In order to keep i-Que operating properly, you will need to clean the robot every so often. As the robot roams around, it can pick up lint, dust and dirt which can distort the information on it's sensors if these particles block them. Keep in mind that this is an electronic device and thus proper care must be taken while cleaning.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Cleaning of the robot should always be done by an adult. The robot is a sensitive electronic device which uses household current during charging. Children may be injured by electrical current and/or cleaning solution(s) if the cleaning process is not done properly.

1. On the bottom of the robot, set the mode to "Sleep" using the "Off/Sleep/On" switch.

2. Use a couple tissues to clean the robots sensors. Use a soft lint-free cloth to clean the other areas of the robot. Do not moisten them with anything, especially not corrosive cleaners or household solutions. You may use a tiny bit of water and very mild non-abrasive soap on a soft cloth if you find a stained area. Never use any cleaning on the sensors themselves as this can damage them. Do not use any brushes or rough cloths, sponges or scrubbing implements on the robot. This may scratch and/or permanently damage sensors.

3. First clean off the underside. Clean the charging strips with a dry soft cloth. Note that some discoloration is normal. The charging strips are shown in figure 1 where the yellow arrows are pointing. Clean off the sensors that are circled in yellow in figure 1. To do this, take a rolled up corner of a tissue, insert into hole, and twist lightly a little. This helps knock loose dust and dirt. Do this for each sensor hole.

   
   Figure 1

4. On the back of the robot are more sensor holes as shown circled in figure 2. Clean them as you did the sensors in step 3.

   
   Figure 2

5. Next, dust off the entire robot with a soft cloth. Clean the ball and tracking wheels with a soft cloth and a small amount of mild non-abrasive soap and water solution. Be sure the robot is completely dry before you reactivate it.

6. Wipe the face with a soft cloth. You could try using a very small amount of non-ammonia window cleaner on a soft cloth on the face of the robot (do not use the window cleaner on any other areas). The sensors are shown circled in red on the face of the robot in figure 3. But they are behind the protective dark faceplate. If you keep the faceplate clean then these sensors will work best.

7. Clean off the front sensors shown circled at the bottom in figure 3. Do this in the same way you cleaned the small sensors in steps 3 and 4 above using a rolled up corner of a clean tissue.

8. Finally clean off the robot's IR sensor on the top of it's head with a soft cloth. This is the sensor it uses to find the charging base. This is circled in figure 3 as well.

   
   Figure 3

9. Now we will do the charging base. Keeping the charging base clean will also increase the chances that the robot will find it. Dust and other contamination can weaken the IR signals and make the base hard for the robot to find.
   
   WARNING: To prevent risk of fire or shock which can result in personal injury or death, always unplug the charging unit from the wall before you start to clean it. Remove the adapter from the charging unit as well, so that you can clean the base without getting tangled in the cord. Always inspect the cord for damage. Do not use if the cord becomes damaged. Some damage may occur if the robot had accidentally run over the cord in the course of finding the base. For this reason, inspect the cord regularly.
   
   As shown in Figure 3, there are two areas on the top of the charging base that have sensors. Clean these with a soft cloth. Mild non-abrasive soap and water can also be used. Clean the rest of the charging base including the metal contacts with a dry soft cloth. Be sure that any wet areas of the base are dry before plugging it back into the electrical outlet.