Pricing Guide: How to Price Window Cleaning Jobs

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You take on every dirty window and leave it crystal clear. But if your pricing is foggy, you might be leaving money on the table. Maybe you don’t charge enough or chase away customers with high prices.

Fair rates start with learning how to price window cleaning jobs the right way. From tallying up your expenses to understanding the market, here’s how to create a pricing structure as clear and transparent as your clients’ windows.

What Is the Average Price of Window Cleaning Jobs?

When it comes to professional window cleaning, there’s no one-size-fits-all price. The cost can vary widely depending on many factors. These include the type of building, the number of windows, and how easy or difficult they are to reach.

To give you a high-level idea, let’s break down the average costs for both residential and commercial window washing:

Residential Window Cleaning Jobs

When pricing residential jobs, keep in mind that the average is between $150 and $366 for an entire house cleaning, depending on the size of the house and other factors. As a window cleaner, you might charge $10 to $15 per window, or $4 to $8 per pane of glass if you prefer to price that way.

For windows above the second floor, consider charging an additional $3 to $5 per window. These higher-up windows often require more time and specialized equipment.

Here’s a quick reference for residential window cleaning prices:

Window cleaning price	Price per window	Total price for a full house cleaning
Minimum	$10	$150
Maximum	$15	$366
Average	$12.50	$250

Commercial Window Cleaning Jobs

For commercial jobs, most window cleaners price by square foot rather than per window. Most window cleaners charge between $0.50 and $2.50 per square foot.

Your exact rate depends on factors like accessibility and job frequency. Ground-floor windows in a small office building will be quicker and easier to clean than those on the upper floors of a high-rise. And you might offer a slightly lower rate for regular cleaning contracts versus one-time jobs.

Here’s a simple breakdown of commercial window cleaning prices you might consider:

Window cleaning price	Price per square feet
Minimum	$0.50
Maximum	$2.50
Average	$1.50

Key Aspects To Consider When Pricing Window Cleaning Jobs

Professional cleaning service worker washes the glass of the windows

Knowing industry averages isn’t enough to find the pricing sweet spot. You need a comprehensive understanding of your window cleaning company and the specific job at hand.

Let’s look at some key factors that will influence your pricing decisions:

Number of Windows

Simply put, the more windows a building has, the more time and supplies you need to finish the job. Also consider whether you’re washing both the interior windows and the exterior windows. You’ll likely charge less for exterior window cleaning only because you only need that set of equipment.

Type of Windows

The number of windows a job requires plays a huge role in your pricing—but not all windows are created equal. Some are trickier to clean than others, which means they take more time and effort.

Here are some common window types you may encounter:

Picture windows don’t open and usually consist of a single pane of glass, making them easy to clean.
Awning windows open outward. They’re also typically one-pane windows, making them no harder to clean than picture windows.
Double-hung windows have two movable sashes, one on top of the other. This means there are four cleanable surfaces in total. Some window washers count double-hung windows as two windows for pricing purposes.
Sunburst windows have decorative designs and often several panes, each of which needs to be cleaned individually. These windows can require significantly more time to clean than other types.
Garage doors with glass panes add to the window count, but these windows tend to be small and easy to clean.
Skylights and roof windows often require special equipment and safety measures, adding to the cost.
Sliding glass doors and French doors are essentially large windows. They’re usually easy to access, so the primary consideration for pricing is their size.

State of the Windows

How dirty are the surfaces? Mildly dusty windows are quicker to clean than ones caked with grime or that need hard water stain removal. If a job requires extra elbow grease or special cleaning products, the price should reflect that.

Building Size and Accessibility

A single-story home with easy-to-reach windows is faster to clean than a multi-story building with hard-to-access ones. If you need ladders, scaffolding, or other special equipment, factor that into your price.

Screen, Sills, and Tracks

Will you be cleaning just the glass, or are you also responsible for window screens, window sills, and tracks? These extra tasks take time and should be reflected in your pricing.

For reference, window cleaners typically price screen cleaning at $0.50 to $5 per screen.

Per Window Versus Per Hour

Some window cleaners charge by the window, while others charge by the hour. The industry average for hourly rates is between $40 and $75, often with a one-hour minimum. Some cleaners also charge a call-out fee.

Keep in mind that an average-sized home usually takes three to six hours to clean, depending on the job’s complexity and how many cleaners are on it.

Expenses

The price you charge needs to cover more than just your time. You have expenses like cleaning supplies, equipment, and possibly employee wages. To figure out your actual profit, use this simple formula:

Net profit = revenue – expenses

Travel Time and Cost

If a job is far from your usual service area, you might need to charge more to cover the extra travel time and fuel costs. This is where a call-out fee comes in handy.

Employees

If you have a team, factor in their wages when pricing jobs. More windows might mean more employees, which increases your window cleaning costs.

Competition

While you shouldn’t base your prices solely on what others are charging, it’s good to know where you stand in the market. Industry averages are a useful guide, but prices on the ground in your area may differ substantially.

Research similar local businesses’ prices to make sure yours are competitive while still being profitable.

Window Washing Services Pricing Formula

Professional cleaning service worker cleans the windows

Once you’ve considered the key factors involved in pricing a job, there’s a simple formula you can use to set your prices.

First, to figure out how much a job will cost your business, use this formula:

Total cost = Labor cost + material cost + overhead cost

But you’re not in business just to break even. You need to make a profit, too. That’s where your profit margin comes in. To determine your final price, use this formula:

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

For example, if a job costs you $300 to complete and you want a 20% profit margin, your calculation would look like this:

Total price = $300 + (0.20 x $300) = $360

RELATED ARTICLE — 10 Business Expense Categories You Need To Consider

5 Tips for Presenting Window Cleaning Bids

Once you’ve figured out pricing, the next step is presenting your bid to potential customers. Here are some tips to help you win more jobs:

1. Respond Promptly

When a customer reaches out, get back to them quickly. Fast responses show you’re professional and eager for their business.

2. Ensure You Have All the Required Information

Before giving a quote, make sure you understand the full scope of the job. Ask questions about the number and types of windows, any special requirements, and when they need the work done. You and the client should be on the same page to avoid miscommunications.

3. Provide an Accurate Quote

Use the information you’ve gathered and the pricing formula to give a detailed, accurate quote. Break down the costs so customers understand what they’re paying for.

4. Set a Timeframe

Let the customer know when you can do the job and how long you think it will take. Being clear about timing shows you respect their schedule. Also consider how long the quote will be valid for. Offering a deadline can push customers to make a decision faster.

5. Be Professional

Whether you’re bidding in person, over the phone, or by email, always maintain a professional attitude. Your demeanor is just as important as your price in winning the job.

Easy Estimating and Invoicing With Joist

Pricing your window cleaning services is all about finding the right balance. You need to charge enough to cover your costs and make a profit, but not so much that you scare away potential customers.

But understanding pricing is only half the battle. You also need a smooth payment process for you and your clients.

With Joist, you can create and send customized, professional invoices in minutes. Focus on the work, not the administrative details. Try it today for smooth sailing tomorrow.

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