Winter can be tough on our properties, from plunging temperatures to strong winds. But for me, the biggest problem I have to deal with at this time of year is condensation.
The build-up of water on my windows is a daily occurance, especially living in a period property. Every morning, I open my curtains to be greeted by wall of water droplets and mist that blocks all view to the outside. Condensation builds up when warm, moist air from indoors meets the cold glass surface.
It causes water vapour to turn into liquid droplets that sit on the glass. My windows are single-glazed, which makes this problem even worse as the glass gets much colder than double-glazed windows.
To try tackle this problem, I would make sure to open my windows and ventilate the rooms. But, I found it took a long time to see the condensation disappear.
I was getting so frustrated with the problem and could see the damage the water was having on my windows. The wooden frames felt damp and I feared mould would be on the way soon if I didn’t tackle it.
So, I decided to fork out £40 and try a window vacuum in the hopes it would make my life easier. I bought a Karcher Window Vac WV1 back in 2023 (still on sale on their website for £39.99).
Karcher Window Vac review after three years
It’s now been three years since I purchased my window vacuum, and I have to say it has completely changed my winters. The vacuum is easy to use and can get to work straight away.
Karcher Window Vacs can be used all around the home, including on shower screens, tiles, mirrors, worktops and floors. I have only ever used my on windows to clear condensation, so bare that in mind.
Pros
The vacuum is lightweight and very simple to use thanks to it only having one button – the on/off switch. I simply charge mine up and I am good to get to work on my windows for a couple of weeks.
I reach for my vacuum every morning to clear the condensation off my windows, so it has certainly paid for itself. I simply turn the button on and can hear the vacuum working.
All I do is drag the suction nozzle along my windows and I can see the condensation completely disappear. The vapour is removed in seconds, with all the water collected in a container on the handle.
I am able to work on all eight of my windows with ease, and can remove condensation from all of them in just a couple of minutes.
In the three years I have had my Karcher Window Vac, I haven’t found anything else that can clear condensation as quickly and efficiently.
Cons
Despite all the pros of my vacuum, I have found the container that collects all the water from my windows fills up very quickly and reaches the max fill line fast. My windows do get bad condensation, but I am often treking to and from the sink to dispose the water as I work on my windows.
If the container was bigger, I would be able to get all my windows condensation free in one go. You also need to be rather careful when removing the container from the vacuum.
One day I hastily removed it and a small part of the catch broke off. Luckily, the container still twists back onto the vacuum but you do need to watch what you are doing.
I have also noticed I get little warning when the vacuum is about to go out of charge. You get around 25 minutes run time, which is long enough for me to go a couple weeks. But when it comes to it needing a charge, a red light flashes and you won’t have long until it completely runs out.
Other reviews
The Karcher Window Vac WV1 does have mixed reviews from other consumers, with some heaping on the praise while others found it fell short.
One reviewer said: “Great bit of kit. Does a grand job especially clearing up the window condensation.” Another added: “Love it. Made such a difference. Dead easy to use and so effective. Can’t believe how much water we’re sucking up!”
Someone else commented: “I bought this about a month ago and it’s perfect, the best tool for cleaning my windows. You don’t realise how streaky there were until you get this.”
At the other end, one person said: “My first and last karcher purchase. After 6 weeks the flimsy plastic catch on the water tank snapped. Very poor quality build.”
Another shared: “Bought about 2 months ago. Not as strong at getting water of windows. Just moves it around till I hold and go very slow. Battery not the best on charger couple of hours last about 20 mins. Back to rags and window cleaner.”
Someone else wrote: “The plastic water tank on this product is so flimsy it will not withstand any impact. If, like me, you are unlucky enough to let it slip out of your fingers a few weeks after buying it the tank is likely to split.”
Others on the market
Karcher isn’t the only brand to offer window vacuums. Asda are currently selling a Tower TWV10 Cordless Window Vacuum for £20. While, Screwfix has a Titan TTS1070VAC Cordless Window Vacuum on sale from £29.99 to £19.99
