Lidl has put a firm price on speed and ease. For €21.99, the SilverCrest window vacuum aims to end streaks, drips and repeat wiping. It targets busy homes that want clean panes without faff, aiming for a single smooth pull to leave glass clear.
What you get for €21.99
The package is compact yet complete. You get the cordless window vacuum, a spray bottle with a 360 ml reservoir, two washable microfibre pads, a squeegee-style suction nozzle and a USB‑C charging cable. The device uses a 3.7 V, 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery, with colour indicators that show charge status during use and while plugged in.
€21.99 buys a cordless window vac with USB‑C charging, 3.7 V 2200 mAh power and up to 40 minutes’ runtime.
That runtime covers most flats or a round of glass doors, mirrors and shower screens in one go. The form factor stays small, so it fits under sink cupboards or a utility shelf. The rubber lip on the nozzle flexes at edges and corners, so you can glide along frames without digging in.
Design and handling
The SilverCrest feels built for daily chores. It keeps weight low and grip stable. The trigger positions under your fingers, so you control spray and suction without shifting hand placement. You move with short strokes on small panes and longer pulls on patio doors. The rubber lip rides smoothly over seals and tile joints, which helps in bathrooms where grout lines can snag basic squeegees.
Does the one-pass claim hold up?
The pitch is simple: spray, wipe with the microfibre to loosen grime, then pull once with suction engaged. The electric motor draws away dirty water before it runs, stopping drip marks and tide lines. On clear float glass, mirrors and shower screens, that sequence removes streaks fast. Angling the head at about 45 degrees helps the lip seal to the surface, which reduces air gaps and faint trails.
Electric suction prevents drips, the flexible lip hugs edges, and a steady, slower pull gets the clean finish.
- Lightly mist the pane; do not saturate.
- Wipe top to bottom with the microfibre to lift film and dust.
- Start suction at the top corner and pull down in a single, even pass.
- Overlap by a centimetre on the next strip to avoid lines.
- Empty the dirty water tank before it nears full to maintain suction.
Tricky spots still need a touch-up. Dried limescale on shower glass benefits from a detergent with a bit of acid, or a vinegar solution, before you vacuum. On tiny panes with muntins, short vertical pulls and a quick horizontal pass along the bottom rail tend to work best.
Battery, charging and runtime
The 3.7 V, 2200 mAh cell gives roughly 40 minutes of continuous operation, which often translates to well over an hour of stop‑start cleaning. Charging over USB‑C takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The bicolour lights make it clear when the charge dips. You can use any standard USB‑C wall plug that meets basic output specs; a common phone charger will do.
USB‑C charging, 2.5–3.5 hours to refill, and enough juice for a whole-home glass session.
Good habits help the cell last. Top up after use rather than running flat. Store the tool dry and at room temperature. Do not leave the tank with dirty water trapped against seals. Wash the microfibre pads promptly and air‑dry them to keep fibres fluffy.
What users say
Lidl highlights strong feedback for this model. Internal returns referenced show unanimous satisfaction in recent batches, and online scores sit around 4.7 out of 5 from 56 posted reviews. Shoppers praise speed, the clean finish and the convenience of a cable‑free body. A few note that moving too fast invites faint trails, which technique fixes. The consensus points to less arm strain and less mess than with a bottle‑and‑cloth routine.
Best uses and sensible limits
This kit suits standard windows, large panes on balcony doors, mirrors, ceramic tiles and shower screens. It also helps with condensation removal on cold mornings, since it collects water rather than shifting it around. On car windscreens you can use it, but avoid snagging around sensors or dash recesses. Test gently on tinted films and decorative finishes.
Heavy limescale and soap scum need the right cleaner first. A 1:1 mix of white vinegar and warm water breaks mineral film. For exterior grime, add a drop of mild washing‑up liquid to the spray bottle. Do not over‑dose. Excess suds create bubbles the lip will chase across the pane.
Value versus the usual kit
| Feature | SilverCrest window vac | Traditional squeegee + cloth |
|---|---|---|
| Price point | €21.99 | €5–€15 |
| Passes per pane | One primary pull | Multiple wipes and buffs |
| Drip control | Suction tank | Towel catch needed |
| Power | Cordless, 3.7 V Li‑ion | Manual |
| Runtime | Up to 40 minutes | Unlimited |
| Charge/refill | USB‑C, 2.5–3.5 h | N/A |
Many branded window vacs sit well above this price. That matters for households kitting out on a budget, or for students and renters who want tools that pull double duty in bathrooms and kitchens.
Care, washing and setup tips
Empty the dirty water tank after each room. Rinse with warm water to keep odours away. Wash the two pads at 40 °C without fabric softener; softeners coat fibres and reduce bite on grease. Keep a spare pad dry for mirrors to avoid lint transfer. Wipe the rubber lip with a clean cloth after every session. A clean lip keeps the seal true and reduces edge trails.
Use distilled water or filtered water in hard‑water areas. That choice slows the return of chalky marks on shower screens. For large patio doors, work in vertical strips from the frame inwards to avoid a ridge of residue building at the far edge.
Who benefits most
Families with lots of fingerprints on low panes get quick wins. Landlords between lets can turn around glass and tiles faster. People with reduced grip strength gain from the single‑pull action and the lighter pressure needed. If you live in a flat with floor‑to‑ceiling panes, the no‑drip tank saves time on mopping floors after a clean.
A quick numbers check for your home
Count your panes and estimate two minutes per standard window once you get the knack. A two‑bed flat with eight windows, a shower screen and two mirrors can often be done inside half an hour. The 40‑minute runtime leaves headroom for a balcony door or a round of condensation removal on cold days.
Safety and practical cautions
Do not lean out of upstairs windows while operating any cleaner. Use a stable platform or clean from inside with locks engaged. Avoid mixing bleach with vinegar or acidic cleaners. Keep the charger dry and the cable clear of wet floors. Store the unit upright with the tank empty so seals do not sit under water pressure.
If you want even better results
Add a dedicated glass detergent for oily kitchen film. Micro-splatter from cooking clings to glass; a degreaser helps the first pass. For shower glass, finish with a quick zip of the vac after each wash to slow limescale build‑up. If you face deep frames or leaded lights, try a narrow nozzle if available from the same range, or switch to short strokes and a detail cloth for corners.
One budget device, two pads and a measured spray routine can reset windows, mirrors and showers in one session.
The headline numbers set expectations: €21.99, up to 40 minutes per charge, 3.7 V power, USB‑C convenience, and strong early ratings. If your main gripe is streaks, drips and repeat wiping, this format tackles all three with a tidy learning curve and a modest outlay.
