If you are constantly battling condensation on your windows, there is a tool that will make your life a lot easier. It can suck up all the moisture in seconds and is perfect for those with single-glazed windows
02:13, 11 Jan 2026Updated 15:35, 16 Jan 2026
Winter can be a challenging season for our homes, but the most significant issue I face during this period is condensation.
The accumulation of water on my windows is a daily event, particularly as I live in an older property. Each morning, I draw back my curtains to find a barrier of water droplets and fog obscuring my view outside.
Condensation forms when warm, moist air from inside encounters the cold glass surface. This causes water vapour to transform into liquid droplets that settle on the glass. My windows are single-glazed, which makes the problem even worse as the glass becomes much colder than double-glazed windows.
To combat this issue, I would ensure to open my windows and ventilate the rooms. However, I found it took quite a while for the condensation to dissipate.
I was becoming increasingly frustrated with the situation and could see the damage the water was inflicting on my windows. The wooden frames felt damp, and I was concerned that mould would soon appear if I didn't address it.
So, I decided to spend £40 and try a window vacuum, hoping it would simplify my life. I purchased a Karcher Window Vac WV1 back in 2023 (still available on their website for £39.99).
Karcher Window Vac review after three years
It's now been three years since I bought my window vacuum, and I must say it has entirely transformed my winters. The vacuum is straightforward to use and can start working immediately.
Karcher Window Vacs are versatile tools that can be utilised throughout the home, including on shower screens, tiles, mirrors, worktops and floors. However, I've only ever used mine on windows to eliminate condensation, so keep that in mind.
Pros
The vacuum is lightweight and incredibly user-friendly, thanks to its single button - the on/off switch. I simply charge mine up and it's ready to tackle my windows for a couple of weeks.
I grab my vacuum every morning to clear the condensation from my windows, so it has definitely paid for itself. I just flick the switch on and can hear the vacuum spring into action.
All I do is glide the suction nozzle across my windows and watch as the condensation vanishes completely. The moisture is sucked away in seconds, with all the water collected in a container on the handle.
I can easily manage all eight of my windows, removing condensation from each one in just a few minutes. In the three years I've owned my Karcher Window Vac, I haven't discovered anything else that can remove condensation as swiftly and effectively.
Cons
Despite the many advantages of my vacuum, I've noticed that the container collecting all the water from my windows fills up rather quickly and hits the max fill line. My windows do suffer from severe condensation, but I find myself frequently trekking to and from the sink to empty the water as I work on my windows.
A larger container would enable me to tackle all the windows in a single session without needing to empty it. I also found that you need to handle the container carefully when detaching it from the vacuum.
One day I hastily removed it and a small part of the catch broke off. Luckily, the container still twists back onto the vacuum but you do need to watch what you are doing.
Regarding battery performance, I have noticed limited warning before the charge depletes. The 25-minute runtime lasts me around two weeks but there is minimal notice when it runs out of charge. A red light flashes before the device loses power completely.
Other reviews
Customer opinions on the Karcher Window Vac WV1 vary, with reactions ranging from enthusiastic endorsement to disappointment. One satisfied customer remarked: "Great bit of kit. Does a grand job especially clearing up the window condensation."
Another enthused: "Love it. Made such a difference. Dead easy to use and so effective. Can't believe how much water we're sucking up!"
A further positive review stated: "I bought this about a month ago and it's perfect, the best tool for cleaning my windows. You don't realise how streaky there were until you get this."
Conversely, one dissatisfied purchaser complained: "My first and last karcher purchase. After six weeks the flimsy plastic catch on the water tank snapped. Very poor quality build."
Another customer commented: "Bought about two months ago. Not as strong at getting water of windows. Just moves it around till I hold and go very slow. Battery not the best on charger couple of hours last about 20 mins. Back to rags and window cleaner."
A different reviewer noted: "The plastic water tank on this product is so flimsy it will not withstand any impact. If, like me, you are unlucky enough to let it slip out of your fingers a few weeks after buying it the tank is likely to split."
Alternative options
Karcher isn't the only manufacturer offering window vacuums. Asda are currently stocking a Tower TWV10 Cordless Window Vacuum for £20. Meanwhile, Screwfix has a Titan TTS1070VAC Cordless Window Vacuum reduced from £29.99 to £19.99.