Vacuum cleaners for washing windows entered our everyday life not so long ago, but they are already loved by those who managed to buy them. They are compact, energy efficient, and can be used for dry and wet cleaning of both the inside and outside of glass. The only drawback of such devices is the price. It is still “biting”, but is already tending to decrease - new models are becoming more functional and affordable.
What types of vacuum cleaners are there for cleaning windows?
All vacuum cleaners can be divided into two groups:
manual;
robots.
The first ones require the use of human force - despite the fact that they wash the glass themselves, the owner has to move them around the perimeter of the window. The latter do everything themselves, and the only thing that is required of a person is to ensure the cleanliness of the rag pads and add detergent or water in a timely manner.
However, manual windshield wipers still have an advantage: they can wash not only glass, but also window frames. And a robot - even the most expensive one - will not be able to clean the frames, since its design is not designed for such tasks.
A manual glass washer is suitable for those who live in a private one-story house.But the robot will make it easier for residents of high-rise buildings to clean windows - they won’t have to do it themselves, risking slipping and falling from the windowsill, or calling a special cleaning service.
How to use a window cleaner?
If you have a manual windshield wiper, everything is simple: install a suitable attachment, spray detergent or plain water on the window, take the device by the handle, turn on the motor and move the attachment back and forth across the glass until you find it clean enough.
Owners of robots are luckier - while the vacuum cleaner is working, they can afford to rest. There is no need to stand near the window and make sure that the robot does not fall - all such devices are equipped with a nylon safety cable. At one end it is attached to the device, and at the other there is a carabiner that can be fastened to a battery or cabinet handle. It is not necessary to use this cable when the vacuum cleaner is working inside the house - it will be of no use anyway, but when placing the robot on the outside of the glass, it is better not to risk the lives of passers-by.
It's easy to turn on the robot - just press it against a window or other surface that needs to be washed and press the large button on the body. After a few seconds, the vacuum cleaner will stick to the glass and stay on it. After this, you need to press the same button again - the device will “travel” along the selected route. After finishing cleaning, the robot will return to the same place where it was “planted” at the beginning - this is done so that the device can be removed from the window without much effort.
Top 5 vacuum cleaners for windows: from cheapest to most expensive
It should be noted that there are not many window cleaning vacuum cleaners on the Russian market. If you try, you can find about a dozen current models.There is a much richer selection in Chinese stores like Aliexpress, and the prices there are better.
Thomas WindowJet 2 in 1 Plus
The most budget device of those included in today's review. In stores they ask for it from 3,500 to 4,000 rubles. Designed for manual washing of glass, tiles and mirrors, as well as other glossy surfaces.
Thomas WindowJet 2 in 1 Plus - pros and cons
The body of the device does not heat up during operation.
It works on the 2 in 1 principle - it simultaneously washes and collects the remaining water on the surface.
Relatively low noise level - 60 dB.
There is a reservoir for used water with a capacity of 110 ml.
There is a charge level indicator.
Detergents can be used.
The slider control may not be very convenient for women with long manicures.
The battery life is only 40 minutes, while charging time is as much as 3 hours.
Includes only 1 microfiber cloth.
Karcher WV 6 Premium
Manual windshield wiper from a world famous manufacturer. It will cost 8,000 rubles, but it can be used not only for washing windows, but also for cleaning shower cabins and car glass.
Karcher WV 6 Premium - pros and cons
Automatic equalization of pressure force, thereby reducing wear on the vacuum cleaner.
Does not leave drips or streaks - the vacuum cleaner collects all the liquid that remains on the glass into a special reservoir with a capacity of 150 ml.
Battery operated. One charge lasts for 100 minutes, and the charging process takes only 170 minutes.
There is an error indicator.
The display shows information about how many minutes are left until the battery is completely discharged.
Only two operating modes - wet cleaning and water suction.
Only one microfiber pad included.
Quite heavy weight - 760 g.People with thin wrists will find it difficult to clean surfaces located above elbow level.
The kit includes detergent, but its volume is only 20 ml.
Hobot-188
Thanks to its good functionality and relatively low price, this vacuum cleaner has become a bestseller in many online stores. You will have to pay about 16,000 rubles for it, and this is the most budget option among robotic devices.
Hobot-188 - pros and cons
It copes with washing windows even without special products - if the glass is not very dirty, just moisten the nozzles with water.
14 microfiber cloths included.
Dry and wet cleaning is possible.
Can overcome obstacles up to 1.5 cm high.
The manufacturer provides the possibility of using the robot to clean countertops and floors.
Extension cable 4 m long and safety rope 4.5 m.
After an emergency power outage, it will stay on the glass for another 20 minutes and sound signals.
The high noise level (67 dB) makes it difficult to use the vacuum cleaner in the room where the child sleeps, or in the office during working hours.
The robot can only be controlled using a remote control; there is no app for a smartphone.
The relatively large height - 12 cm - does not allow the vacuum cleaner to get between the glass and window bars.
Not suitable for frameless windows and mirrors.
Works only when connected to the network.
No water tank.
Xiaomi BOBOT Window Cleaning Robot
As you would expect, Xiaomi has not remained aloof from technological progress and has also launched a window cleaning robot on the market. It costs about 20,000 rubles, and this is a very modest amount for a device with such technical characteristics.
Xiaomi BOBOT Window Cleaning Robot - pros and cons
Able to plan a travel route and resume work from the same place where he left off the previous time.
The height is only 9.7 cm, which allows the robot to fit between the glass and the grille on the window.
It takes no more than 2 minutes to completely clean 1 m2 of surface.
Supports remote control via smartphone app.
If the power is turned off, it will continue to work for 40 minutes.
The robot monitors the force of pressure and adhesion to the surface in real time and can change it depending on the circumstances.
Safety rope 4 m long.
There are not enough napkins that are put on the nozzles - only 4 pieces. If you have large and very dirty windows, it is better to immediately buy an additional set.
Small battery capacity - 600 mAh.
Ecovacs Winbot X
The most expensive participant in our rating causes almost no complaints from buyers. And it’s not surprising, because the manufacturers did everything to make its price - 35,000 rubles - justified.
Ecovacs Winbot X - pros and cons
Can run on battery power for 50 minutes. Full charging time is 150 minutes.
The safety rope is attached to the glass using a suction cup.
There is an edge detection sensor, so this robot can be used on frameless windows.
There is a 230 ml detergent reservoir.
The set includes only 4 microfiber pads. The rest - if needed - will have to be purchased separately.
Heavy weight - 1800 g.
There are only two operating modes - automatic and thorough cleaning.
There is no smartphone app through which you can control the robot.
Is there a difference in what shape of robot vacuum cleaner to buy - rectangular or oval?
The only functional difference is that a device with oval brushes does not clean the corners of windows well. If this is not important to you, pay attention to the technical characteristics of the robot. But if you still want to get everything at once, be prepared to pay several thousand rubles extra - rectangular models, as a rule, cost more than oval ones.
How often do you need to purchase consumables?
It all depends on how actively you use the vacuum cleaner. The only consumables you will have to buy are napkins or microfiber attachments, which wear out from friction on hard surfaces. But in any case, they will last for a year or two, provided that you turn on the device once every two to three weeks. You will also need liquid detergent, although you can do without it if you wish.
Do I need to somehow prepare the windows before turning on the washing vacuum cleaner?
Simply spray the glass with water or detergent. If the windows are very dirty—covered with a thick layer of dust—you can first go over them with a cleaner, similar to a mop. Thanks to this, the napkins will get dirty less often and will have to be replaced less often during one cleaning.
Is there a vacuum cleaner that can independently move from one glass to another?
Unfortunately, such a device has not yet been invented. You need to move the robot manually, turning it on and off each time. When washing tiled walls or mirrors, the situation is similar.
What happens if the window cleaning robot falls down?
If you remember to fasten it with a safety rope, the robot will hang on this same rope. All you have to do is go to the window, drag the device into the room and check whether it was damaged by hitting the wall.Well, if you forgot, the robot will fall to the ground (at best) or on the head of someone passing by (at worst). Remember that the device weighs 1.5–2 kg, so if it falls from a height, it can cause serious injury or death. In this case, the owner will be responsible and pay compensation to the victims.
When choosing between a robotic cleaner and a manual windshield wiper, consider the floor on which your apartment is located, the frequency of window cleaning and the area of the glass. If money is not a problem, in any case it is worth choosing a device that does not require the use of human force. Since most robots are made in China, you can save about 25% of the cost by ordering the device on Aliexpress.
