Every home and business deserves clean windows, but it’s no secret that window washing can be time-consuming, costly, and even dangerous.
This is why many professional window cleaning companies have popped up over the years; their services are invaluable to home and business owners who lack the skills, tools, and know-how needed to execute window cleaning effectively.
But before you open a window cleaning service, you must know the cost. Fortunately, we cover this topic extensively in this blog post, so keep reading if you aspire to run a high-quality window-cleaning business.
Key Takeaways
On average, residential window cleaning costs $250, whereas commercial window cleaning can cost $0.50-$2.50 per square foot or more.
The overall price of window cleaning is based on several factors including the types of windows being cleaned, the number of windows, how accessible the windows are, and the condition of the windows.
What’s the Average Price of a Residential Window Cleaning Job?
The average cost of residential window cleaning is $250, though the price can be anywhere from $150 to $370.
As far as per-window cost is concerned, most professional window cleaners charge $10-$15 per window.
However, some window cleaners charge per pane, with the average per-pane cost being $6.
Of course, some window washers base their price on total square footage. If a house measures 1,500 sqft, and the total cost for window cleaning is $300, then the rate is $5 per square foot.
Finally, many professional window washers charge by the hour. Usually, their rate is anywhere from $40 to $75 per hour.
What’s the Average Price of a Commercial Window Cleaning Job?
Commercial window cleaning jobs differ from residential ones in that square footage is almost always the metric used to determine the total cost of window cleaning.
The price per square foot can be anywhere from $0.50 to $2.50, but the rate may be even higher if, for example, the windows are hard to access, complex, and on the delicate side.
It’s important to note that many window cleaning companies establish special arrangements with commercial clients to guarantee a consistent income. For example, a window cleaning service might offer a lower price for window cleaning if their commercial client agrees to 3-4 yearly cleanings and pays in advance.
Factors That Determine Window Cleaning Cost
Types of Windows
There are many kinds of windows and some are easier to clean than others.
Picture windows
These single-pane windows don’t open and are relatively easy to clean.
Double-hung windows
Made of two overlapping panes, these windows are more complex and take longer to clean.
Sunburst windows
Most sunburst windows have four or more panes so cleaners usually charge more to clean them.
Awning windows
They’re similar to picture windows in that they have a single pane, but different in that they can be opened outward.
Garage door windows
Typically easy to clean, even if there are many.
Sliding glass or French doors
Easy to clean but sizable, you can charge per pane or door.
Skylights
Since they’re often hard to reach, cleaners charge more to clean these windows.
Number of Windows
As mentioned earlier, companies may charge based on the number of windows a property has. This is more common with residential properties than commercial ones.
Companies that operate this way usually don’t take window type into account which means the cost of cleaning a picture window will mirror the cost of cleaning a double-hung window.
Many companies typically charge $10-$15 per window, but you may need to adjust based on higher costs.
Lastly, if you are working on a property with more complex windows and are charging per window, consider charging per window pane instead. This way, you can justify a higher total cost.
Accessibility
Many companies take window accessibility into account when determining the overall cost of their services.
Naturally, if your window cleaners have to scaffold and go up several stories to clean a business’ windows, they’ll need to be properly compensated.
When cleaning windows on a residential property that are difficult to reach, such as a skylight on a steep-pitched roof, it will take your team extra time and effort to complete the job safely. Therefore, you should charge accordingly based on the time and effort required.
Of course, interior windows which are more common in offices than homes, are generally easy to access and clean. The exterior windows are the ones that can give your team a hard time.
Condition of Windows
We have previously discussed the significance of window size and type. It is also important to consider the condition of the windows. Newer windows are generally in better shape than older ones, making them easier to clean in most cases.
If you’re tasked with cleaning multi-pane windows that have been in place for over a decade, charge per pane. Each pane requires delicate handling, and you want to avoid the risk of turning a cleaning job into a costly window replacement, which you’d be responsible for covering.
Extras
Before you decide to charge by the pane, remember that you’ll have to clean the sill, frame, casing, and all the other components that make up a window. A client may even want you to clean the screens.
To come up with a price for whole-window cleaning, first determine how much it’ll cost to clean the panes, as they’re the most important part of any window. Once you’ve got this figure, work out the price of frame and screen cleaning.
Competition
Many window cleaning businesses, especially new ones, fail to consider this factor, yet it’s crucial when determining how much to charge for your services.
When starting, it’s wise to offer estimates slightly lower than what more established companies are quoting. Consumers opt for the cheaper option as long as there are no red flags.
Ensure you’re providing high-quality services and consider offering complimentary extras such as gutter cleaning or window sill dusting. By gaining a reputation for exceeding expectations, your business is likely to thrive quickly.
Frequency of Service
IIf a property owner chooses your cleaning service as their regular option, offer them a discount. Serving multiple clients at a lower rate can be more profitable than a single high-priced one-time job like window cleaning.
Once a homeowner or business owner becomes a frequent customer, don’t hesitate to offer a special cleaning service at no extra cost. They might recommend you to their friends, family members, and associates, which could bring lucrative contracts.
Window Cleaning Job Expenses
Cleaning Supplies
To clean windows effectively, you’ll need a variety of cleaning products. And we’re not just talking about cleaning solutions but tools too. After all, how could anyone clean a window without a reliable squeegee?
But cleaning chemicals aren’t cheap. Therefore, if you have to use a lot to complete a residential or commercial cleaning assignment effectively, the total amount you bill for your services needs to reflect the cost of materials used.
And if your clients want to know how much you spent on specialized cleaning products, don’t be afraid to provide the information they’re looking for. Consistent transparency is one of the keys to maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with your clients.
Labor
You’ll need to hire a professional window cleaning team and pay each member well if you want your business to become the most successful one in the local area.
On average, window cleaners make anywhere from $15 to $30 per hour, but how much a cleaner makes per hour is determined by numerous factors, including experience, time with the company, and the cost of living.
Travel
If you have to travel a great distance to deliver your services, you can choose to charge a transportation fee. Just make sure prospective clients know about this fee before you accept their business. Nobody likes hidden fees, and failure to disclose a transportation fee at the outset may come across as deceptive.
Final Thoughts
The cost of residential window cleaning is usually around $250, though it can cost anywhere from $150 to $370.
Commercial window cleaning, on the other hand, is usually priced according to square footage, with the average rate being $0.50-$2.50 per square foot.
Of course, these are just ballpark figures, since the overall cost of any window cleaning job is based on a range of factors, such as the types of windows being cleaned, the number of windows, how accessible the windows are, the condition of the windows, additional services provided, and the frequency of cleaning.
