Window Cleaning Cost per Window
Residential window cleaners almost always price per window, with a set rate for each side and a surcharge for large, divided, or hard-to-reach glass. For a standard double-hung or slider cleaned inside and out, the going rate is about $8 to $16. Some companies quote per pane instead, usually $4 to $8 per pane, which works out the same for a typical two-pane window.
| Window type | Inside and outside | Average | Why it costs more or less |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single- or double-hung, slider | $8 – $16 | $12 | Standard size; tilt-in sashes make both sides easy to reach |
| Casement or awning | $15 – $30 | $23 | Crank hardware and hinged sashes slow the cleaner down |
| Picture window | $15 – $25 | $20 | Large single sheet of glass |
| Bay or bow window | $15 – $30 | $20 – $25 | Several units priced as one; interior ledges add time |
| French-pane or divided-lite | $8 – $15 per unit, more for many lites | varies | Every small pane needs its own detailing |
| Sliding glass door | $10 – $25 | $15 | Counted as one or two large windows |
| Skylight | $20 – $35 | $30 | Requires roof access or long poles |
If you’re only after clean outside glass, most companies charge about half the full rate, roughly $4 to $8 per window. Interior-only cleaning costs about the same per window, and it’s the part homeowners most often handle themselves.
Cost by number of windows
Here’s what a full inside-and-outside cleaning of standard windows typically adds up to on a one-story home:
| Number of windows | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 5 – 10 | $100 – $200 (minimum charge often applies) |
| 11 – 15 | $130 – $250 |
| 16 – 20 | $175 – $320 |
| 21 – 25 | $230 – $400 |
| 30+ | $330 – $500+ |
National cost guides put the average visit at roughly $220, and most homeowners pay $150 to $350 for a routine cleaning. Most companies have a minimum job fee, commonly $100 or more, so a handful of windows costs about the same as ten.
Cost Breakdown: Materials vs. Labor
Window cleaning is almost pure labor. Supplies such as cleaning solution, squeegee blades, and microfiber cloths cost the company very little per job. The bulk of what you pay covers time on site, travel, insurance, and specialized gear like water-fed poles that let cleaners reach second-story glass from the ground.
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Standard window, both sides | $8 – $16 per window |
| Exterior only | $4 – $8 per window |
| Interior only | $4 – $8 per window |
| Screen cleaning | $2 – $5 per screen |
| Tracks and sills | $1 – $5 per window |
| Hard water stain removal | $10 – $30 per window |
| Paint, sticker, or adhesive removal | $5 – $15 per window |
| Storm windows | $10 – $20 per window, more if they must be removed |
| Post-construction cleaning | $12 – $20 per window |
A typical residential job takes a two-person crew about two to four hours, which is why a 20-window house often comes in around $200 to $300 once screens and a few larger panes are included.
What a standard cleaning includes
A typical residential visit covers washing the glass with a mild solution, squeegeeing it dry, and detailing the edges so no drips or streaks remain on the frame. Most crews wipe the sill directly below each pane as they go. Deep-cleaning tracks, scrubbing screens, washing frames, and removing storm panels are priced separately, so two quotes that look far apart may simply cover different work. Ask for the per-window rate and a list of what’s included before booking.
Specialty glass and hard-to-reach windows
Stained or leaded glass needs gentle, hand-only cleaning and often runs $10 to $20 per window. Skylights and solar panels are usually $20 to $30 each because they involve roof access or long poles. Windows over a stairwell or in a two-story great room may need an interior ladder or scaffold plank, which some companies price as a high window even though it’s inside the house.
Other Factors That Affect the Price
Height and number of stories
First-floor windows are the baseline. Expect to pay about $3 to $5 more per window on upper floors, and $10 to $40 per window above the second floor, where ladders get long and some cleaners switch to water-fed poles or rope access.
Condition of the glass
Windows cleaned twice a year wipe down quickly. Glass that hasn’t been touched in years, or that’s spotted by sprinkler overspray, takes extra passes. Mineral deposits from hard water often need an acid-based or abrasive treatment, which is billed as a per-window add-on.
Screens, tracks, and sills
Basic quotes cover glass only. Brushing and rinsing screens and vacuuming out dead bugs and grit from sliding tracks are usually extras, but they make a visible difference on neglected windows.
Access and obstacles
Thick shrubs under windows, steep slopes, decks built over walkout basements, and furniture blocking interior sills all slow the crew. Clearing the way ahead of time keeps the job at the quoted rate.
Frequency
Recurring customers often get 10% to 20% off each visit with a service plan. Twice a year, in spring and fall, is the most common schedule for homes; houses near the coast, busy roads, or construction may need it more often.
Location
Labor costs vary widely around the country, so per-window rates in large coastal cities often sit well above rural rates. Use the region setting in the calculator to adjust for your area.
Residential vs. commercial pricing
Storefronts and office buildings are usually quoted differently, at roughly $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot of glass or $6 to $20 per window, often on a monthly route. If you run a small business from home or own a rental with a storefront, ask for both rates.
Before you hire: get at least three written, itemized quotes from licensed and insured local pros. Prices for the same job often differ by 30% or more, and comparing line items is the fastest way to spot padding or missing work.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
For ground-floor glass, DIY is easy and cheap. A good squeegee, a scrubber, a bucket, and a bottle of dish soap solution cost about $40 to $100 and will last for years. Interior windows are the easiest place to save, since there are no ladders involved.
Upper-story exterior glass is a different matter. Ladder falls cause many serious home-maintenance injuries every year, and leaning out of an open second-floor window to reach the outside is risky. Professionals carry insurance, use stabilized ladders or water-fed poles, and can clean a whole house in a morning. A mixed approach works well: clean the insides yourself and hire out the upper exteriors.
Signs Your Windows Need More Than Cleaning
A cleaner can’t fix fogging or condensation between the panes of double-pane glass. That haze means the seal has failed and the insulating gas has leaked out. Rotting sills, drafts, and sashes that won’t stay open are also beyond a cleaning visit. If you’re seeing those, compare repair quotes with our window replacement cost guide.
How to Save Money on Window Cleaning
- Clean the insides yourself and pay only for exterior service, which roughly halves the bill.
- Sign up for a recurring plan. Twice-yearly or quarterly customers often get 10% to 20% off.
- Bundle exterior cleaning. Many companies also offer gutter cleaning and house washing; see our gutter cleaning cost and pressure washing cost guides.
- Team up with neighbors. Some cleaners discount several houses on one street because they save on travel.
- Skip add-ons you don’t need. Screens and tracks don’t need a deep clean every visit; once a year is enough for most homes.
- Book in the off-season. Spring is peak demand; late fall and winter openings in mild climates can be easier to negotiate.
- Get quotes with a window count. Count your windows by type before calling so you can compare per-window rates directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do window cleaners charge per window?
Most charge $8 to $16 per standard window for both sides, or $4 to $8 for one side only. Large picture windows, casements, bay windows, and skylights cost more, typically $15 to $35 each.
How much does it cost to clean windows on a two-story house?
Expect about $3 to $5 more per window on the second floor, so a 20-window two-story home usually lands between $250 and $400 inside and out. Third-floor windows can cost $10 to $40 each.
How often should I have my windows professionally cleaned?
Twice a year, usually spring and fall, is the norm for most homes. Houses near the ocean, busy roads, or construction, or with heavy tree pollen, may need exterior cleaning every three to four months.
Do window cleaners clean screens and tracks?
Most do, but it’s often an add-on. Screen cleaning typically costs $2 to $5 per screen and track and sill cleaning $1 to $5 per window. Ask whether they’re included when comparing quotes.
Can hard water stains be removed from windows?
Light mineral spots usually come off with a specialty cleaner or fine polishing, typically $10 to $30 per window. Stains left for years can etch the glass permanently, and at that point cleaning only improves them.
Should you tip window cleaners?
It isn’t required, but a tip of 10% to 15% of the bill, or $10 to $20 per worker, is a common way to thank a crew for a good job, especially on large or difficult homes.
