How to Start a Window Cleaning Business
Getting Started · 8 min read read · By daniilsells
Everything you need to know to start a profitable window cleaning business from scratch. Equipment, pricing, marketing, and scaling strategies.
Starting a window cleaning business is one of the best ways to build a profitable service company with relatively low startup costs.
This guide covers everything you need to know to get started.
Why Window Cleaning?
Low barrier to entry
High profit margins (50-70%)
Recurring revenue potential
Simple to learn
Year-round demand
Essential Equipment to Get Started
You don't need much to start:
Squeegees (various sizes)
Window scrubbers/applicators
Extension poles
Bucket and belt
Ladder (6-12 ft to start)
Microfiber cloths
Basic cleaning solution
Total startup cost: $200-500
(Pro tip: many successful cleaners start with a $50 kit and upgrade as revenue comes in.)
Setting Your Prices
There are two main pricing methods:
Per pane pricing: $10 per window inside/out
Per hour pricing: $50-100/hour minimum
For residential, most window cleaners charge $250-1500 per home.
Finding Your First Customers
These are the highest-ROI customer acquisition channels for brand-new window cleaners:
1. Door-to-door in nice neighborhoods
Still the #1 fastest way to get booked, especially in spring and fall.
2. Facebook Marketplace posts
Drop before-and-after photos and a simple offer. It works instantly.
3. Nextdoor recommendations
Perfect for hyper-local credibility.
4. Google Business Profile
A free GBP listing helps you show up in “window cleaning near me” searches.
5. Referral incentives
Simply offering “$25 off for any referral” can bring you dozens of jobs.
Legal Setup (Simple Version)
You don’t need a complex structure in the beginning, but you should:
Register an LLC (usually $50–$200 depending on your state)
Get an EIN (free)
Open a business bank account
Get basic general liability insurance ($30–$60/month)
This keeps your business clean and protects you from liability.
How to Deliver Professional-Quality Results
Even as a beginner, you can clean windows like a pro by following a simple workflow:
Wet the window fully
Scrub edges carefully
S-stroke with your squeegee
Wipe edges with a dry microfiber
Check sun glare for leftover streaks
Clean frames & sills last
Customers care about two things:
Streak-free glass and clean edges.
Master those and they’ll call you back every season.
Adding Upsells (Easy Profit Boosters)
Window cleaning is great because it pairs naturally with high-margin add-ons:
Gutter cleaning
Screen cleaning
Track cleaning
Pressure washing
House washing
Solar panel cleaning
Christmas lights installation
Many companies double their revenue just by offering these services.
Recurring Revenue
The best window cleaning businesses turn one-time customers into year-round clients.
Here’s how:
Offer spring and fall cleanings
Build a simple customer list
Save each customer’s notes/photos
Text them reminders every 3–6 months
Provide small discounts for repeat bookings
This turns your business into predictable income rather than random jobs.
How BlueWorks Can Help
As you start getting busy, your biggest challenge won’t be cleaning windows, it’ll be keeping everything organized.
Tools like BlueWorks help new window cleaners:
Track customers
Store job notes & photos
Schedule appointments
Optimize door-to-door routes
See which neighborhoods perform best
Follow up with past clients automatically
BlueWorks is the only CRM built specifically for window cleaning, so beginners don’t need to learn complicated software.
Final Tips for Success
Here are the habits that separate cleaners making $3,000/month from those doing $30,000+/month:
Be early to every job
Dress clean and professional
Post before-and-after photos
Always ask for referrals
Track every customer
Follow up every season
Knock doors consistently
Keep your pricing simple
Reinvest early profits into better gear
Window cleaning is one of the few businesses where you can go from $0 to $10k/month in under 60 days with determination and good systems.