Vacuum cleaner for windows: varieties, features of operation + recommendations to customers

Evgenia Kravchenko
Checked by a specialist: Evgenia Kravchenko
Author: Inna Alekseeva
Last update: August 2024

Window washing is a simple, but laborious, boring business, and if the apartment is located on the upper floors, it is also dangerous. There are many devices that somehow participate in this difficult work. Now their list is headed by a vacuum cleaner for windows - a device that facilitates and speeds up the process of caring for light-guiding structures.

With all types of vacuum cleaners, the purpose of which is to wash the glasses and the frames holding them, we will familiarize you with the article we presented. We will tell you which device is better to choose depending on technical circumstances. Here are the characteristics that you should focus on before buying.

What is a glass cleaner?

No need to confuse a window reader with washing vacuums. These are completely different devices. Some washing models can be equipped with special nozzles for cleaning glass.

They can be used to clean windows, but their main purpose, after all, is wet cleaning. Wipers are compact devices that are used only for glass care.

Manual vacuum cleaner for windows
An electric wiper makes life easier for the hostess. With it, you can easily and quickly clean the smooth surface of a large area. There are no stains and streaks left

Devices are very diverse, but the principle of their work is generally the same. First, a washing solution is sprayed onto the glass. It wets the dirt. Then they are removed with a napkin or scraper. After that, the device absorbs the remains of the washing solution, leaving behind a dried clean surface.

There are two types of such devices: hand-held devices and fully automated robots.

Hand held battery devices

Most manual devices This type of battery operated. The battery is small, it lasts for 20-25 minutes. work.But this is enough to have time to wash the window, and not even one, or another smooth surface such as tile or mirror. There are two varieties of manual units.

Window cleaner
The device collects the cleaning solution remaining after cleaning the glass. The suction power is high enough so that after the nozzle has passed over the surface it is clean and dry.

Features of separate models

Devices are a set of two tools. The first is a spray gun with a cleaning nozzle, the second is the actual electric wiper.

This tandem works this way:

  1. It is necessary to prepare a washing solution. Most manufacturers offer their own funds. One bottle of this necessarily comes with the device. To prepare the composition, it is necessary to add a certain amount of liquid to the water.
  2. The product is poured into the spray gun and sprayed evenly on the glass.
  3. The surface is cleaned with a microfiber nozzle.
  4. The manual screen wiper removes the remaining detergent.

It turns out that in the course of work you have to use two tools, which can be considered the main disadvantage of separate models. But they have a minimum weight.

And this is very important for units that are held in the hand and weight for a long time. On average, it is 0.7-0.8 kg, so the device is convenient for fragile women. True, the mass of the reservoir with the spent liquid is added, but it is small.

Manual vacuum cleaner for windows
Vacuum cleaners for windows do well not only with washing glasses. They perfectly clean any other smooth surface. It can be a mirror, tile and much more.

One of the best representatives of separate models is considered Karcher WV-50. This compact device effectively copes with dirt on any smooth surface.

Suitable for washing mirrors, walls of showers, window panes, tiles, etc. The device is equipped with a bottle of special detergent. Practice shows that when it ends, you can use any effective composition, if there is no way to purchase the original.

Combined Device Specifics

The main difference between such units in the presence of a separator in the tank for the detergent composition. This makes it possible to fill in a soap solution in one of the resulting tanks, and to collect the "spent" liquid in the other.

This design allows you to go through the entire cleaning cycle at a time, since spraying, cleaning and removing contaminated solution occur almost simultaneously.

The process of working with the wiper is as follows:

  1. Prepared washing solution is poured into one of the tanks.
  2. The device is brought to the glass, atomizer mode is activated. The surface is moistened and cleaned.
  3. The device switches to vacuum mode and collects liquid from the glass.

Of course, using such a device is more convenient than separate. Cleaning time also takes less. The main disadvantage of this type of device is its greater weight.

This is inevitable, since the weight of the washing solution, both unused and spent, is added to the mass of the device. Therefore, the device may not be very comfortable to use. It is more weighty, which in some cases can interfere with work.

Window cleaner
Combined models with a two-compartment fluid reservoir are very convenient. The user does not have to change elements in the process. True, their weight can be very noticeable for fragile women.

A worthy representative of this line of units VAX H / 86-WV-B-R from a Chinese manufacturer. This is a very convenient and efficient model. Its weight is only 0.7 kg, however, without a cleaning solution.

But this is still very small and quite comparable with separate devices. Of the features of the model, it is necessary to mention the movable nozzle, which sucks in the liquid. This design allows you to collect the solution even in inaccessible places.

What to look for when choosing?

The very first thing you need to determine is which type of cleaner is preferable: combined or separate. The remaining characteristics are approximately the same. When choosing a device for yourself, you need to pay attention to the following points:

Extension rods and weight

The device is convenient to use if the surface to be cleaned is accessible. If the top edge of the window is too high, the unit needs to be improved.

This can be done with the aid of a set of extendable rods, on which the sprayer and the wiper are fixed. Their length can be different, you should choose the best option for your home.

Such a design can reach any part of the window pane. In the best case, folding rods can be bundled with the unit or sold separately. For some models, extension structures are not provided. If the house has high glazing, it is better to refuse such devices.

 Extension Vacuum Cleaner
Extension rods are an essential element for models. used in homes with high glazing. When choosing a vacuum cleaner you need to be careful. There are devices for which the use of extension rods is not provided at all

The weight of the unit usually does not exceed 1 kg, but there are more weighty specimens. It must be remembered that it is better to select a model with a minimum mass. It is very uncomfortable to work with a heavy apparatus, which will have to be held in an outstretched hand when processing the upper part of a window pane.

In addition, the manufacturer usually indicates the weight of the product without taking into account the mass of liquid in the tank, which adds about 150-200 g.

Design and dimensions of the nozzle

Nozzles with a length of the order of 27-29 cm are considered standard. Such dimensions are convenient to gently wash away dirt from window glass. There are small nozzles up to 17 cm long.

They are very convenient to wash the surface of a small area: car windows, windows with bars, etc. Most of the nozzles are a fixed element, on which a microfiber cover is worn.

The best option is a movable structure. She has the ability to change her position, so she is pressed against the glass as tightly as possible and laundered very well.

Covers made of different materials can be used for nozzles. Soft microfiber does a good job with little dirt. If you can’t remove the dirt with it, you should try to use a hard cover made of a material with metallized threads.

Vacuum cleaner nozzle
A removable small nozzle is indispensable for cleaning small window spans, car windows, etc. Unfortunately, not all hand-held vacuum cleaners have it. Before buying, it is important to find out this point.

Type of device power

Two options are possible: from the mains or from the battery. Optimally, if the model combines both of them. Devices that are connected to the network, unlimited operating time.

But at the same time, the cord significantly limits their radius of action, and in some cases it is necessary to use an extension cord so that the device can work. Battery packs do not have this drawback.

However, they can work no more than 25-30 minutes. After that, the battery is completely discharged. It takes at least two hours to recharge. True, for half an hour the vacuum cleaner can wash about 50 square meters. m surface or multiple windows. Which is usually quite enough.

In addition, devices with a battery are mobile and can be used not only in the house, but also on the street. For example, for washing car windows.

Device configuration and manufacturer

It can be different, it is important to choose those additional options that are really needed. If the house has high glazing, do not do without extension bars.

It’s good that they come with the device. But that rarely happens. It is important to find out whether it is possible to dock them with the model you like, and if so, where can I get the rods compatible with the device.

Window cleaner
For convenient work with the new vacuum cleaner for windows, it is important to choose its complete set correctly. The set of nozzles must exactly match the needs of the user, then you do not have to buy the necessary and overpay for unnecessary

It’s good if there is a small nozzle in the kit with the vacuum cleaner. This greatly expands the capabilities of the device. It gets the opportunity to clean hard-to-reach places.

If it is supposed to wash heavily contaminated surfaces, a nozzle with a cover of metallized thread will not be superfluous. But without a bottle of detergent, it is quite possible to do. Any effective composition will do, there are no special requirements for it.

Glass washing units are produced in different countries. Most often, products from American, German, Swedish, Russian and Chinese manufacturers are found on the market.

The price range is very large. Fans of economy choose cheaper Chinese devices. They are not bad, but there is a risk of getting low-quality goods. When buying products from well-known manufacturers from Europe, this risk is much lower.

Rating of various types of cordless vacuum cleaners given here. The information presented in the article will help you choose mini-equipment not only for ha windows.

Differences of automatic vacuum cleaners

These devices are still quite rare in stores, but the demand for them is constantly growing. Let's get acquainted with two types of glass washing robots.

Models with Magnetic Modules

The equipment is two separate units. The first is detergent. This is the module inside which the battery and the tank with the washing solution are placed. The lower part of the block is equipped with nozzles for washing glass and scrapers for cleaning corners.

The second module is navigation. It analyzes information about the position of the device and moves it on the surface. It is equipped with a more powerful battery than a washing unit.

Robot vacuum cleaner for windows
Magnetic modules are installed on the window one opposite the other. After power is applied, they adhere firmly to the glass and are able to move simultaneously on its surface, while removing dirt

The modules are mounted on the glass, one opposite the other. After their inclusion, an electromagnet is activated, which attracts the blocks and prevents them from sliding off the glass. The unit launched into operation first passes the glass horizontally, then from the bottom up.

Thus, he determines the size of the surface to be processed. Further, the device moves along a zigzag path from top to bottom, washing the glass. At the end of the cycle, the device beeps. Battery capacity is usually greater than that of hand-held counterparts. The charge lasts for 1.5-2 hours.

Both modules are equipped with bumpers to prevent a hard collision with the frame. The navigation unit is additionally equipped with sensors that collect information about the environment. The units operate according to a simple algorithm, but it is possible to use the remote control to adjust it.

Robots of this type can adapt to certain operating conditions. Given that robot vacuum cleaner for windows fixed directly to the glass, it should be possible to control the pressing force of the modules.

For maximum efficiency of the device, the supply of detergent solution may decrease or increase. An important point: the width of the glass in different glass units can vary, so you need to choose a model with a suitable range of action.

Robot vacuum cleaner
Remote control is very convenient, because it allows the user to make adjustments to the operation of the device even when it is in a remote place. No need to try to get to the device, just press the buttons on the remote

A worthy representative of this group of devices can be considered South Korean Windoro WCR-I001. The compact, efficient model with a good complete set is available in two versions, differing in the range of glass thickness.

The unit copes well with various contaminants, the battery lasts for 90 minutes. work. After the battery runs out, the magnets continue to hold the device in place.

Vacuum suction units

After turning on the device, a vacuum pump is activated, creating a zone with rarefied air. Thanks to this, the device is firmly held on the glass. It begins to move from bottom to top and further horizontally, determining the surface area to be cleaned.

Then the device determines the trajectory of work and begins to move. For this, rotating elements are often used, on which wipes are worn. As a result, the device moves along a plane, while wiping it with some effort.

The program embedded in the device assumes that it will return to the point from which work began. Such robots usually do not have a spray bottle and a washing solution tank. Therefore, before starting the device, the user must moisten the glass with water or a special cleaning agent.

Vacuum cleaner with suction cup
Thanks to the vacuum suction cup, the unit is firmly fixed on a smooth surface. It is equipped with two rotating nozzles, thanks to which it moves along the plane. They spin in turn, and not only move the device, but also clean the glass

In this they resemble separate hand-held devices. True, the sprayer in this case is not provided with the device. To control the unit, the buttons on its body are usually used.

However, in some models, the remote control may be additionally involved. This is very convenient if you need to change the cleaning program or stop the machine, and reaching it is problematic.

This type of vacuum cleaner is Hobot-168, developed in Taiwan. Its feature is the lack of a battery. The device works only from the mains, therefore it is equipped with a sufficiently long cord. He still has a battery, but it is designed only for emergency operation.

To avoid emergency situations, the manufacturer equips the device with a safety cord. The cleaning area of ​​the device is limited to 30 square meters. m in one cycle. Detergent can be used by anyone.

Guidelines for choosing a robotic assistant

You need to start by determining the type of vacuum cleaner. Before doing this, you need to determine the desired functionality and the degree of "independence" of the device. This is what will become the main selection criterion. In addition, you should consider the following points:

Instrument Power Method

Like manual counterparts, robots can be equipped with a battery or connected to a network. The first option is much preferable, since it gives the device maximum freedom of movement.

Given that it works without human intervention, it is necessary for him. It is highly undesirable for the unit to fall or stop due to a tangled cord.

Window cleaner
Units operating from a network have an unlimited supply of operating time. However, their range is limited by the length of the power cord. Battery devices are very mobile, but limited in time

When choosing a battery, you need to remember that as soon as it is discharged, the device may slip off the glass. Therefore, it is worth choosing a model with a maximum power battery and not leaving it without control during operation. Mains powered devices can do this for as long as they like. But at the same time they are somewhat limited in movement.

Suitable equipment

It is optimal to choose models with the maximum of all possible equipment. As a rule, there are no additional nozzles for robotic vacuum cleaners of this type. But the manufacturer can complete them with additional napkins and scrapers for cleaning.

In some cases, such consumables can be quite difficult to obtain, so the more they are with the vacuum cleaner, the better. Before buying, you must definitely find out the issues of availability and cost of consumables.If they are too expensive or not always on sale, it is better to look for another model.

Complete with the unit can be sold and branded detergent. The bottle, as a rule, is small and quickly ends. It is worth checking with the consultant whether it is mandatory to use it or whether you can purchase some other composition.

Robot vacuum cleaner
Models of square and rectangular shapes are considered more effective because they are able to clean dirt in the corners of window frames. Round units cannot do this. This should be considered when choosing a device.

Features of the device

Before buying an expensive unit, which is a robot vacuum cleaner for windows, it is worthwhile to find out all the features of its operation. For example, Hobot-168 is equipped with round cleaning elements.

Thus, he is not able to clean the dirt from the corners of the frame. This will have to do it yourself. It will clean the smooth surface without a frame as efficiently as possible.

Windoro WCR-I001 is free from this drawback. Its brushes are also round, but special scrapers are additionally used. Therefore, dirt in the corners is completely removed.

At the same time, the device has limitations in operation. It can only be used on bags with a specific glass thickness. If this requirement is not met, the device cannot be held on the window.

Brand and country of production

Window robotic vacuum cleaners are a relatively new product. So far, they are produced quite a bit. Most of the products are made in Asian countries, but Europeans are also found.

Do not think that the latter have some advantage and especially high quality. Before buying, you should get acquainted with brand reviews.

Window cleaner
Before buying, it is advisable to collect as much information as possible about the brand that produces the model you like about the device itself. Good units will do their job well and last a long time.

If the majority are negative or simply not there, this is an occasion to think about choosing a model from another manufacturer. The first and most famous, as well as reliable devices were Windoro robots. Unfortunately, they cannot be used in any conditions. Therefore, in our country, Hobot brand products are more common.

With the popular types of mini-vacuum cleaners used to solve a variety of household tasks, will introduce next article. We recommend reading very useful information.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Testing robots vacuum cleaners for washing windows:

Instructions for the proper use of the wiper:

Window washing can be entrusted to a mechanical assistant. Even handheld vacuum cleaners significantly facilitate this work, and robots completely take it upon themselves. A person can only remove the device after cleaning.

Electric wipers are quite diverse, so you need to be responsible for choosing a device. To get the perfect assistant, fully satisfying all the wishes of the owner.

Want to talk about how to choose a vacuum cleaner for cleaning glasses for your own apartment or house? Do you have useful information that may be useful to site visitors? Please write comments in the block below, ask questions and post photos on the topic of the article.

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Visitors Comments
  1. Alice

    I was given a vacuum cleaner for cleaning windows for my birthday. The toy is expensive, I probably wouldn’t buy myself. Already used several times. It is easier to wash the windows with it, there are no stains, then do not rub with a rag or paper for shine. I used to mop a window. With a vacuum cleaner faster. The only thing that he does not wash the frames, but only glass. With Hobot-168, even the windows on the glazed balcony were washed where it was hard to get.

  2. Don't take window cleaning robots seriously. I think that this is just an expensive toy with a bunch of flaws. But a manual vacuum cleaner for windows, it’s also a wiper, is another matter: it helps a lot in the household, although it’s also not ideal. They took a trusted company - Karcher, model WV 50 plus. In general, it washes well, but there is a problem with the corners, the nozzle can not always be crawled. They can also wash mirrors. From time to time, you need to rinse the silicone nozzle, otherwise it will leave stains. There is enough battery charge to clean all the windows in the apartment. In general, the device is at 7/10.

  3. Kristina

    I have been using this Körcher vacuum cleaner for a year. Unlike ordinary rags, it does not leave dirt and smudges after itself and launders even the most neglected cases. I was able to wash the mirror, which 20 years lay with my mother in the attic. The tool for such a vacuum cleaner is rather economically used, for 3 years I have not yet changed a 500 ml bottle. The only thing is that the battery sits very quickly. Instead of the stated 20 minutes, it works autonomously for no more than 10.

  4. Eugene

    My sister has such a vacuum cleaner from Karcher, model WV 50 plus and the impression I have and she is negative. I wouldn’t buy it myself. Consumables are quite expensive, but washes are far from perfect. Normal washing with a cloth is more effective.

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