Window Cleaning Business Overview

Window cleaning businesses provide professional cleaning services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. These businesses specialize in maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of windows, which can enhance property value and improve aesthetics.

The most common services offered by window cleaning businesses include:

• Independent Business Model: Operating your own window cleaning company allows complete control over operations, pricing, service areas, and growth strategies.
• Franchise Model: Operating under an established window cleaning brand provides access to proven systems, training programs, and marketing support.

Related: Checklist to Start a Business

How Do Window Cleaning Businesses Make Money?

Window cleaning businesses earn their income through service fees that vary based on factors such as window size, building height, accessibility, and cleaning frequency. Most businesses operate on both per-project pricing and ongoing service contracts. The pricing structure often includes square footage calculations, the number of panes, the height of the building, and time estimates.

Common ways window cleaning businesses can make money include:

• Residential Window Cleaning: Regular maintenance for homeowners, offering convenience and ensuring clean, streak-free windows.
• Commercial Window Cleaning: Recurring contracts with businesses to maintain the appearance of storefronts, offices, and other commercial spaces.
• High-Rise Window Cleaning: Specialized projects involving tall buildings requiring advanced techniques and equipment, typically at higher rates.
• Post-Construction Window Cleaning: Detailed cleaning after construction projects to remove dust, paint, and debris, often at premium prices.
• Pressure Washing Services: Cleaning windows and adjacent surfaces like siding or driveways for a comprehensive property refresh.

Industry Statistics

Window cleaning businesses fall under NAICS code 561720: Janitorial Services, which includes businesses that clean building exteriors and windows. Here are some statistics that show how this industry is performing:

Window Cleaning Industry Size & Growth: The window cleaning industry generated $2.9 billion in revenue last year, with an average annual growth of 2.3% over the past five years. The industry is expected to continue growing, reaching $3.2 billion over the next five years with a projected annual growth of 1.7% (IBISWorld).

Number of Window Cleaning Businesses: There are 35,344 window cleaning businesses operating across the country. The industry is made up primarily of small businesses, with no single company controlling a significant portion of the market. This fragmented market structure allows new businesses to enter and compete effectively (IBISWorld).

Window Cleaning Profit Margin: Window cleaning businesses maintain steady profit margins, with earnings before interest and taxes averaging 7.9% of revenue. This margin has remained stable despite economic fluctuations, indicating the industry’s resilience.

Also See: Ideas for Naming a Window Cleaning Business

Costs To Start a Window Cleaning Business

Starting a window cleaning business could cost between $2,000 and $50,000. The lower range represents basic equipment for residential window cleaning, while the higher range includes equipment for commercial and high-rise cleaning services.

Here are some of the main costs to consider when starting a window cleaning business:

Equipment and Tools: Professional window cleaning equipment includes squeegees, extension poles, ladders, safety harnesses, and cleaning solutions. For high-rise work, additional equipment like suspended platforms or lifts increases costs significantly. Basic residential cleaning equipment starts at around $1,000, while commercial equipment packages could reach $30,000.

Vehicle: A reliable work vehicle to transport equipment and supplies is necessary. A personal vehicle can often be used to start, but a used cargo van large enough to carry ladders, cleaning supplies, and other equipment ranges from $5,000 to $15,000.

Insurance: Professional liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance protect against accidents and property damage. Insurance coverage for a window cleaning business ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 for the first year of coverage.

Training and Certification: Commercial clients often require safety training and certification for high-rise window cleaning. These programs range in cost from $500 to $2000 and teach proper cleaning techniques and safety protocols required by industry standards.

These costs are estimates and will vary based on the type of window cleaning services offered and location.

Resources:
American Window Cleaner Magazine
International Window Cleaning Association