With the UK's weather, we get our fair share of window condensation, leading to some unsightly smudging and grime, potentially even mould build-up, leaving a wonderful view slightly spoiled. Why not invest in the best window vacuum?
Despite our best efforts: using a simple window wiper and a cloth will never effectively remove streaking.
For a streakless finish, a window vacuum is the ultimate solution to reviving your windows around the home.
How do window vacuums work?
Window vacuums work by scraping the moisture off of a cleaned area. Using a suction nozzle, the device collects any built-up fluid, leaving your windows spotless and streak-free.
Can I use the window vacuum for anything else other than windows?
Yes, it's perfect for using on tiles, on glass doors and especially mirrors.
For especially stubborn stains on windows, check out these fantastic window steam cleaners.
Related: The best steam cleaners for tiles that'll leave your home spotless
The best window vacuums 2022
Key features:
Area coverage on a single charge: 70m²
Run time: 25 mins
Charge time: 100 mins
Weight: 0.5KG
Guarantee: 2 Years
Additional features: N/A
Overview
Our best value option for window cleaning, Kärcher’s WV 1 includes no fancy additional features, needless guiding tech or pricey cleaning chemicals.
Instead, it offers excellent area coverage up to 70m², a great, lightweight and versatile design, and its results are often just as good as pricier options.
If you’re looking for a practical and cost-effective solution to window cleaning that’ll easily erase any stubborn smudging and grime, then Kärcher’s WV 1 is the perfect choice for your home.
Review:
“This product is brilliant, helps to keep you on top of any cleaning, use it directly after a shower/bath or if you spill liquids on any surface. It takes the effort out of cleaning”
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Key features:
Area coverage on a single charge: 300m²
Run time: 100 mins
Charge time: 170 mins
Weight: 1.32kg
Guarantee: 1 year
Additional features: Small suction nozzle, spray bottle kit, battery indicator, edge guidance system
Overview
Kärcher’s WV 6 Plus Window Vac is quite possibly one of the finest window cleaners available right now, with all of the additional quality of life perks you could possibly wish for.
With an enormous 100-minute battery life, a larger water tank, LED battery indicator and edge-guidance system, this is the be-all-end-all solution to window smudging.
Yet, the true question is, how well does it clean windows? And, of course, Kärcher’s window vac does not disappoint. It’s excellent suction leaves windows bone-dry, so there’s no chance of bothersome streaking, which is precisely what you pay for.
Kärcher’s WV 6 Plus improves on their WV 1 in every conceivable way, and despite being pricier, still seems totally worth it.
Review:
“It works like a dream, the windows, inside and outside are sparkly clean and the low winter sun no longer accentuates every dirty mark or smear from previous attempts to clean them. Using this is a breeze, it is so easy, and so efficient, and so quick. I love it.”
Key features:
Area coverage on a single charge: 300m²
Run time: 30 minutes
Charge time: 180 minutes
Weight: 700g
Guarantee: 12 months
Overview
An excellent competitor to Kärcher’s window vac monopoly, Bosch’s cordless GlassVac is a great, affordable option for removing smears and smudges with ease.
Well-built and perfect for windows of any size due to its compact design, at practically half the price of the WV 6 plus with additional goodies such as the microfibre cloth attachment, Bosch’s GlassVac is an affordable solution for getting those windows crystal clear.
Review:
“The Bosch GlassVac is well made, has plenty of attachments and works really well, saving me so much time to do other things! Having Georgian type windows, the option of two wiper blade widths is really well thought out. I’m now also using it for other things I’d never thought of before such as cleaning/vacuuming my shower screen and bathroom tiles. Would highly recommend!”
Related: Homemade cleaning products: 9 hacks for DIY cleaning recipes
Key features:
Area coverage on a single charge: 120 m²
Run time: 30 minutes
Charge time: 180 minutes (6 hours for first use)
Weight: 640g
Guarantee: 1 year
Additional features: Flexible neck
Overview
A cost-effective, yet high-quality alternative to any major window vacuum brand, Vileda’s WindoMatic is perfectly ideal for eliminating water stains and condensation from windows as well as shower doors and mirrors.
With a far more flexible design than Kärcher’s WV 1, while remaining light and ergonomic, Vileda’s WindoMatic is perfect for the hard-to-reach places that you thought would never get cleaned.
While not as technologically impressive as Kärcher’s line-up, it certainly feels like a quality product that is designed with convenience and performance in mind. Of course, our only major gripe is with its charging time, which leaves much to be desired. Nonetheless, Vileda’s WindoMatic remains a window vac worth paying for.
Review:
“I had been dithering for ages about getting one of these. Took the plunge and so pleased I did. It’s fantasy for clearing the shower and great getting rid of condensation- we have a lot of windows that steam up and it works so well. I have a bad shoulder but it’s so lightweight it doesn’t bother me at all.”
Key features:
Area coverage on a single charge: (Not specified)
Run time: 30 minutes
Charge time: 180 minutes
Weight: 920g
Guarantee: 3 years
Additional features: N/A
Overview
Our cheapest window vacuum, Beldray’s cordless rechargeable cleaner is an affordable option with some solid cleaning capabilities.
While this isn’t going to give you the perfect glow of Kärcher’s WV 6 plus, Beldray’s window vac is a fraction of the cost for a very decent result that most homeowners will be satisfied with.
Beldray’s window vac has no LED display, no additional attachments and an underwhelming battery life and charge rate - yet these are largely unnecessary luxuries that are not essential to achieving a smudge-free window view.
Review:
“Gone are the days of shower screens that look all blotchy and smeared with water marks... and my patio doors now sparkle... Super, super easy to use and the battery life is brilliant! I'd defo recommend this!”