Typical Costs for Window Cleaning Services
Window cleaning prices can look inconsistent because companies quote in different ways—per pane, per hour, or by the full job. This guide explains common price ranges, what usually influences the final bill, and how to interpret estimates so you can compare services on a like-for-like basis.
Whether you own a small storefront or manage a multi-story building, the cost of keeping glass clear depends on more than just how many windows you have. Access, safety requirements, the amount of detailing expected, and local labor conditions all shape what a professional quote looks like. Understanding the common pricing patterns can help you set a realistic budget.
Average Prices for Professional Window Cleaning
Typical pricing is often described in one of three ways: per window (or per pane), per hour, or per project. For residential work, many providers quote by window or by the whole home after an on-site look, because glass size and accessibility vary. For commercial properties, pricing is more commonly job-based and tied to a service schedule (for example, monthly exterior glass with quarterly interior glass).
As broad benchmarks worldwide, simple ground-level residential exteriors may be priced similarly to a short service visit, while larger homes with many panes, interior-and-exterior cleaning, or extensive detailing (tracks, frames, and screens) cost more. If a quote seems unusually low, confirm what is included—some estimates cover glass only, while others include wiping frames, cleaning sills, or removing light debris.
How Window Cleaning Service Rates Are Calculated
Professional rates are usually built from time on site plus risk and equipment needs. Labor is the core component: the crew size, setup time, and how quickly the glass can be cleaned safely. A home with many small panes can take longer than a home with fewer large windows, even if the total glass area is similar.
Equipment and method also matter. Traditional squeegee-and-ladder work can be efficient for certain layouts, while water-fed pole systems may be used for taller exterior glass from the ground. For high-rise or complex commercial façades, additional access methods (such as lifts, rope access, or dedicated platforms) and stricter safety procedures can raise costs significantly because they require specialized training, insurance, and slower, controlled workflows.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Window Cleaning
Several practical variables can shift pricing up or down. The most common are height and access (second- or third-story windows, tight landscaping, or limited parking), the amount of buildup (hard-water spotting, paint overspray, or heavy dust), and the scope (exterior only versus inside-and-out). Detailing requests—like cleaning screens, tracks, frames, skylights, glass doors, or mirrors—are often priced as add-ons or folded into a higher per-window rate.
Frequency also influences value. Regular maintenance cleanings can be faster and more predictable than one-off deep cleans, especially when mineral deposits or sticky residue have accumulated. Seasonality can affect scheduling and pricing in some regions as well, since demand may rise during certain months.
To make comparisons easier, the table below lists common, real providers and platforms where customers can book local services. Because each operates across different regions and job scopes, the cost figures are broad estimates intended for orientation rather than a guaranteed price.
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| Residential window cleaning (varies by cleaner) | Taskrabbit (platform; availability varies by country/city) | Often priced hourly; commonly about USD $35–$90+ per hour depending on local rates and scope |
| Residential and light commercial service | Window Genie (US & Canada locations) | Typically quote-based after details; many routine jobs fall in the low hundreds of USD, varying widely by home size and add-ons |
| Commercial and residential routes (franchised locations) | Fish Window Cleaning (primarily US) | Commonly quote-based; commercial storefront maintenance often priced per visit, with totals varying by glass area and frequency |
| On-demand home services marketplace (varies by region) | Angi (US marketplace) | Typically quote-based; ranges depend on local contractors, number of windows, and interior/exterior scope |
| Consumer home services marketplace (varies by region) | Thumbtack (US marketplace) | Often provides project or hourly estimates; typical totals vary widely based on panes, height, and add-ons |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
When you compare quotes, try to standardize the scope. Ask whether the price includes interior glass, exterior glass, screens, tracks, and frames, and whether the provider charges extra for hard-water stain removal or adhesive residue. Also confirm practical constraints that can change the final invoice, such as minimum service fees, travel charges in remote areas, parking fees in dense cities, or surcharges for difficult access.
It can also help to separate “maintenance cleaning” from “restoration work.” Basic cleaning generally targets routine dirt and light spotting, while restoration tasks (for example, heavy mineral deposits) may require specialty products, additional dwell time, or even glass-safe abrasive techniques. Those added steps can change the time estimate substantially, which is why two providers can quote very different totals for what sounds like the same job.
In many places, homeowners weigh do-it-yourself costs against professional service. DIY expenses can include ladders, squeegees, microfiber cloths, scrubbers, cleaning solution, and the time needed to work safely—especially for upper floors. Professional services bundle equipment, technique, and risk management into the quote, which can be particularly relevant for tall windows, awkward rooflines, or commercial properties with stricter safety expectations.
Clear pricing for window cleaning is easiest to understand when you focus on scope, access, and the level of detailing. By matching quotes to the same checklist of what will be cleaned—and under what conditions—you can interpret “typical costs” as a practical range rather than a single number and choose a service level that fits your property’s needs and constraints.
