My constantly grubby windows were saved by this simple $30 magnetic tool – it really was my last resort before spending $100s on professional cleaning

I live near the coast, so every time it rains my windows get coated in a 'lovely' layer of hard water and sandy spots.

While my downstairs windows have always been easy enough to clean using a window vac, my upstairs windows have always been out of my reach. Especially as I have a chronic illness that means climbing a ladder is not a smart idea.

After months of debating with myself, I finally decided to try a magnetic window cleaning tool as a last hope before employing someone to clean them for me. I was so impressed that it has now saved me hundreds on window cleaning bills.

Why I swear by this magnetic window cleaning tool

I usually clean my windows with The Pink Stuff, however, there was no way for me to reach my three upstairs windows to do this safely, so the grime has been left to build up for at least the last two years I have lived here.

I have always cleaned the inside of the windows using a window vacuum such as a Karcher electric window vacuum, available at Amazon, and the best homemade window cleaner which is a mix of warm water and Castile soap, but it was finally time to give the outsides a good chance too, with the hopes it might increase natural light in my dark home.

Setting up

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Setting up the magnetic window cleaner was simple. It was ready right out of the box, which I liked. The only thing I had to do was soak the triangular pads in some warm water before applying a detergent.

There was no cleaning solution provided, so I stuck with my tried and true DIY cleaning solution of Castile soap. I use Dr. Bronner's Almond scented soap, from Amazon, as I love the marzipan (almond) scent it gives off as I clean. I didn't measure this, instead opting to keep things simple and popping a good squeeze on.

I also only soaked the external pad, as the inside of the windows was already clean.

Cleaning the window

Time for the moment of truth. Sticking the device to the window was a little bit fiddly, especially as my windows are quite thickly double-glazed. Luckily, there is a wrist strap that connects to the outer pad so you can grab it if it falls.

The magnets are very strong, but through the window, it felt a little bit loose. Nevertheless, I gave it a go.

My first mistake was trying to move the device up the window vertically. It instantly fell off, and I was thankful for the strap so the outer part wasn't lost on my extension roof forever. Going back to the instructions, I put it back on and moved it horizontally along the window instead, and very slowly.

As far as cleaning tips go, it is not a quick hack. You do have to take your time and move the device precisely to get results. However, when I pitch this against the process of using ladders and balancing tools outside in cold weather (as you should never clean windows in hot weather), it seems an easy trade-off. At least here I am standing next to my toasty radiator, watching body-doubling videos as I work.

Once I got the hang of it, the results were pretty instant. The tool has two parts a cleaning pad at the top of the triangle (where I applied the soap) and a squeegee-type line in the middle to clear water away as you move. All in all, I only needed two passes over my window to get it really clean.

I didn't clean the inside of the window at this point, but seeing the runoff outside, I would advise against using soap and water for the internal pane. If I were to use this method to clean inside windows, I would spray on a glass and window cleaner, such as Method Mint Glass & Surface Cleaner from Walmart first, rather than soaking the second pad to avoid soaking my window ledge and carpets with soapy water.

My verdict

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This simple tool is certainly practical for cleaning a window without going outside, and it is a lot cheaper than paying for a window cleaner to come around bi-weekly.

For a relatively cheap and cheerful tool, it certainly cleans the window well, removing the watermarks and dust to leave shining glass behind. However, I have not yet mastered the art of cleaning a window without streaks with it yet. A part of me wonders if this will come down to practicing the technique and learning to trust that it won't fall. There are still some slight marks around the edges of the panes where I rotated the tool to change directions or small areas I missed.

All in all, however, to say I don't have to climb ladders or go outside in cold weather, this cheap magnetic cleaning tool from Amazon has been a game changer. My upstairs rooms even feel a bit brighter for it.

Next, learn why I love using my steam cleaner for deep cleaning of my kitchen.