Turn your robotic vacuum into a cleaning pal with these cute covers

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Robot vacuums may be great for lazy cleaners, but they aren’t exactly adorable with their techy look and all. But this independent, woman-owned business is on a mission to make your favorite cleaning gadget a whole lot cuter.

Robo Rascals are plush covers for robotic vacuums that make them irresistibly adorable — and don’t hinder the device’s function. Based in Ashburn, VA, the company launched soon after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down much of the U.S. Though it was a tumultuous time for small businesses, the company quickly went viral on TikTok, amassing more than 1,400 sales on Etsy alone.

Creator Francesca Maniff told Washington Business Journal that she first had the idea for Robo Rascals when her dog Chewey decided to take a ride on her Roomba for fun. 

“It was hilarious and adorable and got me thinking: Why hadn’t anyone ever transformed the Roomba into a cute little critter itself?” Maniff told Washington Business Journal. “Everyone I knew gave [their Roomba] a name and a personality, so giving it a family-friendly look to match seemed like a logical next step.”

@roborascals

Could I Get a Little TikTok Magic for my Small Business? 😅 #roomba #foryoupage #fyp #viral #supportsmallbiz

♬ Sail – AWOLNATION

Designed to make “cleaning more fun,” these simple but clever covers turn a robot vacuum into a cutesy cleaning machine. As the creator puts it on Etsy, Robo Rascals transforms “a bulky black eyesore into a cute and cuddly accessory that brings joy to all who see it.” They also happen to dull noise from cleaning devices, which is a welcomed bonus.

There are four main character styles: Lucy the Ladybug, Hector the Hedgehog, Betsy the Bumblebee and Tidy the Turtle. But for the holidays, there’s a special release: Rudolph the Robo Rascal, complete with a light-up red nose.

Robo Rascals fit all current models of iRobot Roombas and similarly-sized competitor vacuums. The cover simply slips over the vacuum and stays put, though velcro adhesives are included if you want some extra security for your plush pal.

Credit: Robo Rascals

Each Robo Rascal goes for $29.99 on Amazon and Etsy, which is pretty darn affordable for a cute new buddy jetting around your house. You can also bundle a few covers by picking two for $54.99, three for $80.99 or four for $89.99. But note this option is only available on Etsy.

If you want an adorable cleaning pal, check out the five Robo Rascal styles below — from adorable insects to a heck of a hedgehog. No wonder these things are going viral.

Shop: Ladybug Robo Rascal, $29.99

Credit: Etsy

Available at Amazon for $29.99

Shop: Bumblebee Robo Rascal, $29.99

Credit: Etsy

Available at Amazon for $29.99

Shop: Turtle Robo Rascal, $29.99

Credit: Etsy

Available at Amazon for $29.99

Shop: Hedgehog Robo Rascal, $29.99

Credit: Etsy

Available at Amazon for $29.99

Shop: Rudolf Robo Rascal, $29.99

Credit: Etsy

And if these cute covers finally convinced you to buy a Roomba, check out some top models of the robotic vacuums below.

Shop: iRobot Roomba 614, $224 (Orig. $249.99)

Credit: Amazon

Shop: iRobot Roomba 675, $249 (Orig. $279.99)

Credit: Amazon

Shop: iRobot Roomba 692, $299.99 (Orig. $319.99)

Credit: Amazon

Shop: iRobot Roomba E5, $299 (Orig. $379.99)

Credit: Amazon

Shop: iRobot Roomba i3+ With Dirt Disposal, $549.99 (Orig. $599)

Credit: Amazon

Shop: iRobot Roomba i7+ With Dirt Disposal, $799 (Orig. $999.99)

Credit: Amazon

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