Average Window Cleaning Costs
Most homeowners pay between $150 and $400 for a full residential window cleaning, with the national average sitting around $230. Pricing depends mainly on the number of windows, how many stories your home has, and whether you want interior + exterior service or just one side.
| Home Size | Typical Price | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Condo / small home (under 1,500 sq ft) | $120–$200 | Exterior wash, sills, tracks |
| Medium home (1,500–2,500 sq ft) | $200–$320 | Interior + exterior, screens included |
| Large home (2,500+ sq ft) | $320–$500+ | Interior + exterior, screens, hard-water spot removal extra |
| Single pane (handyman rate) | $5–$10 each | Spot cleaning only |
How Window Cleaners Price the Work
Most professional crews use one of three pricing models:
- Per pane: $5–$10 each for ground-level windows, $10–$15 for second-story or skylights. Common for smaller homes or single-pane jobs.
- Per window opening: $7–$15 per window opening (counting both sides as one). Often the simplest way to get a clean quote.
- Flat residential rate: A fixed price for the whole home, typically the best value for larger jobs because crews can plan their day.
What Drives the Final Price
Height and accessibility. Anything above the second story usually requires a water-fed pole or extension ladder, which adds 20–40% to the cost. Skylights and atriums cost more again.
Interior vs exterior. Interior is usually a little more expensive than exterior on its own, because crews have to drop cloths, move furniture, and clean tracks. Combining both is almost always cheaper than two separate visits.
Screens, tracks, and sills. A good quote includes wiping sills and tracks. Removing and washing screens is often extra ($1–$3 per screen).
Hard-water spots and mineral deposits. These won't come off with a regular squeegee — they need acid treatment and a separate scrub. Expect a $50–$150 add-on if your windows have sprinkler overspray stains.
How to Get a Fair Quote
- Get at least 2 quotes for any job over $200.
- Ask whether the price is flat or per pane — and whether the count includes both sides.
- Confirm what's included (sills, tracks, screens, spot removal).
- Check that the company carries liability insurance.
- Be wary of quotes much lower than the others — that often means no insurance or shortcuts on prep work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do window cleaners do the inside too?
Yes — most residential crews offer interior + exterior packages. Interior is a separate scope (drop cloths, sill cleaning, screen handling) so it's usually quoted as an add-on rather than rolled in by default.
How long does a typical appointment take?
A two-person crew can finish a medium home (15–20 windows) in 90 minutes to two hours. Add 30 minutes for screen washing and another 30–60 for hard-water spot treatment.
Is it worth hiring a professional vs DIY?
For ground-level windows, DIY with a squeegee and a bucket works fine. For two-story windows, skylights, or anything you can't reach safely, professionals are worth the cost — both for the results and the safety risk you avoid.