Window Cleaning Pricing Guide 2026: Charge Your Worth
Pricing is where most window cleaners either leave money on the table or price themselves out of the market. The complete guide to what to charge and how to structure it.
Pricing is where most window cleaners either leave money on the table or price themselves out of the market.
I've been charging for window cleaning since 1999. My Vienna business now charges 500 to 3,500 euros per job, and we're booked a year in advance.
Your price follows your skill. Master the technique, and the pricing takes care of itself.
The Three Pricing Models
Per Window ($4-$15 Per Pane)
Best for: Residential jobs where customers want a clear, predictable price upfront.
Per Hour ($40-$75+)
Best for: Commercial work, unusual properties, or first-time visits.
Disadvantage: As you get faster through better technique, charging hourly penalises your efficiency.
Per Job ($150-$400+ Residential)
Best for: Experienced cleaners who can accurately estimate job time.
Advantage: As your technique improves and you clean faster, your effective hourly rate goes up without changing the price.
What Determines Your Price
- Your local market. Research what competitors charge.
- Window count and size.
- Accessibility. Each level of access complexity adds to your price.
- Condition. First-time cleans take 2-3x longer.
- Your skill level. This is the factor most people underestimate.
Why Skill Is the Pricing Multiplier
A trained window cleaner with consistent, streak-free technique can charge premium prices. An untrained cleaner has to compete on price.
Investing in The Skill lets you charge $10-$20 more per job from day one.
Pricing Strategy for Beginners
Price at market rate, not below it. Don't become the "budget" option.
Quote confidently. "For this property, the price is $280." Full stop.
Raise prices as reviews build. Once you have 10-15 five-star reviews, raise by 10-15%.
Charge more for first cleans. Quote 1.5-2x your regular rate.
Pricing for Recurring Customers
Offer a maintenance rate 15-25% below your first-clean rate.
Set a schedule. Most residential windows need exterior cleaning every 3-6 months.
Follow up. Contact your customer proactively when the next cleaning is due.
My Pricing Journey
Today, 500 to 3,500 euros per job. Booked a year ahead. No cold calling. No paid ads. It started with learning to clean a window properly.
About the author
Justin Orloff is a professional window cleaner with over 25 years of experience, based in Vienna, Austria. He created the world's first AR-powered window cleaning training program at orloffs.com.