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Window cleaning is one of the easiest, most profitable service businesses to start. It requires low startup costs, minimal experience, and high demand year-round. Businesses and homeowners always need clean windows, making this a recession-proof industry with excellent profit margins.

If you’re looking for a high-earning side hustle or a full-time business, window cleaning can generate $5K–$15K per month once established. This guide will walk you through starting, running, and scaling a successful window cleaning company.

Step 1: Plan Your Window Cleaning Business

Before you start, you need to decide on your target customers and business model.

Choose Your Market:

✔ Residential Window Cleaning – Houses, apartments, and townhomes.
✔ Commercial Window Cleaning – Office buildings, storefronts, and restaurants.
✔ High-Rise Window Cleaning – Requires special training and equipment.

How Much Can You Charge?

• Residential homes: $100–$300 per job

• Small businesses: $150–$500 per job

• Large commercial buildings: $1,000+ per contract

👉 Pro Tip: Start with residential & small businesses for quick cash flow, then expand to commercial contracts as you grow.

Step 2: Register Your Business & Get Insured

Before taking on clients, you need to legally protect yourself and look professional.

Business Setup Checklist:

✔ Register Your Business – Create an LLC or sole proprietorship.
✔ Get Business Insurance – Protects you from property damage & liability.
✔ Open a Business Bank Account – Keep personal & business finances separate.
✔ Apply for Licenses & Permits – Check local requirements.
✔ Get a Tax ID (EIN) – Needed for invoicing & taxes.

Pro Tip:

📌 Getting insured builds trust with clients and helps land commercial contracts.

Step 3: Buy the Right Window Cleaning Equipment

You don’t need expensive tools to get started, but quality gear makes the job easier.

Essential Window Cleaning Supplies:

✅ Squeegees – Ettore or Unger brand for streak-free cleaning.
✅ Window Cleaning Solution – Use Dawn dish soap or professional-grade cleaner.
✅ Microfiber Towels – Prevents streaks & smudges.
✅ Extension Poles – For cleaning second-story windows.
✅ Ladders – A 20–30 ft extension ladder for high windows.
✅ Scrapers & Razors – Removes tough debris like paint & tape.
✅ Bucket & Tool Belt – Keep everything accessible while working.

Pro Tip:

📌 Consider water-fed poles for faster cleaning of high windows without a ladder.

Step 4: Get Your First Clients & Start Making Money

Once you have your equipment, it’s time to land your first paying customers.

Best Ways to Get Clients Fast:

📢 Facebook & Nextdoor Ads – Run local promotions offering “First-Time Discounts.”
📢 Flyers & Door-to-Door Marketing – Print 500+ flyers & offer free estimates.
📢 Network with Realtors & Property Managers – They always need window cleaning services.
📢 Cold Call Local Businesses – Offer storefront window cleaning weekly or monthly.
📢 Google My Business Listing – Appear in local searches when customers look for “window cleaning near me.”

Pricing Strategy for Growth:

💰 Offer subscription plans (monthly or quarterly cleanings) for steady income.
💰 Charge higher for emergency/same-day services.

Pro Tip:

📌 Word-of-mouth is GOLD – Encourage reviews & referrals by offering clients a discount on their next cleaning when they refer a friend.

Step 5: Scale Your Business to $10K+/Month

After landing your first few clients, you need to systematize & scale to maximize profits.

1. Increase Your Prices & Sell Bigger Contracts

✔ Upsell – Offer gutter cleaning & pressure washing for extra $$$.
✔ Sell Annual Contracts – Get businesses on monthly retainers for predictable income.
✔ Charge More for High Windows – Extra risk = higher pricing.

2. Hire & Train a Team

Once you hit $5K/month, hiring employees allows you to take on more clients without working 12-hour days.

👨‍🔧 Who to Hire?

• Assistant Cleaners ($15–$25/hr) – Handle more jobs per day.

• Sales Rep – Cold calls & door-to-door sales for landing bigger contracts.

• Virtual Assistant (VA) – Handles scheduling, invoicing, and marketing.

3. Automate & Streamline Operations

Use technology to save time & increase efficiency.

✅ Job Scheduling Software – Use Jobber or Housecall Pro to manage appointments.
✅ Automated Invoicing & Payments – Set up QuickBooks or Wave for instant payments.
✅ Customer Database – Keep track of repeat customers with CRM software.

Pro Tip:

📌 With a team & automation, you can run a $10K–$20K/month business with just 4–6 employees.

How Much Can a Window Cleaning Business Make?

💰 Solo Operator (First 3–6 Months):
➡ 10 jobs/week @ $150 each = $6,000/month

💰 Small Team (6–12 Months):
➡ 5 jobs/day @ $200 each = $20,000/month

💰 Large-Scale Business (1 Year+):
➡ 10+ jobs/day @ $300 each = $50,000/month+

With recurring contracts & upsells, scaling past $10K–$20K per month is very achievable.

Pros and Cons of a Window Cleaning Business

Pros:

✅ Low Startup Costs – Start for under $1,000.
✅ High Demand – Homes & businesses need constant cleaning.
✅ Scalable – Easy to grow with more employees & automation.
✅ Quick Cash Flow – Customers pay same-day or upfront.
✅ Flexible Hours – Set your own schedule.

Cons:

❌ Physically Demanding – Requires climbing & working outdoors.
❌ Weather Dependent – Rain/snow can slow down business.
❌ High Competition – Need strong marketing to stand out.
❌ Equipment Maintenance – Ladders & poles need regular upkeep & replacements.

Requirements to Start a Window Cleaning Business

✔ Basic Equipment (Squeegees, Ladders, Cleaning Solution, etc.)
✔ Business License & Insurance
✔ Scheduling & Payment Software (Jobber, QuickBooks, etc.)
✔ Website & Social Media Presence
✔ Marketing Strategy (Flyers, Ads, SEO, Cold Calls, etc.)

Recommended Products to Maximize Profits

🛒 Ettore Professional Squeegees – High-quality streak-free cleaning.
🛒 Unger Water-Fed Pole System – Faster high-window cleaning.
🛒 Microfiber Cloths & Towels – For detailing & smudge removal.
🛒 Jobber or Housecall Pro – Automate scheduling & invoicing.
🛒 QuickBooks or Stripe – Accept credit card payments instantly.

Summary: Steps to Start a Window Cleaning Business

1. Choose Your Market – Residential, commercial, or high-rise.

2. Register & Get Insured – Protect yourself legally.

3. Buy Quality Equipment – Get professional-grade tools.

4. Find Clients Fast – Use flyers, social media, and networking.

5. Scale Up with a Team & Automation – Hire employees & use software.

6. Increase Profits with Bigger Contracts – Offer subscription services & upsells.

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