Isopropyl alcohol and a cloth are all you need.

Yes. That’s almost always the fix.

Dirt and grime build up on the little metal strips over time, especially if your robot runs near kitchens or pet areas. The connection just gets weak, and the robot fails to dock or stops charging.

Get a cotton swab or soft cloth, dab it in 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol, and wipe both the robot’s charging contacts and the dock’s contacts. The alcohol evaporates fast and removes residue without corroding anything. Don’t use water—it’ll make things worse.

One or two gentle passes usually does it. If that doesn’t work, check for physical damage or a misaligned dock. But nine times out of ten, it’s just dirty contacts.

Don’t use sandpaper or a metal brush. You’ll ruin the plating.