Roomba Refuge and Day Spa Resort

05/16/2026

From the archives -- One of the little stories I used to write on the various Roombas I sold on Facebook Marketplace...

Just imagine for a moment what could happen if a Roomba owner’s manual is not read thoroughly and perhaps a little misunderstood.

The following experience demonstrates why it is always a good idea to double-check what you're reading.
-------------------
Hello to all the Roomba people out there, my name is Cliff Whtzimacalzit.

I write you now to tell you about my experience, so you now be smarter than me is.

I live in an apartment by myself and have done so for many years. However, one day I realized I was lonely. So I decided I needed a friend and thought… I should buy a dog.

I picked out a cute one from the local pound. A little white dog with a small patch of black fur that is located on his back. I knew right away that I should name him ‘SPOT.’

I soon learned I needed a vacuum, as SPOT – well, sadly, he really sheds a lot.

So I purchased a Roomba vacuum. It is simply excellent and helps mostly good with the dander and pet hair.

After owning the Roomba for a while, I decide to read the owner’s manual.

The manual said that this Roomba has ‘CLIFF’ sensors. I was amazed as my name is Cliff. I got really excited that this Roomba would now be able to find me in a room.

So I stood in middle of the room and said “Roomba, find me now!”

But sadly, the Roomba never did find me. I wondered if this Roomba was not yet educated, which was why the “‘CLIFF’ sensors were maybe not working.” I decided to show my license with my name to the Roomba, and I said, “My name is CLIFF, so you should be able to find me now.” But the Roomba never did find me.

So, I wrote a letter to iRobot asking what I should do, as indeed other people named Cliff (I can imagine) will have the same problem for sure. And worse, what if your name is not Cliff?

I decided to read more of the Roomba owners manual. And was surprised to read that every Roomba has a ‘SPOT’ clean button. This was terrific news as I had put off giving my dog Spot a bath for a long time.

I was so grateful that I could have the vacuum clean my dog for me. So I called Spot over, pressed the SPOT CLEAN button on Roomba, and I thought my dog would get clean now. But weirdly, the Roomba only went around in a circle and is not cleaning my dog.

I decided to write another letter to iRobot. You know, to make sure the company know the ‘Spot’ clean button does not clean my dog. I am wondering if more people are in the same situation? And what good is SPOT button if a person’s pet is named TIPPY?

So this is why I wrote this memo here on the Roomba Refuge page. To let you folks know that a Roomba is an excellent vacuum for vacuuming pet hair and stuff.

However, if your name is Cliff and you want the Roomba to find you, it won’t! Or, if you have a dog or cat named Spot, the Roomba won’t clean your pets for you as you must wash the dog or cat yourself.

Even though the Roomba has these minor limitations, it is incredible what it can do,--- “vacuuming floors”.

Your friend:
Cliff Whtzimacalzit.
---------------------------------

So yes this is what “Cliff” did not understand ….
1) Cliff sensors are located on the bottom of all Roomba(s) and are designed to stop them from falling down stairs/drop-offs.

2) The Spot button (located on the top cover) is for cleaning a small area ( about 3 ft in diameter) … So to confirm, a SPOT button on a Roomba does “NOT” clean dogs named Spot 😊 ….
Cheers
John Osinga
Roomba Guy
Roomba Refuge and Day Spa Resort (

03/05/2026

Want your electronic devices to work well? Use Stabilant 22 – always.

Unplug -- all devices first before working on them.

Your network, computer stereo system, and cell phone – security system all use low-voltage connections.

(Of course, this does NOT include the plug at the wall or its cord – that's high voltage.)

Most electronic devices use low-voltage and have many varied connection points.

Wherever there is an electrical connection between two metal points, there is a potential for issues.

Why – all depends on the quality of the metals used between the connections — and environmental issues like dirt, corrosion, and air gaps – even vibrations can reduce the efficiency of the connections and may even cause intermittent connections and faults.

And the result is that even a single poor connection can cause interference and signal loss, and the device can operate at low efficiency or fail periodically or completely.

So many curse their device(s) because they always need to be rebooted or unplugged, as they just won't stay running, when the fault lies in one or more of the electrical connections.

To solve this, every single low-voltage connection point should be coated with a thin layer of Stabilant 22 before the electrical connection is meshed.

Stabilant 22 is a Canadian invention – it is simply amazing.

What does Stabilant 22 solve, and how does it work?

When two "conductive" metals are placed together at the microscopic level, there are many air gaps and flaws, which means only a limited number of spots are actually touching each surface, and these are the only spots where electricity can flow.

What Stabilant 22 does is fill in all the air gaps and flaws in the metal surfaces, and when two connections are put together, and an electrical field is present between them, Stabilant 22 switches to a conductive state."

When applying, let the Stabilant 22 sit for a couple of minutes for the carrier solution to evaporate and for the Stabilant 22 to set firmly on the connector's metal. Reapply Stabilant 22 if you take the connector apart.

Here are examples of how this product helped me.

I had a wheel-fail error on a Roomba — and the wheel motor checked out fine. I blew out the connection — still an issue — I coated the contacts with Stabilant 22 and reinstalled the wheel, and three years later, the Roomba is still running.

Another example: at one time, my computer had a reported "memory stick" issue — I tested all four sticks (what a long process) and all memory tested perfectly — but each time I put the matched RAM in the computer, it reported an error.

So I coated all the gold contacts on the RAM sticks with Stabilant 22 – reinstalled, and I have never had an issue since.

My GPU – and all internal plugins in my computer have this – all my USB plugins, all our home security devices, all Amazon sticks – all have Stabilant 22 coated connections.

And our devices work day in and day out virtually perfectly.

This is now my gold standard for every electronic device, as I coat all low-voltage electrical connections with Stabilant 22.

So if you wish your robotic cleaners – your phones and computers on your network to work well – your router, modem, and all network low-voltage connections will work far better with all the connections lightly coated in Stabilant 22.

One small container of Stabilant 22 is expensive, but as so little is needed it will cover a lot of connections and last you a long time.

https://www.stabilant.com/

Many places in Canada to buy, but this is my go-to place –

https://www.be-electronics.com

And I use the following, as there are several options.

Stabilant 22A Contact Cleaner & Rejuvenator 15mL (Isopropanol Diluted), 007-020-015

All I mention here on Roomba Refuge is a suggestion only. Please use common sense and research to reach your own conclusion about what works for you.

Unplug -- all devices first before working on them.

John Osinga

Roomba Guy

https://www.facebook.com/roombarefuge

Send a message to learn more

03/03/2026

Over the course of many years, I have been refurbishing, servicing and fixing Roomba Vacuums.

While it might not sound exciting, this work has enabled me to meet so many wonderful people. Also, I enjoyed crafting and writing Roomba ads that titillate the senses and hopefully bring a little laughter to each reader.

One of my favourite write-ups, which has garnered a lot of great feedback, is “Harvey Wallbanger.” I think the reason is that we can all relate to Harvey, since we can all be a little introverted at any given time.

Let’s take a quick trip to the outskirts of a nearby community and see how one of the residents there is faring.

----

Hello, my name is Harvey Wallbanger, and I live alone here in suburbia with just my Roomba as my pal. Kinda keep to myself, you know, a little shy an introverted, I guess. So, I mind my own business and try to get along with my neighbours.

Every morning me and my Roomba we have our routines, he does the vacuuming and I have my orange juice special.

Then one day my world changed. See I went out my door on a nice bright sunny Wednesday morning, just to get the mail. I was oh so careless, as without a care I left the front door open and when I got back Roomba was gone. I looked all over the house and up and down the street and there was no Roomba to be found.

Heartbroken, I wearily sat down at the table to drink some more orange juice.

When suddenly a couple hours later a kicking sound at my door woke me and when I answered there was this here beautiful smiling lady. She had Roomba in one hand like a dinner plate, and in the other hand was a pie.

Well, she told me her name was ‘Caroline’ and that she was a widow who lived just up the street. Then she told me how there was this odd bumping sound at her door and when she answered and looked around no one was there. But then something brushed past her foot and there was Roomba.

Caroline said Roomba just went to town cleaning and cleaning and soon the whole house was done. So, with all her extra time she decided to bake a pie. And that’s why she was here as she is returning Roomba, and with a nice thank you she gave me the pie.

So, over the last few months each and every Wednesday morning I leave the front door open and like clockwork a couple hours later there is Caroline returning my Roomba with a pie for me.

Surprisingly, I have come too really like those pies.

I have been thinking a lot about Caroline and her pies these last few weeks. How my life has changed and how Roomba has opened doors for me I never dreamt of. Yep, given a lot of thought to the whole situation for sure, and finally I realized what I need to do.

From now on I am going to start leaving the front door open on Saturday mornings as well.

Who knew that owning a Roomba was as easy as pie?

John Osinga
Roomba Guy

Send a message to learn more

02/15/2026

John's tip about a PC Computer – USB colours.

Little things can make a huge difference in getting the best use and performance out of your computer.

Like noticing that the USB ports on the back of a Personal Computer are usually coloured differently on the inside of their openings.

Using the correct-coloured port for the correct device will keep your computer performing well and the attached technology working to its best.

These are the general guidelines for most systems.

Standard Data Speed Colours for USB ports

These colours typically indicate the generation and maximum data transfer rate of the port:

• White (USB 1.x): The oldest standard, supporting speeds from 1.5 Mbps to 12 Mbps. These are rare today and best for low-speed devices like mice or keyboards.

• Black (USB 2.0): Known as "Hi-Speed" USB, offering up to 480 Mbps. These are standard for peripherals that don't need high bandwidth. LIKE mice and keyboards.

• Blue (USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen 1): Known as "SuperSpeed," these support up to 5 Gbps. They are the go-to for external hard drives and fast flash drives.

• Teal / Light Blue (USB 3.1 Gen 2): These support "SuperSpeed+" with rates up to 10 Gbps.

• Red (USB 3.1 Gen 2 / USB 3.2): Often the fastest available Type-A ports, reaching 10 to 20 Gbps.

Special Feature & Power Colours

Some colours denote power capabilities rather than just raw speed:

• Yellow or Orange (Always-On Charging): These ports support "Sleep-and-Charge" or "Always On" functionality, allowing you to charge devices like smartphones even when the computer is asleep or turned off.

• Red (High Power/Speed): In addition to high speeds, red ports often double as high-power "Always On" charging ports.

• Green / Purple (Proprietary Fast Charge):

o Green is often used by brands like Qualcomm for Quick Charge technology.

o Purple is typically associated with proprietary fast-charging standards like Huawei SuperCharge.

Cheers,
John Osinga

Send a message to learn more

02/15/2026

Caring for your electrical contacts.

This is one of the most important aspects of caring for your robotic cleaners, and so easy to do.

Purchase DEOXIT GOLD and use it to clean your contacts at least once a month. Use a small amount of Dexoit Gold on a soft, clean cloth.

NOTE --- After completing your cleaning service, lightly coat the dock and the Roomba contacts with a small amount of Dexoit Gold.

NOTE --- Dexoit Gold is a cleaner and ALSO an electrical connection enhancer.

Dexoit Gold comes in several sizes… it is expensive, but so is your investment in your Roomba or cleaner. Dexoit is a top-quality product that will help keep your cleaner working and charging.

NEVER EVER USE ON YOUR CONTACTS ---

Sandpaper -- Steel Wool or any harsh abrasive or chemical.

And if you find your contacts are really dirty – once a year or so – lightly use Magic Eraser.

But know this: Magic Eraser is abrasive, and its use, especially with repeated applications or hard polishing, will, in due time, wear and damage the conductive surface of your contacts.

You should also install my contact cover kits for most models up to the MAX 10 –
https://www.facebook.com/roombarefuge/posts/pfbid02ykT7PvkDuqxd1wni2gwr7PxQGaBUPa6H9eg7MGiykyEByHWVvQP7bZgHEhQ9v2S8l?rdid=hBQpr1w2Mmrxy6bP

This is my suggested way to care for the contacts on your device.
Use at your own discretion, and please use common sense.

John Osinga
Roomba Guy

Contact Kits … may be ordered directly with me to sent to most Countries world wide.

USA ---customers ---

Due to changes in USA duties and customs charges, Ebay has currently modified mail shipments to the USA and sellers on Ebay have major new hoops to jump through to sell and ship items to the USA customer, whether by mail or via by UPS or Fedx.

As of right now, I can, as far as I understand it, ship an item directly in the mail under $100.00 to the USA.

If you're looking for a top-quality contact cover kit, please don't hesitate to message me here.

I accept PayPal, and postage included, each kit is $17.00 USA.

My YouTube video ---
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pen-_p426ZE&t=104s

Thank you
John Osinga
Roomba Guy

02/13/2026

Something incredibly nutty happened in our home the other day, and we still live with this squirrelly situation.

By today's standards, my computer is PRIMITIVE.

About four years ago, I commissioned this machine from a great PC builder in London.

I said to him, "I am not a gamer, so I don’t need a state-of-the-art machine; just a solid one." And then I mentioned to him that my budget was low… like, really nutzoid low.

But he was thrifty with his tech hardware magic and even found me an Nvidia 3050 GPU to sweeten the deal.

The machine has worked well. I expected to see higher-quality images, given that it has a GPU (graphics processing unit), but they were okay —just not as good as I expected to see on the screen.

Some time ago, I decided to make a networking closet and improve all aspects of our home network in preparation for some security cameras. Part of this was upgrading the computer.

As I delved into the settings, I found a range of deep-seated issues in Windows 11 software AND in the Bios affecting performance.

I discovered the GPU was only working at about 30% of its capability, and the memory was running at about 60% of its rated speed. And a whole range of other little issues.

So I set out to fix all these "squirrelly" things, and now the screen images are incredible.

I installed a new CPU heat sink, and I added some LED lighting effects just for bling – something I used to shy away from.

For me, this was “fun,” a neat challenge to correct and tweak—and while my computer, by today's technical standards, is still primitive, it is working perfectly. And this kind of thing makes me exceptionally happy.

BUT --- I had the front cover off the PC other day – and walked away for a bit, only to have to go back downstairs as I recalled I had forgotten to put it back on.

I guess having a primitive environment in a PC case these days is a bit “NUTS” and an invitation to all kinds of creatures.

I was unaware that, while I had the front cover off, a denizen of the past had sought the warmth of my machine --- and, with this crazy rodent's decision and visitation, I had captured this long-thought-extinct creature.

I don’t mind, and from what I can tell, he seems to like the primitive, nutty home he now occupies.

As much to my surprise, who was sitting inside the computer case, looking out the front glass, but my favourite squirrel —Scrat.

Kind of nuts that after all the work I did on the computer, it's still a little squirrelly... even so, Scrat is something I'm happy to live with.

John Osinga
Roomba Guy

02/05/2026

Charging Docks for sale ....

I have several charging docks for sale at incredible prices.

I am doing some housekeeping on Roomba Refuge, so some deals will come in the days ahead.

1- standard charging dock 20.00 ( most models of Roomba from the 500 series up to the i series. ---that's a lot of models.

1 - J-series self-empty dock 30.00 (j7 j9)

Note please, these are pick-up items from my home in St. Thomas, Ontario. NO SHIPPING.

Please — no hold requests. If you wish to purchase the item, kindly do so.

Thank you
John Osinga
Roomba Guy

01/25/2026

Robotic cleaners –a way to help make them last.

Your Roomba is mostly made of plastic and rubber. These materials can tend to dry out over time, lose their lustre, and even become brittle.

Over the course of years, I have tried many waxes and conditioners, and while all work to some degree. I found one unique product that plastic and rubber seem to respond to favourably – and that absorbs just enough of the product's molecules to revitalize the material.

Now, before I tell you what it is, read this -- twice: “A LITTLE goes a long way.” Use a small amount of spray on a clean cloth to wipe the plastic and rubber.

Do NOT use it on your rollers AND do NOT use it on your tire tread ( they need a different product to perform well.)

What works ok — well, I found a small amount of DEEP CREEP from SeaFoam—penetrating oil, when used sparingly, seems to help rejuvenate plastic and rubber really well.

Example:
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/sea-foam-deep-creep-multi-use-penetrating-lubricant-473-ml-0387802p.html?msockid=17bf3c95aa9d62ce03722a79ab6d633d

I spray a small amount onto my clean cloth, then lightly wipe and clean the top plate, which really makes it shine when it's finished. You want to do the top first, so no grit or dirt is on your wiping cloth.

Then flip the Roomba over and wipe down the bottom plate, as there are the rubber guides and slides that readily absorb this product. Then do the front bumper plastic and its rubber, and the plastic sides / back of the cleaner.

– After I let it sit for a short time (5 minutes) for the Deep Creep to be absorbed, I use a clean Microfiber Towel --- Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towel, Gold (16" x 24") (Pack of 6), Microfiber - Amazon Canada https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00BQYCKE8?th=1 (that I only use for the Roombas) to remove any excess and “polish” the unit to gleam in the sun.

FINALLY: Clean off your front camera lens and/or top IR sensor with a Kleenex or, better yet, use an eyeglass cleaning cloth (from the dollar store).

It takes only a few minutes to do this once a month when you are doing the mini service of your robotic cleaner.

Do you have to do this? – No! --- but it will help your Roomba last a little longer and look great.

Is it in the owner's manual?– I am pretty sure NO!

Is it at your own risk? YES… (I was advised long ago --- to “always” make this comment on my posts to remind readers that anything here is a suggestion only—please use common sense as your guide in all things.)

I am not an affiliate marketer or partner on the suggestions or products mentioned here– these are only my suggestions on what works for me.

Do NOT use it on your rollers AND do NOT use it on your tire tread ( they need a different product to perform well.)

Cheers
John Osinga
Roomba Guy

Send a message to learn more

01/21/2026

People say --- I don’t know Jack

When and how does humility and the start of understanding come to a person? I suppose, and hope in due time, it comes in many ways to most people.

In my twenties, I thought I knew a lot, and looking back, I sadly arrogantly considered myself smarter than most. One day, a person I worked with told me, "You don’t know jack."

And it was like a burr under my saddle, and the comment pestered me --- but, fortunately, as time went on, I realized that he was right, and it was hard to accept. So many people I noted were smarter than me and so talented in areas I did not know jack about.

One thing that was my saving grace over the years was my natural talent for computers.

It seemed I could intuitively fix most tech things. But without formal training, it was evident time and again that I had a lot to learn. I reached a point where I had to choose between continuing as is or going back to school to learn what I did not know.

And so, I went back to school -- I was the oldest person in my college class, and when I finished, I had my Network Engineering diploma. Only to come to the realization that I had only touched the surface of understanding this immense technical field. And there were so many who were far smarter than I in this realm of technology.

Gratefully, over the years, I finally discovered one key thing in life that leads to success – it's okay to say you don’t know the answer and then be humble enough to ask those who excel in that area for help.

Recently, as we are adding some security features to our home, I decided to redo our home network in depth.

So, I first went to the Reddit forums for home security cameras and read and read – noting foremost all the pitfalls and frustrations people are coping with, and paying special attention to the many solutions offered by those who solved them. This has been most enlightening and is steering me on what I hope is the road to success

I wished for our networking system to be far more reliable and faster, and for at least three Wi-Fi access points to be placed throughout the house. All managed by a high-speed router.

I named the three Wi-fi stations --- Curly, Moe & Larry (our three Stooges).

But I needed a director to manage these three goofballs.

And that is when it came to me who would be best to cast for the network director role.

Jack Skellington – (picture below)

Why? Because he is a well-meaning, sincere individual, but he lacks information and understanding, he simply does not know jack about how some things work -- but in the end, he learns and humbly admits his ignorance. (If you don’t know who he is, you would have to see the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas.)

Jack now stands atop the main router on his small, lit pedestal, with the title "Director."

And you ask why?

So that as I enter the networking closet, I am reminded that “I really
do know Jack”.

Pictures below.

John Osinga
Roomba Guy