All You Need To Know About Window Vacuums

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Best Window Vac

There is nothing more frustrating than streaky, dirty windows! No matter how long you spend with a cloth and spray you are never going to be able to get your windows perfectly clean. The best way to get your windows sparkling clean is with a window vacuum. They are the perfect way to quickly and easily clean your windows with a professional finish! Not only that – but if you are looking to remove condensation and steam from your kitchen or bathroom windows they are perfect for that too!

We love our window vacuum and it is one of our most used tools in the house – so here is all you need to look for!

Best Pick – Kärcher Window Vac

Sale
Kärcher WV2 Plus N Yellow Edition Window Vac
  • Streak-Free Cleaning - The quick and easy way to clean flat surfaces, such as windows, tiles, worktops, condensation and mirrors leaving a sparkling, streak-free finish.
  • Rechargeable Battery - The rechargeable lithium-ion battery cleans up to 105 m² on a single charge - that's up to 75 windows.
  • Exchangeable Suction Heads – The 170mm & 280mm exchangeable suction heads ensure you have the correct size for each cleaning task.
  • Included Spray Bottle Kit - The WV 2 Plus N comes complete with a spray bottle with microfibre cloth and sachet of 20ml window cleaning concentrate.
  • Easy-to-Empty Container - Simply open the tank and pour the contents down the sink - it's quick and easy, with no contact with dirty water.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

In A Hurry?

If the sun is shining in through your streaked, dirty windows and you cannot stand it a minute longer then this is where you need to read. We have included all the essential information that you need to know plus some of the best window vacuums that we have found! 

Power 

The first thing that you need to think about is the power of your window vacuum, this is going to determine the amount of effort that you need to put into cleaning your windows and how well it can get the job done. 

Not only this, but most window vacuums are going to be battery powered. This means that you are going to need a model with a decent battery if you want to get a number of your windows cleaned in one go (which is likely). Most will have between a 20 minute and a 100 minute battery life so this is important to check for as 20 minutes isn’t long – particularly if you have a number of windows to clean! Lithium-ion batteries are going to be the best to opt for if you are wanting a long battery life and improved performance, plus they are going to be rechargeable. Not only this, but it is worth checking for models with removable batteries as this means you can change the battery for a fully charged one if you need to keep working, or even just so that you can charge the battery without having to leave the full machine out! 

You can find some that take standard batteries, which will be cheaper initially but they are going to be much less powerful and you will have the regular cost of replacing the batteries which isn’t always ideal! Unless you are seriously on a budget it is not something we would recommend! 

TOP TIP: It is also worth checking how long it takes to recharge your window vacuum. Some are as little as 60 minutes whereas others are up to 4 hours! 

Weight 

The weight of your window vacuum is essential as any model that is too heavy is going to be less likely to be used and more likely to become an ornament in your cupboard! You need the model to be light enough to be held in one hand and at unusual angles so that you can reach all the surfaces or windows that you are trying to clean. 

We found that models ranged between around 500g up to 1kg. As a general rule, the more powerful models are going to be heavier, so this could be a compromise you have to make, but it is still always worth checking for models that offer features to ensure the cleaner is as lightweight as possible. 

Size

As above, the size of your window vacuum is also going to impact on how easy it is to work with, especially as you are going to be using it with one hand for the most part! Most are around 30cm in length and just under 20cm in width, however there are variations in this. If you know that you are just working with standard windows then the larger you can hold onto the quicker your windows will be cleaned, however smaller models are better for smaller windows, such as ones on older properties. 

Tank Size 

We would usually say that the larger the tank size the better with this type of cleaner but actually that isn’t the case with window vacuums. Most tanks actually fit into the handle of the tool to make it easier to carry around so we would recommend looking out for smaller tanks if possible. Yes, this means that you will have to empty it more often but it saves the tool from becoming too heavy whilst in use. Most tanks that we found have a capacity of 100-200ml. 

It is also worth mentioning that not all tanks are dishwasher-safe. This may not be a problem for you, but if you are wanting to make your life even easier so that you don’t even need to clean the tank yourself then this is always worth checking for! 

TOP TIP: Make sure that your tank can be clipped into place with a secure clip. Some models that we found were rather flimsy and this could leave you with water all over your window sill – or worse the tool broken all together! 

Function Settings

Many window vacuums actually only come with two settings…on or off! This is fine for if you are just cleaning the same windows/surfaces every time and they are always at the same level of cleanliness. However this isn’t always real life, and some window vacuum cleaner manufacturers have taken this into consideration! If you know that you have areas that take more wear than others, such as porch floors or windows with dog nose marks on them (speaking from experience) then you are going to need extra settings! 

Look out for models that offer a power boost when needed. These will allow you to work economically in terms of water use and battery life for the majority of your windows, but then give extra power, suction and water when needed to save you having to give a “pre-clean” to any areas! 

Blades and Nozzles

It is the job of the blades and nozzles to not just clean your windows but also to make sure that they remove as much water as possible and leave them streak free. This can be quite an ask so it is important that they are right. 

The blades need to be high quality rubber that isn’t going to scratch your windows! Check whether your blades are going to need the manufacturers own to be replaced or whether it will work with generic blades as this will impact on long term costs. 

The suction nozzle is the crucial part for removing water from your windows immediately as they are being cleaned. This will save water from dripping down your windows onto the frame or the sill and causing damage. Check for high quality suction nozzles that are going to be up to the job. We also found some of the best window vacuums come with additional suction nozzles in a different size to increase the versatility of the tool and the places that you can clean. 

We found that blades ranged in size from around 15cm up to around 30cm so make sure to consider the spaces that you are planning on cleaning before you purchase your window vacuum. 

Best Budget – Tower RWV20 Cordless Window Vacuum

Tower T131000BLG RWV20 Cordless Window Cleaner, Rose Blush Gold
  • 3-IN-1 WINDOW CLEANING: Spray the surface with detergent, clean with the cloth & vacuum the dirty water away, to easily remove dirt and grime from surfaces
  • CORDLESS USE: Its rechargeable, powerful li-ion battery provides a 30 minute runtime from a rapid 3 hour charge, so you can clean a range of surfaces in one go
  • INDOOR & OUTDOOR: Ideal on indoor and outdoor windows, mirrors, showers and tiles, providing an all-round clean for the home
  • STREAK FREE FINISH: The silicone squeegee head sucks surfaces dry for a streak free finish
  • 150ML DIRTY WATER TANK: The removable water tank can be easily emptied and ready to use again

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Additional Features 

Now that you know the main things you need to consider before purchasing a window vacuum, here are some of the additional features that we only found on the best window vacuums. 

  • Multiple functions – We mentioned this briefly above but it is important to check that your window vacuum can be used on other surfaces, such as tiles and mirrors, if this is something that you are looking for. Not all will be suitable for these different surfaces so make sure it specifies this. 
  • Comfort grip – To reduce fatigue whilst you are cleaning, make sure that your window vacuum comes with a comfort ergonomic grip so that it isn’t going to slip through your hands whilst you are working but also isn’t going to cause dry patches on your hands. 
  • Edge cleaning – Make sure your window cleaner has rubber that goes all the way to the edge of the machine. This will make it possible to clean right to the edge of your windows or shower screen providing a professional finish. 
  • Accessories or attachments – Some of the best window vacuums come with additional accessories or attachments to make it even easier to clean your windows. These may include replacement blades, additional blades for cleaning hard to reach places, spray bottles or microfibre cloths! As a side note, we would definitely recommend purchasing a microfibre cloth if your window vacuum doesn’t come with one as it will avoid your windows becoming scratched! 
  • Power light – The best window vacuums will come with a power light to give you a signal for when your battery is running low, which will save you so much frustration when you get half way through a window to find you have no battery left to finish the job! Not only this but it will often signal for when the vacuum is fully charged so you know it is ready to start cleaning again. 
  • Additional batteries – Some of the best window vacuums also come with additional batteries, so that whilst one is charging you can still be cleaning. This will usually be at an additional cost, but if you are purchasing a model that can clean floors, surfaces and mirrors as well as windows then it is definitely a worthwhile investment for the amount of time that you are going to be using your vacuum! 
  • Flexible neck – This is something that comes down to personal preference….most window vacuums come with a solid casing so that you know you have a sturdy, durable cleaning machine. Others come with a more flexible neck which allows you to access harder to reach places with ease. These will move and “bend” slightly whilst you are cleaning which can leave a neater, easier clean.
  • USB charging port – great to improve the flexibility of when and how you can charge your tool, plus means that you can take it on the go with you if needed. 
  • Noise reduction – Some window vacuums are actually quite loud considering how small they are! If this is going to be an issue for you, for example if you have young children, then look out for models that offer noise reduction. 

Best of the Rest

Sale
Beldray BEL0749 Cordless Window Vac – Condensation Vacuum For Windows, Mirrors, Showers, Rechargeable, Squeegee Head, Streak-Free Cleaning, 30ml Water Tank, Lightweight, 60 Minutes Use On One Charge
  • Lightweight and simple to use, the Beldray window vacuum offers fantastic cleaning for windows and mirrors with a streak free finish.
  • Featuring an easy to empty water tank with a generous 60 ml capacity, you can cover every window in your home without refilling.
  • Simply wash your window, mirror or glass surface with your preferred detergent and warm water before using this convenient window vac.
  • Use the cordless window cleaner to quickly remove the grime and grease from your surfaces, leaving them dry, clean and crystal clear.
  • Measuring just 18 cm (L) x 28 cm (W) x 31.5 cm (H), it is comfortable to hold and can be stored away in the cupboard after use.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

No products found.

Kärcher WV 1 Window Vac
  • Streak-Free Cleaning - The quick and easy way to clean flat surfaces, such as windows, tiles, worktops, condensation and mirrors leaving a sparkling, streak-free finish.
  • Rechargeable Battery - The rechargeable lithium-ion battery cleans up to 70 m² on a single charge - that's up to 45 windows.
  • Lightweight - Versatile and ergonomic design that can be used on all smooth surfaces.
  • Easy-to-Empty Container - Simply open the tank and pour the contents down the sink - it's quick and easy, with no contact with dirty water.
  • Time-Saving - Up to 3 x faster than with conventional methods.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Other Options!

We decided to do a full review on the Karcher Window Vac WV2 Plus to consider all the best features that it has to offer! Karcher are well known for their cleaning products – so this window vacuum had to be high up on our list of favourites.

If you are wanting to clean the outside of your windows but aren’t sure how to get this done then maybe you need a Water Fed Window Cleaner. Here are some of the best models that we have found.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What warranty will come with a window vacuum?

Most window vacuums come with between a 12 month and a 24 month warranty depending on the manufacturer. We also found that some come with an extended warranty providing the product is registered online – which is well worth doing! 

Should I use a cleaning product with my window vacuum?

Yes! We would always recommend using a cleaning product on your windows before using a window vacuum and some of the best window vacuums actually come with one included! Simply spray the detergent onto the window, then use your vacuum to clean the window and suck up the residual detergent. 

How often should I change the rubber blades on my window vacuum?

This really depends on the quality of the blades that came with your window vacuum and how much cleaning you are using it for. We would normally say that your rubber blades will need cleaning every few months (but should be wiped down after every use to remove any residual dirt). However, as soon as your blades start leaving lines on your windows or surfaces this is a sign that they need replacing! 

Can I use a window vacuum on my car?

Yes! Your window vacuum can definitely be used to clean the windscreen and windows of your car. Just make sure to wipe them down first with a cloth to remove any dirt or debris to avoid your glass from becoming scratched!

Do you have to dry windows after using a window vacuum?

If you purchase a good quality window vacuum then there is no reason why you should have to dry the windows afterwards! However, some cheaper models will leave some residue so this is worth checking for when looking at reviews.

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About Thomas Paxton 368 Articles
Hey there, I'm Thomas Paxton, your Tool Guru with a Twist! I've been knee-deep in the world of tools since I was a little tinkerer in my dad's shed. Now, I'm running my own website where I share my passion for tools and gardening products through buyers guides and insightful tips. I've got the knowledge and experience to break down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-understand language. I purchased Tools Review from Mike Jones at the start of 2023, he has done a sterling job of building the site and I hope I can continue in his success! When I'm not writing guides, you'll find me in my garden or garage, putting my skills to work and pushing the boundaries of creativity. So, whether you're a pro or just starting out, join me on this adventure, and let's conquer DIY projects together!

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