Starting a window cleaning business is relatively easy and low-risk compared to other trades. The barrier to entry is low, but the ceiling for growth is high. It is a hard skill to learn but an easy skill to master with practice.
Yes, a window washing business is highly profitable. It features very low startup costs (around $500 to $2,000 for basic equipment) and offers healthy net profit margins of 𝟑𝟎% to 𝟓𝟎%. Solo operators typically net between $50 and $100 per hour.
Window cleaning is not a nationally licensed profession, so you won't need a window cleaning license to own and operate your business.
Most falls to window cleaners involve the use of portable ladders. In recent years figures for accidents reported to HSE and local authorities show that between two and seven window cleaners have been killed each year in Great Britain and about 20-30 suffer major injuries as a result of falls involving ladders.
Commercial cleaning, particularly specialized niches like post-construction cleanup, medical facility sanitization, and disaster restoration, is generally the most profitable cleaning business, offering high-ticket, recurring contracts with profit margins often between 10-28%. These, along with specialized services such as floor refinishing or pressure washing, command premium prices due to required expertise and equipment.
General Liability Insurance for window cleaning businesses (exterior only) General liability insurance, is also called commercial general liability (CGL). It provides claims assistance and helps you avoid severe financial implications.
One-Off and Deep Cleaning Costs
One-off or deep cleaning services typically cost £20 to £30+ per hour. A standard house visit for a deep clean costs between £80 and £150+ depending on property size and condition.
Commercial cleaning services often pull in more cash than house cleaning jobs. They can make over $165,000 every year. After paying for things like vacuum cleaners and cleaning supplies, profit margins can hit 24.5%. Adding extra services like carpet or window washing boosts these numbers even higher.
Many Window Cleaners aim to cover 15-20 properties in a day, assuming an average 3 bedroom property in the UK. This is a handy benchmark to aim for but by no means the measure of a successful business. It is generally accepted that pure water cleaning is quicker than traditional cleaning on the whole.
The number of dry-cleaning establishments is falling in the US. The decline is not only due to COVID-19, but has been a trend since 2001 amidst other changes. Coin-operated laundry shops in the US have remained steady and even saw a rise during the pandemic.
This would include some of the following tasks: Vacuuming the entire house. Cleaning the bathrooms, including toilets, sinks, showers and baths. Cleaning the kitchen, including mopping the floor.
The 3-30 rule (sometimes called the 30-3 rule) is a productivity method where you divide your daily household chores into three 30-minute sessions throughout the day. By breaking up the total 1.5 hours of cleaning, you avoid burnout and prevent messes from piling up.
How much should I charge to clean someone's house? Most house cleaners charge $50 per hour, or a flat rate of $200–$400 for a standard 2,000-square-foot home. Deep cleaning typically costs $240–$500, while post-construction cleaning can run around $500.
6 Types of Cleaning Businesses in High Demand
Here's what your cleaner can do in 2 hours:
Cleaning the toilet, sink, and shower, wiping mirrors, and mopping the floor. Pro tip: Tidy up clutter before your cleaner arrives – the less time spent moving things, the more time they can dedicate to actual cleaning!
A dental deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) usually takes 1 to 2 hours per session. Because dentists usually numb one half of the mouth at a time to keep you comfortable, the full procedure typically requires two separate appointments.
Bi-Weekly Cleaning: The Sweet Spot for Most Families
Bi-weekly (every two weeks) cleaning hits the sweet spot for most households. It's frequent enough to maintain a consistently clean home without the premium cost of weekly service.
Experience using commercial cleaning equipment like extension poles, squeegees, harnesses, and sometimes lift systems is common, and safety training such as OSHA certification is often preferred. Excellent time management, reliability, and clear communication with clients and teams are important soft skills.
While not all US states implement the same licenses to run a cleaning business, most require a general business license, and you'll need adequate insurance coverage. That might seem extensive, but these licenses and bonds ensure you comply with the legal requirements, and insurance protects you and your clients.