Window Cleaning Cost: Price per Window and per Job

What window cleaning costs

Window cleaning cost can be quoted per window, per square foot or per job. HomeGuide reports $8 to $16 per window for inside and outside cleaning. Bob Vila reports a typical job range of $149 to $296 with a national average of $213, and cites HomeAdvisor for $4 to $11 per window, about $5 on average for a 3 by 6 foot window.

The per window price is low, but most companies set a minimum job fee. HomeGuide says $100 to $250, so a small job may cost the minimum whatever the window count. Most cleaners charge the same for inside and outside, and a larger window count often earns a discount on the per window price.

Cost by window type

Windows with grids or muntins take longer because every small pane is cleaned separately. Double-hung windows with two sashes also take more effort than a single fixed pane, as Bob Vila points out.

What a typical home pays

These rows multiply HomeGuide's $8 to $16 per window by the window count; HomeGuide gives the 15 and 30 window examples. Upper floors, heavy dirt and add-ons raise the total. Bob Vila's lower $149 to $296 job range shows how much the answer varies by company and region.

Extras that change the price

• Height and access: upper floors need ladders, lifts or scaffolding, and bushes or sloping ground make setup harder.
• Condition: windows not cleaned for years may need a second pass or a special product.
• Blinds and shutters: interior blinds, curtains and exterior shutters are usually extra.
• Tipping: 10 to 15 percent, or $10 to $20 per person, is customary.

How long it takes and how often to book

HomeGuide says a crew usually finishes a standard house in 2 to 4 hours. Most homes do well with professional cleaning twice a year, in spring and fall. Dusty areas, busy roads and coastal homes may need it four times a year. Regular cleaning also catches rot, mildew or insulation problems in the frames early. If you are pressure washing the exterior too, see the power washing cost guide to combine the jobs.

Commercial window cleaning

HomeGuide says commercial window cleaning for storefronts or buildings costs $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot, or $6 to $20 per window on average. Pricing depends on the total square footage, the window style and how often the windows are cleaned. Many companies offer cleaning plans with a set schedule, which usually brings the per-visit price down.

Tipping

HomeGuide says tipping is not required but appreciated for exceptional service. A tip of 10 to 15 percent of the total bill, or $10 to $20 per person, is a kind gesture. Consider tipping more for particularly difficult jobs or when the crew goes above and beyond.

Why dirty windows are worth fixing

Bob Vila notes that clean windows improve curb appeal and the view from your home. Sills and tracks catch bugs, dirt and water, and mold can grow in them. Plugged tracks can also make windows difficult to open, so a cleaner who handles tracks adds value even at an extra $1 to $3 per window. Many companies include screen cleaning because they have to remove screens to clean the glass, but confirm this up front, since hourly pricing can rise with the extra time.

Hard water and mineral buildup

Bob Vila explains that over time most windows accumulate mineral deposits such as calcium and lime. Removing them requires special cleaning formulations and extra work, so many companies charge up to $20 per pane. If your windows look cloudy even after a wash, ask the company whether it treats mineral buildup and what the surcharge is before it starts. If the glass itself is etched or the seals have failed, cleaning will not fix it.

When cleaning is not enough

Bob Vila says air leaks, mold growth, condensation between the panes or windows that no longer work properly can indicate that replacement is needed, with replacement priced at roughly $300 to $1,200 per window and an average of $650. A cleaning visit is often a good time to have the cleaner point out damaged seals or frames. Our power washing cost guide covers exterior surfaces such as siding that you may want to wash at the same visit.

How to keep the price down

• Bundle windows. Cleaning every window in one visit is cheaper per window than booking single rooms, and HomeGuide notes that most companies have a $100 to $250 minimum fee.
• Clear the area. Move furniture and remove curtains and blinds away from the windows before the crew arrives.
• Ask what is included. Confirm whether screens, tracks and sills are part of the price.
• Book regular service. Seasonal or recurring plans are often cheaper than one-off cleanings.
• Get two quotes. Bob Vila's lower job range shows how much price varies by company and region.

Is your quote reasonable?

Count your windows and multiply by $8 to $16, then check that the total clears the company's minimum fee. For a typical house the result should land near the $149 to $296 range. A price far lower often excludes screens, tracks or second-story windows. A price far higher deserves an itemized breakdown by floor and add-on.

Before you book, ask what is included, whether both sides of every pane are cleaned, whether screens and tracks are part of the price, and whether the company is insured. Get two or three written quotes for the same window count so you can compare them fairly.