There are lots of window cleaning devices available, from the traditional to the hi-tech, to help ease the burden and make the job more efficient with improved results. Here we run down some of the options and discuss how they work, their pros and cons, and which scenarios they suit best for when you don’t want to invite professional window cleaners.
Magnetic Window Cleaner
Magnetic window cleaners are an ingenious solution to the problem of cleaning the outside surface of your windows when they’re less accessible, for example upstairs or if you live in a block of flats.
How Does a Magnetic Window Cleaner Work?
The device is made of two parts, and both elements are magnetic so they stick together from either side of the window. The part that stays inside has a handle for you to hold to guide the cleaner – as you move the internal half of the device across the window, the external half follows the same path on the outside, cleaning the glass as it goes. The cleaner normally has removable sponge and microfibre cloth attachments so you can clean with the sponge and then wipe with the cloth, to avoid streaks and achieve a better finish.
There are different versions available, with stronger magnets in the window cleaners designed for thicker or double glazed glass, so before you buy one, make sure it’s suitable for your property’s windows.
When you use your magnetic window cleaner, you’ll also need a bucket with some warm water and detergent or washing up liquid. Dip both parts of the magnetic cleaner into the solution and then place the external half of the cleaner on the outside of the glass with the sponge attachment. If the external piece has string attached, secure it to something like the window handle (in case the connection between the two magnets is lost and the outside half drops off the window).
Now clamp the internal piece to the external piece with the window between the two, and start to move the internal piece across the glass. Do it slowly to make sure the magnetic connection isn’t lost. Once you’ve cleaned the pane, separate the magnets and bring both pieces inside. You can then attach microfibre cloths to both pieces and go over the window a second time to ensure a sparkling finish.
Window Cleaner Robot
Yes, robots that clean your windows are really a thing. Also known as ‘winbots’ – how do they work, and are they any good?
Magnetic Window Cleaner Robots
This type of robot cleaner works on the same principle as the magnetic window cleaners, with the robot on the outside and a magnet on the inside. This method was the most common use in the early days of winbots, with vacuum bots becoming more widespread as the tech has improved. One key advantage of magnets is they can’t fail in the same way as a mechanical vacuum can, which means there is less chance of the robot falling from the window.
Vacuum Window Cleaner Robots
Many models use vacuum suction to stay attached to the exterior of the window. This removes the requirement for any counterpart piece on the inside of the window which makes them more convenient. These more modern winbots are often faster and more effective.
How Do Window Cleaner Robots Work?
Whether you choose a vacuum or magnetic variety, the robot itself is likely to travel over the glass on tracks or wheels. They have microfibre cloths attached to their underside to clean as they move around the window.
There are many sizes available, with larger ones often used for commercial premises and smaller models more commonly used for residential properties with less glass or smaller windows. The size of the device also dictates its weight so it’s important to consider this, to make sure it isn’t too heavy for your windows to support.
There are also different features available including automated spraying, and route planning : some robots simply move around the window at random while more expensive models plan the path they will take around the window to ensure it is all cleaned as efficiently as possible.
The robots are mains powered via a power cable and some also have battery back-up in case of power failure, to avoid any incidents where the robot simply drops to the ground.
Window Vacuum Cleaner
These small hand-held battery-powered tools can be used to achieve sparkling windows. Simply spray detergent mix onto your windows and then use the vacuum with its attached squeegee blade on the windows – it will clean the window and remove the water via vacuum suction for a streak-free clean.
Telescopic Washing Brush
Moving away from some of the more advanced technology we’ve explored so far to something more traditional, the telescopic washing brush remains a safe and effective way to clean first floor windows from the ground. These extendable poles are lightweight for ease of use but also sturdy enough to ensure a good clean. It’s normally possible to attach a hosepipe and change the attachments at the head of the pole for the right tool for the job: brush, sponge, or squeegee. Different models will vary in terms of length but most commonly the poles extend from approximately one to three metres.
Window Steam Cleaner
It’s also possible to use a steam cleaner for your windows. These machines deliver steam at high temperatures to help loosen dirt and grime as well as killing bacteria and other organic matter like moss and mould.
It’s essential not to use steam cleaners on cold windows as the extreme change in temperature could crack the glass.
These are hand-held devices that normally feature rechargeable batteries, so it’s worth considering battery life so you can buy one that’s appropriate for the amount of glass you’re going to be cleaning, to ensure the power lasts for the entire session. Commonly they last up to about 25 minutes on a single charge.
An added benefit of steam cleaners for windows is that they can be used on mirrors and tiles, and can even be used on clothes to reduce creases. They also reduce the use of detergents and chemicals as the cleaning is delivered purely by the power of hot water.
Track Cleaning Tool
When it comes to cleaning windows, it’s not just about the glass. Over time, dirt and debris will gather in the tracks and frames of glazed doors and windows that open. Track cleaning tools are essentially ergonomically designed brushes that sweep away the dirt from those hard to reach areas. There are models available that have a scraper-style handle which can be used to loosen and remove caked-on grime and dirt. They’re tools which are often overlooked but are an essential element to keeping your windows and glazed doors in great condition!
Of course, not everyone wants to spend time or has the capacity to clean their windows at home or in the workplace, which is why we’re here. If you’d like a quote for us to do the job for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
