By Tribune-Review

Published: Sunday, March 10, 2013, 9:00 p.m.
Updated: Sunday, March 10, 2013

The claim: With just a push of a button, this microfiber window washer dispenses just enough water to mist the microfiber head for more efficient glass-cleaning. The pointed head is great for reaching into tough-to-clean corners. It can be filled with water or glass cleaner, and it cleans windows and mirrors without streaking.

Cost: $9.99

Where: www.casabella.com

When I was younger, I used to enjoy cleaning windows. To take something from cloudy to shiny-clear was aesthetically pleasing. But then, I got older and began working at a desk all day, and suddenly, the effort of cleaning and shining was a pain — in the shoulder. I've tried a couple of what could be described as “cleaning pads on sticks.”

The environmentally friendly idea of microfiber appeals: No smelly chemicals, and with the Casabella Spray Washer, the spray bottle is built into the handle so you don't have to go looking for it.

There is a downside to that. If you grab the washer too far up onto the part of the handle where the sprayer is, it will drip. And it drips a little if you set it down horizontally instead of hanging it up to store. But it's just a few drops of water, not a smelly cleaner.

The Spray Washer's pad also is in a teardrop shape, and the point slips into corners on house windows and into the narrow edges on car windows. In fact, I may just keep this in my garage so I will clean the car windows more frequently.

Two other pluses versus older versions of this type of product: This model has no hinges or swivels, so where you put the pad is where it goes, and the pad snaps to hold on, so there is no elastic to be damaged when you wash it or let the pad pull off if you run it into a corner.

— Vaunda Bonnett

I'm one for the simple things in life, like a bottle of Windex and a few paper towel rolls to clean windows. But this gadget is actually worth it.

I like the simplicity of it. You just fill the handle with water or another cleaning product, spray and wipe. The handle is pretty comfortable, and the washable microfiber pad is large enough that you can wipe the glass in pretty wide swaths and it picks up the liquid pretty quickly.

Though the instructions say you can use plain water, I put vinegar Windex in the handle. I was surprised to see that there was little streaking or smearing. This product cleaned several mirrors and windows quickly and thoroughly. It also did a good job on the very dusty dashboard in my car.

— Bill Vidonic

My favorite part of this helpful cleaning tool is that it extends my reach to that of a much taller person. No more step stool is needed for reaching the top of the bathroom vanity mirror, for example, or the highest level of ceramic tile.

The pointy part of the pad is great for zigging into corners, and the microfiber leaves a lint-free, streak-free shine. The microfiber pad is locked in place with a snap. It is removed easily to toss in the washing machine as needed.

It's a go-go gadget that really works!

— Sally Quinn

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