NOW CLOSED: Let’s talk cleaning windows: Win one of two top of the range Karcher WV 70 Window Vacs (£99.99) for your thoughts...

[AnnMumsnet]

We've been asked by the team at Kärcher to find out your thoughts on cleaning windows - inside and out. They'd also love to get your feedback on the idea of their Window Vac.

Kärcher say "With Kärcher Window Vacuums you can save time when cleaning smooth surfaces such as windows, tiles and mirrors - without leaving streaks. The innovative water recovery system takes up dirty water before it drips - and it can be used anywhere because it is battery-operated!"

So please let us know on this thread......

~ Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?

~ How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?

~ How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?

~ Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?

Add your thoughts and you'll be entered into a prize draw where two MNers will each win a Kärcher Window Vac worth £99.99 (top of the range one )

Thanks, MNHQ

I got one when we were trying to sell the house and I decided I really, ought to have clean windows for a change. I hate cleaning windows as I always manage to leave streaks and it generally looks worse than before I started. This gadget worked wonderfully well, no streaks. An added bonus was that the kids loved using it and cleaned all the windows for me (we have a bungalow!). Drawbacks were a single charge was not sufficient to clean all the windows in one go and more importantly the on/off switch jammed after only a few weeks use rendering it completely useless. A good idea let down by poor manufacturing.

Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?
Outside is done by the window cleaner - he's caught me in the buff a few times (I don't mind as he's rather dishy). Inside is OH's domain (well... it's a man's job isn't it? Like bins, spider catching, and changing the duvet cover :-))

How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?
Outside every 2 weeks (it used to be monthly but he really is dishy - think Diet Coke break...). Inside Craig gives them a good going over every month or so.

How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?
Not very much - I don't believe it should take anymore than five minutes. We use newspaper to counteract streaks but it would be good to fnd another solution. Problem is that I'm too short to reach the top!!

Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?
Have heard of it through reading fellow mummy blogs. I don't own one but would love to try it. Craig's birthday is coming up, do you think it would be cheeky to wrap one of these up for him...? Might get him back for the tea towels he bought me last year! We'd use it on our shower screen and shed windows too!

~ Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?

I clean all the windows, the outside of the upstairs windows have never been cleaned since we have lived here, as i dont trust myself on a ladder!

~ How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?

Oh this is embaressing, depends which windows.... Inside every couple of months? Outside.... When its necessary! !

~ How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?

I have generally only spent 45 mins at a time on windows at a time. Reaching up stairs is a problem. Also not having streaks, as we use a cloth and glass cleaner.

~ Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?

I hadn't seen it before today, they look really good, but i dont know if i could justify spending that amount on one. I would use it on my bathroom too if i had one.

Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?

When done, we do inside. Outside would be someone else.

~ How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?
Outside is rarely done (one a year if that!) Never see any window cleaners around here. Inside is not much better - a few times a year.

~ How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?

Time is the biggest issue hence why they are not cleaned that much. The conservatory has big windows and that takes a good deal of time to clean it all.

~ Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it

No, I had never heard of it but it sounds fab! Anything that makes cleaning easier and quicker is worth a shot in my book. I would definitely try it and would ask to borrow one if someone I knew had one. I would use it on the car too possibly (if suitable).

Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?
I very rarely have the outside cleaned as window cleaners cost so much and I believe it is a luxury. The inside I tend to only clean as and when needed as it is a hassle

How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?
I use a window spray but find it difficult to get a streak free finish

How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?
For a truly wonderful clean I would spent an hour or so, but would give up if I encountered problems

Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?
I have seen the demonstrations of the Karcher Window Vac on Ideal World. I have often wanted to purchase but it comes down to cost, am I getting the best deal? I really like the ease of use and that from the demonstrations I have seen a streak free finish which can be used on mirrors too

A window cleaner comes monthly to so the outside, and I usually do the insides downstairs after he comes, with glass cleaner and kitchen roll. This maybe takes half an hour, but I don't do it particularly thoroughly!

The upstairs probably only get done every couple months! But the kids don't seem to press their grubby hands and faces against the upstairs windows so much.

The main problem I encounter is a sore right arm! Can't seem to do it with my left.

Have heard of the Karcher window vac. Like the idea of it. Don't imagine it would take any less time than the old fashioned method, but would probably do a better job, which would be more satisfying. I'd also use it on the shower screens and tiles!!

Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?
Hmmm, sometimes I clean the inside - if I realise I can't see out for the smeary glass. The rain cleans the outside!

How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?
Rarely.

How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?
We would probably do it more often if it wasn't such a faff. The main problem is persuading the children that the ladder isn't there for them to climb up. That and the velux windows.

Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?
I'd love to try this out. I might actually clean the windows. My dad has a Karcher which we used to clean the patio, but I didn't know they had a Window Vac. I'm not sure our budget would stretch to something like this though.

Who in your house cleans the windows?

I clean the insides when they need doing. I keep meaning and forgetting to get a window cleaner for the outside but have not got round to it in the two years I have lived here.

How often do you clean your windows?

Inside monthly
Outside, every couple of years

How much time are we willing to spend cleaning the house, what problems do we encounter?

I clean for a couple of hours twice to three times a week. I struggle with streaking on windows and mirrors.

Have we heard of the karcher window cleaner

No not yet but it sounds good. I love a good cleaning gadget and use a steamer regularly to deep clean without chemicals.

Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?
I clean the inside windows. We occasional get the window cleaner to do the front outside windows but he can't get around the back of the house so the back outside windows are not done :(

How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?
Inside, whenever I notice they need doing...more in children's rooms, less in our room. Maybe weekly in kids room, monthly elsewhere

How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?
Washing windows properly is too messy and time consuming, I tend to use a baby wipe to clean the glass and a microfibre cloth to dry and buff it No tub of dirty water and wet cloths which is the alternative.

Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it? I have heard of them. My mother (who is an excellent at keeping her home spotless) wants one and told me about them and how they work. If I am lucky enough to win a window vac, I'll give it share it to my mother, as she would be delighted. :)

Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?
Once a window cleaner did it (for a wedding)... otherwise it's me, ie no-one does it.

How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?
Hardly ever. I've done them about twice. The window cleaner came once and once I came home and found my babysitter doing it (I love my babysitter).

How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?

If I knew how to get them clean, I'd do it much more often, but it's so utterly demoralising when you work your socks off and they look like crap afterwards. Might apprentice myself to a window cleaner and practise on other people's windows till I can get it right. Then I can revert to my old slack ways in the knowledge that I could get them clean.

Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?
Oooh, I'd love to try one. Hope it looks manly because it would be even better if DH wanted to try it (that's why I asked for a ride-on mower for my birthday... and it works, DH now mows). And if it doesn't work, the village fete's coming up...

1. I clean the windows, inside and out.
2. Spring cleaning - once a year OK, I am ashamed!
3. An hour a month
4. Heard of it, want it... sounds like it might actually be fun in which case I'd use it regularly.

~ Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?
Outside windows are done by a window cleaner, I guess I clean the inside ones except I haven't since we moved in last July.

~ How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?
Outside ones are done fortnightly.
I've done the patio doors and living room ones when DD puts her hands on them and leaves lots of sticky handprints - so probably monthly.

~ How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?
We spend £2.80 fortnightly on the outside windows. The window cleaners do leave the back gate unlocked and have appeared at the windows when I've been sat breastfeeding etc. which is a tad embarrassing.

~ Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?
I've seen the advert on tv. It looks good as a tool to clean the inside easily although I'm not a huge fan of the advert. If it looks fun then no doubt DD will want to get in on the act which is always a bonus!

Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?
A window cleaner does the outside and the conservatory inside.

How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?
Outside every 4 weeks, plus inside conservatory every 8 weeks. Other inside windows - every 6 months if they're lucky!

How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?
As little time as possible. Main problem is lots and lots of 4in square door panels, all wooden framed. And DH, who wouldn't clean a window even if his life depended on it.

Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?
Hadn't heard of it until this thread.

Would definitely give one a try because we have acres of glass everywhere - bookshelves, shower cubicles plus fully tiled bathrooms, kitchen tiles, etc. Would like to give it a go on the car windscreens too - they never seem to get properly clean. I wish it had a micro-size head for all those little panes of glass though.

Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?
Once a month the window cleaner comes and does the outside windows (but doesn't do a great job). I am responsible for the insides.

How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?
Once a month outside, and inside - whenever I get too embarrassed to leave them any longer, this has been known to be months and months

How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?

I would be happy to clean them every week if it was easy enough, but every time I do them it takes forever and they just end up looking all smeared. (and my arms hurt a lot)

Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?

Yes I had heard of it and have always wanted one! I would love to try one out but I have no idea where else I could use it

Oooh actually our shower screen is a disgrace, I bet it would bring that up lovely

Car windows!

~ Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?
I am the chief window cleaner in our house, inside and out.

~ How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?
I feel terrible for saying this but around every 2 weeks....Me and my partner work full-time so by the time we've finished work, got my daughter sorted for bed after tea and a couple of hours of playtime, we have enough energy to do the washing up and wash some clothes...priorities people...PRIORITIES!!

~ How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?
I would be willing to be deep cleaning every window in my house for an hour as we also have a conservatory that adds to the window cleaning quota lol

~ Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?
I have heard of it, in fact, my mother-in-law has one and swears by it. She uses it on her glass table and windows and it does the job. Sometimes the wiper will get too wet (depending on how long you are using it at a time) making it a bit streaky but for a few windows at a time its bob on :)
I would use it for those little hand marks that seem to appear all over the windows and our kitchen cupboards.

Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?

We have a window cleaner for the outside (but I wipe any sills that I can reach because he doesn't do that). I do the inside windows with help from my husband with the ones I can't reach in the conservatory.

How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?

The outside ones get cleaned when the window cleaner comes (it seems a bit random) and the inside ones get done when they are dirty; the downstairs ones get a minimum of a quick all-over swipe every month or so and marks cleaned off as and when needed.

How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?

I would like to spend as little time as possible, but a maximum of an hour a month or two. I find it hard to reach some windows and find it very boring!

Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?

I knew that there was something that Kärcher did for window cleaning but wasn't sure what it was. We don't have one. I would be interested in trying one but, to be honest, wouldn't be able to pay £100 for the top of the range one! It sounds as though it would be useful throughout the house.

~ Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?
I clean the windows - inside and outside

~ How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?
both monthly

~ How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?
I do not find it enjoyable so as little as possible. The time invested does not last long with the unpredictable frequent rain.

~ Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?
Seen ad, do not have one, it would be good to try as it looks good. I will also use it to clean the tiles in the bathroom.

Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?
My husband usually takes charge of both inside and out when he's had enough of seeing the condition they get in, or we have lots of visitors due to come!

How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?
Outside-quarterly
Inside- quarterly

How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?
It's not always done at the same time but he will spend perhaps an hour outside and less inside as no ladders are needed. Certain 1st floor windows are particularly hard to reach, even with a ladder.

Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?
I have seen one in passing in a DIY store, but don't have one in the household. I'd be tempted to try one as it doesn't take up much space and looks simple enough to use. We're updating our ensuite and one issue has always been smeary shower screens so I'd love to try one on the glass.

~ Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?
I clean inside and downstairs outside. OH cleans outside upstairs (too high). used to have a window-cleaner but he stopped calling!!!

~ How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)? Not really sure, when i think they need it lol, probably every couple of months. I do the living room inside lots when we have the fire lit in winter. they get cleaned lots more in summer-time.

~ How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?
I get them done as quickly as possible because I hate doing them. Use step ladder downstairs inside and out.

~ Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?
I love the idea of the steam cleaner and have definitely thought about buying one, anything that makes that job easier is GOOD.

We, ourselves clean the windows, both inside and outside.

not as often as they should, usually when they really need doing!

Time wise it doesn't take too long for windows inside and out, the longest is cleaning the conservatory and that does take a long time! Cleaning the conservatory is one of the problems particularly the roof, and also cleaning the outside of the bedroom window above the conservatory. Streaks also are big problem, particularly with the conservatory.

Yes i've heard of it and some family/friends have one and rave about it, it's really changed their cleaning habits- they now clean their windows more regularly and have noticed a big difference with no streaks left behind, so yes i would definitely try one.

Pick me pick me!!!!

~ Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?
i clean the windows both inside and out

~ How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?
we have lived here 5 years and the only times the windows have been cleaned are before our wedding, and in the last week - nesting

~ How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?
30 mins IF it was easy and didn't smear

~ Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?
YES I WANT ONE!! I would love to have clean windows. Dog nose painting is a great hobby in this house. I bought the steam cleaner after the last competition because I was so upset I didn't get one to try. I LOVE it and as a result 2 friends have bought one. Steam envy. I'd like a window streamer because it vacuumes the muck away and it's not as bulky to take round the house. I would also use it in the shower - on the panels, not on me.

A final plea from a pregnant woman who must have a window cleaner to combat insomnia due to previously unheard of cleaning anxieties and nesting.

Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?
My husband does the outside windows whenever I tell him they need a clean. I am responsible for the insides.

How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?
Once a month outside, and inside whenever i notice they are dirty.

How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?

My husband is happy to spend a whole morning doing the outside, if it is sunny. I too take a morning to do the insides, once a month.

Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?

I have heard of the Karcher Window Vac, but never used one - I would definately like to try it. I would also use it on all the mirrors in my home. ( I have a few full length ones !!)

~ Who in your house cleans the windows or do you get someone to come in? What about inside and outside windows?

We have a window cleaner come once a month to do the outside then I clean the insides - probably not as often as I should!

~ How often your windows get a clean? (inside and out)?

Outside - once a month. Inside - when it is really sunny and I cannot stand the smears!

~ How much time would you/ your partner be prepared to spend cleaning the windows in your house? What problems, if any, are encountered?

Main problems are not having enough time to do a proper job - I like to do properly with bucket of soapy water, squeegee and cloth to buff. But unless I do one set each night I never get a chance to do whole house in one go as I work full time. I invariably end up doing with a window spray and kitchen towel which always looks horrid.

~ Had you heard of the Kärcher Window Vac before today? Do you have one in your household? Would you contemplate trying one out? Why? What do you think of it? Where else do you think you'd use it?

I have heard of it and would like to try one but am worried it would just be another gadget in the cupboard that does not get used.

If I had one I'd try it out on the bathroom tiles, the mirrors, the car - heck I'd try it out on the kids and see if I can finally get their hands clean!