)	$25 - $30

Real-World Scenarios and Fixes

Scenario 1: Long Human Hair

My wife has hair down to her mid-back. It wraps tightly around the yellow bearing caps and acts like a tourniquet. I cut a small notch in the plastic cap with a utility knife. Now I can just pull the hair out without removing the cap every single time. It saves me about two minutes per cleaning session.

Scenario 2: Thick Pet Undercoat

If you have a Husky or a German Shepherd, the rubber extractors get coated in a fine layer of dust and dander. The rubber loses its friction on hard floors. I take the brushes outside and use a stiff nylon brush to scrub them dry. It takes 3 minutes and completely restores the rubber's grip on my hardwood floors.

Scenario 3: Rug Tassels and Cords

After hosting a dinner party, someone usually kicks a chair and a stray phone charger ends up on the floor. The Roomba eats it. If a cord wraps around the brush and stalls the motor, don't just yank it. You'll damage the internal gears. Cut the cord or tassel with heavy-duty scissors, then unwind it slowly from the roller.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my Roomba brushes?

I recommend cleaning the main extractors every single week if you have pets. For homes without shedding animals, a quick check every two weeks is plenty. The side brush usually only needs attention once a month.

Can I wash the Roomba rubber brushes in the sink?

You can rinse the rubber extractors under warm tap water to remove fine dust. Just make sure you let them air dry completely for at least 4 hours before putting them back. Never submerge the actual brush frame or the side brush motor post in water.

Why is my Roomba squeaking after I cleaned the brushes?

A high-pitched squeak almost always means hair is still trapped inside the yellow bearing caps. Pull the caps off and use a seam ripper to dig out the hidden debris. If the squeak continues, the plastic bearings might be worn down and need replacing.

Do I need to buy the official iRobot cleaning tool?

The official tool is convenient because it has a built-in blade and a small brush for the sensors. However, I use a $3 craft seam ripper and a standard microfiber cloth with identical results. Save your money and buy an extra side brush instead.

How do I know when it's time to replace the brushes entirely?

The rubber extractors usually last about 12 to 18 months before the treads wear completely smooth. If your Roomba is leaving debris behind on hard floors despite being clean, the rubber has lost its grip. You'll also notice the edges of the side brush bristles fraying or snapping off.