How Much Will Window Cleaning Cost Me?

 Can I Afford to Pay a Professional to Clean my Windows?

The short answer is- very likely! There is certainly an interest in it. I get hundreds of inquiries each year, even living in a relatively low population area. And I clean windows at hundreds of houses each year. Our team also makes thousands of visits to storefront locations each year, as well commercial properties such as banks. Those are recurring accounts that we automatically stop at every X number of weeks or X times per year. There is one bagel shop for which I have cleaned windows close to 1,000 times! 

While storefront window cleaning is really a reasonable and affordable cost of operation, residential window cleaning is indeed a luxury. That having been said, it is a far more affordable luxury than most. Certainly, dirty windows is not on the same level of priority as dealing with a power outage or tree that has fallen on your roof. Your family won't freeze and your food won't spoil if your windows are dirty. Besides the eventual premature wear on your glass and window frames due to lack of maintenance, having clean windows is more of a visual attribute that permeates the psyche. It provides many things: a wonderful feeling, a clear view (obviously), the confidence to invite company to your home, the sense that your house is in pristine condition, and more. Many have told me that getting their windows cleaned is their only yearly or biannual splurge!

No doubt, having at least an idea of what it will cost for such enjoyment and happiness will be helpful to those on a budget. In my years of professional window cleaning I have interacted with those who expect today's price to be what was considered a common price of 30 years ago, while others are either very pleased with current pricing or don't feel they even need to ask. I'll elaborate and throw out some figures that might be helpful. If you care more about figures than what fuels the arrival of a viable price for residential window cleaning, you can skip to the last subheading.

What is Actually Involved in the Price of Window Cleaning?

It probably doesn't require too much in-depth analysis to realize that if you hire a company to clean your windows for $420 and a team of 2 is there for 3 hours, you can't simply conclude that these technicians are earning $70 per hour each. They are generating $70 per man hour of revenue for 3 consecutive hours, but they are generating no revenue on their way to your house and no revenue afterward until the next job is started. The owner of the business incurs the expense of the hourly employee rates or their salary and all the other associated employee expenses. "Windshield" time, supplies, insurance, vehicle costs and so on all are the responsibility of the owner. The list goes on, but hopefully the point is made that running a business is very time-consuming and costly. Granted, some contractors simply expect the people they send out to use their own vehicles and equipment, and then pay them by the job. Without getting into detail, this approach can be a questionable one and may put you as a homeowner in hot water if things are not being done legally. 

Really, few people in my experience don't consider and acknowledge the factors above. Most everyone realizes there are a lot of expenses that go with running a home service company, or any business for that matter. I can't resist mentioning that in 2023 I received a 4-star review from a very nice man. His wife was very nice as well. The only gripe was how much money I 'made' in the time I spent there. He acknowledged that the windows looked great when I was done. I even had provided the total cost for the job previous to scheduling it based on photos sent to me. They did add a little more on when I got there and I increased my bill accordingly. The reason for a 4-star and not a 5-star review came down to the fact that I spent less time at this house than seemed right for the amount of my bill. The fact is, though, that billing rates or price limits for window cleaning or any related offerings are not regulated by any agency. The end product is the end product. Essentially, my price is what I have learned over time is sufficient for me to run my operation legally and profitably. Factor in that the skill set of someone entering people's homes, handling all types of their belongings and navigating their property in a trustworthy and responsible manner deserves far more than the current minimum wage of $7.25/hr. The price that a homeowner is given should be evaluated on the basis of value to him or her. Does $XXX dollars seem to be a worthwhile investment in the maintenance of my home, the avoidance of time and energy both physical and mental on my part, and the consequent opportunities to do other things for myself and with others? If a big 'headache' is alleviated in one hour as opposed to 6 hours, does time really matter as long as the 'headache' is gone? That's where value paints a clearer picture than sticker price. Trying to ascertain a 'going rate' for window cleaning or other services like power washing and roof cleaning is not viable. When you or your kids or grandkids decide to buy a new gaming console, you are likely going to know exactly, or almost exactly, how much it will cost. The same goes with many other electronics, brand by brand. I am not comparing Nintendo with Sony or Microsoft, but I know that their particular products are not interchangeable across companies. Another customer a few years ago was taken aback to put it lightly with what the final window cleaning bill was. She went ahead and paid it, but mentioned that the last company did a wonderful job and charged 30% of my price. A few days later I was informed by her that the check had been cancelled and she wanted me to renegotiate to arrive at a 'proper price'. Apparently there was some talking to friends about what they had paid at their house. The data she gleaned from this only confirmed that I hadn't given her 'proper pricing'. Needless to say, comparing apples to bananas and pears doesn't reveal much about proper pricing. It was an experience she and I hope to never repeat! Proper pricing is not a thing, really. Acceptable pricing, one that the service provider and homeowner are both happy with, most certainly is a thing! This could be any pricing, to be sure. 

To put it in more sobering terms, there are two options. The first is to hire a company that is insured and operating legally on all other counts, one that guarantees satisfaction, and is going to be ready to serve you at the same level or higher for years to come. The other is to hire a company that may ultimately do a great job on the glass, but may not provide the level or assurance that, heaven forbid, there is damage to person or property, you as the homeowner will not be left to pay for it. Personal injury includes not just that of people living on the premises, but the workers themselves and any visitors at the time of service. You may find if you go only with price that these companies 'disappear' after a few years.  There is a cost associated with covering all bases and also making sure that service personnel are professional acting and professional looking. Hopefully these things put into perspective what is involved in pricing of window cleaning services that you will want to repeat year after year with the same company. 

How Much are People Paying?

I do not have access to all the various prices that residential window cleaning weigh in at. However, very few from my experience and from what I've read on forums and Facebook groups do not have minimums. They may begin at around $100 for a visit, no matter how small or how little time the actual cleaning takes. Some say (I can't confirm the truth of it) they don't do anything for less than $300. And that includes small storefronts. Hmm. As most of us who run storefront routes would say to this, "you probably don't do many storefronts". Perhaps I'm missing something. The responses to the "what would you charge" posts that include either clear or incomplete views of what is involved are wildly diverse. No doubt some of the highest prices thrown out on these threads are folks inflating facts to look good or prove they are in the big leagues. But suffice it to say that unless you find a company that doesn't mind doing very small jobs for very small money, you should expect to pay at least $100 or more for the most basic of jobs. Most companies devise their pricing based on number, type, and difficulty of windows. There are some that base it on square feet of living space, going with the average number of windows that would be expected for that size. Others get a good view of the premises and multiply their desired hourly revenue by the time expected to complete the job. One other consideration may be the travel time involved. A surcharge, if you will, may be included for what would be considered by the company a long drive. Regardless of the method used to arrive at pricing, if you own a small or medium-sized house, expect that you'll usually pay $500 or less. When your home gets into larger sizes, say 4,000 square feet and up, it is likely going to be in higher half of three figures and beyond. My company operates in northeastern Pennsylvania and a small part of upstate New York and our current minimum is $100 for homes within a few miles of my base. The minimum is higher as more traveling is required. We do some jobs that are window cleaning only and no other services that range from $1000-$2000. Some of my colleagues with whom I'm in touch have similar prices, perhaps a bit higher. To be honest, the pricing for residential window cleaning when compared to the value of particular property is quite reasonable in most cases. It may be a luxury, but one that is usually affordable and, in my opinion, worth it!

If you'd like to discuss this or have any questions, feel free to comment below or email me at dan@danwagnerwindowcleaning.com

Dan Wagner Window Cleaning has been serving home and business owners since 1986. Areas covered include Honesdale, Hawley, Narrowsburg, Beach Lake, Damascus, Pleasant Mount, Equinunk, Forest City, Carbondale, Scranton, Dunmore, Lake Ariel, Mount Pocono, Tannersville, Stroudsburg, and others. 

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Residential and Commercial Window Cleaning in Northeastern Pennsylvania since 1986

5706300326

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Can I Clean My Windows When It's Cold Outside?

 It Is A Challenge to Keep Windows Clean in Cold Weather

This subject of window cleaning becoming more difficult in winter primarily affects individuals in climates where the temperatures make being outside uncomfortable or downright difficult. It's certainly not as pleasant to be using tools with your hands in the 40's or lower as compared to the 70's and 80's. Personal taste enters in for sure. For me, living in northeastern Pennsylvania, I feel the most pleasant working temperature range is from 60-75 F, provided it is not too humid. I am not thoroughly familiar with other countries, but know that in quite a large portion of the United States, there can and will be air temperatures below 32 F overnight from October to April, and from November through March there may be several days where it never breaks the freezing mark. Also, there are some states or parts of states that consistently get even colder than that. 

Window cleaning in colder conditions can become an act of bravery and grit if one is hard set on having a clear view. Having to wear more layers and gloves puts freeness of movement and hand dexterity at a potential disadvantage. And when air temperatures get down into the low 30's, freezing liquid becomes a real concern. Many of my own customers or passerby on streets where we may be cleaning windows assume our company does not work when it gets this cold or simply wonder what we do to keep working. All very good questions!

What Solution Works on Windows Below 32 degrees Fahrenheit?

Window Cleaners hear the stock phrase "you missed a spot" pretty often! When it's cold outside they may hear something such as "you must be cleaning them really fast!", perhaps because it is assumed that the solution will freeze within seconds if not cleaned off. For companies whose livelihood depends on being able to work no matter how cold it is, there is obviously a way to manage this that is simple cost-effective enough. 

For you homeowner who may just want to clean a handful of really high-profile windows, here are some helpful pointers for doing so in subfreezing conditions. 

Generally speaking, any solution that can actually clean well and stay in liquid form below 32 F will be the starting point. You may be able to cheat the air temp a bit if the sun has heated the outside glass where you would like to clean, or if the room temperature inside is warm enough to radiate some heat. Conversely, wind will tend to negate any heat advantage you have as well. 

Anyway, what mix of liquids will get you where you need to be? I've never tried mixing white vinegar with water to work in cold conditions, but several sources give this as one method. Your typical household concentration will not freeze, even diluted with water and a drop or two of dishwashing liquid down to the upper 20's. So, you would have maybe 5 degrees extra to play with. I am very familiar with the effectiveness of rubbing alcohol. It is based on isopropyl alcohol, but diluted somewhat for safe consumer usage. This alcohol, in undiluted form, remains a liquid down to -100F or lower. Common store concentrations are 70% and 91%, so for smaller amounts of cleaning, you'll get a very good bang for your buck with isopropyl-based mixtures. Obviously, the colder the air is, the less water you can mix in and still keep it liquid. The alcohol on its own, is not an outstanding window cleaning agent, but mixed with water and a very small amount of dishwashing liquid, for instance, you'll be able to do what you need to do- with limitations, of course. 

Windshield washer fluid rated for -20F obviously is another option for use on glass, since that's what your typical motorist will use to clean his windshield in winter. This is usually methyl alcohol- based. It is often sold with a blue dye included which gives it its recognizable appearance. As with vinegar and rubbing alcohol, it is sold to the masses in a diluted state. 

 Simple Directions to Successfully Clean Glass in Subfreezing Temperatures

Depending on your tolerance level for cold air, dress as you need to when outside. If you are working in the sun, that will be an advantage. Also, if the air is mostly calm, all the better. If you need a hat, wear a hat. A few thin layers and a medium to thick outer layer will afford you comfort and  the range of motion to use your arms and hands. Unless you are sure to keep your hands from getting wet, gloves or mittens made out of cotton or wool would not be the best. Something waterproof or water-resistant at the very least would be preferrable, as long as your digits have enough dexterity to 'feel' what you're doing. 

Here is a comprehensive list of materials, depending on your chosen method that, you'll need and the tips to effectively clean           

                                                                    Materials    

spray bottle with half water and half 70% rubbing alcohol and 3 drops of dishwashing liquid or a bucket with the same ratio of water to alcohol, and 10 drops of dishwashing liquid

a cotton or microfiber applicator on a t-bar to work your solution around on the glass

a squeegee (size doesn't completely matter, but one in the 12-18" range is easy to work with)

microfiber rags, paper towels, scrim, or surgical towels

Ladder or pole for the applicator and squeegee that will allow you to safely reach the highest points of the window safely. 

                                                                    Method

Spray solution in bottle to thoroughly cover glass. Work the solution around the glass very well with an applicator, or wad up a microfiber towel and work it through that way. If you use a microfiber rag by hand, respray the glass again.

If using a squeegee, you can work across the glass from right to left or left to right, or down from the top right or top left. Overlap the squeegee channel onto the dry part of the glass by 1/2-1 inch. It is not necessary to wipe the rubber blade off each time you make your pass. If you can use paper towels, scrim, or surgical towel to detail the edges and possibly streaks left in the middle, that will probably be better than a microfiber rag for detailing. If you have to use a microfiber to detail, run it along the residual solution as lightly as you can while still getting it off. Despite what many claim, all but super high quality microfiber rags tend to leave a lot of lint on glass, especially when dry or in the sun. 

Since you will be working in cold conditions, even water mixed with rubbing alcohol will freeze on the glass if you let it sit too long. Wind will accelerate that as well. Also, the dirtier the suspended solution on the glass is, the less time it will remain workable before freezing. If any part of your work does freeze on you, try buffing it with one of your towels to create friction and melt it away. If it is beyond that, you can wet your rag with straight alcohol and try melting the ice. Or you can patiently wait until the liquid evaporates and do the whole process again, either more quickly or with a stronger initial mix.

Keep in mind that while a moderate amount of this solution in a ventilated area is pretty safe, weak lungs might be affected if not careful. Also, excessive handling of rubbing alcohol at consumer levels without wearing gloves will dry out skin. In a stronger state it can enter your bloodstream through your skin and cause a toxic reaction. So, give it the respect it is due.

Residential and Commercial Window Cleaning in Northeastern Pennsylvania since 1986

5706300326

YOU'LL LIKE WHAT YOU SEE!