Magnetic window cleaners - any good?

annie-c

I swa these being demonstrated at the ideal home show. You need to be v v careful to get the right ones. THe ones for double glazing are v strong and will break a single pane of glass. Many of the demonstrators were practising on frameless windows so this didn't give me confidence that they would reach into the corners easily.

Nutty_Tart

Oooh, this is spooky!

Whilst flicking through the channels on sunday morning, they were selling these window cleaners on one of the shopping channels - they look like a good idea (don't they always? ha ha) - same idea as the fish tank cleaners (if you know what I mean?) I can't remember how much they were, but probably a bit expensive via the telly - I would probably try one out if I could get one for under £10 - be interested to know how you get on.

MrsTinks

Why not get the telescopic ones in what is it... kleeneeze? as for cleaning upstairs windows... maybe next year lol...
I do the ones I can reach when I open the windows, but the actual opening windows have to my knowledge never been cleaned since the house was built 2 1/2 years ago...

Al_Jolson

My dad bought magnetic window cleaners at the Ideal Home Show a couple of months ago. The first time he used them, he managed to break them! The problem is that the magnets are soooo strong, you have to keep them quite far apart i.e. don't soak them both in a basin of water at the same time as they jump together and then they are almost impossible to prize apart without breaking them. His are now taped together. I borrowed them and they did a decent job once I got the hang of it (start from the top and zig zag down), but I haven't really mastered doing the corners. Top Tip - keep the magnets far apart or wrapped in dishcloths to prevent them attracting.

LilacLillie

I had the single one for years and they worked fine.
Saved money and time, paid £10 back then.
When I had double glazing put in they wouldn't work, so ended up in the charity shop.
I've now noticed they sell them for double glazed windows and am thinking of buying again.
So anyone have any tips on which ones to buy? I noticed on eBay they have them very cheap, has anyone bought them and were they worth it?
Thanks
LL

ailey

I know this thread is 2-4 years old but I am currently looking to purchase a magnetic window cleaner for double glazed windows. I'm so glad I read this thread (found through Google as I had not thought on checking MSE Forums - silly me!) as I had not thought on the problem of double glazing and the magnet not being strong enough. Does anyone have any up to date advice on the purchase of one of these window cleaners. My window cleaner retired last year and I currently use a window washer which consists of 4 metal rods which fit into each other and an imitation lambskin washer which fits on the top. I have had this for at least 30 years so could do with replacing the lambskin washer part but I don't know what make it is as there is no label on it. Every time I wash the windows, they look good from the ground until I come in to check from the inside and they are usually streaky. Nothing works as good as a window cleaner or going out on the window sills which I used to do at the front when I was younger but the back is more elevated so could never go out on those sills. I think it would be good value to buy a really good one as long as it does work well and would greatly appreciate any advice anyone can give me about them.

bigfatpig

I have the double glazing ones (Window Wizard I think they are called) and the magnets aren't strong enough to hold the outside one on. After trying them I saw a disclaimer on the packaging about some double glazing being over a certain width and then they wouldn't work. Have no idea of the width of my double glazing but it's only about 4/5 years old so would have thought it's standard.

I do use these singularly for cleaning my windows as find they are quite good for smear free windows but would not have bought them just for this when a shammy would have done!

viv0147

Hi everyone, I live in an upstairs flat in a terraced house and because of the lack of window cleaners in my area I need to find a way of cleaning my outside windows.
So what I need to know are Magnetic Window Cleaners any good ? if so what one would you recommend, I have read some mixed reviews so I thought I would ask my savvy friends.
I am also considering a telescopic window cleaning kit again any views and recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks for reading. Viv

zippychick

this thread has the same question asked and discusses cleaning the outside of windows

Hope it helps and we will merge this later

Zip

viv0147

Hi thanks for the link but on checking they cover 2007! well hopefully there maybe answers that are more relevant to 2011 hopefully they will have improved.