Window cleaning robot: Buying guide
1: What is a window cleaning robot?
Beautiful, clean windows are a real satisfaction, but cleaning them is a real chore for many of us. But don't worry, new technological innovations are at your disposal, so that your windows can be sparkling all year round, without having to spend your time cleaning them!
Among these new technologies, it is the window cleaning robots that we are going to study today. With such a robot, cleaning windows becomes completely different. Just place it on the surface to be cleaned, press a button, and off you go! The robot will clean the entire window , for you, and without needing you to intervene.
But be careful, there are many models of robots capable of cleaning windows and it can be easy to get lost or buy a model that will not suit your needs.
This is why we have written this guide in which you will learn how to choose a window cleaning robot , by learning about the important characteristics and the elements of comparison to identify.
2: How does a window cleaning robot work?
To hold on to a vertical glass wall, the window cleaning robot uses a powerful suction system . The suction passes through the microfiber cloths which are stuck to the wall, and thanks to their texture, the robot is firmly attached.
It is important to know that if the microfibers are wet, the adhesion is even better. To illustrate, we can describe the suction system of window cleaning robots as a suction cup.
The robot's suction is powered by a motor, so a power source is required. Today, 99% of window cleaning robots are powered by the mains . A power cable of several metres allows them to remain powered continuously, and on most models there will also be a backup battery, intervening in the event of a power cut to keep the robot on the wall while waiting for you to come and unhook it.
To degrease and clean your window, you will need to moisten the wipes of your robot with window cleaner (even if the latter is equipped with a sprayer, because this is essential for adhesion) so that it can effectively rub on the wall.
Note that you can use any product , such as white vinegar or water. Be careful not to over-moisten, otherwise the robot will leave small traces.
But how does the robot manage to orient itself and wash the entire window?
It depends on the model chosen, the most efficient ones are equipped with an intelligent navigation system , allowing them to navigate by themselves, without any intervention on your part. While other models are steered with a remote control. Some device manufacturers offer you a smartphone application, but in reality, it is more of a sales argument than a real advantage... If your window cleaning robot cleans your window completely by pressing a simple button , why complicate your life with an application (which is often just an improved remote control).
Most models, although designed primarily for windows, will also allow you to clean all types of flat surfaces (tiles, shower walls, mirrors), but make sure that it is equipped with a vacuum detection system.
3: Window cleaning robots, advantages and disadvantages
Like any innovation, window cleaning robots can change your life, but they are not perfect. Indeed, they do not adapt to all types of windows, and all homes, but first, let's list their many advantages:
The advantages of a window cleaning robot:
First advantage and not least: it is one hundred percent automatic. Which means that you can do other things at the same time . Unlike electric squeegees and magnetic brushes which are content to simplify washing, but which still require your attention and your elbow grease.
Second advantage: It saves you physical effort and strain on your joints. Even if doing a little sport every day is good for your health. Making repetitive movements with your arms above your head for hours when washing windows is very likely to damage your joints.
Third advantage: It saves you the danger that can come with cleaning high or inaccessible windows. Indeed, domestic accidents are frequent, and it is easy to imagine that when you climb on a chair to clean your window, an accident can quickly happen. The same goes for those who resort to using a stepladder or a ladder. Some window cleaning robots can be placed anywhere on the window, especially at the bottom of it to save you a climbing session.
Fourth advantage: It never gets tired , and never balks at the chore of cleaning windows. Do you have large bay windows? A veranda? All this represents hours of work for a human, and much less for a window cleaning robot. You may often find yourself putting off this chore , because you know that it will be long and tedious. With a window cleaning robot, you will therefore be able to clean your windows much more often, because it will seem simpler and more pleasant to you.
But what are the faults of a window cleaning robot ?
First and not least disadvantage: If you only have small tiles (less than 30 cm) window cleaning robots will be of no use to you. Indeed, you will have to move it from tile to tile, stopping and restarting it each time, which is not as painful as cleaning the windows by hand, but is still not very pleasant.
Second drawback: the noise level. The suction required to keep the robot on the window can be noisy on some models that are not equipped with silent motors. Although this is bearable (same level as a vacuum cleaner) and you are not right next to the robot when cleaning, you will have to take this criterion into account when making your purchase.
Should you buy a window cleaning robot?
With the pros and cons in mind, it appears that window cleaning robots are suitable for a particular situation: You need to have medium or large windows , and not divided into small panes in order to optimize your cleaning time. If you want to no longer have to clean windows by hand and your windows match, the window cleaning robot will be your best ally!
4: How to choose a window cleaning robot?
What shape does it take for your robot?
You will have to choose between rectangular models, or round models with two pads . Rectangular models move using rubber tracks, which has the effect of leaving slight marks on the window after passing. Contrary to what one might think, rectangular models do not clean corners better than round models. In fact, often the microfiber does not go all the way to the edge, and the suction is confined to the center of the device, far from the corner.
The round models, on the other hand, do not use tracks; they move by alternating the suction of one pad to the other. Throughout the cleaning, only the microfiber is in contact with the window, which guarantees a streak-free result. As for the corners, the same problem as the rectangular robot, the microfiber slips into the corner well, but not completely. There will therefore be a small centimeter that will not be done, which in general will not be seen unless dirt is lodged precisely in this place, in which case a quick wipe with a cloth, and that's it.
Wired or battery-powered window cleaning robot?
100% battery-powered window cleaning robots are not yet ready. There are only a few models available on the market, whose performance is not optimal ( the battery discharges too quickly , the suction is less powerful, the service life is shorter).
This is why, unless you are completely unable to connect a cable, it will be better to choose a wired model , which is more reliable, more efficient, and has no battery life limit. And yes! Cordless window cleaning robots can only cover a very small amount of glass before being recharged. However, we have seen previously that window cleaning robots are mainly suitable for people with many large glass surfaces.
So that's quite a contradiction! And the reason why the best window cleaning robots work with a mains power cable. And rest assured, in the event of a power failure, some are equipped with a safety system with a battery, allowing them not to fall.
The noise level of your window cleaning robot
As mentioned above, this is a criterion that should not be taken lightly. Indeed, quiet motors are generally induction motors, which is a guarantee of quality and lifespan. On the contrary, very noisy models are often equipped with low-end motors.
The navigation system
To operate efficiently and not waste your time, your window cleaning robot must be equipped with an intelligent navigation system allowing it to find its way on the wall.
Otherwise, the latter will go back and forth randomly, and will spend much more time than necessary on each window.
Check this criterion carefully when making your purchase, because it is really what allows your device to navigate automatically.
Accessories and services associated with your window cleaning robot
Of course, also take into account the accessories supplied , does the robot have enough wipes so that you can chain several windows without changing them each time.
Is the robot guaranteed? Is the brand reliable (so that you can get your robot repaired in the event of a breakdown)? You should also look at the spare parts to ensure that they will be available for several years.
Finally, you can trust customer reviews, when they are verified.
Avoid low-end robots
In the field of electronic products, it is not uncommon to come across poor quality Chinese products. Be careful to comply with CE standards, it is common for some manufacturers to affix the CE marking without having carried out the conformity tests.
Moreover, the lowest priced models have to cut corners on quality to achieve such levels. Smaller batteries, noisy motors, and short battery life are not worth saving a few euros on the purchase.
If you want to avoid the hassle of tiling in a sustainable way, don't be afraid to invest a little more , to have a quality device, and this from a reliable company that will support you in the event of a defect or breakdown of your product.
5: Questions from Internet users about window cleaning robots
How does the security system work?
Your automatic window cleaning robot navigates continuously thanks to its mains power cable. During this time, the backup battery recharges, ensuring maintenance in the event of a power outage or accidental disconnection.
Can it wash shower walls?
Yes, no problem as long as they are smooth. The joints between tiles are not a problem, but if your wall is made of rough stone, he will not be able to clean it.
Can you use a window cleaning robot on a veranda?
Yes, window cleaning robots are particularly suitable, cleaning a veranda takes a long time due to the large volume of glass to be cleaned, with a robot, it will be much easier, and you will be able to enjoy your veranda in the best conditions.
Should I tie it up to prevent it from falling?
In principle, window cleaning robots are designed to never fall. A fall will only occur if the robot is broken, or in the event of a major handling error. This is why it is not necessarily recommended to attach it indoors, on low windows.
However, it will be important to attach it if people could potentially pass underneath the robot . For example, on very high windows in your home, or windows that overlook the street.
Some robot models will come with a safety cord allowing you to easily attach it when the situation requires it.
Are the wipes machine washable?
This will depend on the model of your robot, most brands offer microfiber cloths that are compatible with washing machines. But be careful, when you wash your cloths , dry them on a clothes horse rather than in a dryer, because if your cloths shrink, it will be impossible to put them back on the robot. Also avoid drying them in the sun, which can make them harder.
What is the lifespan of a window cleaning robot?
Window cleaning robots are devices that belong to the small household appliance category, and which are very similar to vacuum cleaners; they are generally items with a fairly good lifespan .
Conclusion :
If you want to equip yourself with a window cleaning robot so that you no longer have to clean the windows, it is better to invest in a high-performance model , running on mains power, and from a reputable company.
At V3clean, we offer you an efficient window cleaning robot , corresponding to all the criteria mentioned in this article.
You can find out by following this link to our presentation page:
