ExteriorClean HQ

How to start a window cleaning business

Starting a window cleaning business takes little capital: register the business, check local licensing and sales tax, get liability insurance, buy basic tools (window channels, scrubbers, extension poles, ladders or water-fed pole), and price per window - HomeAdvisor cites about $10 per standard window. Build recurring rounds from the first customer.

Updated 2026-09-23 · 3 sources · By the ExteriorClean HQ team

Launch steps

  1. Register

    LLC or sole proprietorship/DBA with your state; EIN from the IRS.

  2. Check licensing and tax

    Usually a local business license, not a state window license. Some states tax cleaning services - the Texas Comptroller lists washing windows among taxable cleaning charges.

  3. Insurance

    General liability; commercial auto; workers’ comp when you hire. Ladder work raises the stakes.

  4. Tools

    Channels and rubbers, scrubbers, scrapers, extension poles, ladder with stabilizer, or a water-fed pole system for upper floors.

  5. Price

    Per window or per pane with add-ons. Use the window price calculator.

  6. Build rounds

    Offer quarterly or twice-yearly service on every first visit; group customers by street.

Pricing benchmarks

ItemPublished figureSource
Typical job$150-$302 (avg $221)HomeAdvisor
Per window$8-$16Fixr
Screens$5 eachHomeAdvisor
Hourly$40-$75Fixr

Is window cleaning a good business?

It is low-capital and recurring by nature, and pairs well with gutter cleaning and pressure washing for a bigger ticket per stop. The constraints are weather, ladder risk and how many windows you can clean per hour. Names: keep it local and service-clear (town + “Window Cleaning”) so customers and search engines understand it.

Quote, schedule and invoice in one place - $39/mo founding rate

ExteriorClean HQ is in development for pressure washing and window cleaning businesses. Founding members lock $39/mo for life. No payment today.

Get founding-member pricing

Software for exterior cleaning operators

Pressure washing softwareQuotes, routes and invoices for washing crews (in development).Instant quotes from your price sheetMeasure, price and send before you leave the driveway.Window cleaning softwareBuilt around recurring rounds.Pricing: $39/mo founding rateOne published price, locked for founding members.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to start a window cleaning business?

Mostly tools and insurance; a basic hand-tool-and-ladder kit is far cheaper than a pressure washing rig. Price your list locally.

Do I need a license for window cleaning?

Typically a local business license; check your city and county, and your state revenue department for sales tax.

Is there a window cleaning business plan template?

Use the pressure washing business plan outline - the structure is the same; swap in per-window pricing.

Sources

  1. HomeAdvisor - Window cleaning cost (updated Jun 19, 2026) (accessed 2026-09-23)
  2. Fixr - Window cleaning cost (updated Aug 29, 2025) (accessed 2026-09-23)
  3. Texas Comptroller - Cleaning and Janitorial Services (Pub. 94-111) (accessed 2026-09-23)
Window cleaning software built around recurring roundsWindow cleaning software built around recurring rounds: per-window quoting, quarterly schedules,...Window cleaning pricing calculatorFree window cleaning pricing calculator: per-window rates, inside/outside, screens, tracks, height and...Window cleaning prices (and how to set yours)Window cleaning costs $150-$302 (avg $221, about $10/window) per HomeAdvisor or $190-$460 per Fixr....How much window cleaners makeHow much window cleaning businesses make, built from published prices: per-window rates, jobs per day,...Pressure washing business insuranceWhat insurance a pressure washing business needs: general liability, commercial auto, inland...How to start a pressure washing businessHow to start a pressure washing business: registration, licensing and insurance, equipment, pricing from...