How much does window cleaning cost in the UK?

If your windows are getting grimy yet you can’t find the time to clean them, the best solution is to hire someone to do it for you. But how much does window cleaning cost, and will it be too pricey?

This comprehensive guide not only answers these questions but also discusses the factors that usually affect how much window cleaners charge.

What are the average window cleaning service costs in the UK?

Due to differences in the cost of living, the average cost of residential window cleaning and commercial window cleaning varies across the country’s major cities.

*Prices shown are typical total costs per job based on recent Airtasker data. Actual costs may vary.

What factors affect window cleaning rates?

Window washing prices are not typically fixed, since many factors, particularly the ones discussed in this section, can affect how much service providers in your area charge.

Property type and cleaning scope

Window washing in progress on tall glass panes set in a brick wall (Source: iStock)

Property type and cleaning scope can greatly affect how much you’ll have to pay for window cleaning. For instance, compared to an office building with several columns of hard-to-access windows, a one-bedroom apartment is comparatively smaller in scale and is therefore easier to deal with. So it’s not surprising that its window cleaning rate is significantly lower, as shown in the window cleaning price list below.

*Commercial prices are indicative. Larger offices, apartment blocks, hotels, extensive glass façades, and buildings requiring specialist access are usually priced after a site assessment.

Number, size, and total area of windows

In general, window cleaning services cost more when there is more to clean and when the total glass area is larger. This means hiring someone to clean the windows of a single-storey Airbnb rental home won’t cost an arm and a leg, but doing the same for a multi-storey shop with large display windows will definitely be pricey.

Building height and window accessibility

High-rise commercial window cleaning with rope access equipment and safety harnesses (Source: iStock)

Building height and window accessibility are also major determinants of service rates because they can spell the difference between a quick cleaning session and a laborious one.

For instance, the commercial window cleaning cost for high-rise buildings is steep because the process can be rather complicated and risky; cleaners have to use ladders, scaffolding, or specialised equipment to be able to access and scrub exterior windows. On the other hand, house window cleaning prices are not as high, especially if a residence only has one floor with easy-to-access ground-level windows.

Window type and design

The cost to clean house windows and commercial windows is partially dependent on window type and design. While scrubbing and wiping standard sliding windows made of aluminium or UPVC is usually straightforward, cleaning windows with fly screens, irregular shapes, stained glass panes, jalousies, or multiple frames can be a time-consuming and pricier endeavour.

Interior, exterior, or complete cleaning

Window cleaner wiping glass from inside a modern residential building (Source: iStock)

When setting a budget, don’t forget to consider which side of the windows (exterior, interior, or both) you want cleaned, because this can have a major effect on how much a professional cleaner will charge.

For residential properties, exterior cleaning is typically cheaper than interior cleaning because there is no furniture to move and no surfaces to protect. Meanwhile, for commercial properties, especially multi-storey structures, cleaning exterior windows may cost more since it involves a greater scope and more labour.

But generally, the cost of window cleaning inside and out is higher than either interior or exterior cleaning due to the amount of work and time involved.

Window condition and specialist cleaning requirements

The current condition of your property’s windows can also affect cleaning costs; if they are in a poor state—with hard water stains, salt buildup, or other blemishes that even a thorough wipe can’t remove—making them look spotless may involve specialised tools, a longer cleaning session, and higher service rates.

Cleaning frequency and service agreement

Dusty window track and frame showing areas needing cleaning (Source: iStock)

Window cleaning prices in the UK partly depend on how often your windows get scrubbed. If they aren’t cleaned frequently, they’re more likely to accumulate grime and stains, leading to longer cleaning times and higher costs.

On a similar note, booking a cleaner for recurring services is usually cheaper per visit than a one-off cleaning session, since service providers often offer a discounted rate for regular bookings.

What are some ways to lower window cleaning charges?

Here are some tips to remember if you want to hire a professional cleaning service provider without having to shell out a large amount of money:

• Compare quotes from different window cleaners to choose someone who offers a fair rate.

• Book a window cleaner in advance to avoid same- or next-day fees.

• Schedule the service during a weekday or a non-holiday to get non-peak rates.

• Bundle window cleaning with other services, such as pressure washing or window repair, to save both time and money.

What should you look for in a professional window cleaner?

Take note of these questions while you’re in search of an experienced and reliable window cleaner:

• Do they offer fair and transparent window cleaning costs?

• Do they have significant experience with properties and windows that are similar to yours?

• Do they have the right tools and equipment to carry out the task?

• Do they have excellent reviews and ratings from their previous customers?

• Do they have the necessary licence and certifications for the job (especially if they’re dealing with high-rise buildings or other unsafe locations)?

Clean your home’s or business’s windows with Airtasker

Manual glass cleaning with a squeegee and visible water droplets (Source: iStock)

If you’re having trouble finding a professional window cleaner who can make your windows spick-and-span, why not sign up on Airtasker to make the search easier?

Simply post a task and include all relevant details for the service you want done, such as your property, window type, budget, and location. Once Taskers start replying to your post, discuss and negotiate rates, check ratings and reviews, and then pick the best person or team for the job.