How much do window cleaners make?

Window cleaners typically earn $50-$100+ per hour. Residential jobs average $150-$400 per home. Commercial contracts provide steady monthly income. Full-time window cleaners in active markets earn $50,000-$100,000+ annually with low overhead costs.

What equipment do I need to start window cleaning?

Essential starter equipment includes professional squeegees, a window scrubber/mop, bucket, solution, towels, and a basic ladder. Total startup cost is $200-$500. Add a water-fed pole system ($500-$2,000) for higher work without ladders.

Do I need a license to clean windows?

Most areas only require a general business license. Some states require contractor licensing for certain heights. Liability insurance is essential (not legally required everywhere but protects you). No special certifications needed.

How do I price window cleaning jobs?

Common pricing methods include per-pane ($3-$8 interior/exterior), per-window ($5-$15), or flat rate per home ($150-$400 average). Commercial is often priced per square foot or monthly contract. Always quote after seeing the job—window size, accessibility, and condition vary greatly.

Window Cleaning Side Hustle Guide 2026 | Earn $50-$100+/Hour

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Essential Gear for Cleaning Professionals

Caddy Organizer - Carry supplies efficiently
Microfiber Cloths (50 pack) - Professional cleaning results
Extendable Duster - Reach high areas safely
Spray Bottles (6 pack) - Custom cleaning solutions

Why Window Cleaning Works in 2026

Window cleaning is one of the simplest, most profitable service businesses you can start. The startup costs are minimal, the skills are learnable in hours, and the demand is constant. Homes need clean windows, businesses require spotless storefronts, and very few people want to do this work themselves.

The economics are compelling: a $300 investment in quality equipment can generate $50-$100+ per hour indefinitely. Unlike many businesses with complex inventory or high overhead, window cleaning is pure labor profit after minimal supply costs.

2026 Market Opportunity

$40+ billion: Global window cleaning market
4%+ annual growth: Steady industry expansion
90%+ profit margins: After initial equipment investment
Recurring revenue: Residential clients need service 2-4x yearly
Commercial contracts: Monthly income from business clients

Window cleaning offers the perfect blend of simplicity and profitability. The work is straightforward—clean glass until it's streak-free—but most homeowners lack the tools, time, or willingness to do it properly. They'll happily pay $200-$400 for a service that takes a professional 2-3 hours.

The seasonal nature can be an advantage. Spring and fall are peak seasons, allowing focused intense work. Commercial clients provide year-round stability. Many window cleaners strategically add complementary services like gutter cleaning or pressure washing for off-peak income.

Income Potential & Pricing

Window cleaning pricing varies by market, but maintaining $50-$100+ per hour is achievable in most areas. The key is efficient technique and appropriate pricing—don't undervalue your work.

Residential Pricing

Per Pane (in + out) $4-$10
Per Window (in + out) $8-$20
Small Home (10-15 windows) $150-$250
Average Home (20-30 windows) $200-$400
Large Home (40+ windows) $400-$800+
Exterior Only 50-60% of full price

Commercial Pricing

Storefront (per visit) $25-$100
Small Office Building $200-$500
Restaurant (weekly) $50-$150
Monthly Contracts $100-$1,000+
Per Sq Ft (large commercial) $0.10-$0.30

Commercial often requires more frequent service (weekly/biweekly)

Realistic Income Scenarios

Schedule	Jobs/Week	Avg. Job	Weekly	Annual (45 weeks)
Weekend Only	3-4 residential	$250	$750-$1,000	$34K-$45K
Part-Time (3 days)	6-8 jobs	$225	$1,350-$1,800	$60K-$80K
Full-Time Residential	12-15 jobs	$250	$3,000-$3,750	$135K-$170K
Mixed Res/Commercial	Routes + residential	Varies	$2,500-$4,000	$110K-$175K

Profit Margins

Window cleaning has exceptional margins—90%+ on labor after equipment is paid off. Supplies (solution, towels) cost $2-$5 per job. No inventory, no rent, minimal vehicle costs. Most of your revenue is pure profit.

Essential Equipment

Quality equipment is critical—cheap squeegees and scrubbers waste time and leave streaks. Invest in professional-grade tools from day one; they last longer and produce better results.

Starter Kit ($200-$500)

▸ Squeegees: 10", 14", 18" brass channels ($30-$60)
▸ Scrubber/applicator: Strip washer and sleeve ($20-$40)
▸ Bucket: 6-gallon with sieve ($15-$25)
▸ Extension pole: Telescoping 8-24ft ($30-$60)
▸ Ladder: 6ft and extension ladder ($100-$200)
▸ Microfiber towels: For edges and detailing ($20-$40)
▸ Solution: Dawn or professional concentrate ($10-$20)
▸ Scraper: For paint, stickers, hard water ($10-$20)

Professional Upgrades ($500-$2,000+)

▸ Water-fed pole: Pure water system ($500-$3,000)
▸ DI tank/system: For pure water ($200-$500)
▸ Tool belt/holster: Hands-free efficiency ($30-$80)
▸ Screen cleaning kit: Expand services ($50-$100)
▸ Hard water removal: Specialty chemicals ($30-$100)
▸ Van organization: Racks, storage ($200-$500)

Recommended Brands

Squeegees

• Ettore (industry standard)
• Unger (professional grade)
• Moerman (premium)
• Pulex (value option)

Water-Fed Systems

• Tucker
• Unger
• Xero
• IPC Eagle

Where to Buy

• WCR (Window Cleaning Resource)
• J. Racenstein
• Detroit Sponge
• Amazon (some items)

Water-Fed Pole Advantage

Water-fed poles use purified water that dries spot-free, allowing you to clean high windows from the ground—no ladders needed. The $500-$2,000 investment pays for itself quickly through faster work, safer operations, and the ability to tackle 3+ story buildings.

Professional Techniques

Proper technique is what separates amateurs from professionals. Master these fundamentals and you'll clean faster with better results.

The Standard Squeegee Method

1 Prep the glass: Dust off loose debris with a brush or dry towel
2 Scrub thoroughly: Wet the window with solution-soaked applicator. Scrub all corners and edges where dirt accumulates
3 Cut the edge: Create a dry strip at top or side for squeegee starting point
4 Squeegee strokes: Use straight or fanning strokes, overlapping previous pass by 1/2 inch. Wipe blade after each stroke
5 Detail the edges: Wipe frame edges with microfiber towel. Check for streaks at an angle

Squeegee Strokes

Straight pull: Top to bottom, blade angled slightly
Fanning: S-pattern for large panes (faster)
Pole work: Straight pulls, squeegee perpendicular

Common Mistakes

✗ Not scrubbing corners thoroughly
✗ Lifting squeegee mid-stroke (causes lines)
✗ Using too much solution (streaks)
✗ Skipping edge detailing

Pro Tip: The Sunlight Test

Check your work from inside the house looking out toward light. Streaks invisible from outside become obvious from inside. Always do a final check from the interior before leaving.

Services to Offer

Core Window Services

Interior & Exterior Cleaning $$$
Exterior Only $$
Screen Cleaning $2-$5 each
Track/Sill Cleaning Add $3-$5/window
Hard Water Removal Add 50-100%

Add-On Services

Gutter Cleaning $100-$300
Pressure Washing $150-$500
Solar Panel Cleaning $150-$350
Chandelier Cleaning $50-$200 each
Mirror Cleaning $5-$15 each

Upselling Strategy

Always offer add-ons during the estimate. "Would you like me to include the screens and tracks?" "Your gutters look like they could use attention while I'm here." Upsells can increase job value by 20-50% with minimal extra time.

Getting Started Step-by-Step

1

Get Your Equipment

Purchase professional-grade starter equipment ($200-$500). Buy quality squeegees, applicator, bucket, ladders, and microfiber towels. Skip the cheap hardware store gear—it wastes time and leaves streaks.

2

Practice Your Technique

Clean every window in your home, then friends' and family's homes for free. Watch YouTube tutorials (Search: traditional window cleaning). Master streak-free results before charging clients.

3

Handle Business Basics

Register your business (LLC recommended), get liability insurance ($300-$600/year essential), and create simple contracts. Accept credit cards from day one using Square or similar.

4

Set Your Prices

Research local competitors. Start at market rate—don't underprice. Aim for $50-$75/hour minimum. Create a simple pricing sheet for common home sizes. Always quote after seeing the job.

5

Get Your First Customers

Start with neighbors and friends at a slight discount for reviews. Post on Nextdoor, local Facebook groups, and create a Google Business Profile. Request reviews from every satisfied customer.

Finding Customers

Residential Marketing

✓ Google Business Profile: Essential for "window cleaning near me" searches
✓ Nextdoor: Hyperlocal recommendations and posts
✓ Door hangers: Target neighborhoods with large windows
✓ Yard signs: Place at job sites with permission
✓ Facebook groups: Local community and neighborhood groups

Commercial Marketing

▸ Walk-in visits: Drop cards at storefronts, restaurants
▸ Property managers: Multi-building contracts
▸ Real estate agents: Pre-listing window cleaning
▸ Networking events: Chamber of commerce, BNI
▸ Cold calling: Systematic outreach to local businesses

The Power of Route Work

Commercial routes provide stable monthly income. 20 storefronts at $40/month each = $800/month recurring. Build routes in concentrated areas to minimize travel. Weekly or biweekly service means regular income year-round.

Scaling Your Business

Window cleaning scales well. Add employees, expand services, or build commercial routes for significant income growth.

Year 1

Build skills, customer base, and reviews. Focus on residential. Target: $50K-$75K

Year 2

Add commercial routes. Consider first employee. Add services. Target: $75K-$120K

Year 3+

Multiple crews, fleet, major contracts. Target: $150K-$300K+

Income Calculator

Residential Jobs Per Week

Average Job Price ($)

Commercial Route (Monthly $)

Working Weeks Per Year

Weekly Residential

$1,500

Monthly Total

$6,800

Annual Income

$77,100

Window Cleaning Side Hustle Guide 2026