By Jolie Kerr
For The Washington Post
Washing the windows is a staple of spring cleaning, one of the chores that first springs (sorry, sorry!) to mind when the season arrives. There are practical reasons to wash windows in spring — falling leaves and winter storms leave windows very dirty — but there is also this: Washing the windows is a big, often sloggy, job that is easy to put off until, sigh, spring cleaning rolls around, and it’s time to it the windows are filthy.
That slogginess makes window washing an area ripe for disruption, but does the Uber of window washing exist? A scroll through cleaning content on Instagram and TikTok suggests yes — clever, newfangled tools that promise to make washing the windows a cinch abound, evoking a strong, “I have got to have that” response.
Ahead of spring cleaning, I took four viral window cleaning tools for a spin around my home to see if they really offer a better way to tackle this often dreaded chore.
Magnetic window cleaner
The product: Baffect double-sided magnetic window washer, $26.97
What it is: Double-sided magnetic window cleaners are all over TikTok, promising a virtually effortless way to clean interior and exterior windows in one go. These gadgets use magnets to adhere to both sides of a window, allowing double-sided cleaning and offering a solution for exterior window cleaning that doesn’t require ladders, ropes, pulleys or scaffolding. For apartment dwellers and people who prefer not to dangle midair, this clever contraption looks like a window-cleaning game changer.
What we thought: Unfortunately, its performance was dismal and, more troubling, magnetic window cleaners pose two major safety problems. The magnets are quite strong, and it is very easy, even when you are paying close attention, to trap your fingers between the plates. I did! It hurt — quite a lot. Then, in testing, the tool fell apart: It bumped the metal frame of my window, disturbing the magnet holding the two pieces together and causing the outer piece to fall to the ground and break.
One of my catchphrases for expressing how much I dislike a person or thing is to say, “I hate it so much I want to throw it out my window.” The nicest thing I have to say about the magnetic window cleaner is that it took the initiative to throw itself out the window, so I didn’t have to.
Our verdict: Not recommended.
2-in-1 window and screen cleaning brush
The product: YYYFEI multifunctional window cleaner brush, $8.99
What it is: A window and screen cleaning tool that features a microfiber cleaning pad on one side and a squeegee blade on the other. To use this window cleaning brush, apply glass cleaner to the window and scrub away dirt, pollen, and other buildup using the thick microfiber pad attached to the head of the tool. Then flip the tool around and use the squeegee blade to skim away the cleaning solution. (I do not have screens on my windows and was unable to test the tool’s screen-cleaning ability.)
What we thought: The product I expected the least from was, naturally, the one I ended up being most impressed by. This is a handy little tool indeed! The extendable handle allows for impressive reach, allowing me to clean all the way to the top of my windows with no problem (I am short).
However, the flimsy handle and the subpar squeegee blade give me strong reservations. There are better-made tools for the job, like a flat microfiber cleaning tool with an extendable handle and high-quality squeegee.
Our verdict: Recommended, with reservations.
Window vac
The product: Kärcher WV 1 electric window vacuum squeegee, $69.28
What it is: A cordless power tool that suctions water and cleaning solutions off flat surfaces like windows, mirrors, glass shower doors, glass stovetops, glass tables, countertops and more. Start by applying cleaning solution using the spray bottle (included) and flat microfiber blade. Then use the window vac, working in overlapping lines to vacuum up dirt and excess cleaning solution.
What we thought: The window vacuum was not the superstar I’d hoped it would be. While very cool in theory, in practice the window vac simply didn’t perform well enough to justify the extra work it created, the bulkiness of the two separate pieces for applying and then removing glass cleaner, or its cost. In particular, a line of fluid left behind after vacuuming needed to be wiped away manually — which, after using not one but two separate window cleaning tools, was an annoyance. It would have been faster, easier and more effective to have stuck with manual window cleaning tools — microfiber cloths and a squeegee — than to use this cumbersome and disappointing power tool for the job. People who have frequent issues with window condensation may find this tool useful for quickly removing a lot of water from glass surfaces, but most s will find the window vacuum creates more problems than it solves.
Our verdict: Not recommended for most people.
Window track cleaning tool
The product: Aevrry magic window track cleaner tool set, $9.99
What it is: A dusting pad folded into a plastic clip that serves as a handle to guide the tool along window tracks, window sills, and other grooved surfaces to pick up dirt, hair and other debris.
What we thought: While it’s a clever idea, this little window cleaning tool didn’t do a whole lot. It picked up some dirt from an exterior window track, but a significant amount of grime remained after several es. Mostly, the tool pushed dirt around, rather than picking it up, leaving a streaky, grimy mess. Using a handheld vacuum fitted with a crevice or gap tool, or cleaning window tracks manually with a microfiber cloth, are much more effective methods.
Our verdict: Not recommended.
Tried and true tips for washing the windows
Until the Uber of window washing materializes and actually offers a way to make washing the windows less awful, skip the viral tools in favor of tried and true methods. Jessica Ehrlichmann, a vice president and general manager at Andersen Windows and Doors, provided the following tips.
Work in the right order
Follow these steps to clean and maintain the clarity and shine of your windows.
Step 1: Remove loose debris.
“Get your windows ready for a cleaning by gently wiping away dust, dirt, or loose particles using a soft, dry cloth. This preliminary step prevents abrasive materials from scratching the glass and helps you get the grime off so your cleaning products work harder,” Ehrlichmann says.
Step 2: Apply glass cleaner.
“Select an appropriate cleaning agent, such as a mild soapy mixture, a diluted vinegar solution, or a glass cleaner such as Sprayway or Windex,” Ehrlichmann says. “Lightly mist or apply the solution onto the glass, then use a soft cloth to wipe the surface in circular motions to clean the surface.”
Step 3: Remove cleaning solution and streaks.
“To remove any remaining cleaning solution, use a squeegee or a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth,” Ehrlichmann says. “For optimal results, work in smooth, even strokes, ensuring no streaks or watermarks remain.”
Use the right tools for the job
One thing that TikTok gets right about window cleaning is that the right tools can make a difference —- it’s just that for now the best tools are the basic ones.
“For the best results,” Ehrlichmann says, “I recommend using a combination of a squeegee and a microfiber cloth. The squeegee is perfect for removing the cleaning solution from the glass, ensuring a streak-free finish. Meanwhile, the microfiber cloth is excellent for wiping away any remaining moisture and polishing the glass to a shine.”
Avoid these common mistakes
• Do not clean windows in direct sunlight, as the heat from the sun can cause cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks and water spots. The best times to clean windows are early morning, evening, or on overcast days.
• Avoid using newspaper to dry your windows. “There is a popular notion that newspaper is great for glass,” Ehrlichmann says, “but this is not true. The ink can transfer and discolor the surrounding materials.”
• Avoid using razor blades. “These can scratch the glass and harm any special coatings,” Ehrlichmann says. “If you need to remove protective film, use a fingernail or a clean plastic scraper rather than a razor blade.”
• Do not use abrasive cleaners, which can cause scratches, etching and other damage to the glass surface.
