Kärcher Window Vac Not Charging? Here's What To Know

Windows are a pain to clean, that's common knowledge. While they're not difficult to clean so to speak, it's easy to be overcome by every tiny smudge and get caught up with cleaning. Before you know it, you're hunched in front of the window like a goblin, furiously scrubbing at each small mark. This is where the Karcher Window Vacuum comes into play.

The two most common causes of a Karcher window vac not charging are an old or physically damaged battery.

These gadgets are super useful... when they work. But if your Kärcher Window Vacuum isn't charging, you're in a bit of a bind. You paid for it, so it should work, right? Here's how to figure out what's wrong and deal with it so you can go back to detailing windows, as we would all rather be doing... right?

(I'm not alone here, am I? Please tell me I'm not crazy...)

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The Basics

Before we worry about fixing issues with your Kärcher Window Vacuum, let's learn how they work and charge. I've found that problems are often easier to solve when I understand why something works, rather than that it just does.

First things first - how does the vacuum power itself, and how does it charge? If your Kärcher Window Vac isn't charging, there are a few causes to this. Each of these problems lies in one of two places - the battery or the charger itself.

The Battery

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Some Kärcher models come with a removable battery, while others don't. No matter the model, however, they use lithium-ion batteries. These offer a safe charging environment, good (~30 minutes) battery life, and a relatively long lifespan.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries generally last for 2-3 years, or ~300 power cycles (number of times you charge it) before they need to be replaced. While they can certainly last longer, there are two main caveats to this. First, it's dangerous to try to "push" a battery's lifespan beyond recommended use. You don't want a leaking or exploding battery!

Second, you'll get increasingly worse battery life the longer you try to sustain it. At first purchase, it'll last ~30 minutes, but after five years of use? You'll be lucky to get 10 minutes before needing to recharge.

Read Next: Window handle stuck? Here's why.

The Charger

Just like with all other electronics, chargers have a lifespan. When you purchase your window vacuum, you'll be supplied with a charger. Now, you can theoretically purchase a replacement, but in all likelihood, it'll outlast your battery.

This is because their lifespan is roughly 5 years or thousands of charges, whichever comes first. So if your Kärcher Window Vac isn't charging, while this could be the cause, my money is on the battery.

Fixes for Kärcher Window Vac Not Charging

There's good news and bad news here. Electronics are complicated and generally expensive to repair, but it can be done . Before we get to that, though, let's start with the bad news.

The Bad

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First things first - yes, you can replace your Kärcher Window Vacuum's battery. However , this will likely void any warranty you may have on it. This means that any damage you do to it in this process isn't covered and is entirely your fault in the eyes of the manufacturer.

It also means that if you do end up fixing it, if something else goes wrong, you're out of luck. You've already tampered with the machine, so repairs from Kärcher are pretty much out of the question.

Now, you could totally take this to someone who specializes in this type of repair (if you can find them). But their bill is likely going to be more than simply buying a new one would run you. Once you add in parts and labour, you're likely looking at a bigger bill than a window vacuum is worth.

The other downside here is that this is definitely a known problem that multiple users have had. It ultimately boils down to the fact that batteries have limited life and are generally taken for granted. Leaving your machine plugged in all day will damage the battery, reducing its viable lifespan.

The Good

If you're worried about having to replace the whole thing, there's good news! Most Kärcher Window Vacuum models come with a warranty , meaning that if you haven't attempted repairs, you can likely get it fixed. Whether that means sending it straight to Kärcher, or bringing it to whom you bought it from, you've got options.

Another good thing to note is that if you opted for a model with a removable battery, you can buy replacements from third-party distributors. This also works for those without removable batteries, it's just harder to replace (and will void the warranty).

If you choose to go this route, double-check you have the right size before buying. It's also helpful to be comfortable with soldering - if you're not, don't try this. They're soldered in place on most models.

Other Common Issues That Cause Kärcher Window Vac Not Charging

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There are several small issues that could be preventing your window cleaner from charging. If your Kärcher Window Cleaner is not charging, take a look at how you're doing it. The following things could cause issues:

• Allowing it to fully die
  • If your battery fully dies, this can cause issues. Unlike other batteries, it’s recommended that you don’t let it fully lose its charge before trying to recharge.
• Plugging it in all day
  • This is bad for all batteries. Charge until it’s fully juiced, then unplug it.
• Physical damage
  • If your Kärcher has been dropped or hit repeatedly, you could have damaged the battery. Be careful with your things.
• Water leak
  • You’re cleaning with water, and it’s electronic. If the water leaks inside, it could cause water damage to the electronics, preventing a charge.

Final Thoughts

Is your Kärcher Window Vac not charging? There are a lot of potential causes to this. Whether it's age, damage, or mistreatment, there are a lot of ways things can go wrong. Luckily, most Kärcher models come with a warranty - so if it stops working, use it. Warranties are there for a reason, and trying to fix something you're not comfortable with could end up costing you in the long run.

And if you need a new window vac , consider stopping by this article breaking down the best models out there.