How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost?
Professional window cleaning for your home’s exterior windows typically costs between $150 and $300. However, window quantity, size, type and accessibility can all factor into your total price.
Factors That Affect Window Cleaning Cost
Several factors determine the amount of time and effort required for a professional window cleaner to finish a job and how much it will cost.
Window Quantity and Size
Although different window cleaners offer different rates and pay structures, what you pay generally depends on the quantity and size of your windows. Some cleaners charge by the number of windows or window panes, while others charge by square footage.
Window Type
Standard double- or single-hung windows cost around $8 to $16 each to clean. On the other hand, decorative windows like bay windows or French doors with multiple, smaller panes take longer to clean, costing you more. Skylights and other hard-to-reach windows also cost more to clean, ranging from $25 to $35 each.
Accessibility and Height
Windows that require special equipment to access will likely cost more to clean. Floor-to-ceiling windows, exterior windows on the third or fourth floor of your home, and windows on high-rises are particularly costly to clean. Cleaning this type of window is not only time-consuming, but it can also be dangerous, driving up costs.
Window Condition and Level of Dirt
If your windows have grime buildup or mineral deposits from hard water, your cleaner may require more time and use specialized cleaning products to restore your windows, raising costs.
Additional Cost Considerations
Most companies charge extra to clean the following window accessories and areas:
- Interior windows
- Glass doors
- Storm windows
- Shutters
- Curtains
- Blinds
- Window screens
The best window manufacturers can offer guidance if you have questions about how to best clean your windows, whether by yourself or professionally.
DIY vs. Professional Professional Window Cleaning
Cleaning your own windows is cheaper than hiring a professional, and it’s relatively straightforward if you live in a single-story home or have tilting windows. You can clean the exterior of a tilting window from inside your house, so you won’t need a ladder or special equipment to reach upper-story windows.
However, if your windows do not tilt or are otherwise difficult to access, you will need a ladder or a brush with an extension pole to clean upper-story windows. A squeegee is also a good tool to achieve a streak-free shine.
Ultimately, you may want to hire a professional window cleaner if you do not have the time, ability or supplies to clean your home’s exterior windows. If you want to save money on a cleaner but don’t feel comfortable standing on a ladder, you can clean the windows on the first floor of your home yourself and hire a professional for the upper levels.
Professional Window Cleaning Cost Structures
Companies may charge for window cleaning services in different ways. For example, one company may charge by the house while another charges per window cleaned. Generally, window cleaning cost structures include:
- Hourly rates: Some professional window cleaners charge by the hour. Based on our research, you can generally expect to pay between $40 and $80 per hour for a professional to clean your windows.
- Per window or pane: Many professional window cleaning companies charge per window or pane. You can expect to pay around $10 to $15 per window cleaned, or between $4 and $11 per pane. With this cost structure, you know exactly how much you will pay based on the number of panes or windows you want cleaned.
- Square footage pricing: Although square footage is more common for commercial window cleanings, some cleaning professionals charge based on the square footage of your windows or home.
Additional Services and Upcharges
Many window washing companies offer additional house cleaning services like:
- Window screen cleaning
- Stain removal
- Gutter cleaning
- Window track cleaning
- Window sills cleaning
- Chimney sweeping
- Power washing
Additionally, if your windows are difficult to access, uniquely shaped, or have mineral deposits or stains, your window cleaner might charge more.
Benefits of Window Cleaning
Clean windows not only look good but can also make your home healthier and more energy efficient.
- Enhanced appearance: Cleaning your exterior and interior windows increases your home’s curb appeal and maintains the appearance of your house.
- Extended window lifespan: Cleaning your windows removes debris that can build up and corrode your glass over time. Keeping your windows clean of this grime extends their lifespan.
- Spotting window damage early: Cleaning your windows offers an opportunity to spot cracks, warping or other damage. This way, you can repair or replace windows before major issues progress.
- Enhanced energy efficiency: Clean windows can make your home more energy efficient by letting in more light and minimizing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
- Healthier indoor environment: Clean windows reduce the presence of allergens like pollen and dust in your home, which can help keep you and your family healthy.
Tips for Saving on Professional Window Cleaning Costs
When choosing a window cleaning service, it is worth considering both price and quality. The following steps can help you find a reputable window cleaning company while saving money:
- Obtain multiple quotes: To ensure a company offers competitive prices, we recommend gathering and comparing at least three quotes from different providers.
- Research if a company is reputable: Checking legitimate customer review platforms like TrustPilot or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can help you learn about other customers’ experiences with a window cleaning company.
- Look for discounts: If you are looking to save, you can ask window companies about discounts or sales available to customers.
The Bottom Line
Hiring a professional to clean all your home’s windows can cost $150 to $300. However, homeowners can expect to pay between $10 and $15 for a professional to clean an average window, or between $4 and $11 for each pane of glass. Large, second-story or multi-pane windows typically cost more than single-pane windows on the ground floor.
If you detect a defect or issue with your windows while cleaning them, we recommend speaking with a window installer about how to proceed. You can also reach out to your window manufacturer, whether it be Renewal by Andersen, Pella or another company, for specific questions about routine window cleaning.
Faith Wakefield is a writer based in North Carolina. She holds economics and English degrees from UNC Chapel Hill, and her work has been featured on EcoWatch, The World Economic Forum and Today’s Homeowner. In her free time, she loves to binge-watch personal finance videos on YouTube, collect books and spend time in nature.
Tori Addison is an editor with over five years of experience in the digital marketing industry. Her includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.
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