Written by

Tamatha Hazen

May 9, 2025

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Tara Farmer

How to start a window washing business

Starting a window cleaning business can be a great way to earn income and be your own boss. Success, however, depends on careful preparation and a commitment to providing excellent service. To help you navigate the process of building your business, we’ve compiled this step-by-step guide with essential information you'll need to get started.

Step 1: Research the market

Before setting up shop, it’s important to understand your local market. Find out who your potential customers are and research the other window cleaning businesses in the area. Doing market research will help you determine if your business has a good chance of succeeding.

Identify your target market

Figuring out who your ideal customers are is a key first step. Will you primarily serve residential clients, focusing on homeowners in your community? Or will you concentrate on commercial properties, such as stores, offices, and restaurants? Perhaps you'll want to aim for a mix to diversify your customer base. Think about:

• Location: Where are your customers?

• Budget: How does income affect their service choices?

• Property types: Do they own single-family homes, apartments, or storefronts?

Size up the competition

Find out who else is offering window cleaning services in your area. Check online directories and local listings. Then, analyze each competitor:

• Strengths: What do they do well?

• Weaknesses: Where do they struggle?

• Services: What do they offer?

• Pricing: What do they charge?

• Reviews: Are their customers satisfied with the service?

Assess your value

Now, think about what makes your business unique:

• Audit your skills: Think about what you can do that others can’t. Are you skilled at cleaning high-rise windows or using eco-friendly methods?

• Outshine your competitors: Look for gaps in what others offer. Can you provide services they don’t, like gutter cleaning or flexible scheduling?

• Match to customer needs: Ask yourself why someone would choose your company over others. Is it your focus on safety, quality, or convenience?

Step 2: Write a business plan

Now that you understand the market you’re entering, it’s time to plan the business. Craft a business plan that outlines your goals and strategies. It should include:

• Executive summary: Introduce your business and mission.

• Market analysis: Summarize market research and trends.

• Services offered: Describe your services and unique selling points.

• Marketing strategy: Outline how you'll reach your target market.

• Financial projections: Estimate start-up costs and revenue.

• Management and organization: Define your business structure and roles.

A well-thought-out business plan serves as a strategic roadmap for structuring, running, and growing a business, while also helping to secure funding, attract partners, and align team goals for long-term success.

Step 3: Secure licenses and insurance

Once you know the market and have a solid plan, the next step is to secure the necessary licenses and insurance for your window washing business. Consider the following:

• Business registration: Register your business with the state where you operate, choosing a structure like an LLC or sole proprietorship.

• Local permits & licenses: Check with local governments for any required business permits or occupational licenses.

• General liability insurance: Obtain insurance to protect against property damage and bodily injury claims.

• Workers’ Compensation insurance: If you’re hiring employees, you will need this insurance to ensure you’re covered if anyone is injured on the job.

• Commercial auto insurance: If using a vehicle for business, ensure it is properly insured.

Step 4: Open a business bank account

After securing licenses and insurance, the next step is to open a business bank account. This helps keep your personal and business finances separate, making it easier to track expenses and prepare for taxes. Consider the following:

• Separate finances: Ensure personal expenses are not mixed with business expenses.

• Required documents: Typically, you'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), business license, and company formation documents to open the account.

• Choose a bank: Consider local banks, credit unions, or online banks that offer low fees and beneficial services for businesses.

• Merchant services: If you plan to accept credit card payments, set up a merchant account to handle these transactions efficiently.

Step 5: Purchase essential equipment

Now that your business is legally set up, it's time to invest in the right tools to deliver top-notch window cleaning services. These essentials can get you started:

• Core tools: Squeegees, scrubbers, microfiber cloths, extension poles, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions.

• Safety gear: Harnesses, ladders, and non-slip footwear for high-rise or multi-story work.

• Optional upgrades: Water-fed poles or deionized systems for commercial jobs.

• Transportation: Use a personal vehicle or rental van, then upgrade for larger equipment as your business grows.

One of the advantages of a window washing business is its potential for gradual growth. You can easily get started with a small investment of a few hundred dollars, focusing on the basics like squeegees and T-bars, microfiber cloths, extension poles, and some quality cleaning solutions. Over time, you can reinvest your earnings to expand to higher-quality equipment.

Step 6: Set your prices

With your equipment ready, it’s time to craft a pricing strategy that balances competitiveness and profitability. Use the table below as a reference point, then tailor your rates to reflect your unique services, local market conditions, and operational costs.

When deciding how much to charge for window cleaning, consider factors like window accessibility, job frequency, local competition, and job type (residential versus commercial). This will help you create a pricing plan that attracts customers while maintaining profitability.

Step 7: Launch your marketing strategy

With pricing and operations ready, it’s time to attract clients and grow your business. Start by setting up a basic website to establish credibility and showcase services, then focus on strategies that highlight your unique strengths and reach your target audience effectively:

• Define your unique selling point (USP): Your marketing should highlight what sets you apart (e.g., eco-friendly products, rapid scheduling, or specialty services like high-rise cleaning).

• Join a local service platform: List your business on HomeGuide, which connects professionals with local homeowners seeking window cleaning services. This can increase visibility and attract new clients.

• Leverage social media: Post before-and-after photos, cleaning tips, and client testimonials on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.

• Direct mail campaigns: Use postcards with introductory discounts or seasonal promotions to target residential neighborhoods or business districts.

• Neighborhood discounts: Offer group rates for local communities to encourage word-of-mouth referrals.

• Network with realtors: Connect with local realtors to find customers who want to get their windows cleaned before listing their home for sale.

• Seasonal offers: Run discounts before holidays or after storm seasons to capitalize on demand.

• Referral rewards: Incentivize existing clients to recommend your services with discounts or free add-ons.

FAQs about starting a window cleaning company

How much does it cost to start a window cleaning business?

The initial costs to start a window cleaning business can be as low as $200 to $400 for basic equipment like squeegees, scrubbers, and cleaning solutions. Additional costs include business registration, licenses, insurance, and marketing efforts.

Is it profitable to start a window cleaning business?

Yes, window cleaning can be profitable, with average earnings ranging from $40 to $75 per hour. The business has low startup costs and potential for high weekly earnings. However, the success of the business ultimately depends on your marketing efforts and the quality of the service you provide.

Do I need a business license and insurance for a window cleaning company?

Yes, obtaining the necessary licenses and insurance is crucial for legal compliance and risk management. Requirements vary by location. In most areas, you’ll need at least a local business license. General liability insurance is also highly recommended, as it protects your business from claims involving bodily injury and property damage.

Can I specialize in commercial or residential window washing services?

You can choose to specialize in either commercial or residential window cleaning, depending on your target market and available resources. You can also offer both to diversify your client base.

How can I scale my window cleaning business?

To scale your business, focus on the following:

• Optimize your operations for efficiency by automating bookings, clustering jobs to minimize travel, and performing routine equipment maintenance to avoid repairs and downtime.

• Expand your menu to include bundled services (like gutter cleaning with windows) or subscription models for recurring revenue.

• Target more profitable commercial markets and run seasonal promotions to capitalize on demand spikes

• Hire and train staff to handle multiple service types and offer performance incentives to retain talent and reduce turnover.

• Join an online service marketplace like HomeGuide to connect with local clients, increase visibility, and build credibility with customer testimonials.