why does my s9+ keep trying to eat my rug tassels? it gets stuck every single time.

Diagnosis

The iRobot Roomba s9+ utilizes a high-torque dual multi-surface rubber brush system designed to agitate carpets and lift embedded debris. Because these two rubber rollers rotate in opposite directions at high speeds, they create a powerful vacuum-like suction effect at the floor level. When the robot encounters loose rug tassels or fringe, the rubber lugs grip the fabric and pull it directly into the brushroll cavity. Once the tassels enter the intake, they wrap tightly around the rollers, creating a physical jam. This triggers a "Brush: Please check the brush" error message or causes the robot to stall and enter a recovery loop. Because the s9+ has a wider cleaning path than previous models, it is more prone to catching the edges of larger area rugs, especially those with long, loose-weave fringes that lack a reinforced edge. You can confirm this is the issue if the robot consistently stops at the same perimeter of your rug and the rollers feel tight or resistant when you try to spin them manually.

How to Fix It

To permanently stop the s9+ from consuming your rug tassels, you must implement a software-based boundary. The most effective method is creating a "Keep Out Zone" via the iRobot Home App.

1. Open the iRobot Home App and select your s9+ vacuum from the device list.
2. Navigate to the "Map" tab and select "Manage Map."
3. Tap the "Keep Out Zone" icon (represented by a red square).
4. Carefully drag the boundaries of the red zone over the specific area where the tassels are located.
5. Crucially, do not just cover the fringe; extend the Keep Out Zone at least 6 to 10 inches into the rug area. This ensures the robot's sensors detect the boundary before the physical brushrolls make contact with the tassels.
6. Save the map and run a "Clean All" cycle to verify the robot steers clear of the designated zone.
7. If you have multiple rugs, repeat this process for every fringe area on every floor level.

If That Didn't Work

• Physical Tassel Management: If you cannot sacrifice a portion of your rug to a Keep Out Zone, use heavy-duty double-sided carpet tape or "rug grippers" to flatten the tassels against the floor. By eliminating the vertical lift of the fringe, the rubber brushes are less likely to catch the fabric.
• Hardware Modification: Use a "Rug-to-Floor Transition Strip" or a low-profile rubber threshold around the perimeter of the rug. This creates a physical bump that the s9+ sensors will detect as an obstacle, forcing the robot to turn around before it reaches the tassels.
• Manual Brush Clearing: If the robot is already stuck, you must remove the rubber brushes. Flip the s9+ over, press the green tabs to release the brush modules, and slide the rollers out. Use a pair of precision scissors to carefully cut away any tassels that have become entwined in the rubber lugs, being careful not to slice the rubber itself.
• Virtual Wall Hardware: If the app-based zones are being ignored due to poor Wi-Fi connectivity in that room, purchase a physical Dual Mode Virtual Wall. Place the wall directly in front of the rug's fringe area; the infrared beam creates an invisible barrier that the s9+ cannot cross.

Heads Up

• Avoid using "carpet sprays" or fabric softeners on your rug fringes, as these can make the tassels more slippery, occasionally causing the robot to slide further into the fringe before the sensors trigger a stop.
• Check the rubber brushes every two weeks for "hair rings"—tight bands of hair and thread that wrap around the axle—as these increase the grip of the rollers, making them more likely to snag fabric.
• Ensure your s9+ firmware is updated to the latest version; iRobot frequently updates the obstacle avoidance algorithms to better distinguish between hard floors and soft textiles.
• If your rug has a very high pile (shag), the s9+ may struggle regardless of tassels; in these cases, the Keep Out Zone is the only reliable solution to prevent motor burnout.