A window cleaning business washes and polishes windows for homes and commercial buildings. You can start one for $500 to $2,000 and earn $40 to $70 per hour. This guide covers equipment, pricing, safety, marketing, and growth strategies for a window cleaning business.
What Is a Window Cleaning Business?
A window cleaning business removes dirt, grime, and streaks from glass surfaces. You serve homeowners, office buildings, storefronts, and property managers.
Most window cleaners work on their own at first. You bring your own tools and drive to each job site. As you grow, you can hire a crew.
Window cleaning is a hands-on service business. You get paid well for work most people do not want to do themselves.
Why Is Window Cleaning a Profitable Business?
Window cleaning has some of the best profit margins in the service industry. Startup costs are low and demand stays strong all year.
Low Startup Costs
You can begin with just a squeegee kit and a ladder. A basic setup costs $500 to $1,000. Compare that to other businesses that need $10,000 or more to launch.
High Profit Margins
Your main costs are cleaning solution and gas. Supplies cost just a few dollars per job. Most of what you charge is profit.
Profit margins of 50 to 70 percent are normal. Few service businesses offer margins this high.
Recurring Revenue
Windows get dirty again and again. Most residential clients book cleanings two to four times per year. Commercial clients may book monthly or even weekly service.
Repeat clients create steady income you can count on.
What Equipment Do You Need for Window Cleaning?
Good tools make the job faster and the results better. Here is what you need to start.
Basic Equipment List
- Professional squeegee — the most important tool for streak-free glass
- Squeegee channels — get several sizes (10, 14, and 18 inch) for different windows
- T-bar applicator and sleeves — used to scrub the window before you squeegee
- Extension pole — lets you reach second-story windows from the ground
- Bucket and cleaning solution — a simple soap and water mix works well
- Scraper and razor blades — removes paint, stickers, and hard water stains
- Lint-free towels — for detailing edges and wiping sills
- Ladder — a 6-foot and a 24-foot extension ladder cover most jobs
Advanced Equipment
- Water-fed pole system — uses purified water to clean windows up to four stories high without a ladder
- Pure water system — filters tap water so it dries spot-free on the glass
- Safety harness and rope — needed for any work above two stories
Equipment Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Squeegee kit (squeegee, channels, T-bar) | $50 – $120 |
| Extension pole (12 to 24 feet) | $40 – $150 |
| Bucket, solution, scrapers, towels | $30 – $60 |
| 6-foot step ladder | $60 – $120 |
| 24-foot extension ladder | $150 – $300 |
| Water-fed pole system | $500 – $3,000 |
| Safety harness and gear | $100 – $250 |
| Total basic startup | $500 – $2,000 |
Buy the basic kit first. Add a water-fed pole system after you land your first 10 to 15 clients. Let your income fund your upgrades.
How Do You Price Window Cleaning Services?
Pricing depends on the type of job. Most cleaners price by the pane, by the window, or by the whole house.
Residential Pricing
For homes, you can charge per pane or per house. Charging per pane is simple and easy to explain. Charging per house works well for full-service visits.
| Pricing Method | Typical Rate |
|---|---|
| Per window pane (interior and exterior) | $4 – $8 |
| Per window (both sides, any size) | $6 – $12 |
| Small house (10 to 15 windows) | $150 – $200 |
| Medium house (20 to 30 windows) | $200 – $350 |
| Large house (35 or more windows) | $350 – $600 |
| Storm windows (extra per window) | $2 – $5 |
| Screen cleaning (extra per screen) | $2 – $4 |
Commercial Pricing
For businesses, charge by the pane or by the hour. Storefronts are quick jobs with regular schedules. Office buildings pay more but take longer.
| Commercial Job Type | Typical Rate |
|---|---|
| Storefront (inside and outside) | $50 – $150 per visit |
| Small office building | $150 – $400 per visit |
| Large commercial building | $500 – $2,000 per visit |
| Hourly rate (for complex jobs) | $40 – $70 per hour |
Tips for Setting Your Prices
- Check local competitors — price within the range for your area
- Factor in drive time — charge more for jobs far from your base
- Add fees for hard-to-reach glass — high windows and skylights cost extra
- Offer package deals — discount repeat clients who book quarterly service
How Do You Stay Safe While Cleaning Windows?
Window cleaning involves ladders, heights, and wet surfaces. Safety must be your top priority on every job.
Ladder Safety
- Set the ladder on firm, level ground — never on soft soil or uneven surfaces
- Follow the 4-to-1 rule — for every 4 feet of height, the base should be 1 foot from the wall
- Always face the ladder — never lean sideways or overreach
- Use ladder stabilizers — they prevent the ladder from sliding sideways
- Never stand on the top two rungs — this is the most common cause of falls
High-Rise Safety
Any work above two stories needs fall protection. Use a safety harness connected to a secure anchor point.
Many states require special training for high-rise work. Check your local rules before taking these jobs. Some areas need a contractor license for work above a certain height.
Insurance You Need
- General liability insurance — covers damage to a client's property and injuries to others
- Workers' compensation insurance — required if you hire employees in most states
- Commercial auto insurance — covers your vehicle while driving to jobs
General liability costs $400 to $800 per year for a solo operator. This is a small price for the protection it provides.
Need help with business basics? Read our guide on how to start a cleaning business. It covers licenses, insurance, and business structure.
How Do You Find Window Cleaning Clients?
Finding your first clients takes effort. But once you build a client list, referrals do most of the work.
Residential Clients
- Go door to door — visit homes in nicer neighborhoods and leave a flyer or business card
- Target new homeowners — people who just moved in want their windows cleaned
- Ask for referrals — offer a discount when a client refers a friend
- Post on neighborhood apps — sites like Nextdoor connect you with local homeowners
Commercial Clients
- Walk into storefronts — offer a free demo on one window to show your work
- Contact property managers — they oversee many buildings and need regular service
- Reach out to real estate agents — they need windows cleaned for open houses and listings
- Visit office parks — leave a card with the building manager
Build Recurring Accounts
Recurring clients are the key to steady income. Offer discounts for monthly or quarterly service plans. A client who books four times a year is worth far more than a one-time job.
How Do You Market Your Window Cleaning Business?
Marketing brings in new clients and keeps your schedule full. Start with free and low-cost methods first.
Build an Online Presence
- Create a Google Business Profile — this is how local clients find you in search results
- Build a simple website — include your services, prices, service area, and a phone number
- Collect online reviews — ask every happy client to leave a Google review
Use Social Media
Post before-and-after photos of your work. Dirty-to-clean window photos get attention and shares. Use Facebook and Instagram to reach homeowners in your area.
Offline Marketing
- Door hangers and flyers — target upscale neighborhoods where people hire cleaners
- Vehicle lettering — turn your truck or van into a moving billboard
- Partner with other service businesses — team up with house cleaners, landscapers, and painters for referrals
Search Engine Optimization
Optimize your website so people find you when they search online. Use phrases like "window cleaning near me" on your site. Write helpful content about window care tips.
Read our guide on how to get cleaning clients for more strategies.
How Do You Add Services to Grow Your Revenue?
Adding related services brings in more money per client visit. These extras are easy to learn and need little new equipment.
Gutter Cleaning
You already have the ladders. Gutter cleaning pays $100 to $250 per house. Offer it as an add-on when you clean windows in the fall and spring.
Pressure Washing
A pressure washer costs $300 to $800. You can wash driveways, patios, decks, and siding. Charge $150 to $400 per job.
Screen Repair and Cleaning
Many clients have torn or dirty screens. Offer screen cleaning for $2 to $4 per screen. Learn basic screen repair to charge $15 to $30 per screen.
Holiday Light Installation
Your ladder skills and comfort with heights make this a natural fit. Many window cleaners earn $5,000 to $15,000 during the holiday season from light installation alone.
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?
New window cleaners make the same mistakes over and over. Avoid these and you will grow faster.
Pricing Too Low
New cleaners often undercharge to win jobs. This leads to burnout and low profit. Charge what your work is worth from day one.
Use our pricing guide to set rates that cover your costs and pay you well.
Skipping Insurance
One broken window or one fall can cost thousands. General liability insurance protects you from these costs. Never clean a window without it.
Ignoring Safety Rules
Falls are the biggest danger in this business. Always use proper ladder setup and wear a harness for high work. No job is worth risking your health.
Not Following Up With Clients
Most clients will not call you on their own. Send a reminder when their next cleaning is due. A simple text or email keeps your schedule full.
Trying to Grow Too Fast
Master the basics before you hire workers. Learn proper technique and build a client base first. Hire your first employee only after you have more work than you can handle alone.
As your business grows, use MaidProfit to manage clients, schedule jobs, and send invoices. It keeps your window cleaning business organized.