How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost? (Expert Reviewed)

Cleaning your windows keeps your home looking great. It also prolongs the need for replacement windows. Though it’s easy to clean one window yourself, cleaning every window on your home is a different story, and you may want to hire a professional.

The cost of residential window cleaning varies by your home’s size and number of windows, but the average price is $150–$300 for the whole house. We’ll break down this range and compare the costs of hiring professionals with doing it yourself.

According to Home Guide, professional window cleaners typically charge $4–$8 per pane or $10–$15 per window. The following factors determine how much you’ll pay.

• Home size: Whole-house window cleaning jobs cost more for larger homes.
• Number of windows: The more windows your home has, the more the job will cost.
• Window condition: Windows that require special attention will increase your total price.
• Window type: Large windows or windows with many panes cost more to clean.

Cost by Home Size

Residential window cleaning prices are typically set per window rather than home size. Commercial window cleaning is more commonly priced per square footage, particularly if most of the building’s exterior is glass. That said, here are some approximate prices per square foot.*

*All cost data from Fixr.

Cost by Number of Windows

If your home’s windows are primarily simple single- or double-hung windows, you’ll likely be charged a standard rate per window or pane.

Cost by Window Condition

Very dirty windows will require special cleaning solutions or more time and effort, increasing window cleaning prices.

Cost by Window Type

The more panes or sashes a window has, the more time-consuming (and expensive) it is to clean. Large, single-pane bay windows can actually cost less to clean than smaller, multi-paned windows.

The above factors have the biggest impact on professional window cleaning cost, but here are some other things that may come into play.

Cleaning Inside vs. Outside

Different window-washing companies offer different services. Most will clean only exterior windows, but some will also come into your home to clean interior windows. You can expect to pay an additional $1.60–$3.20 per window for interior cleaning.

Cleaning Mineral Deposits

Windows that are regularly wet by an irrigation system may accumulate mineral deposits over time. This creates a white film of calcium and lime that’s difficult to remove. You can expect to pay $10–$30 per window to remove mineral deposits, but this isn’t common on residential windows.

Cleaning Other Components

Some window washers will clean more than the glass. However, not all window cleaning companies offer additional services because they require more equipment. Shutter cleaning, for example, typically requires power washing equipment, and solar screens require special handling. Cleaning blinds and curtains is usually left to housekeeping services.

*All cost data from HomeGuide.

Glass Doors Cleaning

Sliding glass doors cost $3–$8 per door. French doors with glass cost $6–$12 each. 

Labor Costs

It’s most common to set cleaning rates by the window, but some window cleaning services may charge per hour. A professional window cleaner charges an hourly rate between $40 and $75. High-rise windows, which require extra safety equipment, usually cost $85 per hour or more.

Paint or Stain Removal

Window cleaners may charge an extra $3.50–$6 per window for paint or stain removal, depending on the size and stubbornness of the stain.

Window Location

Most window cleaners are prepared to clean first- and second-story windows from ground level, but above that, they’ll need special equipment and safety precautions. There’s usually an additional cost of $3–$5 for windows on the third floor or above.

Some perks of having clean windows are obvious, but others are more subtle.

Air Quality

Cleaning windows removes mold and other potential allergens that may get sucked into your home while the windows are open. Smoke from cigarettes or fireplaces and dander from pets can build up on the glass’s surface inside. Cleaning can quickly eliminate these irritants.

Curb Appeal

Sparkling clean windows are often the goal of washing, since it’s a simple fix that can significantly improve your home’s appearance. If you’re selling your home, it must look clean and welcoming.

Improved Life Span

Accumulated mold and grime can break down your windows’ seal, which will force you to replace the windows sooner than you otherwise would. Dirt and debris in the tracks can also impair functioning, making windows difficult to open and close. Some stains can cause long-term discoloration of the frame or the glass. If the glass is cracked or you see condensation between window panes, it may be time for new windows.

More Natural Light

Allowing in more sunlight can keep your home’s interior warm and reduce energy bills when it’s cold. Clean windows let in more light and are thus more energy-efficient.

Having more natural light also creates a brighter, more habitable environment, which clean windows can help ensure.

Prevents Pest Infestation

Cleaning brushes away bugs and nests, webs, or other hideouts. When pests can’t find a foothold outside your home, they’re more likely to stay away.

Most homeowners can easily clean their own windows, but there are good reasons to hire a professional. Here’s what you can expect from both situations.

DIY Window Cleaning

The primary reason for washing windows yourself is to save money. Indoor cleaning is typically easier and requires only sprayable window cleaner and a paper towel roll. 

For exterior windows, you’ll need a squeegee and cleaning solution, which can cost less than $20. However, you may want to invest in a DIY window cleaning kit if you do this job regularly. These kits include towels, brushes, and an extension pole for around $75. You’ll also need a ladder if you have skylights, vaulted ceilings, or more than one story in your home. A safe, high-quality ladder costs $100–$300. 

You can use a razor scraper to remove paint or staining that’s gotten on your windows, but use extreme care not to scratch the glass. Plastic blades are a good alternative. Here are some other tips to keep in mind:

• If you’re cleaning a large picture window, check the glass at different times of the day. The angle of the sun can show smudges and streaks that may not have been visible in the morning but are visible in the afternoon.
• A dry paper towel—rather than one with cleaning solution on it—often works better to remove a streak that will not come out or a film or substance on the glass. Make sure to clean the glass first to avoid grinding in dirt, which causes scratches.
• Don’t forget to clean the window tracks, which are often the most overlooked and dirty part of the window. Keeping them clean and lubricated will prolong your window’s life.

The drawback of washing windows yourself is lost time, since you may take a whole weekend to access every pane of glass. DIYers are also prone to leaving smudges, fingerprints, or streaking behind. Removing and replacing window screens to get to the glass will also add to the project’s total time.

Professional Window Cleaning

Cleaning your own windows—and doing a thorough job—takes time and effort, particularly if your home is more than one story. Professionals have the equipment and experience to do the job quicker and easier, including dealing with screens. They also assume the risk of climbing on ladders or roofs, so you don’t have to. Professional window cleaning is more expensive than doing it yourself, but it can be the best option in many situations.

Here are some tips to save money on window cleaning, even if you opt to hire professionals.

• Clean the insides of your windows yourself and hire pros only for the exteriors.
• Give your exterior windows a quick DIY clean regularly. Even if you don’t get them sparkling and streak-free, you’ll need to hire professionals less often.
• Keep an eye out for deals, including those for new customers or those that package window washing with other cleaning services.
• If you see a window washing service working on a neighbor’s house, ask if they offer discounts for customers in the same neighborhood.
• Choose a reliable, well-reviewed company to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth.

Unlike other home improvement jobs, you don’t need a special license or training to wash windows. That means anyone with a business license can call themselves a window washer, so you’ll have to do your due diligence to hire the right company. Here are some tips.

• Ask family, friends, and neighbors for recommendations.
• Check that the company and its workers are insured. Though not required by law, this will ensure you won’t be financially responsible if any of the workers suffer injuries while working on your house or if your property is damaged.
• Know what’s included in the cleaning, whether it’s just the glass or the entire sill, track, screen, etc. Make sure you understand how the company’s pricing works.
• Ask whether the company offers a guarantee on its work. Some will come back within the first 30 to 60 days if you aren’t satisfied.
• Ask about extra services such as shutter, roof, or gutter cleaning if you’re interested. If the company seems too pushy about talking you into services you don’t need, try a different one.
• Check online reviews and the company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) listing. If the company has references, you can talk to real customers.
• Ask what products the company uses and how toxic they are if you’re concerned about your landscaping or the environment.
• Get multiple free estimates. Be wary of anyone who charges substantially less or more than others in the area.

While you certainly can clean your home’s windows yourself, you may want to hire a professional window cleaning company if you have a larger or multi-story home or don’t have the time for the project. The overall cost is less than many other types of home cleaning jobs. We recommend getting estimates from at least three window-washing companies before hiring one.

Check out our guides to the best window installation companies and average window costs if you want to replace old, dirty windows with new ones.

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