Starting a window washing business is one of the most straightforward and profitable service businesses you can launch.
Sometimes simplicity drives profit.
Clean windows may seem like a small detail, but they make a huge difference in curb appeal for homeowners and create a polished, professional image for businesses.
This steady demand makes window washing an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs who want a low-cost, high-margin business that can be scaled over time.
Whether you want to focus on residential homes or target larger commercial contracts, a window cleaning business can be started with relatively little equipment and training.
With the right approach, you can grow from a solo operation into a full-time company with crews, vehicles, and recurring contracts.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about starting a window washing business from scratch.
You’ll learn what equipment you need, how to find clients, how to set your pricing, how to scale, and what pitfalls to avoid.
Why Start a Window Washing Business?
There are several reasons why window washing is such a popular choice for entrepreneurs.
The startup costs are low compared to other trades.
You can get going with a few hundred dollars’ worth of tools and supplies if you start small.
Profit margins are high, since labor is your biggest cost once you have the equipment.
The work is always in demand.
Homeowners often want windows cleaned in the spring and fall, and businesses need regular cleanings to keep up their appearance.
There’s also flexibility. You can start part-time and scale into full-time, and you can decide whether you want to focus on residential, commercial, or a mix of both.
Perhaps best of all, it’s scalable.
Many successful window washers start solo but eventually grow into companies with crews, vehicles, and six-figure revenues.
Step 1: Research and Planning
Like any business, success starts with research.
Look into the demand in your area.
Are there many homeowners in neighborhoods with large or multi-story houses?
Are there commercial properties such as restaurants, storefronts, and office buildings that need regular cleaning?
Take note of competitors.
How many window cleaning companies are already operating nearby?
What services do they offer and what do they charge?
You may want to decide whether you’ll start with residential, commercial, or both.
Residential work tends to be easier to get into with little equipment, while commercial jobs usually pay more but may require ladders, lifts, and additional insurance.
Step 2: Equipment You’ll Need
Window washing doesn’t require a massive investment, but having the right tools makes a big difference in professionalism and efficiency.
For residential window washing, you’ll need:
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Squeegees in various sizes
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Extension poles for higher windows
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Buckets and scrubbers (also called strip washers)
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Microfiber cloths or towels for detailing edges
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Safe, streak-free cleaning solution (some use dish soap, others buy specialized window cleaning concentrates)
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Ladders for multi-story homes
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Tool belt or holster for holding equipment
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Safety gear such as gloves and slip-resistant shoes
For commercial window washing, especially for taller buildings, you may also need:
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Water-fed pole systems with purified water tanks (eliminates the need for ladders on many jobs)
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Harnesses and fall protection equipment for high-rise jobs
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Vehicle or trailer to transport larger equipment
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Possibly lifts or scaffolding for multi-story commercial contracts (these can often be rented when needed)
Cost Breakdown
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Basic residential setup: $300 – $800
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Professional residential/commercial setup: $2,000 – $5,000
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Advanced systems (water-fed poles, purification systems, or lifts): $5,000 – $20,000+
Like other service businesses, you can start small and upgrade as your business grows.
Step 3: Legal and Business Setup
Treat your window washing business like a real business from the start.
Choose a business structure, often an LLC for liability protection.
Get general liability insurance, which is crucial since you’ll be working on ladders or potentially high-rise buildings.
Many commercial clients won’t even consider hiring you without proof of insurance.
Register your business name, apply for any local business licenses, and open a separate business bank account.
Good bookkeeping is important too, even if you start small, so consider software like QuickBooks or Wave.
If you plan on targeting high-rise commercial jobs, additional certifications in safety and fall protection may be required in your area.
Step 4: Finding Your First Clients
In the beginning, focus on simple, low-cost strategies to land clients.
After all, you just need jobs lined up and money coming in.
Offer discounted services to friends and family in exchange for testimonials and photos.
Walk through neighborhoods and leave flyers or door hangers.
Set up a Google Business Profile so you show up when people search “window cleaning near me.”
Also create a simple website with your services, pricing examples, and photos.
Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor to promote your work.
For residential jobs, seasonal promotions work well.
For example, advertise spring cleaning specials or fall pre-holiday discounts.
For commercial jobs, the approach is different.
Walk into local businesses and offer free estimates.
Contact property managers, office parks, restaurants, and retail centers.
Commercial contracts often require more persistence but pay off with recurring work.
Step 5: Pricing Your Services
Pricing can be tricky when you’re starting out, but there are common models used in the industry.
For residential window cleaning, some charge per pane, with rates ranging from $3 to $8 per window depending on difficulty.
Others charge by the hour, usually between $50 and $100.
A common approach is to charge a flat fee for the whole house, such as $150 to $400 for a typical home, depending on size and number of windows.
For commercial window cleaning, pricing is usually based on square footage or the number of panes.
Small storefronts might cost $50 to $150 per cleaning, while larger office buildings can be $500 to $2,000+ depending on size and frequency.
Many commercial clients prefer ongoing contracts, such as bi-weekly or monthly service, which creates recurring revenue.
Always consider time, travel, difficulty, and risk.
For example, windows on the second story that require ladders or a water-fed pole may be priced higher than ground-level windows.
Step 6: Income Potential
Window washing can be a very profitable business, even for solo operators.
On a part-time basis, you might earn $500 to $2,000 per month depending on how many homes you clean.
As a full-time solo operator, $40,000 to $70,000 annually is common.
Many residential cleaners earn more during peak spring and fall seasons.
With a crew and commercial contracts, you can easily grow into six figures.
Some established companies earn $150,000 to $300,000+ annually once they have multiple employees and recurring contracts with businesses or property managers.
Your actual earnings depend on your market, efficiency, and whether you focus on residential, commercial, or both.
Step 7: Scaling Up
Once you’ve established steady work, there are several ways to grow your business.
Hiring employees allows you to handle multiple jobs at once.
Investing in water-fed pole systems makes jobs faster and allows you to clean higher windows safely from the ground.
Expanding into related services such as gutter cleaning, pressure washing, or holiday light installation can also increase revenue and give you more year-round work.
For commercial work, building long-term contracts is key.
These provide steady recurring income and allow you to plan your schedule months in advance.
Building a recognizable brand through vehicle wraps, professional uniforms, and a polished website can also help you stand out in a competitive market.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many new window cleaners make the mistake of underpricing.
This is a common theme with many of the service based businesses we cover.
It’s tempting to try to win jobs by being the cheapest, but this often leads to burnout and low profits.
Another common mistake is skipping insurance.
Working on ladders or lifts is risky, and one accident could be devastating without coverage.
Some beginners also don’t invest enough in marketing.
Relying only on word of mouth will limit your growth.
Others may overlook safety training, which is critical for commercial jobs.
Finally, neglecting professionalism such as showing up late, leaving streaks, or not wearing clean uniforms can hurt your reputation quickly in this business.
Things to Consider Before Starting
There are a few things to keep in mind before launching a window cleaning business.
The work can be seasonal in some climates, with more demand in spring and fall and slower winters.
It’s also physically demanding, requiring ladder work, carrying equipment, and working outdoors in varying weather.
Customer service skills are just as important as cleaning skills.
You’re not just washing windows—you’re running a business.
Communication, reliability, and professionalism will determine whether clients hire you again and recommend you to others.
Also consider whether you want to specialize in residential, commercial, or both.
Residential may be easier to start, but commercial often offers steadier, recurring income once you establish contracts.
Residential Vs. Commercial Window Cleaning Business
Final Thoughts
Starting a window washing business from scratch is one of the most accessible and profitable service businesses you can launch.
With minimal startup costs, strong demand from both homeowners and businesses, and plenty of room to grow, it’s an opportunity that offers flexibility and scalability.
Whether you want to earn a little extra money part-time or build a full-scale business with multiple crews and contracts, window washing provides the foundation for success.
By investing in the right equipment, marketing yourself effectively, and providing excellent customer service, you can start earning quickly and grow into a thriving business.
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