Key takeaway
Most residential window cleaners price by the pane, then add charges for screens, tracks, height and difficult glass, with a minimum job price to cover travel and setup. This guide walks through each part.
1The three common ways to price window cleaning
Window cleaning and window washing are priced the same way. Most businesses use one of three methods:
- Per pane: a price for each piece of glass. It's the most accurate, and it's easy to explain to homeowners.
- Per window: one price for each window unit. It's simpler, but it hides differences between small and large windows.
- Per hour or per job: a flat rate based on how long you expect the job to take. It works for odd jobs but is hard to quote ahead of time.
2Set separate exterior and interior rates
Outside glass usually takes longer than inside glass because of ladders, dirt and screens. Separate prices let you offer an exterior-only option and an inside-and-out option.
Try the free price calculatorSee Good, Better and Best prices from a home's size.3Price the add-ons separately
List these as their own line items so the base price stays competitive:
- Screen cleaning (per screen)
- Track cleaning (per track)
- Hard-water spot removal (per pane)
- Large or oversized panes
- French or divided-lite windows (per little pane)
4Add multipliers for height and condition
Second- and third-floor windows take more time and more risk. Many cleaners multiply the pane price for upper floors, for example 1.2× for two stories. Post-construction cleans that need paint, sticker and debris removal often carry a larger multiplier.
5Always set a minimum job price
Driving, setup and cleanup cost the same no matter how small the job is. A minimum job price stops small jobs from losing money. For homes far from your base, a distance-based travel fee covers the extra drive time.
6Package your prices as Good, Better and Best
Instead of one number, show three options. For example: Good is exterior glass only, Better adds interior glass, and Best adds screens and tracks. Homeowners compare packages instead of comparing you with other companies, and many choose the middle or top option.
7Estimating panes before you visit
When you quote over the phone, you can estimate panes from square footage. PaneBuddy uses about 2 panes per 100 square feet for a single-family home, with a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 120, adjusted for townhomes and condos. Confirm the count on site before you start the job.
Put this into practice
PaneBuddy applies your per-pane rates, add-ons and multipliers to every quote automatically. See how instant quotes work.
Try the free window cleaning price calculator