Window vacuums: the clear choice for your spring-clean arsenal

Despite the name, these cleaning tools are far more versatile than you might think

Smooth kitchen surfacing? Ensure it's cool and go to work to lift your final no-rinse solutions. Karcher WV1. From €48, suppliers nationwide.

When is a window vacuum not a window vacuum? When it’s one of the most versatile little shape-shifters in your spring-cleaning arsenal, and a year-round champion of the household trug.

Yes, window vacuums are fantastic for taking the rinse water off panes, especially outdoors. They all but eliminate the muscle and dexterity required to repeatedly swat the water away with a microfibre cloth or newspaper. However, priced from €40 to around €100, these super-squeegees do so much more. We’re not cleaning with the vacuum; it’s just a moisture remover, but those keen, silicon blades are a wonder. Remember to dump the reservoir regularly as it’s a vacuum and not actually a very sophisticated mechanism. The more liquid in the tank, the less power you will have in hand.