Dont have to use a regular vacuum. You just have to clean the house with a regular vacuum and then let the robot vacuum maintain the cleanliness of the house. Really loved this. It is perfect for my house because i have a toddler who always picks up crumbs and eat them. I dont always have the time to vacuum the house. So this is really perfect. I havent used my regular vacuum for more than a week now and my house is still clean