As winter sun returns, many households face smeary panes and fogged shower screens daily again.
Lidl has put a SilverCrest window vacuum on sale at €21.99, with a bold promise: a clean sheet of glass in a single sweep. Here is what that price gets you, how it works in practice, and where it fits into your routine.
What this €21.99 window vacuum actually is
The SilverCrest window vacuum pairs a powered suction channel with a flexible rubber squeegee. As you draw the head down the pane, suction lifts dirty water while the blade wipes the surface. That combination aims to stop drips, stop streaks, and reduce the need to go over the same area again. The compact body suits windows, mirrors, shower screens and other smooth tiles and panels around the home.
One pass, less mess: suction collects runoff while a flexible rubber lip wipes clean, so fewer streaks and no puddles.
The kit arrives with a 360 ml spray bottle and two machine-washable cleaning pads for pre-wetting and loosening grime. A USB‑C cable handles charging, and coloured LEDs show when the battery is ready to go.
Key numbers that matter
- Price: €21.99 (about £19 at recent exchange rates)
- Battery: 3.7 V, 2,200 mAh lithium‑ion
- Runtime: up to 40 minutes per charge
- Charging: USB‑C, roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours
- Accessories: suction head, 360 ml sprayer, two washable pads, USB‑C cable
- Design notes: flexible rubber lip for frame edges; bi‑colour charge indicators
40 minutes per charge gives enough time to tackle several windows, a shower screen and a couple of mirrors in one session.
How it compares with pricier rivals
Window vacuums from big-name brands often sit between £40 and £70, with advertised runtimes commonly in the 25 to 45 minute band. Many still charge over micro‑USB or proprietary plugs, while accessories vary. On price alone, Lidl’s offer undercuts much of the market. On paper runtime and charging convenience look competitive as well. The trade-off at this level usually comes down to build feel, long-term battery longevity, and the fine details of the suction head.
| Feature | SilverCrest (Lidl) | Typical rival |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket price | €21.99 (about £19) | £40–£70 |
| Advertised runtime | Up to 40 minutes | 25–45 minutes |
| Charging | USB‑C | Micro‑USB or proprietary |
| Accessories in the box | Spray bottle + 2 pads, cable | Varies; often fewer pads |
Where it saves time day to day
Windows and patio doors
Large panes gather dust, pollen and condensation. The vacuum-and-squeegee action cuts out the bucket shuffle and minimises trips back to wipe runs. Work from the top edge down. Overlap each stroke slightly. Finish the borders with a dry cloth to catch what the blade cannot reach in corners.
Bathrooms and kitchens
Shower screens and glossy tiles benefit the most. A quick pass after a bath removes beads of water before limescale sets. The head copes well with flat ceramic surfaces, and suction stops the usual dribble onto the sill or floor.
Set-up and technique: get the one-pass result
Small habits matter: a light pre-spray and a measured stroke speed do more for clarity than pressing harder.
What buyers are saying about the finish
Early feedback points to speed and convenience. Users report cleaner panes in less time, with most noting a clear reduction in streaks. Many mention that a quick cloth wipe around the edges still helps, which fits the way squeegee heads behave against frames. The device also scores points for simple handling and the inclusion of washable pads instead of disposables.
Costs and practicalities for UK households
At €21.99, the tag sits at about £19 depending on the day’s rate. Energy use per charge is tiny. The 2,200 mAh, 3.7 V battery stores roughly 8 Wh. Even with charging losses, you are near 10 Wh per full charge. At 30p per kWh, that is about 0.3p. You will spend more on detergent than electricity.
Powering a full charge costs comfortably under a penny at typical UK tariffs.
Care, maintenance and longevity
- Rinse the dirty-water path after each session to prevent odours.
- Wipe the rubber lip clean; tiny nicks cause fine lines on glass.
- Wash the pads at 40 °C without fabric softener to keep fibres absorbent.
- Store charged to around half if you will not use it for a while to preserve the battery.
- Avoid harsh solvents that can harden rubber or cloud plastics.
Who benefits most—and who might skip
Anyone with condensation-prone rooms will gain from a quick daily pass that lifts moisture before mould takes hold. Families with large patio doors or a conservatory stand to save the most time. Renters who cannot fit extractor upgrades get a practical way to manage damp on glass. If you only tackle a couple of small panes once a month, a manual squeegee and microfibre may still feel sufficient.
Coverage per charge: a simple rule-of-thumb
Coverage depends on pace and pane size. As a rough guide, if you clear between 0.5 and 1 m² per minute, a 40‑minute session could handle 20 to 40 m² of glass. That’s several standard windows and a full shower screen, or a set of patio doors plus mirrors. Shorter, careful strokes on grimier panes will cut that figure, but will usually improve clarity.
The bottom line on value
The SilverCrest window vacuum brings a powered, USB‑C charged option into budget territory without stripping away the essentials: long-enough runtime, washable pads and a compact, flexible head. The headline claim of a clean pane in one pass holds up best when you pre-wet lightly and move at a measured speed. For under £20, the time saved across windows, mirrors and bathroom glass will appeal to most homes that fight daily condensation and streaks.
Two final tips to stretch usefulness: mix a teaspoon of washing-up liquid in a litre of warm water for the sprayer to avoid smearing, and schedule quick five-minute runs after showers rather than occasional deep cleans. Little and often keeps limescale at bay, keeps the rubber fresh, and makes that one-pass promise easier to meet.
