How Much Does Exterior Window Cleaning Cost? A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners and Businesses 2025

Professional window cleaning keeps homes and businesses looking their best, improving curb appeal and maintaining property value. But how much does exterior window cleaning cost in the United States? This guide breaks down average prices, influencing factors, and tips to help Americans budget for sparkling clean windows.

Service Type	Average Cost (Per Window)	Average Cost (Per Home/Visit)	Key Cost Factors
Residential Exterior Cleaning	$3 – $7	$150 – $350	Window count, size, height, accessibility
Commercial Exterior Cleaning	$5 – $15	$200 – $5,000+	Stories, glass area, location, contract type
Specialty Services (e.g., hard water removal)	$3 – $10 (extra)	N/A	Severity, method, chemical use

Key Factors Influencing Exterior Window Cleaning Prices

Exterior window cleaning costs depend on various elements, from the type of property to geographic location. Understanding these helps set realistic expectations and ensure a fair price for premium service.

Number and Size of Windows

Most services price exterior window cleaning by the number of window panes or the square footage of glass. More or larger windows mean a higher overall cost. For reference, the average American home has roughly 15-30 exterior windows, with costs adding up quickly in larger properties.

Height and Accessibility

Properties with multi-story windows or hard-to-access glass (like skylights or dormers) see increased rates. High-rise or difficult-access cleaning often requires special equipment, increasing labor costs for both residential and commercial jobs.

Property Type: Residential vs. Commercial

Residential jobs tend to be smaller in scale, with lower per-visit pricing. Commercial jobs, especially on high-rises, can be billed at a premium due to safety risks, insurance, and frequency requirements. Volume discounts may apply for ongoing contracts.

Location and Regional Trends

Pricing varies by region. Large cities and coastal states (e.g., California, New York, Florida) may see prices 10-30% higher than rural or Midwest areas, due to labor costs, demand, and general cost of living.

Window Condition and Extra Services

If windows have excessive grime, paint overspray, mineral deposits, or require screen removal, expect additional fees. Specialty services, such as hard water stain removal or screen cleaning, usually cost more.

Average Cost Of Exterior Window Cleaning By Home Size

Costs scale with home size. Below is a breakdown of average pricing:

Home Size (sq. ft.)	Window Count	Average Cost Per Visit
Under 1,000	10-12	$75 – $150
1,000 – 2,000	15-25	$125 – $200
2,000 – 3,000	25-35	$200 – $350
Over 3,000	35+	$300 – $600+

Larger homes may require multiple technicians or several hours of work, leading to increased costs. The average rate per window typically decreases as volume increases.

Price Per Window: Standard vs. Specialty Windows

Not all windows are priced equally. Below is a comparison of average costs based on window type:

Window Type	Average Cost Per Window
Standard Single/Double Hung	$3 – $7
Sliding Glass Door	$7 – $15
Picture/Floor-to-Ceiling	$7 – $20
Skylights or Specialty Shapes	$10 – $25

Specialty windows often have unique cleaning requirements, boosting prices due to risk or difficulty.

Frequency Of Window Cleaning And How It Affects Pricing

How often you schedule exterior window cleaning impacts the overall cost. Many companies offer discounts for regular service contracts:

• One-time cleaning: Standard pricing applies, with no discounts.
• Biannual or quarterly cleaning: 10-20% discount per visit.
• Monthly cleaning (business): Up to 25-30% off regular rates.

More frequent cleanings generally mean less grime per visit—and some companies prioritize contract clients.

Commercial Exterior Window Cleaning: Factors & Pricing

For businesses and offices, exterior window cleaning is vital for presentation and ongoing maintenance. Here’s what to expect:

Type Of Commercial Building	Average Cost Per Pane	Average Monthly Cost
Storefront (single floor)	$2 – $7	$50 – $150
Small Office Buildings (2-5 stories)	$5 – $9	$150 – $1,500
High-rise (over 5 stories)	$8 – $15	$2,000 – $5,000+

High-rise window cleaning companies follow strict safety regulations and may use suspended scaffolding or specialized lifts, which increases the price.

Regional Price Variations For Exterior Window Cleaning

Below is a comparison of average pricing by US region for residential exterior window cleaning:

Region	Cost Per Window	Average Home Visit Cost
West Coast (CA, WA, OR)	$6 – $9	$175 – $400
East Coast (NY, NJ, MA)	$7 – $10	$200 – $450
Midwest (IL, OH, MI, MN)	$4 – $7	$100 – $250
South (TX, FL, GA)	$5 – $8	$120 – $350

The Northeast and West Coast are consistently pricier than the Midwest and South, mirroring broader cost-of-living trends.

Cost Breakdown: By Item And Service Perspective

Below is a table summarizing how various perspectives may impact window cleaning costs:

Perspective	Specific Item/Detail	Impact on Cost
Homeowner	Accessibility (can technician reach all windows safely?)	Extra fees for ladders or special equipment on upper floors
Business Owner	Frequency (monthly, biannual, annual contracts)	Discounted rates for recurring contracts
Property Manager	Bulk pricing for multiple units/addresses	Lower per-unit rates, with possible minimum charges
Service Provider	Window contamination (hard water stains, construction residue)	Additional charge per pane or hour for removal

Each stakeholder’s needs—access, volume, or frequency—alters project pricing. For example, a homeowner asking for cleaning after a renovation will pay more for post-construction debris removal.

Additional Charges And Specialty Cleaning Costs

Some situations call for more than a standard wash. Expect extra fees for these services:

• Screen cleaning: $1 – $5 per screen
• Window track, sill, and frame cleaning: $1 – $3 per window
• Hard water spot removal: $2 – $5 per pane (if minor), up to $10 – $15 per pane for severe
• Skylights or storm windows: Typically $5 – $25 each, due to access difficulty
• Paint overspray or sticker removal: $4 – $10 per window

Ask for an itemized quote in advance to avoid surprises once the work is complete.

DIY Versus Professional Exterior Window Cleaning Costs

Many homeowners consider the do-it-yourself route, weighing cost savings against effort and risk.

Approach	Typical Cost	Benefits & Drawbacks
DIY	$30 – $100 (equipment and cleaner)	Lower upfront cost if tools are reused Time-consuming, safety risks for multi-story May lack streak-free, professional results
Professional	$150 – $350 per visit (avg. home)	Efficient and consistent outcomes Insured, uses proper safety equipment Higher one-time cost

While DIY saves money initially, professionals provide convenience and peace of mind, especially for complex or risky jobs.

Seasonal Demand And Impact On Cost

Window cleaning demand peaks in spring and early summer, with secondary surges after weather events (such as storms or wildfires).

• During peak seasons, expect prices to be slightly higher due to increased demand.
• Book in late summer or early fall for better rates and scheduling flexibility.

Some companies offer off-season discounts or package deals—ask when calling for quotes.

Insurance, Licensing, And Its Effect On Pricing

Licensed and insured window cleaners may charge 10-20% more than unlicensed operators, but this premium protects customers against liability and property damage. Reputable businesses also guarantee their work, offering recleans if streaks or spots remain.

What To Look For In A Professional Window Cleaning Quote

• Detailed line-item pricing (number of windows, stories, screens, stains, etc.)
• Clarification on included/excluded services (tracks, sills, etc.)
• Proof of insurance and licensing (especially for high-rise or multi-story work)
• References or online reviews from past customers
• Clear timeline and cancellation/rescheduling policies

Comparing a few local providers will help ensure a fair market rate and a quality result.

How To Save On Exterior Window Cleaning Costs

• Bundle services—add interior window washing or other exterior cleaning tasks.
• Schedule regular, recurring cleanings for volume discounts.
• Combine with neighbors to negotiate shared pricing (for townhomes or HOA communities).
• Ask about first-time customer promotions or seasonal specials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exterior Window Cleaning Pricing

• Does the price include inside and outside?—Exterior only is standard. Full-service (in and out) typically doubles the price.
• How are French panes or divided lights billed?—Billed per “small pane,” not as a single window.
• Will window screens add to the price?—Yes, typically $1-$5 each for removal and cleaning.
• What if windows are extremely dirty?—Expect a surcharge for heavy buildup, stains, or paint removal.

Clarify your needs when requesting a quote to ensure an accurate price and avoid unexpected extras.

Summary Table: Exterior Window Cleaning Cost Guide

Cost Factor	Residential Average	Commercial Average	Comments
Per Window	$3 – $7	$5 – $15	Larger panes and access raise fees
Per Home/Visit	$150 – $350	$200 – $5,000+	Based on property size and contract terms
Special Services	$2 – $15 each	$5 – $25 each	Includes screen, stain, and skylight cleaning
Regional Variation	Midwest lowest, East/West Coast highest	—	Urban areas generally higher

Knowing the typical range for exterior window cleaning costs helps Americans plan, compare, and budget effectively—ensuring their homes and businesses always look their best. Always request detailed, written quotes for optimal clarity and peace of mind.