Keep your windows spotless with a window steam cleaner

We've rounded up the best window steam cleaners on the market for you to shop today.

window steam cleaner

by Lorna White |
Updated on

A window steam cleaner is the perfect tool to have your windows sparkling if you want to get stuck into spring cleaning. What could be better than a deep clean of your windows ahead of those bright mornings and nights? The best steam cleaners can kill up to 99.9 per cent of bacteria and only require water. However, if you want to clean your windows, you want to opt for a window-specific steam cleaner, which will be lighter and easier to use in small corners.

There are a number of ways to thoroughly clean any dirt and condensation from the inside of our windows, but the easiest way is with a steam cleaner. These clever gadgets make light work of window cleaning, and while you can get the job done with your trusty bucket and cloth, a window steam cleaner will help you do it in a fraction of the time!

Best window steam cleaners at a glance:

Best overall window steam cleaner: Kärcher WV 6 Premium Window Vac - View offer on Amazon UK
Best lightweight window steam cleaner: Vileda WindoMatic Power Window Vacuum Cleaner - View offer on Amazon UK**
•** Best quiet window steam cleaner: Kärcher WV2 Plus N Yellow Edition Window Vac - View offer on Amazon UK

They work like a window vacuum cleaner or squeegee. Start by cleaning your windows with cleaning solution or soap and water, and then use your window steam cleaner to clean the suds off for a streak-free and fully dry finish. Did you know you can also get steam cleaners specifically for tiles? If you want a super clean, germ-free kitchen.

Best overall window steam cleaner

Description

Kärcher has long been the leading window steam cleaner, with many homeowners deeming it the go-to brand. The WV 6 is the latest model on the market, and it does not disappoint. One of the most notable differences in the model is the battery life. The WV 6's battery lasts up to 100 minutes, which is much longer than other models in the range. We love that there is a small LCD screen this enables the user to know exactly how much battery is left in the steam cleaner.

Customer review: "This is probably best window cleaning gadget ever. I had an older unit, which I gave away and bought this one as an upgrade. Not much of an upgrade over old one to be fair but still amazing. Cleaned all of my house windows (12 medium sized with balcony door) twice now and still almost full charge. Super easy to clean, though performs good only if used with Karcher window cleaning liquid if sprayed generously, any other store bought liquids leave really bad residue streaks.

Pros

  • The newest window steam cleaner in the Kärcher range
  • Easy to use
  • Battery Indicator
  • Spray bottle kit

Cons

  • Only one cloth is supplied in the pack

Best user-friendly window steam cleaner

Description

The Kärcher WV 1 Window Vac 1 is a best-selling window steam cleaner and will leave your windows streak-free, clean and dry. You can also use this on condensation too, and it isn't just for windows - it's ideal for shower screens and tiles too and will also leave your mirrors sparkling clean. The Kärcher WV 1 Window Vac 1 1 is rechargeable, lightweight and easy to use, with a built-in powerful lithium-ion battery that lasts for up to 25 minutes of cleaning.

Customer review: 'I had a few of these window vacs (different brands) which have all failed relatively quickly. My last one sounded like a Formula one engine so couldn't use in the early mornings for fear of waking the neighbours but had this device a week now and it's perfect so far. Suction is good, very quiet compared to past vacs and the water holder is easy to remove and refit.'

Pros

  • Good battery life
  • Reduces condensation marks
  • Quick and easy to use

Cons

  • Can leak

Best lightweight window steam cleaner

Vileda WindoMatic Power Window Vacuum Cleaner
Price: $177.99

Description

This is the window vac that cleaning guru Mrs Hinch uses! It's brilliant to use on smooth surfaces such as tables and kitchen worktops and has two different power levels. The powerful Li-Ion battery claims to have the capacity to clean 120 windows on one charge! We love the fact that the water tank can be easily detached and is dishwasher-safe.

Customer review: 'I get a lot of condensation on my windows and I was fed up of using a cloth every morning to try and dry them. This handy gadget gets them dry in seconds, not soggy cloths to worry about. It loses 1 star because it's a bit tricky to get the bottom part of the window, next to the sill, dry. The head does tilt slightly but not enough and you have to do the bottom of the window whilst holding the vacuum horizontally, which can cause it to drip. It's still a vast improvement and I have found that I get a lot less condensation on my windows now as well.'

Pros

  • Good suction
  • Great battery life
  • Works great on tiles

Cons

  • Needs to be emptied regularly

Best quiet steam cleaner

Description

Another popular handheld cleaner from the Kärcher range sucks up moisture, leaving surfaces streak-free. It includes a spray bottle to mix your detergent before spraying your windows, wipe with the microfibre cloth, then choose the correct sized suction head before vacuuming the moisture away. This edition lasts for up to 35 minutes of cleaning. That works out at 75 windows in just one charge.

Customer review: 'We had a terrible problem with condensation and before I spent a fortune having a ventilation system put in, I was recommended to this product. Best thing I've ever bought. My routine of drying all the Windows ( which normally takes about an hour and using countless microfibre cloths, kitchen rolls and tea towels) now only takes 10 minutes and no mess. It's brilliant and has honestly made my life so much easier. The only thing I would have preferred is that the Karcher was a bit sturdier. It feels a bit flimsy and not particularly strong. But only time will tell , I've only had this a few days and so far I'm very happy with this.'

Pros

  • Includes spray bottle
  • Streak-free
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Hard to use on small windows

Best window steam cleaner with useful attachments

Description

This versatile hand-held steam cleaner works to cut through any grease, grout or stain with steam. The tank has a capacity of up to 350ml and comes with nine different accessories, making it suitable for cleaning most spaces and surfaces. It can also be used to get rid of creases in clothing, which is a huge added bonus.

Customer review: 'Very pleased with this. It's my first steam cleaner and it really does a good job, wish I had got one sooner. It cuts down enormously on the amount of cleaning sprays and liquids needed, and it leaves a nice clean steam smell which I like. The range of nozzles and tools allow you to clean most things and the steam from a full tank lasts a good while. It has quite a long cable but obviously for some places, like the bathroom, you need an extension cord. The user manual is mostly comprehensible (despite the Chinese origin) and it's very straightforward to operate anyway. A good buy.'

Pros

  • Fantastic at cleaning glass hobs
  • Detailed instructions
  • Multiple attachments

Cons

  • Takes practice using

Best multi-surface steam cleaner

Description

This cordless cleaner can be used to wipe glass surfaces, tiles, mirrors or shower screens, as well as for soaking up spilt liquids. Simply spray the surface using cleaner, give it a wipe and vacuum away any leftover residue for streak-free results. It can last for up to 130 minutes with one charge, which is equal to around 35 windows.

Customer review: 'I previously owned the Karcher window vac which I had to throw away as water kept getting into the motor and would continually spit and smoke. This was the best replacement. Used it for the first time today and it works so much better. It's small and compact with great power. The best feature is the rubber wipers that just leave your window perfectly clean. I'd highly recommend this item.'

Pros

  • Ergonomic and efficient design
  • Quick to empty
  • Handy attachments

Cons

  • Instructions aren't the clearest

Best for high windows

Description

Wash your windows, tiles, mirrors, showers and more as normal, then simply dry with the vacuum cleaner's suction. It works by vacuuming residue from any surface, even horizontal ones. The Leifheit Dry & Clean Window Vacuum Cleaner has a running time of 35 minutes, allowing you to clean over 100m of window surface. It also features a Click-System handle, making it the ideal solution for hard-to-reach surfaces such as high windows or attic windows, comfortably and with no need for a ladder.

Customer review: 'Really a great tool. I had doubts about its effectiveness, but I tried it and so for the first time, the windows doors were washed (without halos) in a moment. It's a great contraption with effective suction, we hope the battery lasts over time.'

Pros

  • Drip-free cleaning
  • Easy to use
  • Energy saving mode
  • Cordless
  • Battery powered

Cons

  •  Comes with a European plug

Things to consider before investing in a window steam cleaner

Power - you want your cleaner to glide through any dirt or condensation with ease. So, finding a cleaner that has enough efficiency and power to do this is essential. After all, you don't want to have to go back in with a sponge afterwards!

Battery life - there's nothing worse than running out of charge when you're halfway through cleaning the windows in your home. That's why it's important to think about how many windows you have in your home. So you can make sure you purchase one that has the power to clean them all in one session.

Leak-proof - once you've cleaned the space, you'll be left with a tank of dirty water. You'll need to empty, which is why it's so important to find a steam cleaner with a fully leak-proof tank so that you don't get any dirty water dripping out.

Weight - while it might not seem heavy at first, after a good 20 minutes of cleaning with it, your arm will be aching, so it's ideal to find a window steam cleaner that is fairly lightweight. Fortunately, most window steam cleaners are designed as handheld cleaners, which makes your chore that little bit easier.

Extendable pole - if your windows are quite high up, it's a good idea to buy a cleaner with an extendable pole to help you get to those hard-to-reach places.

Different suction heads - windows can come in all different shapes and sizes, so you might need a cleaner with a large choice of different-sized heads to help you clean smaller window panels, such as those in your front door.

Can you steam clean window sills?

The great news is that a window steam cleaner will work on every aspect of your window, including window sills. You may want to use a different attachment as it may splatter without.

Lorna White is a Senior Digital Writer for Mother&Baby and Yours and has been a part of the team since 2020. Lorna loves the great British countryside and likes to spend her spare time out and about in her home of Nottinghamshire walking her dog, Pippin.

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