What is Window Cleaning Cost?
Window cleaning cost is the price to have interior and exterior windows professionally cleaned. Pricing is influenced by the number of windows, accessibility (ground floor vs upper stories), window type, and whether the property is residential or commercial. Regular customers typically pay less per visit.
The Formula
Total Cost = Number of Windows × Cost per Window × Access Difficulty Multiplier
Access difficulty multiplier accounts for upper floors, hard-to-reach windows, and requirements for ladders or water-fed poles. Ground floor = 1.0x, second floor = 1.3x, third floor+ = 1.5x.
Worked Example
A house has 12 windows: 8 at ground floor ($7 each) and 4 on the second floor needing a 1.5x access multiplier.
- Ground floor = 8 × $7.00 = $56.00
- Second floor = 4 × $7.00 × 1.5 = $42.00
- Total = $56.00 + $42.00 = $98.00
📌 The total window cleaning cost is $98 per visit, $8.17 per window on average including the access premium.
Why This Matters
Curb appeal
Clean windows dramatically improve a property's appearance. For sellers, it's one of the cheapest ways to boost first impressions, a $75-100 window clean before showings is worth the investment.
Maintenance savings
Mineral deposits, hard water stains, and oxidation build up over time and can permanently etch glass. Regular cleaning every 4-8 weeks prevents costly glass restoration or replacement.
Natural light and energy savings
Dirty windows can block up to 40% of natural light. Clean windows reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, which can lower electricity costs by $10-20 per month in rooms that rely heavily on overhead lights.
Common Mistakes
❌ Only cleaning exteriors
Interior glass gets dusty, marked by fingerprints, and develops condensation residue. Interior + exterior cleaning costs only 30-40% more but makes a noticeable difference.
❌ Ignoring frames and sills
Dirty frames transfer grime onto clean glass when it rains. A good window cleaner includes frames and sills, check this is included before booking.
❌ Cleaning in direct sunlight
DIY window cleaning on hot, sunny days causes cleaning solution to dry before it can be wiped off, leaving streaks and residue. Professionals schedule for overcast days or early morning for this reason. If you clean yourself, work on shaded windows first.
Industry Benchmarks
| Category | Good | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per window (ground) | $5-8 | $8-12 | $15+ |
| Per visit (average home) | $60-90 | $90-130 | $150+ |
| Seasonal price variation | 0-10% premium (spring/fall) | 10-20% premium (peak season) | 25%+ premium (holiday rush) |
Source: Angi/HomeAdvisor True Cost Guide
Benchmark data sourced from Angi/HomeAdvisor True Cost Guide.