You’re not crazy. Window cleaning prices really do seem all over the place. One quote says some amount. Another says double it for the same house. Add in screens, interior panes, and skylights? Now it’s anyone’s guess.
If you’re a homeowner trying to budget or a cleaner trying to set fair rates, you deserve clear, realistic info. That’s where this guide comes in.
This is a straightforward window cleaning pricing guide built on real advice from U.S. cleaners on Reddit, Thumbtack, Facebook groups, and cleaning forums.
No upsell. No vague “it depends.” Just what people are actually charging and paying, and why.
Why Cleaner-Tested Pricing Works Better Than Averages?
Most online cost guides provide basic numbers, but they overlook the real-world complexities that impact pricing.
What if the windows are three stories up? What if there are 40 small panes instead of 12 big ones? What about monthly service versus one-time cleaning? These details matter.
Professional cleaners across the country know that accurate pricing comes from actual field experience, not generic spreadsheets. They’ve learned what works through hands-on jobs and real challenges.
This window cleaning pricing guide shares their practical wisdom to help you avoid undercharging, overpaying, or guessing at fair rates.
What Affects Window Cleaning Prices the Most?
These are the five things that really move the needle on price, based on cleaner consensus:
1. Type of Service
Different service levels require different pricing. Basic exterior-only cleaning costs the least, while full-service cleaning, which includes interior windows, frames, sills, and screen cleaning, takes more time and commands higher rates.
2. Number and Type of Windows
Window count isn’t straightforward. French panes with multiple sections count as several windows, while oversized picture windows may count as two or three. Glass doors typically count as windows, too.
3. Accessibility
Upper-level windows require special equipment and increase costs. Second-story units require ladders or extension poles, third-story units necessitate specialized safety gear, and roof or balcony windows command premium pricing.
4. Frequency
Regular customers receive lower per-visit rates than one-time cleanings. First-time jobs involve heavier dirt buildup, unknown risks, and longer work times, justifying higher initial pricing for sporadic services.
5. Location
Location significantly impacts pricing. High-cost cities like New York, Seattle, or San Francisco charge more than rural areas due to higher living costs, longer travel times, higher parking fees, and more expensive insurance.
What Window Cleaning Really Costs in the U.S.?
Here’s what the pros are quoting and charging right now, across the U.S.:
| Service Type / Property | Typical Price (Exterior Only) |
|---|---|
| Small Home (10–15 windows, 1-story) | $100–$150 |
| Medium Home (20–25 windows, 2-story) | $150–$250 |
| Large Home (30+ windows, 2–3 story) | $250–$500+ |
| Hourly Rate (used for custom jobs) | $40–$75 per hour |
| Per Window (standard sizing) | $5–$10 each |
| Add Interior Cleaning | +$2–$5 per window |
| Add Screens or Tracks | +$1–$3 each |
Tip: First-time clean? Add 15–20% to cover extra grime and setup.
Real-Life Job Scenarios With Pricing
Let’s break down what window cleaning prices actually look like, house by house:
1. Small Ranch Home
This straightforward job represents the most common and affordable window cleaning scenario. Learn what you can expect to pay for a typical small, single-story home with standard windows.
- Exterior Only: $100–$120
- Add Interior: +$30–$50
- Add Screens: +$10–$20
- Time: 1 hour
- First Clean Total: $160
2. Two-Story Colonial
Multi-story homes with more windows represent the mid-range pricing tier for most cleaning services. The pricing breakdown for a larger home requiring ladders and more extensive cleaning time is as follows:
- Exterior + Interior: $180–$240
- Screens + Tracks: +$40–$60
- Add Skylights (2): +$20–$30
- Time: 2.5 hours
- Total Quote: $260–$330
3. Custom Home
High-end homes with specialty windows and complex features command premium pricing rates.
- Exterior Only: $350–$450
- Full Service + Extras: $500–$700+
- Time: 4–6 hours
Luxury properties with unique challenges represent the top tier of window cleaning costs.
What Real Cleaners Are Saying About Pricing?
These aren’t hypotheticals. These are quotes pulled straight from working pros across cleaner forums and groups:
Charge for Time, Not Just Windows
A 15-window ranch with zero obstructions takes me 45 mins. A 12-window 3-story Victorian? Nearly two hours. I charge based on how long it takes, not just how many panes there are.
– r/WindowCleaning Thread on Pricing by Time
Simple Pricing Tiers Make Life Easier
I’ve got 3 packages: Basic (just exterior), Plus (interior + screens), and Premium (add-on tracks, sills, mirrors). Keeps quotes fast and clear.
– Tiered Pricing Packages Discussion
Bundle When It Makes Sense
I include screen cleaning in my ‘full clean’ package instead of nickeling people. It ups my value and saves me from awkward upsells.
– r/WindowCleaning thread on Pricing Strategy & Bundling
When to DIY vs When to Hire a Pro
Are you unsure whether to clean your windows yourself or hire the professionals? Here’s how to decide.
| DIY Window Cleaning | Hire a Professional |
|---|---|
| Single-story home | 2+ story house |
| Interior windows only | Full interior/exterior service |
| Light maintenance cleaning | Deep cleaning needed |
| Comfortable with ladders | Safety concerns with height |
| Have time available | Preparing to sell/stage the home |
Select the option that best suits your situation, budget, and comfort level for optimal results.
Wrapping it Up
Window cleaning pricing doesn’t have to be confusing anymore. This window cleaning pricing guide showed you what professionals charge, what homeowners actually pay, and why costs change from job to job.
The key things to remember are simple: every company has base rates, extra services take more time and cost more, first-time cleanings are always pricier, and where you live makes a big difference in pricing.
Now, when someone asks, “How much does window cleaning cost?” you’ll know exactly what to expect. You have real numbers from actual window cleaners, not just guesses.
So if you’re hiring someone or thinking about starting your own business, you’re ready to make smart decisions about window cleaning prices.
Holding a Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois, Josh Clarke has dedicated more than 15 years to managing and disseminating information across various platforms. His professional journey includes significant experience as a research librarian, where he developed an expertise in sourcing and providing accurate and comprehensive answers to diverse questions. In 2018, Josh brought his rich experience to our platform, quickly establishing himself as a reliable source for general FAQs. He has been overseeing our information curation since then, combining his research skills with a flair for engaging content delivery. When not involved in information management, Josh enjoys exploring digital photography and participating in local quiz competitions, hobbies that complement his inquisitive nature and love for learning.
