Lifestyle

Ready to rethink Valentine’s Day? Check out these 9 cozy at-home ideas for an unforgettable celebration filled with fun and love!

Vacuuming is easy to dismiss as just another household chore, but it’s also a form of physical activity that many people overlook. Pushing, pulling, bending, and walking while vacuuming engages your arms, core, and legs, all while keeping your heart rate slightly elevated. Over time, those movements add up. Understanding how many calories vacuuming burns can help you see everyday cleaning in a new light. For people with busy schedules, it’s a simple way to stay active without carving out extra time for the gym. With the right technique and the right tools, you can make vacuuming safer, more effective, and even more rewarding. Vacuuming as Exercise? An Overlooked Calorie Burner From a fitness standpoint, vacuuming is considered a moderate-intensity physical activity. According to the Compendium of Physical Activities (used by the CDC and wearable fitness trackers), household vacuuming typically falls between 3.0–3.5 METs, similar to brisk walking or light calisthenics. That means vacuuming: Raises your heart rate Activates large muscle groups (arms, shoulders, legs, core) Contributes meaningfully to daily movement goals It’s not a replacement for structured exercise, but it does count. How Many Calories Can You Burn Vacuuming? Calorie burn varies by body weight, time, and intensity. On average, based on Harvard Health Publishing: 125 lb (57 kg): ~70–80 calories in 30 minutes 150 lb (68 kg): ~90–110 calories in 30 minutes 200 lb (91 kg): ~120–140 calories in 30 minutes Factors that increase calorie burn include: Vacuuming thick carpet instead of hard floors Faster pace and wider arm movements Adding squats, lunges, or side steps What Affects Calorie Burn While Vacuuming? Several variables influence how much effort vacuuming requires: Floor type: High-pile carpets require more resistance than hardwood. Vacuum design: Heavier or less maneuverable vacuums demand more effort. Movement style: Incorporating full-body motion burns more calories. Duration: Longer or more frequent sessions naturally increase total burn. This is where ergonomics and equipment design start to matter—not just for fitness, but for injury prevention. How to Vacuum with Better Posture (and Less Strain) To turn vacuuming into healthy movement rather than back pain, posture matters: Keep your spine neutral: Avoid hunching. Engage your core lightly. Use your legs, not your back: Step forward and backward instead of bending at the waist. Alternate sides: Switch arms or directions to avoid overuse. Add controlled squats or lunges: Especially when cleaning under furniture. Let the machine do the work: Avoid forcing the vacuum forward. Doctors of chiropractic recommend keeping movements smooth and avoiding twisting motions when doing household tasks. Make Vacuuming Part of Your Fitness Routine Different people enjoy different levels of physical involvement. The right vacuum can support how you want to move. For independent fitness enthusiasts A robot vacuum and mop handles daily cleaning automatically, freeing up time and energy for intentional workouts. It’s ideal if you prefer your exercise structured, and your cleaning hands-free. [product handle="x50-ultra-robot-vacuum" rating="4.8"] For active movers who want assistance A wet-dry vacuum offers powered movement that reduces push resistance, while still encouraging natural bending, squatting, and walking. Its ability to lie flat makes it especially friendly for lower-body engagement. [product handle="h15-pro-heat-wet-dry-vacuum" rating="4.6"] For lightweight, all-around movement A cordless stick vacuum supports quick, full-body motion without heavy lifting. It’s easy to maneuver, ideal for stairs and spot cleaning, and encourages natural pacing. [product handle="z30-cordless-stick-vacuum" rating="4.5"] Each option supports movement differently—without forcing you into awkward or unsafe positions. Vacuuming Vs Other Chores Vacuuming sits in a sweet spot: more effective than light chores, less demanding than heavy yard work, and far easier to fit into daily life. Activity Intensity Calorie Burn (30 min) Dusting Low ~40–60 Vacuuming Moderate ~75–120 Mopping Moderate ~90–130 Gardening Moderate–High ~130–200 Pro tip: Track Calories While Cleaning Wearable devices like Apple Watch, Fitbit, and Garmin estimate calories using heart rate and motion data. While not perfectly precise, they’re useful for: Building awareness Staying motivated Seeing household activity reflected in daily goals Many users are surprised by how much “movement” comes from cleaning alone. Small Movements, Real Impact Vacuuming won’t replace a gym session, but it doesn’t have to. As a moderate-intensity activity, it contributes to daily movement, supports cardiovascular health, and keeps your home clean at the same time. With good posture, intentional movement, and ergonomically designed vacuums, vacuuming becomes less of a chore and more of a functional habit. Fitness doesn’t always start with a workout plan. Sometimes, it starts with the way you clean your floors.

The holiday season transforms your living room, but it also transforms the way your robot vacuum navigates your home. A Christmas tree introduces new risks: delicate ornaments, tree skirts, loose electrical cords, pine needles, and even sticky sap. If you’re curious about how to keep your robot vacuum away from the Christmas tree, you’re not alone. Every December, Reddit is buzzing with tales of vacuums pulling tree skirts around, knocking off ornaments, or even munching on stray branches. As a company that builds advanced floor-cleaning robots, Dreame has dealt with these seasonal challenges in both lab tests and real-home feedback. Below, you’ll learn the right way to block your robot vacuum from your Christmas tree, and how to protect both your holiday decorations and your smart gadget throughout the holidays. The Recommended Method: Use App-Based No-Go Zones Using the robot vacuum's app, you can simply draw a no-go zone around your Christmas tree on the home map. Once saved, your robot vacuum will automatically avoid that area in all future cleanings. The feature that allows you to create precise, app-based restricted areas is a must-have feature for any modern robot vacuum. This is the safest and most reliable method. Why This Works Best: No physical barriers needed Prevents collisions with ornaments, gifts, and fragile décor Avoids cable tangles from Christmas lights Stops robots from dragging the tree skirt Adapts instantly if you reposition the tree or gifts This approach is non-negotiable during the holidays. Even the most advanced navigation systems can mistake low-hanging ornaments, glittery decor, or tree skirts for obstacles they should “nudge” around. Method 2: Use a Physical Barrier A no-go zone is the best solution, but some users prefer a physical visual cue as well. Safe options include: A small decorative fence Weighted boxes Tree base covers Avoid anything that: Is lightweight enough for a robot to push Has loose tassels or ribbons Can collapse onto the robot vacuum Remember: never rely solely on a physical barrier, combine it with the digital no-go zone. Have you picked out your Christmas gifts for family and friends yet? Check out these 10 Great Tech Christmas gift ideas.  Next Step: Make Sure the Tree Base and Surroundings are Safe Even if you block the tree using the app and add a physical barrier, the area around the tree may still cause issues. Here’s what to check: Tree Skirts: Vacuums often catch the edge of the tree skirt with their side brushes. Choose a heavier, non-frilled skirt that sits flat, or place the skirt entirely inside your no-go zone. Loose Cords: Christmas lights often have loose wiring hidden under the tree. These wires are the perfect size for roller brushes to grab. Decorative Items: Small ornament hooks, glitter, tinsel, or pine cones can confuse even AI-powered obstacle-avoidance systems. They reflect light oddly or appear too small for object classification. If it falls off the tree? Treat it as unsafe for robot vacuum pickup. Pro Tip:Cord clutter is one of the top causes of robot vacuum entanglement year-round. During holidays, keep all tree lighting cords elevated or secured with clips outside the vacuum’s path. Are Christmas Tree Needles Safe for Robot Vacuums? No. Avoid vacuuming tree needles with robot vacuums. These needles are long and rigid, making them prone to getting stuck in the suction port and causing blockages. They also do not collect well into dustbins or dust bags. Tree needles can: Jam the air duct Wrap around the roller brush Puncture soft seals Accumulate sap, which can gum up moving parts Scatter, creating micro-scratches on polished hardwood when dragged That’s why the safest approach is: Sweep needles manually Or use a non-robot wet/dry vacuum designed for debris like this (and avoid sap accumulation) If someone already vacuumed needles and now the robot vacuum is clogged, the correct response is to contact customer support directly, not attempt DIY disassembly. Post-Holiday Cleanup: What NOT to Vacuum When the decorations come down, keep your robot vacuum safe by avoiding: Dead needles Glitter Tinsel Ornament hooks Broken ornament pieces Sap residue or sticky marks These items either cause blockages, reflect oddly on sensors, or damage wheels and brushes. Use manual cleanup first, then run the robot vacuum once the hazard debris is removed. Read our Christmas cleaning guide for step-by-step instructions. Protect the Tree and Your Robot Vacuum A robot vacuum shouldn’t create more stress during the holidays, it should make them easier. With a smart no-go zone, proper preparation, and a little awareness, you can keep both your Christmas tree and your device safe. Dreame’s advanced mapping systems make it simple to adapt cleaning routines for seasonal changes. Whether you’re using our L-series, X-series, or any model with precision LiDAR mapping and app control, your robot vacuum can stay fully functional, without ever disturbing the most festive corner of your home. Take a look at our Christmas sale for more smart home gadgets!

CES always teases the next big thing in home tech. In 2025, one gadget stole the spotlight: the robot vacuum with an arm. The question on many people’s minds was: Do we actually need a vacuum robot arm, or is it more hype than help? This guide will break down what a robot vacuum arm is, why it’s generating buzz, the drawbacks you should know about, and the smarter alternatives available today. By the end, you’ll know whether to wait for this new wave or enjoy proven cleaning power now. What Is a Robot Vacuum Arm? A vacuum robot arm is exactly what it sounds like—a robotic cleaning arm attached to a robot vacuum. Think of it as a bionic multi-joint arm that can extend and move in multiple directions. Instead of just rolling across floors, this new type of robot can theoretically grab objects, push clutter aside, or scrub tricky corners. In practical terms, the “arm” works much like an extra set of fingers for your robot vacuum. Some designs feature a pincer-style grip for small objects, while others use a flexible brush or mop extension that swings out. These prototypes aren’t household-ready yet, but they hint at what future cleaning robots could become—machines that not only clean but also interact with their environment in smarter ways. If you’re still wondering whether robot floor cleaners in general are worth it, check out Dreame’s guide: “Are Robot Floor Cleaners Worth It in 2025?” for a deep dive into current technologies and what really makes cleaning easier today.   Pro-tip If your main concern is dust and dirt buildup along corners, look for robot vacuums with extendable mop arms. They do the job today without the wait.   Why Would a Vacuum Robot Have an Arm? At first, it may sound unnecessary. But when you think about real-life cleaning challenges, an arm starts to make sense. Here are the main reasons: Picking up Tools or Attachments: Imagine a vacuum that could swap between a mop, sponge, or brush on its own. Edge and Corner Cleaning: An extendable arm could scrub baseboards, skirting, or corners more effectively than a standard round robot. Obstacle Management: Socks, cables, and small toys often stop a robot in its tracks. A robot vacuum with an arm could push them aside or lift them out of the way. Parents especially know the frustration of scattered toys, or pet owners who find chew sticks and furballs blocking their vacuum’s path. A robot vacuum arm theoretically addresses these issues by physically moving them. However, critics argue that this adds complexity without solving the root problem—homes tend to get cluttered faster than a vacuum can clear them. Of course, people are skeptical. Can a small arm really handle clutter at scale? Or is it just solving problems better handled by smart obstacle avoidance?   Important Robot arms may look impressive in demos, but they don’t replace the need for good navigation. A reliable robot should avoid messes first—then think about moving them.   Hype vs. Real Benefit There’s no doubt that a vacuum robot with an arm looks impressive. But does it truly solve everyday cleaning frustrations? Here’s the reality: Most users want reliability, not tricks. Obstacle avoidance systems skip clutter instead of trying to move it. Extended mop arms exist today. Technologies like Dreame’s MopExtend™ can reach into corners without needing a full robotic arm. Other robotic add-ons exist too. From mop extension arms to robotic “legs” that climb thresholds, we’re already seeing modular innovation. For instance, Dreame’s ProLeap™ legs allow the robot vacuums to cross tall thresholds, which is a problem many users face daily. While this isn’t as flashy as an arm, it delivers a real benefit that saves you from carrying the robot between rooms. For a closer look at how budget and premium models differ in real-world features, our blog “Budget Robot Vacuum vs. High-End Robot Vacuum: Which Is Best for You?” compares price tiers and helps you decide what’s worth paying for. 5 Drawbacks of Robot Vacuum Arms Before you get too excited, it’s worth considering the downsides. Early-stage robotic arms have their challenges: Limited Availability: Most “robot arm” concepts are ptototype-stage as of 2025.  Complexity: Extra motors and sensors drive up costs and maintenance. Many early versions may fall into the “most expensive robot vacuum” category. Reliability in Real Homes: Arms can snag on cables, misjudge objects, or even break during use. Noise: More moving parts often mean louder operation. Speed: Stopping to move objects or clean edges could slow the entire cleaning cycle. Battery impact: Added weight and motion can reduce runtime unless the robot vacuums are equipped with a larger-capacity battery.  So while the concept is exciting, the execution is still a work in progress.   Pro-tip If budget matters, skip experimental features and choose a model with reliable self-emptying and mop-washing docks. These will save more time daily than a robotic arm.   Should You Wait for a Robot Vacuum with an Arm? If your goal is hands-free cleaning today, you don’t need to wait. With self-emptying docks, mop wash and dry systems, extendable mop arms, and climbing legs, leading brands like Dreame already offer the best balance of automation and reliability. But if you’re excited by the idea of a robot vacuum that can pick up socks or grab a sponge, keep an eye out. A Dreame robot vacuum with an arm will eventually make its way to homes in the US. In the meantime, it’s smarter to invest in a proven model now and upgrade later when the tech matures.   Important Don’t wait on prototypes if your home needs help today. The best cleaning gains come from self-emptying docks and mop systems already on the market.   Remember, early adopters often pay a premium for experimental features that may not last. By waiting, you benefit from tested reliability and better value once the technology is refined. What Smarter Alternatives Are Already Available? Here’s the good news: you don’t need to wait years for futuristic cleaning upgrades. Dreame has already brought real-world innovations to its robot vacuums: Dreame MopExtend™ arm (available in L40s Ultra and X50 Ultra): This clever “mini arm” extends the mop outward, reaching corners and baseboards that traditional vacuums miss. Dreame ProLeap™ robotic legs (X50 Ultra and Aqua10 Ultra Roller): Retractable legs let your vacuum climb thresholds up to 3.1 inches (8 cm). Perfect for homes with multiple levels or thick rugs. Advanced AI obstacle avoidance (X50 Ultra): Instead of moving your socks, it simply avoids them with precision—no tangles, no stoppages. If you want to explore Dreame’s lineup, check out the Dreame X50 Ultra for top-tier AI and mop extension, or the Dreame L40s Ultra for reliable everyday cleaning power. To help you choose among these powerful options, check out our blog: “How to Choose a Robot Vacuum for Your Home,” which breaks down key factors like suction, navigation, and docking systems.   Dreame Take Instead of chasing flashy prototypes, we’ve focused on solving real-world problems, like dirty corners and high thresholds, using smart, reliable features you can buy today.   That means you can already enjoy features like mop washing, hot air drying, and smart dirt detection without waiting for future models. These are the kinds of upgrades that change daily cleaning habits, making robots true set-and-forget devices. FAQs Are there any Dreame robot vacuums with an arm I can buy now? Not yet. Dreame has shown prototypes, but no model is currently available in the US or Canada. Do I need an arm for corner cleaning? No. Dreame MopExtend™ handles corners and baseboards today without adding bulk or complexity. Why are robot vacuums with arms so expensive? Added motors, sensors, and precision engineering drive up the cost. Until production scales, they’ll remain in the “most expensive robot vacuum” category. As a reference, while traditional robot vacuums in the US often range from $400–$1,500 depending on features, experimental models with arms could push far beyond that. It’s another reason to focus on value-driven innovations already in Dreame’s lineup. What matters most for real hands-free cleaning? Look for self-emptying + mop wash/dry, reliable obstacle avoidance, edge reach, and threshold climbing—these deliver daily time savings. Final Thoughts The robot vacuum arm is one of the most eye-catching home tech trends of 2025. It promises more than just vacuuming—it promises a robot vacuum that can interact with your home. But while the idea is exciting, the practical benefits aren’t quite ready for prime time. Until then, Dreame’s innovations like MopExtend™ and ProLeap™ show that meaningful, user-friendly improvements are already here. And they’re changing the way we clean—one corner, threshold, and dusty baseboard at a time. Get the benefits now without waiting.

Ready for the holidays? Our pre-Christmas cleaning plan will make your home shine! Follow our simple steps for a festive, welcoming space.

With Christmas around the corner, check out smart home gifts that wow! From robot vacuums to smart cameras, make this holiday special for everyone!