Window Cleaning Prices: How to Set Rates, Price Jobs, and Maximize Profit

Average price of window cleaning

The average cost for window cleaning on a house with 22 standard double-hung windows is $310, ranging from $190 to $460.

This rate breaks down to these averages:

• Hourly rate: $40 to $75
• Cost per pane: $4 to $8
• Cost per window: $8 to $16

These averages give you a starting point for setting competitive prices in your area. Most window cleaning businesses charge by the pane or window for residential jobs because it creates more consistent pricing. Plus, as your team gets faster, they can complete more jobs and earn more revenue each day. 

READ MORE: Window cleaning industry statistics

How much does window cleaning cost?

Window cleaning prices depend on several factors, including property size, window count, accessibility, and whether the job is residential or commercial. 

To account for these differences, you may want to use a specific pricing model based on the type of service being provided.

Here’s a quick look at current market rates for professional window cleaning services:

Pricing can vary depending on the size and condition of the job, as well as how often the windows are cleaned. First-time cleanings, for example, are usually priced higher because they require more labor and the removal of more buildup.

You can also use a combination of pricing models to stay profitable. For example, you may charge per window for residential jobs while using hourly or square-foot pricing for commercial work. Or set minimum service charges, especially for smaller jobs, to ensure travel time and labor costs are covered.

Once you understand the going market rates, the next step is choosing the right pricing method for your business.

Factors to consider when setting window washing prices

The right window cleaning pricing guide should be a system that reflects your costs, aligns with the market, and leaves room for profit. To figure out how to price window cleaning jobs with confidence, look at these four factors:

The complexity of the job

Think of each window like a mini job site. Factor in what kind of windows they are, where they are, and what shape they’re in. Here’s what to watch for:

• Number of panes: It’s easy to underestimate how many panes a home actually has. You can charge per pane or per window, but make sure to count smaller windows that homeowners often overlook, like basement hopper windows and transoms.
• Window type makes a big difference: Picture windows are usually wide-open spaces with fewer nooks your squeegee needs to deal with. But get into French panes or sunburst patterns, and you’re doing a lot more detailed work.
• Height and accessibility: Anything above the second floor is a hazard and a hassle. You’ll need ladders and maybe a helper. Charge more for every floor past the first, or if you’re spending extra time to set up safely.
• Condition of the glass: At some point, you’ll show up to a job thinking it’s a basic clean, but then realize no one’s given the windows any TLC in a decade. Water stains, bird droppings, and paint overspray all take time. It’s common to add $2 to $4 more per pane for the extra elbow grease.

Operational costs

When you’re thinking about how much to charge for window cleaning, it’s easy to forget just how much money you’re spending. These are the day-to-day costs that’ll eat into your profits, so factor them in:

• Labor costs: Whether you’re flying solo or managing a crew, labor’s usually your biggest expense. Some pros charge $40-75 per hour for residential work. If you’re doing high-rise or rope access, that might shoot up to $170/hour. Others stick to a per-pane model, especially for repeat jobs or maintenance cleans.
• Materials and gear: Your day-to-day materials might include squeegees, scrubbers, towels, and applicators. You’ll also need gloves, safety glasses, and harnesses.
• Overhead: These costs are sneaky. Account for gas and travel, insurance premiums, and the cost of replacing/upkeeping your equipment.

Service add-ons and frequency

Let’s say you’re wrapping up a quote and the client hits you with, “Can you do the screens too?” Consider your service add-ons, bundles, or recurring contracts when pricing window cleaning so you always have an answer (and pricing) ready.

• Screens, sills, and tracks: You can charge anywhere from 50 cents to $8 per screen, depending on size and how dirty it is. Tracks and sills can run $2-4 per window.
• Frequency of service: Not all customers are one-and-done. Some want regular shine, like storefronts and real estate agents. A 10-20% discount on recurring cleanings will keep clients coming back and make pricing more predictable. Plus, recurring jobs can often be quicker (less buildup), so your hourly rate actually increases.
• Bundling other services: If you also offer gutter cleaning or pressure washing, bundle them to save your client time and make the job more efficient. Bundling can boost your average ticket size and increase your margins without extra travel.

Window cleaning pricing formula

To understand how to price window cleaning jobs, start with the formula you’ll use to determine your final customer price:

Total price = Total cost + (profit margin x total cost)

Step 1: Determine the total cost of the job

Figure out how much the job will cost your business to complete. This includes labor costs, material costs, overhead costs, and your desired profit margin.

Start by calculating your total window cleaning costs using this formula:

Total cost = Labor cost + material cost + overhead cost

For example, if a two-hour job costs $80 in labor, $15 in supplies or materials, and $25 in overhead expenses (like insurance, fuel, or software), your total job cost would be $120. From there, you can add your profit margin to determine the final customer price.

Step 2: Apply your profit margin

Next, determine how much you should charge your customer by applying your profit margin to your total window cleaning cost. Here’s the formula you should use:

Total price = Total cost + (profit margin x total cost)

If your total job cost on a residential home is $120 and you want a 30% profit margin, you would multiply $120 by 0.30 to get $36. Add that to your original cost, and your final price would be $156.

How to price residential window cleaning 

When deciding how much to charge for window cleaning, most residential window cleaners price jobs by the pane instead of by the hour.

Pane-based pricing is more consistent for both you and the customer. It rewards efficiency as your team gets faster and gives homeowners a clearer understanding of what they’re paying for.

A pane is each individual piece of glass in a window. Standard windows have 2-3 panes. Storm windows will have up to 4.

Residential window cleaning prices per pane and window type

Common window cleaning pricing models and average rates include the following:

French windows are large windows (often doors) divided into multiple smaller panes. The average charge is $6 for a half door and $12 for a full door.

If the panes are larger than 3-5 feet, count them as two panes and adjust the price accordingly.

Charging for sills and tracks is optional. Depending on the client’s request, you can offer a deep clean for an additional $2-4 per window (not per pane) or a simple wipe-down for free.

Residential window cleaning prices by home size

Many window cleaning companies also use the total number of windows in a home to estimate pricing quickly during the quoting process.

Prices increase for homes with difficult ladder access, oversized windows, storm windows, or heavy buildup.

Interior vs. exterior window cleaning pricing

Exterior-only cleaning is typically faster because technicians don’t need to move through the home or work around furniture and valuables. Interior cleaning often increases the total price by 50–100%.

Many homeowners choose exterior-only cleanings more frequently and reserve full interior/exterior service for seasonal deep cleans.

First-time vs. recurring customer pricing

First-time cleanings usually take longer because of built-up dirt, mineral deposits, bug debris, pollen, and neglected tracks or screens. 

As a result, many window cleaning businesses charge higher initial rates and then offer discounted maintenance pricing for repeat customers.

Recurring customers are often more profitable because the windows stay cleaner and jobs take less time to complete.

Seasonal pricing considerations

Window cleaning demand tends to spike in spring and fall, especially in residential markets. Some companies raise prices slightly during peak season due to increased demand and scheduling limitations.

Most homeowners have their windows cleaned about twice per year. If a client requests a higher frequency, you can offer a volume discount and still be very profitable.

You can also increase average ticket value by bundling services like gutter cleaning, pressure washing, or holiday light installation alongside window cleaning.

How to price construction window cleaning 

Construction cleans are priced higher because of the time needed to remove paint and grime. You may also need to wear special safety equipment (like hard hats and steeled toe boots), invest in new window cleaning tools, and do more ladder work.

The average price for a construction clean is estimated at $4 for exterior windows and $5 for interior windows.

For example, if a newly constructed cafe or store has 25 exterior windows and 25 interior windows, you could charge a total of around $225: $100 for exterior cleaning and $125 for interior cleaning.

For deeper cleaning services, like removing hard water or mineral stains, you may need to charge more per pane. Always inspect the windows in person before providing an estimate so you can accurately assess the condition and labor required.

FREE TOOL: Try our free window cleaning estimate template

How to price commercial window cleaning

Commercial storefront window cleaning is usually priced based on the number of windows, doors, screens, and the frequency of service. Many window cleaners also offer discounts for recurring contracts because the windows stay cleaner and require less labor over time.

A simple way to price commercial storefront window cleaning jobs is:

Total Price = (Windows × Price per Window) + (Doors × Price per door) + (Screens × Price per screen) − Recurring Discount (if applicable)

Window cleaning add-ons and upsell pricing

Add-on services are one of the easiest ways to increase your average job value without significantly increasing travel time or customer acquisition costs.

Many homeowners are already looking for related exterior cleaning services, so presenting upsells during the quoting process can help you maximize revenue on every job.

Here are common window cleaning add-ons and typical industry pricing ranges:

Hard water stain removal and construction debris cleanup are typically priced higher because they require specialized chemicals, tools, and additional labor time.

How to present window cleaning pricing to customers

A professional quote helps homeowners understand exactly what’s included in the service and makes it easier for them to book with confidence.

Your window cleaning estimate should include:

• Number of windows or panes
• Interior, exterior, or full-service cleaning
• Screen, sill, and track cleaning
• Any add-on services or access fees
• Total project cost and service timeline

It’s also helpful to clarify what’s not included, like hard water stain removal or construction cleanup, and whether those services cost extra.

With Jobber’s quoting software, you can create professional quotes that include photos, detailed service descriptions, and optional line items for upsells like track cleaning or gutter cleaning. Customers can review and approve estimates online, helping you book jobs faster.

• Save time with reusable quote templates that include preset pricing and common services like pane cleaning, screens, and tracks, so you can send consistent estimates faster.
• Use optional line items to upsell services like hard water removal or gutter cleaning directly in the quote, letting customers customize their service while increasing average job value.
• Turn on automated quote follow-ups to remind customers about pending estimates and win more jobs without manually chasing leads.

Tips for bidding on window cleaning jobs

The prices above are general guidelines. As you get out into the field and start bidding, you’ll quickly learn how to price effectively and for profit.

Here are some final tips to help you win more window cleaning contracts:

• Keep it simple. Charge a standard rate for all windows, and give your clients 1-2 options, max. You can always change your pricing as you grow, become more skilled, and build your reputation.
• Monitor your profit margins. Winning jobs doesn’t always mean you’re making more money. Track your labor, material, and overhead costs regularly to make sure each job stays profitable. Tools like Jobber’s job costing software help you compare estimated versus actual costs so you can adjust your pricing over time.
• Provide professional estimates: Writing your bid in chicken scratch on a piece of paper or the back of a card can make you look unprofessional. Download a free quote template or use window cleaning software to give every prospect a professional, memorable estimate that will set you apart from your competitors.
• Don’t be afraid to raise prices: If you’re winning 100% of your bids, you might be pricing too low. As you gain experience and improve your efficiency, regularly review your pricing to make sure it reflects your costs, skill level, and profit goals. If you lose a bid, politely ask the winning competitor what they offered so you can better understand your local market.

READ MORE: Is a window cleaning business profitable?

Learn how to price your window cleaning services for profit and more tips to help you grow your business: