Having your windows cleaned regularly improves their clarity and extends their lifespan. The average residential exterior window cleaning cost is $8 to $19 per window or $4 to $9 per pane.
On average, external window cleaning for an entire home costs between $223 and $298. However, pricing will vary depending on the size of your home, your window type, and the total number of windows.
Our pricing guide was developed considering the price variations across the U.S. and other important aspects such as whether your windows need paint removal, mineral deposits removal, or if you’re having them cleaned on the inside too.
Cost by Location
Your location plays a significant role in how much you’re going to spend on professional window cleaning.
In the following table, you’ll see an estimate of how much you’ll pay to have your house’s windows cleaned across the country:
| City | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $219 – $293 |
| New York, NY | $299 – $389 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $180 – $240 |
| Atlanta, GA | $205 – $274 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $229 – $306 |
| Chicago, IL | $261 – $348 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Salem, OR | $204 – $273 |
| Seattle, WA | $233 – $311 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Austin, TX | $189 – $252 |
| Roswell, NM | $204 – $273 |
| San Diego, CA | $234 – $311 |
Cost 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.
The larger your home is, the more windows it will have and, therefore, more panes. Similarly, if the professional charges per hour, attending to all of the windows in a larger house will take longer.
Here is an estimate of the overall cost based on the square footage of your home:
| Home size | Average cost |
| 1,000 square feet (approximately 10 windows) | $160 |
| 1,500 square feet (approximately 15 windows) | $250 |
| 2,400 square feet (approximately 24 windows) | $350 |
| 3,200 square feet (approximately 32 windows) | $395 |
| 4,200 square feet (approximately 42 windows) | $570 |
Cost by Window Type
Companies may also price their window cleaning services by the type of window. The most common type is the standard single- or double-hung, for which the average cost is around $4 to $9 per pane of glass (or $15 per window).
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. 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 | $25 per window |
| Casement | $23 per window |
| Single- or double-hung | $15 per window |
| Picture Window | $12 per window |
| Skylights | $24 per window |
| Sliding Window | $9 per window |
| Sliding Door | $7 per door |
| Storm Window | $7 per pane |
| Sunburst | $35 per window |
| Decorative Window | $5 per pane |
| Jalousie/Louvers Window | $2 per pane |
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
The cost of DIY window cleaning starts at around $75 if you opt for a starter kit but can cost up to $400 if you include a high-quality ladder and extension poles to clean high windows.
You can also make your own kit. In general, you just 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, you will also need an extension pole and a ladder.
The total cost for purchasing each item separately is around $89 if you don’t need a ladder or an extension pole. In case you need these, however, the cost of your DIY project rises to around $270. By hiring a professional window cleaning service, in comparison, you’ll pay between $223 and $298.
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, it’s best to contact a professional instead. They will get the job done for you without worries.
Other Factors that Affect Cost
Cost by Height and Accessibility
For each large window that covers a floor-to-ceiling area or that is on a third or fourth story, there might be an extra cost of $3 to $5 per window or $85 per hour.
Pros need additional time and equipment for harder-to-reach windows. In these cases, some companies might prefer to charge per hour.
Cost of 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.
Cost of Interior Window Cleaning
Some companies charge a flat rate for cleaning both the exterior and interior surfaces, while others charge an extra $2 to $3 per window to clean the interior panes.
Some window cleaning services only clean the exterior windows of your house, so make sure to check with the pro if the company covers the interior cleaning as well.
Cost to Clean Mineral Deposits
You might be charged an extra $10 to $30 per window unit to remove lime and calcium deposits that create a fine white film over your windows. Pros generally need specialized cleaning products to remove this film.
Extra Costs
The standard window cleaning service does not include other window components like trim, tracks, window sills, window screens, and shutters. However, they can be added for an extra fee:
- Tracks and sills are small components that are usually charged per unit, $0.05 and $5. If they are in poor condition or made from wood, they will require special care and, therefore, may be more expensive.
- Shutters and blinds, if included in your cleaning service, can cost an extra fee anywhere from $150 to $350 (for the entire home).
FAQ
You can ask friends and family for good recommendations, or search online for professional window washers in your area. Once you find one, check for credentials and ask if the workers are insured against 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. It might take professionals two to three hours to do an 1,800-square-foot home.
Windows are the Eyes of the House
Now that you know the three main points that affect the cost (the number of windows, the size of your home, and the type of windows you have), you are ready to reach out to different companies and make an informed decision.
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Read More:
— How Much Does Window Repair Cost?
— Most Common Types of Windows
— How to Weatherproof Windows
— How to Caulk Windows
Main Image Credit: Wade / Adobe Stock Free / License
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