The cost to clean windows is $220 on average, and most projects total between $150 and $302, depending on a few factors.
Most homeowners pay around $220 for window cleaning services, and most projects cost between $150 and $302. Window cleaning can get expensive, especially if you need multiple large windows cleaned, but the service can boost your home’s curb appeal and value, as well as prolong the life of your windows. In this guide, we’ll break down the typical window cleaning costs and cost factors to help you get an accurate estimate for your project.
Several factors can determine the cost to clean residential windows, including how many windows you have, their size, and how dirty they are.
Most professionals charge between $4 and $15 per window cleaned, but this amount varies depending on the size of each window and whether the windows include multiple panes. Decorative windows with individual panes will usually take longer than cleaning a single pane on a picture window.
| Number of Windows | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 | $40–$150 |
| 20 | $80–$300 |
| 30 | $120–$450 |
Window height and accessibility also help to determine your overall cost for cleaning. Generally speaking, higher windows that are difficult to access can increase the labor time and, as such, the cleaning cost. For example, floor-to-ceiling windows on the first floor will likely require a ladder or other equipment to access, taking more time than traditionally sized windows. There is also an element of danger to cleaning inaccessible windows, which factors into these upcharges.
Talk to your pro ahead of time and give them a heads-up regarding the accessibility of your windows.
Hard-to-reach windows, like those on the second floor or higher, each cost $3 to $5 extra, because they typically require more labor and more equipment to reach. And washing a hard-to-reach window poses an added safety risk to the pro, who may need to climb on a ladder or lift to reach it.
Skylights might end up being even more expensive than second-floor windows, depending on the professional and what type of safety equipment they use during the cleaning.
The type of windows that need cleaning determine the cost as well. Different types of windows necessitate specific cleaning styles, with differing amounts of required labor.
For instance, double-hung windows with two sashes take more time than a standard window, so you’ll pay around $16 to $30 per window for cleaning these. Your professional will remove each sash, cleaning the rails and moving components, and then reinstall the sashes. Compared to a standard picture window, this is much more involved.
It should come as no surprise that the amount of buildup on your windows will affect the final cost. Dirt and grime not only restrict incoming light and damage the glass, but they also make for difficult window cleaning jobs. Extremely dirty windows may even require second or even third passes, increasing the overall cost in terms of cleaning materials and labor.
If you bring a pro in for an estimate, have them look at your windows to gauge how much time and effort they will take to clean properly.
While many window washers charge per square foot or per window, some will charge per hour. Professionals charge between $40 and $75 per hour for residential jobs. For high-rises, they typically charge $85 or more per hour due to the added safety risks and equipment needed to access the upper floors. If the entire window ( inside pane, outside pane, casing, sill, sash lock, etc.) needs cleaning, the per-hour cost can quickly add up.
Plan to wash your windows twice per year as a baseline. However, weather conditions, usage, and other factors will determine if you need to wash them more often. If you regularly wipe down your windows for fingerprints and dust, they’ll accumulate less grime for your biannual cleaning, which will likely bring down the cost.
Some windows will cost more to clean than others. As mentioned, prices can vary by the number of panes and whether they have components, like trim, to detail. A single-pane window will cost much less to clean than a multi-pane bay window, for example, and a double-hung window with two sashes and internal components will take more time to clean and will be more expensive than a non-moving transom or picture window.
The most common window type is the sliding double-pane window, sometimes called a double-hung window, which typically costs about $8 to clean. Other common window cleaning costs by type are listed below.
| Window Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Casement window | $7 per pane |
| Large single-pane picture window | $12 per window |
| Skylight | $12 per window |
| Sliding glass doors | $7 per door |
| Sliding windows | $5 per pane |
| Standard picture window | $5 per pane |
| Storm window | $7 per pane |
| Tri-fold bay windows | $28 per window |
It’s important to ask your window cleaning pro lots of questions to get the best estimate possible. Here are a few other factors to consider and ask about when determining window cleaning costs.
| Additional Cleaning | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Inside-and-outside window cleaning | $5 per window |
| Track and sill | $1 per window |
| Screen | $5 per screen |
| Specialized solar screen | $10 per screen |
| Shutter | $5 per shutter |
| Calcium and lime deposit | $10–$20 per pane |
| Glass door | $7 per door |
On average, you can expect to spend around $400 for all the supplies you need to clean your windows yourself. That includes a window cleaning kit with squeegees, brushes, buckets, and extension poles, as well as a ladder so you can safely reach second-story windows and skylights.
If you love cleaning your home and are not afraid of heights, you may be able to clean your windows yourself. Keep in mind that getting up on a ladder can be dangerous, so take safety seriously and consider hiring a pro. The cost of all the equipment you need can be more than you’d pay for a professional window cleaner near you.
You’ll pay between $80 and $150 per hour for professional window cleaning services in most cases, or between $4 and $15 per window. Professional window washers typically take two hours to clean the windows of an average 1,800-square-foot home, so your whole-home total should sit around $200.
A professional window cleaning service that specializes in removing dirt, grime, and bugs will make your windows shine inside and out as well as decrease the likelihood of allergen growth that may cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions.
The obvious benefit of window cleaning is, well, clean windows. But there are other advantages to keeping those windows clean.
Enhanced curb appeal: Keeping the windows clean is not just for the people inside the home. It also increases curb appeal, which could lead to higher offers if you plan to sell the residence.
Extended life span: Replacing windows costs an average of $7,310. Keeping the windows clean removes debris and other gunk that can build up and corrode the glass, making them last longer.
Better energy efficiency: Clean windows let in more light during the day, which means you spend less on heating.
Healthier indoor space: Open windows allow allergens like pollen and dust into the home. Cleaning them regularly removes allergens, condensation, and mold that can affect your health.
Issues reveal themselves quickly: If you regularly clean the windows, you’ll likely spot repair and maintenance issues before they transform into full-blown emergencies.
Since window cleaning can get expensive, you can use the following tips to help keep window cleaning costs as low as possible:
Do as much of the work yourself as possible. While you might want to avoid getting on a ladder to clean your second-story windows, you can save by cleaning the inside glass, sills, tracks, and rails before hiring a professional to finish the job.
Get all of your windows cleaned at once. Most professionals will charge a little less per window when you request cleaning for more windows.
Clean your windows regularly. Professionals will charge more for heavily soiled windows, so regular window cleanings can help reduce your long-term cleaning costs.
Request multiple quotes. Every professional window cleaner charges different prices for services, so get a few quotes to compare and find the best deal possible.
Skip window treatment cleaning. If possible, clean your window treatments yourself instead of having a pro do it. Just be careful not to ruin the material by using the wrong washing method.
Cleaning your windows not only improves your home’s curb appeal—and, therefore, property value—but it also prolongs the life of your windows. Clean windows make a big difference from the outside, so if you’re selling your home or plan on selling, window washing is an affordable way to make your home stand out. Additionally, cleaning the tracks and moving components in your window can help them last longer, potentially saving you money over time on window replacement costs and repair.
Generally speaking, you should clean your windows and any associated fixtures and treatments every six months. Otherwise, clean them as needed to keep everything running smoothly. If you live in a part of the country with especially hard water, you may have to clean them three or four times per year, and the same goes for areas where insects, pollen, dirt, and other debris can soil your windows and potentially cause issues with the moving parts.
Though these terms are often used interchangeably, window washing and window cleaning are not exactly the same. Window washing refers to cleaning only the glass, while window cleaning refers to the entire system. This encapsulates the glass, the sills, the frame and everything else.
Finding a quality professional window cleaning service is much like finding any other vetted home pro: You should ask friends and family members who you trust for recommendations for window washers in your area and check online ratings. Reading a company’s reviews will give you a lot of insight into the service you can expect. Then, check their credentials and contact them to get a quote. Be sure to ask questions about their process and the products they use to get your windows to shine.
