How much to charge for window cleaning? (7 Facts)

Why would someone have their windows cleaned by a professional when they can do the same at home? Simple: without proper tools, nobody can reach every corner of their window, especially if its frame is decorative or appealing. The height of the window can also discourage the homeowner.

Agreeing with us thus far? Then you need to know how much to charge for window cleaning. That should seem obvious given that you’re going to spend your time, effort, and equipment doing the washing. So you should be aware of how to get the worth of your service.

How much to charge for window cleaning?

Following are the window cleaning prices:

• $2 – $5 per window (depending on the type and condition of the window)
• $35 to $75 per hour
• $0.50 to $5 per screen cleaning
• $2.50 to $8 per door cleaning
• $0.5 to $5 for cleaning window sills and tracks

Note: These are the costs of exterior window cleaning. You can charge 20% more if you are going to clean interior windows.

Factors That Impact Window Cleaning Cost

As you already know, several factors determine how much money you can charge your customers for cleaning their windows. They include:

• Amount of windows: Common sense tells us that the greater the number of windows, the more money you’ll be able to pocket in lieu of their cleaning.
• Condition of the glass: Does the window looks as if it hasn’t been cleaned ever since it was installed for the first time? Then you can convince your client to pay extra. Conversely, if it isn’t that dirty, then you might have to settle for a smaller payday.
• Type of window: One of the reasons why the window cleaning cost varies between $2 and $5 per window is because while the majority of windows are single-hung with two panes, a small minority has multiple panes. Professionals charge extra for cleaning the latter.
• Washing equipment: Is your washing equipment outdated and out-of-warranty? Then you may not be able to charge as much for cleaning windows as your competitor who may have brand-new equipment at their disposal.
• Ease-of-access: Provided the window is located on the ground floor, then you have no valid reason to charge extra. However, if it’s on the last floor of a four-story building – and you need ladders, special tools, and safety equipment to get there – then you can surely charge more.
• Inside or outside: Assuming you’re not offering interior-only or exterior-only service, then you’re missing out on some cash. Having said that, clients, since they always have an eye on their budget, typically prefer services that offer a la carte pricing.

Think that’s all? Think again as we haven’t discussed extras yet:

• Any extras: Do you offer the service of removing paint from windows? Have ladders that help your crew do window work on the third or above the floor? Have the necessary equipment to remove deep-embedded mineral deposits? Then there is no reason why you shouldn’t charge an additional cost for these extras.

Types of Window Cleaning Services

Most professional service providers offer three types of window cleaning services:

#1: Water blasting

As the name implies, this window-cleaning technique uses a jet of high-pressure water to blaze away dirt, dust, and other environmental pollutants off of the glass’s surface. It isn’t as vicious as it sounds as the valve on the pipe lets you increase/decrease the water pressure according to the glass’s condition.

Provided your client has asked for deep-cleaning, water blasting is recommended. It is ideal for pre-paint preparation, and since you can regulate the water pressure, it can be quickly done in residential settings as well.

#2: Steam cleaning

If the windows are choked with oil, chewing gum, and grease – or any other particles that have either remained stuck to the glass’s surface or have left their signs behind, then you may have no choice but to go for steam cleaning.

This method cleans the windows in a two-step process. First, it uses the high temperature of the steam to melt the sticky particles. Secondly, as these particles are melting away, a strong jet of water whooshes them off of the glass’s surface. Though steam cleaning does leave a mess in its aftermath.

#3: Hard water removal

According to an estimate, a vast majority of Americans have hard water beneath their feet. While people living in these areas use filtered water for drinking and cooking purposes, they do all their cleaning jobs with the same hard groundwater, which is easy to access.

Unfortunately, hard water has minerals like calcium and magnesium, which, if it is used for window cleaning, will leave streaks or marks on the surface of the glass. These spots are difficult to clean, and professional service providers charge extra for removing them.

FAQs

Q: How long will the professional service provider take to clean windows?

A: The time required to clean windows depends on their number and complexity. Most cleaners will be done cleaning the windows of a small home (condo) in less than an hour.

Conversely, if the house has too many windows or the windows are too dirty, or they are at a considerable height, it might take the cleaner as much as six hours to clean all of them.

Q: What is the average price of window cleaning?

A: On average, the cost of window cleaning ranges between $75 and $450.

Conclusion

There are multiple factors (amount and type of windows, their existing condition, and ease of access, among others) which would decide how much you can charge for window cleaning.

Still, if you want a ballpark figure from us, we have already stated that you’d be able to take home somewhere between $75 and $450 after a window cleaning session.

In case you have any questions as to how we reached on that number – or you want to ask us about something else, please feel free to get in touch.