Some say the windows are the eyes of the house. Having them regularly cleaned can improve sunlight entrance and extend their lifespan. The national average cost for residential exterior window cleaning is $240 and ranges between $155 and $340. Professionals charge $8 to $15 per window or $5 to $12 per pane, while others may charge $41 to $75 per hour.
The main factors that service providers use to charge for window cleaning are:
- The size of your home
- The window type
- The total number of windows
We’ll explain this and other factors in better detail throughout this article. Here you’ll see:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Window Cleaning Costs
| National Average Cost | $240 |
| Typical Price Range | $155 – $340 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $75 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $515 |
These prices apply for residential window cleaning services. They are an estimate based on a standard 1,500-square-foot residence, for which the price will be, on average, $240. Commercial window cleaning service works with different pricing.
Depending on the characteristics of your home and how it differs from the average (if it has more than two stories, different types of windows, or a large number of them), the price might be closer to the high-end cost of $515. If, on the other hand, your home is smaller and has fewer standard single or double-hung windows, the cost of window washing might be closer to the low end of $75.
Window Cleaning Cost Estimator by Size
Window cleaning service providers commonly charge per number of panes or use an hourly rate. This means that, in both ways, the price may vary depending on the size of your property. Usually, the larger your home is, the more windows it will tend to have and, therefore, more panes. Similarly, if the professional charges per hour, it will take more time to attend to all of the windows in a larger house.
Here is an estimate of the overall cost based on the square footage of your home:
| Property Size | Average overall cost |
| 1,000 square foot | $180 |
| 1,500 square foot | $245 |
| 2,400 square foot | $355 |
| 3,200 square foot | $460 |
| 4,200 square foot | $575 |
Window Cleaning Cost Estimator by Window Type
Another relevant way companies price their window cleaning services is by the type of window. The most common type is the standard single- or double-hung, for which the average cost is around $5 to $12 per pane of glass. Companies might prefer charging per pane as a way to ensure the client doesn’t get overcharged or the worker is underpaid.
Nonetheless, different kinds of windows require distinct techniques and amounts of work. For example, small panes with complex designs and patterns might take more time to clean than a larger single-pane window. In general, the more sashes or panes a window has, the more time and effort will be necessary and, therefore, the more expensive it will be for the homeowner.
Below is an average cost estimation based on window types you might have in your house:
| Window Type | Average cost | |
| Awning | $23 per window | |
| Bay Window/Bow Window | $24 per window | |
| Casement | $23 per window | |
| Single-hung | $12 per window | |
| Double-hung | $16 per window | |
| Picture Window | $20 per window | |
| Skylights | $30 per window | |
| Sliding Window | $10 per window | |
| Sliding Door | $7 per door | |
| Storm Window | $7 per pane | |
| Sunburst | $33 per window | |
| Decorative Window | $5 per pane | |
| Jalousie/Louvered Window | $2 per pane |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Along with the type of window, other variables will affect the end cost of getting your windows professionally cleaned:
Number of Windows
The number of windows in your home is usually directly proportional to its size. If the window cleaning professionals you hired charge per window, and they are all standard single-hung or double-hung windows, you will pay an average of $8 to $15 per window or $5 to $12 per window pane. The more windows there are in your home, the more time will be necessary to cover all of them.
So professionals who charge per hour (usually $41 to $75) will also have to charge more due to the extra time it takes to clean a larger home.
Height and Accessibility
Another factor that may influence the overall price of the window cleaning service is the height of your window and its location. For each large window that covers a floor-to-ceiling area or that is placed on a third or fourth story, there might be an additional cost of $3-$5 per window.
Harder-to-reach windows will require additional time and equipment to be reached properly, besides the safety risk it presents to the professionals. Depending on the number of these, some companies might even change the pricing per window to per hour.
Paint and Stain Removal
Paint and stain removal are usually not included in the base window cleaning cost. Cleaning stains may require different cleaning products and scraping tools, so you may expect to be charged an extra $4 to $6 per window.
Inside and Out Cleaning
Some window cleaning services only clean the exterior windows of your house. Those that clean interior windows as well might charge extra for this service. Some companies charge a flat rate for cleaning both the exterior and interior surfaces, while others charge an extra $4 per window to clean the interior panes.
Mineral Deposits
You might be charged an extra $20 per window unit to remove mineral deposits. Over time, exposure to hard water may create a fine white film composed of calcium and lime, among other minerals. These buildup stains are not easy to remove and might need specialized cleaning products.
Other Components
Standard window cleaning service does not include other window components like trim, tracks, window sills, window screens, and shutters. These can be added for an extra fee. For smaller components, like tracks and sills, you can be charged a small amount per unit, between $0.05 and $3. However, if these components are made from wood, which requires special care, the cost may increase.
For shutters and blind cleaning, you can expect a higher fee that can cost anywhere from $150 to $350 for the entire home.
Related Services
Since you’ll probably be cleaning your windows, you may want to take the opportunity to do other kinds of home maintenance, too.
Gutter Cleaning
Gutter cleaning protects your home from bugs and mold; it prevents water infiltration in your basement and crawlspace and subsequent problems that might come with it. It is also a service recommended to be done twice a year. By hiring a window cleaning service, you may be able to include this service as well, since some companies do offer this option. Gutter cleaning costs around $160.
Solar Panel Cleaning
Solar panels are a great investment in your home, but biannual cleaning is key to ensuring they function properly. It costs around $465 to get your solar panels cleaned.
Roof Cleaning
Another service that window cleaning companies might also offer is roof cleaning. For an average cost of $490, you can get your roof cleaned along with your windows. Roof cleaning is not a job homeowners should do by themselves. So if you are going to hire a professional window cleaning service, you might as well consider hiring them to help you with your roof.
Window Repair
If your windows are not only dirty but damaged, you should consider getting them repaired. It is usually less expensive than getting them replaced. Window repair services cost around $360 per window, but prices may vary from $170 to $565.
Window Insulation
Another way of improving the energy efficiency of your windows is getting them insulated. You can expect to pay a variable cost of $3 to $20 per square foot.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
The cost of DIY window cleaning starts at around $75 if you opt to buy a starter kit but can cost up to $190. If high-reaching tools are necessary, like an extension pole and ladder (which will be the case if you have high windows or windows located on a second or third floor), you will have to buy these items separately.
You can also buy items separately and make your kit. In general, you will need a bucket, a cleaning brush, a squeegee, microfiber cloths, a spray bottle, and a window cleaning solution. If you have hard-to-reach windows in your home, you might also need an extension pole and a ladder. In the following table, we give you the average prices of each item.
| DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
| Heavy-duty bucket | $10 |
| Cleaning brush | $9 |
| Cleaning gloves | $8 per pair of gloves |
| Squeegee | $17 |
| Microfiber cloth | $13 |
| Spray bottle | $13 |
| Window cleaning solution | $18 |
| Extension pole | $52 |
| Ladder | $125 |
| Total DIY Cost without extension pole and ladder | $88 |
| Total DIY Cost with extension pole and ladder | $265 |
The total cost for purchasing each item separately is $88 if you won’t need a ladder or an extension pole. In case you need these, however, the cost of your DIY project rises to around $265. By hiring a professional window cleaning service, in comparison, you’ll pay an average of $240.
Keep in mind that if you are going to need to use a ladder to reach high-rise or second-story windows, you may put your safety at risk. If you don’t feel confident enough to do this by yourself safely, you may opt to hire a window cleaning professional instead. They will get the job done for you without worries.
Cost of Window Cleaning by Location
Window cleaners charge approximately $41 to $75 per hour. The variation of pricing is based mostly on the local labor cost. Another relevant factor is if the service provider is a company or an individual handyman, with the latter generally being less costly.
If the weather in your area is extreme or harsh, it might affect the condition of your dirty windows. Their condition, in turn, may require more time for them to be successfully cleaned, which may raise your total cost. Contact several local service providers for a quote to compare prices and find the company that best fits your needs.
FAQ About Window Cleaning
● You can start by asking friends and family for good recommendations.
● You can also search online for professional window washers in your area.
● Check for credentials and ask if the workers are insured. (This will guarantee you are not financially responsible for accidental injury or property damage.)
It may depend on how quickly your windows get dirty. But a good measure would be to get your windows professionally cleaned twice a year. A good routine will prevent the accumulation of excess dirt and grime, making eventual cleanings more expensive.
It depends on the size of your home, the complexity of the house structure, the types of windows it has, as well as the number of windows. To cover a 1,800-square-foot home it might take professionals from two to three hours.
DIY or Hire a Pro to Clean Your Windows?
Now that you know everything you’ll have to consider when calculating your window cleaning costs, you have the information to make good comparisons and choose the best service for you. If you are still a little unsure, remember the three main points that affect cost: the number of windows, the size of your home, and the type of windows you have.
With that in mind, you can always reach out to different companies and ask them what’s included in their services, their pricing, and what kind of guarantees they offer. Contact a local window cleaning professional and look for the best options for you.
Note: Window Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
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