Window cleaning robot, how does it work?

General operation

Window cleaning robots are a technological advancement for all those who are tired of doing the chore of cleaning windows. They save time, but above all energy, because you will no longer have to scrub by hand.

Although most of them are easy to use, you will need to take into account several parameters in order to master them perfectly. It is possible to obtain a very satisfactory result even better than if you did the windows by hand.

How does the robot stay on the glass?

The operating principle is very simple, the robot is fixed on the wall and thanks to a suction power. This creates a depression through the pads, which by a suction effect will keep the robot well attached to the window. If the wipes are correctly moistened, they participate in maintaining the robot on the wall. It is interesting to note that even robots with automatic sprayers need their wipes to be moistened beforehand in order to hold on the window.

How is a window cleaning robot powered?

The suction that allows the robots to be held on the window requires continuous energy, there are then two possible power supply modes, the first being the most widespread, the mains power supply with a long cord. The second represents the robots operating on battery. Be careful, the suction requires a significant amount of energy, it is often advisable to favor models operating on mains power continuously, because they have no autonomy limit and can remain attached to the wall without time limit, which is really important when you have a lot of bay windows, and even more so if you have a veranda.

We recommend mains powered models, although there are a few rare models equipped with a battery and able to operate 100% thanks to it, most of the time these models will have a fairly low autonomy which does not allow them to do all your windows in a single cleaning session, you will often have to go and recharge them to be able to finish your cleaning.

How does a window cleaning robot move around on the wall?

We previously discussed the robot's power system and the technology that allows it to attach to a window, now we will see how it can move on it in order to clean it completely. As for movement, we can identify two major technologies.

First we will find the rectangular models, equipped with a large microfiber cloth covering their entire surface, they are maintained in the same way thanks to an inspiration, and move with plastic tracks. The problem is that this plastic track exerts a force opposite to that of the suction to be able to move the robot on the window. Which is very energy-intensive and which often makes this type of model more energy-consuming point the other disadvantage is that the tracks can easily leave marks on the window because it is in direct contact with it.

The second displacement technology, groups the models equipped with two round pads, These are entirely covered with microfiber, and represent the only material in contact with the wall. The first advantage is therefore to drastically limit the traces. Also these are more energy efficient, in fact to move on the window the suction and alternate from one pad to the other, when one of the two pads sucks, the other moves and so on, allowing the robot to move on the entire wall with limited friction and therefore optimal energy consumption.

Which shape to choose? Our opinion:

As you will have understood, we are largely in favor of models with 2 microfiber pads. These offer a result without traces, for optimal energy consumption.

How does a window cleaning robot clean corners?

This question often comes up among people wishing to acquire a window cleaning robot, after reading the comparisons they turn to models with round pads. The question then arises as to whether their device will be able to properly clean the corners of their window.

In fact, no matter the shape of your robot, in all cases there will be a small cm left at the bottom of the corner that will not be done. Even rectangular models do not perfectly reach the bottom of the corners of your windows, in fact the suction is generally centered at the level of the microfiber, and the latter does not necessarily go to the bottom of the corner of the robot. Which once again leaves a part of the corner that will not be washed.

Rest assured, unless the dirt has lodged itself in a specific corner in an obvious way, this detail will not be remarkable, in the case where dirt has lodged itself right in the corner, it will be possible to quickly wipe it with a cloth.

Starting your window cleaning robot:

Now that you know how your device works, you will need to learn how to start it up and know the best practices for using it. You will thus be able to master your device 100% and obtain magnificent results, rest assured, window cleaning robots are very easy to set up.

First we will take care of the security system, in fact the window cleaning robots are held to the wall thanks to a suction that depends on the electric current, if a power cut occurs your robot could be caused to fall, this is why most models are equipped with a backup battery. These are constantly recharged during the cleaning and use of your robot because it is connected to the mains. However, during the first use, it will not have been recharged beforehand, so for the first use of your robot you will only have to let the device charge for several minutes so that the backup battery has sufficient autonomy.

Once the backup battery is ready, you can safely use your robot.

Now you will need to apply window cleaner to your surface to be cleaned, and the robot also needs to have window cleaner on its microfiber cloths in order to adhere properly to the wall. You can therefore kill two birds with one stone by spraying window cleaner directly on the pads, be careful not to dip the pads in the window cleaner, and also do not spray too much product on them. Indeed, if they were too soaked in product, they could leave marks on the wall.

Even if your appliance has an automatic product sprayer, you must spray product yourself on the pads of your robot to ensure adhesion.

Finally, it is important that you change the wipes between each new window, this way you will be constantly washing with clean wipes, it is advisable to have enough wipes to clean all the windows in your room in one session without having to go back and forth to the washing machine. Indeed, although the wipes are washing machine compatible in most cases, it is practical to have enough wipes to clean all your windows at once.

How do I maintain my window cleaning robot?

Fortunately, window cleaning robots do not require any special maintenance. You just have to make sure that they are stored in a dry place, away from humidity, and at room temperature. It is also recommended to recharge your robot at least once or twice a year to ensure the battery life. In fact, most batteries do not tolerate being left without power for very long periods.

How often should I wash windows with my robot?

In order to obtain sparkling windows easily, and for the robot not to leave any marks, you will have to prevent dirt from accumulating too much on your windows. It is a good idea to pass the robot at least once every two months, which allows you to maintain your windows, without dirt having time to accumulate. Of course you can pass the robot more often, it is even recommended.

Be careful with the weather, it is strongly advised not to use your window cleaning robot in the rain, as they are not waterproof and you could damage your robot if water were to fall inside. It is also not recommended to use it in hot weather in direct sunlight, which can cause overheating, especially for exterior windows.

If you have just purchased your window cleaning robot and were waiting to clean the windows, it is very likely that you have not cleaned them for a long time. In this specific case, the window cleaning robot could probably leave some marks, because the dirt would have accumulated too much. In this specific case, we advise you to pass the window cleaning robot twice, the first time with a lot of window cleaner and the second time dry. This will allow you to obtain a result without marks despite an extremely dirty patio door that has not been washed for more than 6 months.

Should we attach the window cleaning robot?

Most window cleaning robots are sold with a safety cord, but it is not easy to find a suitable place to hang it. However, this cord is mandatory when you use your window cleaning robot on exterior walls, in fact the cord is not intended to save your robot in the event of a fall, but rather to protect potential walkers who could pass under your windows. The cord is therefore mandatory in buildings on exterior windows, but is strongly recommended in houses if people can pass under the windows during cleaning. To hang it, you often only need a carabiner already provided.

Conclusion, our opinion on using a window cleaning robot:

Now that you have read this article, you are now more seasoned than most consumers. You have in hand the information necessary to get the most out of your window cleaning robot. You will now be able to wash windows in peace, without physical effort and you save a considerable amount of time.