Professional window cleaning costs $120 to $450 for most US homes, or roughly $6 to $13 per window, according to HomeAdvisor and Angi national cost surveys. A small home with 10 to 15 windows typically runs $100 to $200. A larger home with 25 to 30 windows and two stories can run $300 to $450 or more. Interior-only or exterior-only cleaning costs less than a combined service.
What does window cleaning cost on average?
National cost data from HomeAdvisor and Angi places the typical residential window cleaning job between $150 and $300 for both interior and exterior. The per-window rate - $6 to $13 across most of the country - gives the most stable benchmark regardless of how a company structures its quote.
Prices rise meaningfully with the number of stories, the total window count, and whether the job includes specialty windows like skylights, casements, or storm panels. Regional labor costs add another layer of variation - a comparable job in a high-cost metro runs 20 to 40 percent above the national midpoint.
Most professional window cleaners work with squeegees, microfiber towels, and a water-fed pole system for upper-story windows. For very tall homes or commercial buildings, rope access or lift equipment is sometimes needed, which carries a significant premium over residential rates.
Price per window vs. price per hour: how cleaners charge
Two pricing models are common in residential window cleaning.
Per-window pricing is straightforward: the cleaner counts your windows and multiplies by a set rate. This gives you cost certainty before work begins. Rates typically run $4 to $8 for exterior-only and $8 to $15 for combined interior and exterior per window, according to service-platform rate data. Specialty windows with multiple panes, divided lights, or difficult access are often priced higher.
Hourly pricing runs $40 to $75 per hour for one cleaner, based on HomeAdvisor and Angi survey data. A small home's windows might be cleaned in 90 minutes; a large home could take four or five hours. Hourly pricing can work out favorably for smaller jobs but adds uncertainty for larger homes where the time estimate is harder to predict.
For a fixed-cost experience, per-window pricing is generally preferable. Ask for a written count and per-window rate before work starts.
Interior vs. exterior cleaning: what each costs
Interior and exterior cleaning serve different purposes and involve different techniques.
Exterior cleaning addresses road film, pollen, bird droppings, oxidation, and weather exposure. It is typically cheaper per window than interior work because access is faster (no moving furniture or navigating interior rooms) and the mess stays outside. Exterior-only cleaning averages $3 to $6 per window or $60 to $150 for a whole-home service.
Interior cleaning involves working inside each room, which takes more time per window due to furniture placement and the need to protect surfaces. Interior-only pricing averages $4 to $8 per window.
Combined interior and exterior is the most common full-service package at $8 to $15 per window. Most professionals recommend doing both together on the same visit for the most thorough result and because the marginal cost of adding interior work when already on-site is lower than booking a separate appointment.
| Service scope | Typical per-window rate | Whole-home estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior only | $3 - $6 | $60 - $180 |
| Interior only | $4 - $8 | $80 - $240 |
| Interior + exterior combined | $8 - $15 | $120 - $450 |
Ranges from HomeAdvisor and Angi national surveys; high-cost metros run higher.
Window cleaning cost by home size
Home size correlates with window count, though the relationship is not perfectly linear - some smaller homes have many windows and some larger homes have few. Window count is the more reliable price driver.
| Home size | Estimated window count | Typical combined price |
|---|---|---|
| Small apartment (under 1,000 sq ft) | 6 - 10 windows | $60 - $150 |
| 2-bedroom home (1,000 - 1,500 sq ft) | 10 - 15 windows | $100 - $225 |
| 3-bedroom home (1,500 - 2,200 sq ft) | 15 - 22 windows | $150 - $330 |
| 4-bedroom home (2,200 - 3,000 sq ft) | 22 - 30 windows | $220 - $450 |
| Large home (3,000+ sq ft) | 30+ windows | $300 - $600+ |
Estimates based on service-platform rate data; actual window counts vary significantly by design.
Multi-story homes add a meaningful premium because upper-floor windows require ladders, extended poles, or a water-fed system that takes more time to set up and operate. Two-story surcharges typically run $1 to $3 per window above the ground-floor rate.
Window types that cost more to clean
Not all windows are priced the same. Several window types add time and complexity to the job.
Skylights. Cleaning skylights typically requires interior ladder work and exterior roof access. Per-skylight rates run $20 to $50 each, and some cleaners charge a minimum for skylight-only jobs. Confirm whether your cleaner is comfortable on the roof before booking.
Divided light and grille windows. Windows with multiple panes divided by muntins - common in colonial and craftsman-style homes - require cleaning between each pane division, adding time per window. Expect a 25 to 50 percent premium over standard windows.
Storm windows. Double-hung storm panels need to be removed and reassembled, adding significant time. Storm window cleaning is often priced at $10 to $20 per storm panel.
Large picture windows and glass walls. These are straightforward to clean but cost more simply due to surface area. They are usually priced per pane or measured by square foot.
Casement windows. Hinged windows that open outward require cleaning the hinge hardware and frame in addition to the glass. Most cleaners include this in the standard rate but verify before assuming.
Factors that raise the price: height, screens, and hard water stains
Beyond window type, three factors consistently push quotes higher.
Height and access. Second- and third-story windows require additional equipment and increase the time per window. Some insurance policies affect what exterior work cleaners will do above a certain height without a lift or rigging. Get this sorted before booking so you are not surprised by excluded windows.
Screens. Screen removal, hand-washing, and reinstallation is a separate service at $2 to $5 per screen according to service-platform rate data. If your home has screens on every window, this can add $50 to $150 to the total. Ask whether screens are included or extra and get that in writing.
Hard water stains. Mineral deposits from sprinkler overspray or well water require acid-wash treatment or fine abrasive polishing that takes significantly longer than standard cleaning. Treatment runs $10 to $20 per affected window and does not guarantee full removal if etching is deep.
Get a Window Count Before Asking for Quotes
Count your windows before calling for quotes - interior windows, exterior-only windows, storm panels, and skylights separately. Cleaners who quote without visiting rely on your count. A firm number means the quote is more likely to hold. Walk the perimeter of your home to catch windows you rarely think about: basement windows, laundry room windows, garage windows.
How to get a fair quote and what to ask your cleaner
Window cleaning quotes vary more than most homeowners expect because scope interpretation varies. Here is what to nail down before agreeing to a price:
- Ask whether the quote is per window, per pane, or per hour
- Confirm whether interior cleaning, exterior cleaning, or both are included
- Ask whether screens are cleaned or removed and washed as part of the service
- Clarify whether the price includes sill wiping and track cleaning or just glass
- Ask how upper-story or hard-to-reach windows are handled and whether they carry a surcharge
- Ask about the company's policy if you spot streaks or missed areas after the crew leaves
Most reputable services will return within 24 to 48 hours to re-clean a missed window if you notify them promptly. Ask about this policy before booking.
For exterior work that overlaps with other outdoor services, see pressure washing cost - some companies offer window cleaning and pressure washing as a bundled package that saves money over separate bookings.
How often should you have windows professionally cleaned?
Industry association guidance from the IWCA (International Window Cleaning Association) generally recommends professional cleaning one to two times per year for residential windows. Homes near the coast, in high-pollen areas, or with sprinkler systems that overspray windows may benefit from quarterly cleaning.
The honest answer is: clean them when the visual difference is worth the cost to you. Windows that are obviously dirty let in less natural light, and mineral deposits from hard water can etch glass over time if left untreated. But clean windows do not wear out or deteriorate if cleaning is skipped one season.
For homes with very large or difficult-to-access windows, the professional cost is low enough relative to the effort of DIY that hiring out is almost always worth it. For a single-story home with easy-access windows and fewer than 15 total, DIY with a squeegee and cleaning solution is a reasonable option.
Check That Outdoor Window Cleaners Carry Liability Insurance
Exterior window cleaning involves ladders, rooftop access, or elevated poles - any of which can lead to property damage or injury. Confirm the company carries liability insurance before allowing anyone to work above ground level on your property. Ask for a certificate of insurance, not just a verbal confirmation. A company unwilling to provide one is a red flag.
For context on standard cleaning visit costs and how window cleaning fits into a broader household cleaning schedule, see our guide to how much house cleaning costs.
Frequently asked questions
Is window cleaning worth the cost?
For most homeowners, professional window cleaning once or twice a year is worth the cost. Clean windows reduce UV degradation of interior surfaces, improve natural light, and allow early detection of seal failures or frame damage. The time savings versus doing it yourself is also meaningful on homes with more than 15 to 20 windows.
How long does it take to clean all windows in a house?
A small home with 10 to 15 windows typically takes one to two hours. A larger home with 20 to 30 windows may take three to four hours with a one-person crew. Two-story windows and hard-to-reach locations add time. Most professional cleaners give a time estimate when they quote the job.
Do window cleaners clean screens too?
Screen cleaning is sometimes included and sometimes priced as an add-on. Screens that are removed and hand-washed take more time than windows and are typically charged at $2 to $5 per screen separately. Confirm whether screens are included before booking, especially if your home has many screened windows.
What is included in a standard window cleaning service?
A standard service cleans the glass, wipes the frame and sill, and removes loose debris from the track. Interior cleaning typically includes a squeegee pass and detail work around the edges. Screens, hard water stain removal, and window repair are usually separate. Confirm the scope in writing before the visit.
Can window cleaning remove hard water stains?
Standard cleaning does not reliably remove mineral deposits from hard water. Hard water stain removal requires a specialized acidic treatment or light abrasive, priced at $10 to $20 per window as an add-on. Severe etching from years of sprinkler contact may not be fully reversible - a professional can assess before treating.
What time of year is best to clean windows?
Spring and early fall are the most popular times. Spring addresses winter grime accumulation, and early fall clears summer dust and pollen before windows are closed for cold months. Avoid cleaning immediately before rain or in direct summer sun, which causes streaks by drying the solution too quickly.