Magnetic brush for washing windows on both sides: types, which ones are better and how to wash with it

Cleaning an outside window in an apartment above the second floor is “still a lot of work.” You need to manage to reach hard-to-reach places, not leave streaks, and most importantly, not fall out. Various devices are used: mops, scrapers, brushes with homemade handles. As a last resort, a cleaning company is hired.

The problem is solved by a commercially available device for washing windows on both sides: a windshield wiper brush with magnets. What it is, how to use it, which one to choose, we will tell you in the material below.

What it is

Magnetic brushes for washing single windows or double-glazed windows are a device for simultaneous care of glass on both sides: outside and inside, while indoors.

Design

The magnetic brush consists of two almost identical halves (the only difference is the handle that one part of the device has and the ring on the other). Consists of:

from the body - made of durable plastic;
magnets - hold the halves of the brushes on opposite sides of the window;
special soft attachments (felt, foam rubber) - wash the window;
scraper - removes stains while polishing the glass;
safety cord - prevents the outer part of the wiper from falling if the contact between the magnets is broken. One end is attached to the half used from the street side, the other to the hand, sash handle or other part of the device (this is not the best option - both glass washers fell out of the window more than once);

Important: insurance must cover the entire area of the window for cleaning. If you like the device in all respects, but the cord is short, you can extend it.

plastic plate - serves as a layer between the magnets. Without it, separating the halves of the brush is problematic.

Principle of operation

The operation of magnetic brushes for washing double-glazed windows is based on the property of magnets to attract each other and the scrapers work on the principle of car wipers.

Placing magnets in two bodies of one device allows brushes to be placed opposite each other on opposite sides of the glass. Due to the force of attraction, the outer part is held on the glass opposite the inner brush. When its position changes, the same happens to the other half. As a result, repeating all the movements of the internal magnet, the glass washer from the street side cleans the entire surface of the glass from the outside.

The presence of a scraper on the sides of the device simplifies the cleaning work - there is no need to fight stains and use expensive window cleaners. With regular maintenance, clean water is sufficient.

Precautionary measures

When working with glass washer on magnets, the following precautions should be observed:

You should not untie the outer part of the device from the cord, even if the magnet is very strong and holds tightly. The safety rope will prevent the brush from accidentally sliding down.
You should not lean out of the window while trying to clean a difficult area. If the brush fails in one pass, you just need to repeat the wash.
You should not use solutions that are not intended for cleaning glass - those that have a caustic or abrasive composition.

Is it really convenient or a gimmick?

It is difficult to understand where there are real reviews about a new product on the Internet and where there is advertising. There are many reviews exposing unscrupulous sellers. In this situation, the truth can only be established through personal experience. The result revealed:

the brushes really clean the windows, and quite well;
It didn’t work the first time - the outer brush didn’t obey. I had to practice;
The biggest problem is cleaning the corners of the glass. It didn’t work out for a long time;
Many sellers give false information about the device. This is especially true for weight - it is underestimated.

Comparison table of characteristics

The table contains the main characteristics of the models.

Model	Weight, g	Size, cm
Window wizard	450	10.5x11.0x6.5
glass wiper	436	11.5x11x6.5
Tatla-2	790	12x11.5x11
Double Sided Glass Cleaner	440	10x10.5x5.5
Dobeg	500	11.5x9x2.2

Advantages and disadvantages

Magnetic window cleaning brushes have their strengths and weaknesses. Knowing them, it is easier to make a choice.

safety when washing the window - the risk of falling out is eliminated due to the fact that there is no need to lean out to clean the glass at the far side of the frame;
you can wash a blind window of any size;
the time required to maintain double-glazed windows is reduced - work is carried out simultaneously on both sides;
higher quality of cleaning - the glass is immediately washed and polished without rainbow stains;
multifunctionality - can be separated and used to care for mirrors in the bathroom and hallway, plastic and other smooth coatings;
durability - the body is made of durable material, and the nozzles change as they wear out;
economical - thanks to a well-designed device, windows can be washed without special cleaning products: with clean water or with the addition of vinegar;
easy care of the brush itself - just wash and dry the soft nozzle;
the versatility of the latest models - thanks to the adjustment of the magnetic attraction force, you can wash both single glass and thick double-glazed windows.

high price, especially for brushes with adjustable magnetic strength and for washing thick double-glazed windows;
narrow specialization of many models - they are designed for a certain thickness of glazing, as a result of which it is difficult to clean thinner double-glazed windows due to the large pressing force on the glass, and larger ones are impossible: the outer half is not held by a magnet;
if folded carelessly, there is a risk of painfully pinching your fingers;
it takes time to learn how to quickly and efficiently wash windows;
many fakes - cheap, low quality;
Cleaning the corners of double-glazed windows is problematic for most models.

Glider

The Glider magnetic brush has a large gripping area, which allows you to clean glass very quickly. It is suitable for home and professional cleaning, due to its excellent qualities, convenience and, of course, the presence of a safety rope. The brush is equipped with an additional function of polishing the glass surface, as a result of which it becomes mirror clean and acquires shine.

Find out the price

Pros:
Large capture area;
Comfortable in hand;
Suitable for glass thicknesses from 2 to 8 mm;
There is a safety rope;
High quality materials;
Polishes glass.

Criterias of choice

The structural principle of magnetic windshield wipers is almost the same. Therefore, at first glance, there should not be any difficulties in choosing. But it is not so.

First, you need to pay attention to the power of the magnets. It depends on them how the outer brush will work: either press hard against the glass and refuse to slide (high power) or not stick to the back side at all. Manufacturers have taken this nuance into account and offer 3 options for magnetic brushes:

for single glazing (balconies, shop windows) with glass thickness up to 6 mm;
single-chamber double-glazed windows with a thickness of no more than 25 mm;
multi-chamber glazing 30-40 mm thick.

Secondly, not all devices clean window corners well. It’s better to overpay a little, but buy a model that won’t cause problems with cleaning hard-to-reach places.

Thirdly, if you have glazing of different thicknesses, calculate what is more profitable: buy two brushes for different thicknesses of glass and double-glazed windows, or one with adjustable magnet strength.

Reviews

Magnetic brushes for windows are a controversial product; user opinions on this issue often differ radically. Some people like this device, which clearly makes work easier, while others complain about the weakness of the magnets and the inconvenience of cleaning corners.

In most cases, the problem lies in incorrectly selected magnet power , which leads to brushes falling off. Incidents also happen - spontaneous unraveling of the cord, falling off of a rag, etc.

You can read the discussions on the forums here, here and here.

What to take if you can’t decide

A large selection of products does not contribute to a sober assessment of the presented product. Therefore, errors are possible when determining which brush is better. You can avoid trouble if you follow a few simple tips.

When shopping, you need to carefully measure the thickness of the glazing. If it is different, write it down or remember it.
Pay attention to the handle. It should be convenient for work. Many models suffer from just this.
Choose a magnet strength with a smaller spread, as close as possible to the thickness of the glazing in the apartment. It is advisable to try with the seller how it works - many reputable companies provide this opportunity.
The windshield wiper should be good at cleaning hard-to-reach places: glass near the frame profile and corners.

You can ignore other parameters, including the manufacturer.

Classic 5-25

The triangular brush is equipped with a special regulator that controls the power of the magnet. It is intended for washing double-glazed windows with a thickness of 5 to 25 millimeters. The presence of a safety rope ensures the safety of the outer part of the brush. The line is available in two colors: light green and white. The cleaning sponge is made of soft foam rubber, which does not scratch the glass, but only gently but effectively cleans it.

Pros:
Comfortable and stylish shape;
Power regulator;
Product durability;
There is a safety rope;
Color selection;
Does not scratch glass;
Suitable for glass thicknesses from 5 to 25 mm.

Minuses:
High price;
Due to the power regulator, the brush is a little uncomfortable in the hand.

How to use it correctly

We figured out the device, operating principle, strengths and weaknesses of the innovative windshield wiper. It remains to tell you how to wash windows with a magnetic brush correctly.

The algorithm is simple:

Clean water is poured into the basin;
if the dirt is strong, add detergent;
the brushes are separated. To do this, they need to be rotated relative to each other by 90o and the connection is broken;

the safety rope is secured;
the brushes are lowered into the prepared solution (one at a time) and left until the soft insert is saturated;
The surface of the glass on both sides is moistened with plain water or a special glass cleaner using a spray bottle. Manufacturers do not indicate such a point in the instructions, but experience with such a tool has shown that both halves of the brush glide well on a wet surface;
The brushes are pressed against each other on different sides of the glass. Outside with a fixed cable, inside with a handle;

The window is being washed. Movements are smooth.

There are several schemes for passing the surface. All of them are shown in the photo below.

Window cleaning plans.

The most common is the following:

the brush from the bottom corner closest to the sash passes along the perimeter of the double-glazed window, pressing against the frame. The insert comes first, the scraper last;
The windshield wiper rises up to the remaining dirty area of the glass and washes off the remaining dirt with horizontal movements;
upon completion of work, the tool is inserted into the lower corner of the frame. Disconnects;
the disconnection area is wiped with a napkin;
foam rubber or microfiber are washed and dried;
The brush is collected for further storage.

Using a Magnetic Brush

The process of washing windows with a magnetic brush is simple, but requires certain skills. The order of manipulations is as follows:

Spraying detergent or plain water on the glass;
Termination of the magnet. For this manipulation you need to rotate one brush to the other at an angle of 90 degrees;
If there is a ring on the cable, it must be secured to the handle of the glass unit or to your hand;
One part is applied to the inside, and the second, which is with a rope, is applied to the outside of the double-glazed window. The magnet will pull the parts together;
The position of the hand should be comfortable for work;
The movement of the brush should be the same as when using a regular rag;
Initially, you need to select an area close to the frame. Then it is advisable to move the product up, then to the side, down and to the starting point.

The general advantages of magnetic brushes can be combined by the following points:

Reduced cleaning time;
Compactness of the device;
Cleaning windows in any weather;
Variety of models.

Steam wiper

Vacuum cleaners for washing windows can be fully automatic or manual, of different weights, designs, configurations, and costs. Among devices of this variety, leadership is unanimously given to the products of the German brand “Karcher”.

Karcher window cleaning device

The device is called a compact vacuum cleaner with a spray system, and also a cordless washer.

The device has several components depending on the modification:

frame;
adapter for charging the built-in battery;
charger connection socket;
battery charge indicator;
a leg for fixing the device;
pen;
start button;
used water tank with lock;
suction device and unlocking for it;
brush with lock;
container for cleaning solution;
spray;

nozzle for washing difficult areas;
replaceable nozzles;

safety ring;
wipes for cleaning surfaces;
branded detergent;
telescopic rods for high windows.

The detergent does not leave streaks. The spray bottle evenly sprays the liquid over the surface.

After three hours of charging, the battery functions uninterruptedly for 20 minutes. There are models with a removable battery, they last longer.

The Karcher washing vacuum cleaner sucks up moisture from the surface along with dirt. It does not completely free the housewife from working with her hands, but it significantly reduces the time spent on cleaning.

Steam generator

A Karcher multifunctional steam generator is also used for washing windows. In addition to steaming and ironing clothes, his efforts can be directed to washing glass, mirrors, and plumbing fixtures.

The principle of operation is simple: the device turns on, after the water boils and steam is released, washing begins. You can use detergents, you can do without them.

How to use Karcher

First of all, study the instructions for a specific brand model. The main steps are as follows:

device assembly;
Accumulator charging;
diluting the windshield wiper, pouring the composition into the spray bottle;
cleaning the surface from large dirt;
spraying windshield cleaner or water on the glass;
main wash;
replacing the spray part with the washing nozzle and fixing it;
turning on the vacuum cleaner and final washing of the glass;
draining dirty water;
disassembling the device, cleaning, drying.

When should a windshield wiper not be used?

Any device should be operated only in cases specified by the developers. Karcher should not be used if:

the case is damaged or there is a problem with the charger;
Only dust needs to be removed;
you need to get rid of a large volume of liquid (the device can absorb no more than 250 ml);
branded attachments have failed (parts from other manufacturers will not fit).

Instead of specialized Karcher detergents, you can use others, but not alcoholic or foaming.

It is important to clean the vents of your vacuum cleaner regularly.

What's good and bad about Karcher window cleaner

Advantages:

small size and weight;
ease of use;
low noise during operation;
effectiveness of impact on cleaned surfaces;
high labor productivity: two dozen windows or more can be washed in half an hour;
presence of a built-in battery, independence from the power cord;
easy maintenance of the device.

There seems to be only one downside - the high price. In addition, you will have to buy quickly wearing napkins, fixing rubber bands, and detergent concentrate.

The cost of Karcher models depends on the technical characteristics of the devices. Windshield wipers and vacuum cleaners cost from 3.5 to 7 thousand rubles, steam cleaners - from 5 to 37 thousand rubles.

Window cleaning robots

Magnets are also used in another innovative device - a window cleaning robot. If you don’t want to work with your own hands, entrust the dirty work to him. This assistant will be especially useful for apartment owners whose windows overlook roadways and quickly become dirty.

Robotic cleaners work both on one side of the glass and on both sides.

The choice of the one that is right for you, like the magnetic brush, is related to the thickness of the glass unit. The power of some is enough for one and a half centimeter distance between the parts of the device, others - for 1.5 - 3 cm.

You can also use them for washing mirrors (including those on the ceiling); glass tables (including their reverse side), tiles. Robots work not only on vertical surfaces, but also “upside down”, as they are held by powerful vacuum suction cups. They are also called pumps.

How does it work

The robot, like the hands of a housewife, moves decimeter by decimeter across the glass and diligently cleans it even of heavy dirt. To do this, he has to return to the same place more than once.

The working surface of the cleaner is covered with a microfiber cloth. Both dry and wet cleaning are provided. Most often, both are carried out sequentially. As a result, stains disappear and the window shines clean.

The owner’s task is to change the napkins during washing, and then wash them.

The detergent composition can be branded or prepared independently. The liquid is poured into a special container, or a napkin is moistened and secured on the work surface, or an already put on napkin is sprayed with a cleaning composition.

Popular models

Windoro

Manufacturer: Korea. The window cleaning device consists of two modules. One washes, the other is crammed with automation. The modules are held on the window thanks to magnets. It is important that there is enough power for stable traction. The robot is connected to the mains, but it also has an internal battery. In the event of an unexpected power outage, the battery will allow the double-sided device to remain on the surface for half an hour. Single-sided windshield wipers are held in place by a vacuum suction cup, which means they are only attached to the glass during operation.

The disadvantage is that the robot operates steadily only on double-glazed windows up to 3 centimeters thick, and in Russia most plastic windows are 4 cm wide or more. The device will not work at such a distance from each other.

Windoro is good for washing regular glass and thin double-glazed windows. The shape of the modules is almost rectangular; nozzles on the sides clean the corners of the glass. Microfiber pillows. The kit comes with a branded cleaner. But you can use our store-bought ones or even homemade ones.

In the reviews there is a complaint that the robot's wheels become clogged with dirt and move poorly on the glass, making it difficult for the second module to work. It needs to be cleaned.

The price of such an assistant is 20 thousand rubles.

Hobot-188, 268

This robotic washer is produced in Taiwan. The device is suctioned to the glass using a pump. It doesn’t need a companion, it cleans surfaces on one side only, and can be attached to any glass. It is connected to the apartment by a power cord. If the wires lose power, the robot may fall after the built-in battery runs out of power. To prevent this from happening, a safety rope is provided.

Two microfiber pads are used for washing. Hobot-188, due to its ill-conceived round shape, does not wash window corners well, but it does an excellent job with frameless windows and all-glass doors. The next modification, Hobot-268, already has rectangular modules. This is good, but this model does not have brushes that rotate, which makes it difficult to remove heavy dirt.

Both automated cleaners have convenient remote control operation. The 268th even receives signals from a smartphone. There are three operating modes. You can adjust the direction of movement manually. Even if the pillows are heavily soiled, they will not leave streaks on the glass.

Hobot-168 costs up to 20 thousand rubles, Hobot 268 - 24 thousand rubles.

C9 Pro Boomjoy

The magnetic brush has a convenient, oblong shape. The special design allows the brush to effectively wash away any dirt on the glass, without scratching it or leaving streaks. The top of the brush is made of high-quality plastic, and the washing part is microfiber. Two buttons on the panel allow you to adjust the magnet power. The brush is suitable for washing glass with a thickness of 3 to 34 mm.

Pros:
Stylish design;
Push-button power control;
Suitable for glass thicknesses from 3 to 34 mm;
Does not scratch glass;
Affordable price.

Minuses:
No handle;
At high power it becomes harder to move the brush.

Design Features

The design of the device is quite simple, there are no nuances or reasons for doubt. The magnetic brush is represented by two identical halves of a plastic product with an ergonomic handle. Magnetic elements of varying power are hidden inside the device.

On the inside there are replaceable foam inserts and a rubber strip, which polishes the surface with high quality. Safety of use is ensured by a durable cord with a ring. It is put on the hand and does not allow the part located outside to fall from a height to the ground. With the help of such a simple device, you can save your time and enjoy the brilliant result of the work done.