5 things I wish I knew before buying a window vacuum – these tips will help you pick the perfect model for your needs

When I first picked up a window vacuum for cheap as an impulse purchase, I had no idea that I had just completely changed how I clean and maintain my home.

It might sound over the top to say it and 12 months ago, I would have agreed. But this household gadget doesn’t get the attention and praise it deserves and I realize now a lot of misinformation exists around these nifty gadgets.

It's a simple tool but there are a few other things I wish I had known before buying a window vacuum that will definitely influence me if I ever buy another. Here’s what I have learned using mine to clean my windows that will help you make the right decision when you invest (which I highly suggest you do).

Things I wish I knew before buying a window vac

It's important to say I quickly learned that even the name 'window vacuum' is a bit misleading, to some degree. It is not restricted to just cleaning windows and has turned out to be one of the most versatile tools in my cleaning cabinet, helping to suck up moisture and dirt from several surfaces in and out of my home, not just on windows.

1. They clean more than windows

As the name suggests, the first and main use for a window vac is cleaning windows (I have used it both inside and outside alongside the best DIY window cleaning solutions for window vacuums) to make my windows shine) but its practicality doesn't stop there.

Any cleaning task when you need to remove moisture from a surface can benefit from a window vac, I have learned. Be it cleaning glass shower doors or cleaning a mirror, the window vac sucks up water droplets that otherwise leave streaks behind.

I start cleaning as normal, wiping the surface over with soapy water or a cleaning spray, before using the window vac to suck it all up, finishing by buffing the dry surface to really make them shine.

2. They are condensation saviours

Getting rid of condensation inside windows is no one's idea of the perfect way to start the morning, not to mention a regular squeegee just sends the water flying everywhere, and cloths are often sodden and need washing after.

Using a window vac every morning to beat condensation is a trick I learned from my mom, who swears by it for cleaning off the massive, wall-to-wall bay windows in my parent’s bedroom. Instead of having to deal with wet windowsills, the window vac quickly sucks up the moisture and leaves a clear, dry window behind. This daily habit for a mold-free home protects their walls and window seals from damage and staining, too. She then uses the water she collects to water her houseplants.

Their usefulness doesn't stop in the home, either. My dad bought a smaller window vac model, like the Karcher V1 from Amazon, to keep in his car, which he uses to quickly clear the windscreen of misting on cold days, rather than having to run the heaters for ages before he can drive off, or struggle with a cloth that simply smears the water around and makes it harder to see.

3. They aren’t all made the same

While also window vacs have the same basic functions and will help curb condensation in winter, they are not all made the same.

My mom, for instance, splurged on the official Karcher Window Vac 6, available at QVC with all the attachments, while I picked up a much cheaper own-brand version at the grocery store. While mine still works fine, my mom’s is far more powerful, lasts longer, and has a larger capacity tank. Not to mention it comes with different sized heads to suit a range of different tasks.

The differences in functionality are something you might want to consider before investing in one for yourself. If you only need it for a few quick tasks every so often, a cheaper, more basic model may be all you need. But if you are looking to use it regularly all around the house, you might want to spend more up-front.

4. They’re perfect for spills

I am incredibly clumsy. Luckily, I rarely drink anything other than water, so when I spill my drink it isn’t too dire a problem, however, I still don't want a damp puddle sitting on my table all day. The window vac has quickly become a go-to tool for cleaning up spills to prevent permanent damage to surfaces around my home.

It is far more efficient than paper towels (as I don’t have to go through reams of them to get it all up), and prevents smearing.

5. They take some practise

So far as cleaning tips go, window vacs are some of the easiest to dive in and use. I would go so far as to say that you don’t really need the instructions for many of them – simply charge it, turn it on, and use it as you would a squeegee.

However, unlike a squeegee, you have to move a lot slower with a window vacuum in order to give it time to suck the water up. Getting the speed and pressure right takes a bit of getting used to for shining results. The first few times I used mine I struggled with some streaking and skipping of spots as I either pressed too hard against the glass, too softly, or moved too quickly.

The learning curve can be a bit frustrating, especially if you are used to blitzing over shower glass with a regular squeegee, but with some patience comes truly satisfying results.

In my opinion, as someone who has tested countless cleaning hacks, a window vac is up there with other essential cleaning tools everyone needs, especially if you value sparking surfaces around your home.