How to Start a Window Cleaning Business: Steps and Checklists

Thinking about starting your own business? A window cleaning business might be the perfect opportunity for you! 

With an estimated market value exceeding $40 billion annually in the U.S. alone, demand is high among both homeowners and businesses. 

Plus, it’s a low-cost venture that allows you to be your own boss, set your own schedule, and scale as you grow. 

No expensive training, no high overhead—just a solid business model with recurring customers and a promising revenue stream.

But before you grab a squeegee and bucket, there’s some groundwork to cover. 

From business planning to pricing strategies, this guide will walk you through everything you need to start a successful window cleaning business.

Let’s get the ball rolling…

Step 1: Find a Mentor

Starting a business can be overwhelming, but having a mentor can make the process much smoother. A mentor is someone with experience in the window cleaning industry or small business ownership who can guide you through challenges, provide valuable insights, and help you avoid common mistakes.

How to Find a Mentor

• Join Industry Groups and Channels: Look for window cleaning business groups and channels on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, or industry forums. You can leverage the following group and YouTube channels to learn more about window cleaning and meet experts:
  
  1. Luke The Window Cleaner YouTube Channel
  2. SteveO The Window Cleaner YouTube Channel
  3. Pro Window Cleaning Facebook Group by WCR
  
• Network Locally: Attend business networking events, trade shows, or local Chamber of Commerce meetings.
• Use Mentorship Programs: Organizations like SCORE and the Small Business Administration (SBA) offer free mentorship for small business owners.
• Connect with Experienced Window Cleaners: Reach out to successful window cleaning business owners and ask if they’d be open to providing guidance.

Benefits of Having a Mentor

• Avoid Costly Mistakes: Learn from someone else’s experiences rather than trial and error.
• Gain Industry Knowledge: Understand pricing, marketing strategies, and best practices more quickly.
• Expand Your Network: A mentor can introduce you to valuable contacts and potential clients.
• Increase Confidence: Having a knowledgeable guide boosts your confidence as you navigate the business world.

Finding a mentor can fast-track your success and help you make informed decisions as you build your window cleaning business.

Step 2: Establish Strong Customer Service

Window cleaning is more than just washing windows—it’s a service business, and exceptional customer service is what will make you stand out. 

Professionalism, communication, and efficiency are key to keeping clients happy and coming back.

Appearance Matters

Your presentation reflects your business. Keep your vehicle, tools, and uniform clean as well as professional. 

Small details, like wearing shoe covers when entering a client’s home, can leave a lasting impression. 

Clients trust you to be in their homes or businesses, so take pride in your appearance and work.

Communication is Key

Great communication builds trust and sets you apart from competitors. 

Use appointment scheduler software, reminders, text quotes, and send professional invoices to show clients you value their time. For smooth cleaning service booking management, even for multiple cleaning business branches, you can leverage the Cleanly plugin and app. 

Note that, customers look for professionalism, communication, and responsiveness before considering pricing.

Be Efficient

Respecting your customer’s time is crucial. The more efficient you are, the more jobs you can complete, increasing your revenue. 24/7 online booking, electronic payments, and organized scheduling help streamline your operations, making the experience smooth for both you and your clients.

Providing outstanding customer service ensures clients remember you, recommend you, and continue using your services, helping your business thrive.

Step 3: Create a Business Plan

A well-structured business plan for window cleaning is your roadmap to success. It helps you define your goals, understand your market, and secure funding if needed. Here’s what to include in your window cleaning business plan:

Identify Your Target Audience:	Choose whether to specialize in residential or commercial window cleaning. Residential window cleaning business is easier to start and requires less investment, while commercial window cleaning cleaning tends to pay more but requires specialized equipment and insurance for high-rise jobs.
Cover Page & Table of Contents:	Start with a professional cover page that includes your business name and date, followed by a table of contents to organize your plan.
Executive Summary:	Provide a quick overview of your business, its goals, and why it will succeed.
Business Overview:	Describe your window cleaning business and outline the specific services you’ll offer.
Services List & Pricing Strategy:	Detail whether you’ll provide interior and exterior cleaning, pricing per window, per hour, or per project.
Market & Competitive Analysis:	Research demand in your area, assess competitors, and define your ideal customer base.
Marketing Plan:	Outline how you’ll attract and retain customers through social media, local SEO, and partnerships with property managers or real estate agents.
Operational Details:	Define scheduling systems, payment methods, and customer service approaches to ensure smooth operations.
Employee Planning:	If you plan to hire, list roles you’ll need and create a hiring timeline.
Financial Projections:	Estimate your startup costs, expected revenue, and ongoing expenses to determine your funding needs and profitability.

A solid window cleaning business plan serves as a foundation for decision-making and growth. Review and refine it regularly to stay aligned with your goals.

Step 4 : Brand Your Window Cleaning Business

To stand out in your local market and attract customers, you need a strong brand identity. Start with a business name that’s memorable, creative, and clearly reflects your services. 

Think of words associated with clean, streak-free windows and professional service to craft a name that resonates with potential clients.

Build a Professional Image

Once you have a business name, integrate it into your branding by creating a professional logo, business cards, and a website. Customize your vehicle, uniforms, and equipment with your logo to establish brand recognition and credibility. A cohesive brand makes your business look more trustworthy and professional.

Market Your Brand

Boost brand awareness with consistent marketing. Set up a Google Business Profile, optimize your website for local searches, and engage on social media with before-and-after cleaning photos. Hand out branded flyers and offer referral discounts to encourage word-of-mouth marketing.

A well-branded business not only attracts more customers but also sets you apart from competitors, making it easier to grow and retain loyal clients.

Legal & Financial Branding Essentials

• Pick a Business Structure: Choose between a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. While incorporating requires more paperwork and cost, it provides legal protection and is beneficial if you plan to hire employees.
• Apply for an EIN: If you plan to expand and hire employees, an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is necessary for tax purposes.
• Open a Business Bank Account: Keeping business and personal finances separate makes bookkeeping easier. Consider using accounting software like QuickBooks to track expenses, income, and invoices.

Step 5: Get Business Insurance

Accidents may happen while your workers work with window cleaning, and having the right insurance protects your business from financial losses. It also reassures customers that you’re professional and reliable.

• General Liability Insurance: Covers accidental damage, such as dropping tools on a client’s car or breaking a window.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Required if you hire employees for your window cleaning business. It covers medical costs and lost wages in case of on-duty injuries.
• High-Rise Window Cleaning Insurance: If your business involves cleaning skyscrapers, additional liability insurance, worker safety training, certificates, and specialized equipment are required in many states.
• Commercial Vehicle Insurance: If you use a business vehicle, this insurance covers accidents, theft, and damages.

By securing the right insurance policies, you safeguard your business, employees, and clients, ensuring long-term stability and credibility.

Step 6: Buy Window Cleaning Tools & Supplies

The right tools will help you get the job done efficiently and professionally. Traditional window cleaning tools are affordable and widely available, making it easy to get started.

Tool	Reason to Buy
Squeegee	A high-quality squeegee is a must for streak-free cleaning.
Microfiber Cloths & Towels	Ideal for wiping down edges and preventing water marks.
Extension Pole	Helps reach high windows without the need for ladders.
T-bar and SleeveT-bar and Sleeve	Used for scrubbing windows before squeegeeing.
Scraper/Blade	Removes stubborn dirt, paint, or stickers.
Cleaning Solution & Buckets	Dish soap mixed with water is an effective, low-cost option.
Ladder	Needed for multi-story homes and hard-to-reach windows.
Bidding & Invoicing System	Helps manage pricing and customer payments efficiently.
Rubber Gloves & Protective Gear	Keeps hands dry and protects against chemicals.
Tool Belt or Carrying Pouch	Allows easy access to tools while working on-site.
Water Purification System (for advanced cleaning)	Removes minerals and impurities to prevent streaking.
Water-Fed Pole System (if required)	Ideal for commercial or high-rise window cleaning.

These supplies can be purchased for a few hundred dollars if sourced wisely. As your business grows, investing in advanced tools like a water purification system and water-fed pole can help improve efficiency and increase your service offerings.

Step 7: Setting Prices for Window Cleaning

Pricing your window cleaning services effectively is crucial for maintaining profitability while remaining competitive in the market. Unlike many service businesses that charge by the hour, window cleaning pricing is typically based on the number of window panes and the type of cleaning required. 

Standard rates range from $3 to $5 per pane, with an additional $2 per screen. 

However, specialized services like construction cleanup or deep cleaning demand a higher rate due to the extra labor and materials involved. 

On the other hand, clients who schedule frequent cleanings may be offered discounts to encourage long-term business relationships.

A good strategy is to analyze your local market by contacting other window cleaning businesses and obtaining their price estimates. 

The national average for window cleaning services ranges from $149 to $296, with an average cost of $213 per job. 

Positioning your pricing within this range ensures that you stay competitive while maintaining a healthy profit margin. 

Additionally, keep in mind that if you are winning 100% of your bids, you may be pricing too low. 

Conversely, if you are frequently losing bids, consider adjusting your pricing or inquiring about competitor rates to better understand market expectations.

Offering flexible pricing options can also help you secure more clients. For example, businesses that require regular window cleaning, such as office buildings or retail stores, may benefit from subscription-based pricing with a set fee for scheduled cleanings. 

This approach not only guarantees steady income but also fosters client retention. Likewise, providing add-ons like window track and sill cleaning can increase your overall service value and boost your earnings.

Ultimately, mastering pricing takes practice and experience. The more bids you submit, the better you’ll understand what customers are willing to pay. 

Keep track of your quotes and adjust your rates based on market demand, competitor pricing, and client feedback to develop a sustainable pricing model for your window cleaning business.

Step 8: Find and Attract Customers with Marketing

Marketing is essential for establishing your window cleaning business and attracting both residential and commercial clients. 

Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a fortune to start promoting your services effectively. 

A combination of online marketing, networking, and direct outreach can help you secure your first customers and grow your business.

Start by building a professional window cleaning service website (best if you can use the Cleanly Theme, made exclusively for cleaning businesses) that showcases your services, pricing, and contact information. 

Optimize your site for local SEO to ensure your business appears in search results when potential clients look for “window cleaning near me.” 

Additionally, create a Google Business Profile with accurate details and high-quality images to enhance visibility in local searches. A strong online presence will help potential customers discover and trust your services.

Traditional marketing strategies are equally important. Go door-to-door in your service area to introduce yourself to homeowners and business owners who may need window cleaning services. 

Canvassing may feel intimidating at first, but personal interactions often yield better results than online ads. 

Similarly, distribute flyers, door hangers, and business cards in strategic locations like community centers and local bulletin boards.

Leverage networking opportunities by partnering with other service providers such as landscapers, realtors, and remodeling contractors. 

Offering a two-way referral system can help expand your reach. 

Additionally, participating in local business directories and online marketplaces increases your chances of being discovered by potential customers actively searching for window cleaning services.

Once you have a customer base, focus on remarketing strategies to retain clients and generate repeat business. 

Send follow-up emails, postcards, or special offers to encourage previous customers to book another cleaning. 

Establishing a customer referral program can also be highly effective—studies show that people are four times more likely to hire a business when referred by a friend.

Cold calling remains a viable marketing method, especially for commercial clients. While it may take five follow-ups to close a sale, persistence pays off. 

Additionally, ensure your window cleaning business is listed on Yelp and other review platforms to boost credibility. Encouraging satisfied customers to leave positive reviews can significantly influence potential clients’ decisions.

By integrating these marketing strategies, you can build a steady stream of clients and ensure the long-term success of your window cleaning business.

Step 9: Hiring Employees for Your Window Cleaning Business

As your window cleaning business grows, hiring a team becomes essential for handling more clients, maintaining quality service, and scaling operations. 

While many entrepreneurs start solo, bringing in employees at the right time can make a significant difference in efficiency and revenue.

The key to hiring successfully is knowing when to expand your team. 

If you’re constantly overbooked, turning down jobs, or feeling overwhelmed, it’s a sign you need extra hands. 

Start with a small team—two to four well-trained employees can handle a substantial workload without inflating overhead costs. This allows you to meet demand while ensuring quality remains high.

Building a reliable team means hiring people who are not just skilled but also share your commitment to professionalism and customer service. 

Look for employees who are punctual, detail-oriented, and comfortable working at heights. Investing in proper training ensures consistency in service, which leads to repeat customers and positive word-of-mouth marketing.

Many business owners struggle with delegating tasks, fearing no one else will meet their standards. 

However, trying to do everything yourself limits your business’s potential. By hiring employees who specialize in different aspects—whether it’s customer service, operations, or marketing—you free yourself to focus on growing the business rather than just running it. 

Over time, having a well-structured team allows you to take on bigger contracts, serve more clients, and even expand into new territories.

Is Starting a Window Cleaning Business Profitable?

In case you’re not sure whether a window cleaning business can be profitable or not, the answer is “Absolutely, yes!” If you’re considering starting a window cleaning business, you’ll be happy to know that it can be highly profitable. 

According to Extra Income Over 55, you could earn between $50 and $90 per hour. Even working for a day per week can thus give you $1600 to $2000 in extra income in a single month. 

Whether you focus on residential or commercial clients, there’s plenty of demand for quality window cleaning services.

One of the biggest perks of this business is the low startup cost. 

Business Partner Magazine reports that you only need quality window-cleaning tools, which usually cost $500 or less.

Plus, you don’t have to spend a fortune on marketing. Simple strategies like posting on social media or handing out flyers can help you land your first customers without breaking the bank.

To make your business even more profitable, consider offering extra services like gutter cleaning, pressure washing, or screen repair—this helps increase your earnings per job. 

You can also secure long-term contracts with commercial clients for steady income and offer discounts for regular cleanings to keep customers coming back. Investing in time-saving equipment like water-fed pole systems will allow you to work faster and take on more clients.

With low startup costs, high earning potential, and simple marketing strategies, a window cleaning business is a great way to build a profitable and sustainable venture!

Final Thoughts on How to Start a Window Cleaning Business

Now that you know the steps to start a window cleaning business business and that it’s profitable, it’s time to get into work. We hope that you will be able to start a window cleaning service business in your area and also start taking 24/7 online bookings with digital means like Cleanly plugin, that also offers mobile apps. 

Using Cleanly, you can set your prices or plans for window cleaning tasks so that your customers just pick the right plan and get a window cleaning service booked.  It will save your time, resources, and energy so that you spend these elsewhere instead of just receiving manual booking for the window cleaning services.

Good luck on starting your window cleaning business.