How to price window cleaning jobs (2026 guide)

The most profitable window cleaning businesses don’t guess on prices—they set them with intention. By using clear formulas, consistent upsells, and pricing models that protect your margins, you can stay competitive without scaring off customers.

This guide walks through 2026 window cleaning rates, common pricing structures, and how to build quotes that stay competitive while supporting growth. You’ll also learn how Housecall Pro’s window cleaning software can help you create faster, more consistent quotes.

Table of contents

Average price for window cleaning in 2026

Most window cleaning pros charge about $10 per window, or $45–$75 per hour for labor, depending on how they structure their estimates.* Your actual rate will vary based on home size, number of panes, accessibility, and local market rates. These ranges reflect 2026 averages across the U.S. and are meant to serve as baseline guidance, not fixed rules. Always adjust for your business costs, crew efficiency, and profit goals.

*Pricing ranges are based on aggregated 2026 industry data from sources such as Angi, HomeAdvisor, and Thumbtack.

Residential window cleaning prices

Most residential window cleaning pros price jobs using per-window or per-pane rates, then adjust for access, layout, and add-on services. Starting with a base rate keeps pricing consistent and transparent for customers, while adjustments ensure you’re paid fairly. This flexibility helps you protect margins without overpricing simple jobs or undercharging complex ones.

Here’s a look at typical residential window prices:

Pricing type	Typical range
Per window	$10–$18
Per pane	$4–$8
Small home (10–15 windows)	$150–$275
Medium home (20–25 windows)	$250–$450
Large home (30+ windows)	$450–$900+

Keep in mind:

• Per-pane pricing is more precise for homes with French or multipane windows
• Per-window pricing is faster but often adjusted for complex layouts or access issues
• Final quotes typically increase with screens, tracks, skylights, or second-story work

Commercial window cleaning prices

Commercial pricing works differently than residential because jobs are larger, more predictable, and often recurring. Quoting by the hour or by square footage makes it easier to account for scale, access requirements, and crew time while keeping pricing consistent across repeat visits.

Here’s a look at typical commercial window cleaning prices:

Pricing type	Typical range
Per square foot	$0.10–$0.35
Hourly	$50–$100
Storefront (basic)	$40–$75
Multi-story buildings	Custom quote

What affects commercial pricing most:

• Building height and access requirements
• Total window count and how consistent the layout is
• Frequency of service (weekly, monthly, quarterly)
• Safety needs like lifts, harnesses, or specialized crews

Because most commercial jobs run on a recurring schedule, many window cleaners offer slightly lower per-visit pricing in exchange for steady, predictable work.

Window cleaning add-ons and upsells

Add-ons and upsells increase your average job value without the cost of acquiring new customers. When priced and presented clearly, they also help customers customize service based on their needs.

Here’s a look at some common window cleaning add-ons and their typical prices:

Add-on	Typical price
Screen cleaning	$2–$5 per screen
Track detailing	$3–$6 per window
Hard-water stain removal	$20–$75+
Skylights	$10–$25 each
Storm windows	$5–$12 per pane

Common upsell strategies:

• Bundle add-ons into service tiers: Offer basic, standard, and premium packages to make choosing easier for customers.
• Position add-ons as maintenance: Explain how screens, tracks, and stain removal extend window life.
• Recommend based on condition: Suggest add-ons only when they clearly solve a visible problem.
• Price add-ons consistently: Use the same pricing rules on every quote to avoid confusion.

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Common window cleaning pricing models

There’s no single “right” way to price window cleaning. The most successful businesses choose one primary pricing model, then standardize it across jobs to keep quotes fast, consistent, and profitable.

Per-pane pricing

Per-pane pricing involves charging for each individual pane, including French panes and multipane windows. This is the most common model for residential window cleaning because it reflects the actual work involved and prevents underpricing multi-pane or complex windows

Why it works:

• Easy for customers to understand
• Automatically accounts for window complexity
• Prevents underpricing multi-pane or older windows
• Makes repeat visits easier to quote

Pricing notes:

• Many cleaners charge different rates for interior vs. exterior panes
• Works especially well for detailed homes and higher-end properties

Per-window pricing

With this model, you charge one flat price per window regardless of how many panes it has. It works well for homes with simple, standard layouts, often with add-ons to cover extra complexity.

Why it works:

• Simple and fast to explain
• Speeds up phone and online estimates
• Pairs well with bundled interior and exterior packages

Pricing notes:

• May lead to underpricing for homes with multipane or decorative windows
• Often requires surcharges for French panes, bay windows, or large picture windows

Hourly pricing

Use hourly pricing when you don’t know how long a job will take. This most often applies to:

• Commercial properties
• Post-construction or renovation cleanups
• Heavily soiled windows or neglected properties
• One-off jobs with unclear scope

Typical rates:

• $45–$75 per cleaner, depending on market, experience, and job complexity*

*This rate reflects billable pricing—not technician wages—and includes overhead, insurance, equipment, and nonbillable time.

Square-footage pricing

Square-foot pricing is often used for commercial window cleaning, charging based on building size rather than window count.

Works well for:

• Office buildings
• Schools and institutional facilities
• Medical buildings
• Large storefronts and retail centers

Why pros use it:

• Scales easily for large properties
• Speeds up estimating, especially for repeat work
• Fits well with monthly or quarterly service agreements

Most pros adjust pricing depending on access, building height, and frequency of cleanings.

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Factors that affect window cleaning prices

Even with a standard pricing model, several variables influence the final price of a window cleaning job. These factors should be applied consistently to protect margins and avoid underquoting.

• Number of windows and panes: More panes mean more time on site. French windows, multipane windows, and older homes typically cost more to clean.
• Accessibility and height: Second-story work, ladder use, roof access, or lifts increase labor time and risk.
• Interior vs. exterior cleaning: Exterior-only jobs move faster. Interior cleaning adds setup, detailing, and coordination with the customer.
• Screens, tracks, and frames: Screens and track cleaning can add 20%–40% to the base price.
• Hard-water stains and buildup: Mineral deposits, paint overspray, or construction debris require specialty tools, chemicals, and extra labor.
• Location and market rates: Urban and high-cost areas generally support higher pricing than rural ones.

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How to set window cleaning prices (step by step)

If you’re building (or updating) your window cleaning pricing, the goal is to keep it simple, repeatable, and profitable. Here’s a straightforward way to set rates you can use across jobs.

Step #1: Choose your primary pricing model

Pick one main model you’ll use for most jobs—per pane, per window, hourly, or per square foot. This keeps quoting consistent and prevents you from reinventing pricing on every call.

Step #2: Set a base rate for “standard” conditions

Define what a normal job looks like for your business (single-story access, typical dirt level, standard windows). Then set your base rate—like $X per pane or $X per window—based on how long those jobs take your crew to complete.

Step #3: Add clear rules for complexity and access

Create simple pricing adjustments you apply every time so you’re paid fairly for tougher work. For example:

• Second-story or ladder-heavy jobs
• French panes or multipane windows
• Tight access, roof work, or lift requirements
• Interior + exterior (vs. exterior-only)

Step #4: Build add-ons with set pricing

Price common extras the same way on every quote (screens, tracks, skylights, hard-water stain removal). Consistent add-on pricing increases your average revenue per job and makes your estimates easier to explain.

Step #5: Set a minimum service charge

Minimums protect you from losing money on small jobs once you factor in drive time, setup, and cleanup. This is especially important for one-off exterior-only cleanings.

Step #6: Test your pricing on real jobs and refine

Track a handful of completed jobs and compare:

• Time on site vs. what you expected
• Add-ons sold vs. what you recommended
• Profit per visit after labor and supplies

Adjust your base rate or your upcharge rules until your pricing consistently matches the work.

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Example window cleaning price calculations

Here’s how window cleaning pricing typically looks in real-world scenarios using common 2026 rates.

Example 1: Small residential home

• Scope: 12 windows with 2 panes each (24 panes total), exterior only
• Base rate: $6 per pane
• Calculation: 24 × $6 = $144
• Add-on: Screen cleaning (12 screens × $3 = $36)
• Total price: $180

Example 2: Medium two-story home

• Scope: 22 windows with mixed pane styles
• Service type: Interior and exterior cleaning
• Base price: $375
• Add-on: Track detailing ($90)
• Total price: $465

Example 3: Storefront

• Scope: Monthly exterior storefront cleaning
• Pricing model: Flat rate per visit
• Rate: $60 per visit
• Annual contract value: $720

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How to explain window cleaning prices to customers

Price questions are common in window cleaning, especially when customers compare quotes online. The goal isn’t to justify your pricing—it’s to clearly explain what’s included and why it matters.

Here’s how experienced window cleaning pros explain pricing:

• Start with what’s included: Explain whether the quote covers interior, exterior, screens, tracks, and detailing—not just the glass.
• Explain access and effort: Point out second-story work, ladder use, tight layouts, or hard-to-reach windows that increase labor time.
• Use condition-based reasoning: Mineral buildup, paint overspray, or neglected windows require extra tools and time.
• Be upfront about add-ons: Separating base service from extras helps customers see exactly what they’re paying for.

When pricing is clear and consistent, customers are less likely to negotiate—and more likely to trust your recommendations.

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How to increase profit without losing customers

Raising prices doesn’t always mean charging more across the board. Many successful window cleaning businesses focus on pricing smarter—using clear rules that protect margins while still feeling fair to customers.

Ways to protect margins:

• Set minimum service charges: Ensure every job covers travel, setup, and basic labor.
• Bundle services into tiers: Package exterior, interior, screens, and tracks into clear options to increase average ticket size.
• Offer discounts for recurring cleanings: Reward repeat customers while locking in predictable revenue.
• Charge more for difficult access: Second stories, ladder work, roofs, or lift access should always include an upcharge.
• Standardize upsells on every quote: Use the same add-ons and pricing rules for every job to avoid inconsistent estimates.
• Review pricing annually: Adjust rates to reflect changes in labor, insurance, fuel, and equipment costs.

Consistency matters more than being the cheapest option. Clear pricing rules build trust, reduce negotiation, and make it easier to grow profitably over time.

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How Housecall Pro helps you price window cleaning jobs

How you price window cleaning services is up to you, but Housecall Pro makes it easier to stay accurate and consistent. With our cleaning business software, you can:

• Build digital price books: Create per-pane, per-window, or hourly services with standardized pricing.
• Add common upsells: Include screens, tracks, skylights, or hard-water removal with custom line items.
• Apply pricing instantly: Generate accurate quotes without manual math or guesswork.
• Offer online booking: Let customers schedule services without back-and-forth—even after hours.
• Present professional quotes: Use templates to quote quickly without skipping line items.

Whether you charge flat rates or hourly, standardized pricing tools help you quote faster, stay consistent, and grow your window cleaning business with confidence. Try Housecall Pro free to see how it works for your business.

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