This article has been updated as of Feb 24th, 2023
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Unless you live in a magical, kid-free home, then your windows are bound to get smears and smudges on them from time to time. If you are like me, you tend to neglect and often forget about your windows when it comes to cleaning time.
It is funny, because spraying some Windex on glass and moving the paper towel around really doesn’t take that much time or effort, but somehow it is a chore we all put off.
But, let’s say you actually do take the time each week to clean your windows (good job). Are you able to reach them all, easily. What about the outside of the window where the friendly neighborhood Robin likes to splatter is lovely white poop?
Luckily, technology can come to your rescue. We are talking about Robot Cleaning Robots in this article. How do they work? Do they work well? And are they worth it?
How Do Window Cleaning Robots Work?
It may seem weird to stick a robot on your window and expect it to stick and then start moving around autonomously, but that is exactly what robotic window cleaners do.
For most robot window cleaners, you spray the solution onto the unit’s pad or mat before placing it against your window. After the robot is attached to your window, the machine will slowly start working its way around your window, cleaning the glass as it goes.
Other, more advanced robots have a reservoir that holds the cleaning solutions which will spray as the robot moves around your window.
Like a robot vacuum or mop, most window cleaning robots offer more than one cleaning mode, allowing for different patterns.
How Do Robot Window Cleaners Stick To The Window?
Robot window cleaners attach to your glass by using powerful suction or magnetic connections. It will depend on the brand and model you purchase which method yours will use.
The magnetic options required you to place an additional piece on the opposite side of the window in order to hold robot on the glass. If your window has any decorative pieces or dividers on it, this can be an issue.
It can also be hard to get to the outside of some windows, depending on where they are in your house. Not to mention, some windows don’t open in some homes. I guess you couldn’t use these models in Vegas hotels, huh?
The suction mechanism is definitely more convenient when it comes to attaching your robot window cleaner to the window. Although, I have a harder time trusting suction when it comes to keeping its hold for longer periods of time.
The suction versions are also going to be less expensive, if that is a deciding factor for you.
Are Window Cleaning Robots Cordless?
Robot window cleaners are still fairly young in their design, so most models still rely on a cord for power. There are some newer, more expensive models that do operate off of a rechargeable battery.
Obviously, anything with a cord is less ideal by today’s standards and I really think that in the near future we’ll see these robots switch over to almost-exclusively using battery power.
As these window robots gain popularity, I foresee manufacturers aiming for more of a robot vacuum platform, where the robot can self-charge when needed and then continue doing its job. This, of course, would require some kind of apparatus that you also stick on your window to allow for docking, so maybe the technically isn’t there quite yet.
There will always be one form of cord on the robot window cleaners, that being the anchor cord to make sure it doesn’t lose suction and fall off the window.
What Is The Best Cordless Robot Window Cleaner?
The Ecovacs Winbot X is currently the best cordless window cleaning robot on the market.
You can effortlessly clean those hard to reach windows by using the Winbot X. The set up is also very easy and doesn’t take long. if you still looking for other option you can check out our Best Window Cleaning Robots
Unfortunately, the robot window cleaner does take a good amount of time to clean any decent sized window. Also, the battery only holds a charge for about 45 minutes.
There is still much improvement needed on the Winbot X, but it is still the best option if you are looking for a cordless robotic window cleaner.
Do Robot Window Cleaners Work?
So let’s dive into the main questions a bit more. Do these window cleaning robots really do a good job at cleaning your windows? The short answer is, no. While the technology has come a long way and is still improving, the robot window cleaners available today simply aren’t there yet.
The application is solid and they actually do decent at keeping the glass clean, but there is too much that is involved and too many areas for error.
I can make a strong argument for why robot vacuums or robot mowers are worth the purchase. Running these robots is easy, usually just the touch of the button, and frequent uses makes your overall workload much less. But, with the robot window cleaners, the unit doesn’t have a home base or docking station to park at, so you always have to get it out and place it on the window. That is just not worth it for me. I can’t use the Windex and some paper towels and be done in a quarter of the time.
So, Are Robot Window Cleaners Worth it?
No, they aren’t worth it, not yet. Maybe in a few years when they can improve on the mapping, smart navigation and develop a docking mechanism (that isn’t an eyesore).
So that is my opinion on robot window cleaners. Do you agree, or do you think these robots pay for themselves?
As always, thanks for reading!
