How much does window cleaning cost?
Residential window cleaning often costs $8 - $16 per window for interior and exterior cleaning, with many companies charging a $100 - $250 minimum. Windows above the second floor, screens, tracks, French panes, storms, and hard-water stains can raise the price.
A good quote should say exactly what is included: outside glass only, inside and outside, screens, tracks, sills, hard-water stain treatment, or post-construction cleanup.
Window cleaning cost by scope
Standard interior and exterior cleaning
$8 - $16/windowHow to tellTypical single- or double-hung windows, reachable from the ground or with normal ladders
The fixWash inside and outside glass, wipe edges, and inspect for remaining streaks
Second-story or high windows
$10 - $40/windowHow to tellWindows above the second floor or over slopes, landscaping, patios, or roof sections
The fixUse water-fed poles, ladders, or lift access depending on height and safety
Screens, tracks, and sills
$2 - $10/window add-onHow to tellScreens are dusty, tracks are gritty, or sills have pollen and debris
The fixRemove and clean screens, vacuum/wipe tracks, and detail sills
Hard-water stains or construction debris
$5 - $25+/window add-onHow to tellMineral spots, paint overspray, stucco, adhesive, or razor-scrape needs
The fixUse specialty mineral remover or post-construction cleaning method
Storm windows, divided panes, or French doors
Often priced higher per openingHow to tellMany small panes or removable storm panels multiply the number of surfaces
The fixClean each pane/surface separately and reinstall panels
Before requesting a window cleaning quote
- Count windows by opening and note which ones are second-story, over roof sections, or hard to reach.
- Decide whether you want exterior-only, interior plus exterior, screens, tracks, sills, or hard-water stain removal.
- Remove valuables from window sills and make sure cleaners can access interior windows.
- Ask whether the company carries insurance for ladder work and what happens if a screen or old window part breaks.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call a window cleaning, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- The home has second-story or hard-to-reach windows
- Glass has hard-water stains, paint overspray, or construction debris
- Screens, storms, or divided panes make the job slow and detailed
- You need recurring cleaning before listing, renting, or hosting
- You are not comfortable with ladders or working near roof edges
Repair or replace?
Cleaning improves glass clarity, but it will not fix failed seals, fog between panes, cracked glass, rotted frames, or broken balances. If a cleaner points out fogged double-pane glass or damaged frames, treat that as a window repair or replacement question rather than a cleaning upsell.
Need a cleaner scope before you call around?
Use the window cleaning checklist to compare the same work, questions, cleanup, and warranty before choosing a local company.
Related questions
Do window cleaners clean screens and tracks?
Sometimes, but not always. Many quotes include glass only unless screens, tracks, and sills are listed. Ask for line-item pricing so you can compare quotes fairly.
How often should windows be cleaned?
Many homes do well with one or two cleanings per year. Homes near trees, construction, hard-water sprinklers, busy roads, or coastal air may need more frequent exterior cleaning.
Can hard-water stains be removed from windows?
Often yes if the staining has not etched the glass too deeply. It usually requires specialty cleaner and more labor than standard window washing, so expect it to be priced separately.