How to Start a Window Cleaning Business: Window-Washing Business Start-Up Guide

While more and more entrepreneurs are trying to get rich on the AI revolution, boring service-based businesses continue to print cash in 2025. They’re simple, easy to start, and in high-demand - a window-washing business start-up is a perfect example.

Whether you target homeowners in affluent areas or other companies with massive facilities that want to maintain impeccable conditions for clients and employees, window washing can be a lucrative opportunity. We’ll show you how to start a window cleaning business below.

From sourcing all the essential equipment and supplies to nabbing your first client and growing the business over time, we’ll cover everything you need to know to feel confident taking the first step in starting your window cleaning company. 

But the best piece of advice we have to offer is this: work smarter, not harder. Invest in powerful, sophisticated equipment from the get-go to save time and ensure better results for your clients. This way you can serve more clients in a day and always earn glowing endorsements.

SweepScrub is your one-stop shop for everything from window washing machines to the supplies you need to keep them running efficiently and effectively. Get in touch today, and we’ll help connect you to the perfect unit for getting your window washing business off the ground!

The Case for a Window-Washing Business Start-Up

Before we get into how to start a window cleaning business we need to figure out if this is even the right venture for you or not - because despite the upside, there are some challenges to consider as well.

Pros of Starting a Window Cleaning Business

• Low startup costs: You can begin with just a few hundred dollars worth of gear and grow from there.
• Recurring work: Homes and businesses need clean windows regularly, which means steady, repeat business.
• Flexible schedule: You can build this around your life. Work mornings only, weekends only, or make it your full-time gig.
• Scalable model: Start solo and can train others as you gain clients, so you can take on larger commercial jobs.

Challenges to Consider Before Starting

• Weather-dependent: Rainy days and cold winters can affect your workload depending on where you live.
• Physical demands: Climbing ladders, carrying buckets, and working with your arms overhead - get used to being exhausted at the end of the day as an operator!
• Safety matters: Working at heights and on slick surfaces means you’ll need to take safety seriously (and carry insurance).
• Competition: You’re not the only person looking into a window-washing business start-up. More and more aspiring entrepreneurs see the potential here, so you’ll need to set yourself apart.

So, is it worth taking the time to learn how to start a window cleaning business? It certainly can be if you enjoy working with your hands, like to see instant results from your effort, and don’t mind being outside. 

You’ll need to be self-motivated, responsive with clients, and willing to handle everything from quotes to scheduling when starting out. If that sounds like you, learn how to start a window cleaning business below!

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Window Cleaning Business?

The relatively low upfront cost for a window-washing business start-up is one of the reasons this venture is so attractive. You don’t need a van full of tools or years of technical training unlike many trades. You will, however, need to plan your budget wisely.

Basic Startup Costs

These are the essentials you’ll need to get your first job done safely and professionally. We’ve put this list together with the cheapest methods in mind:

• Squeegees and scrubbers: Expect to spend $50-$100 for decent-quality gear
• Extension pole: $30-$80, depending on length
• Buckets, towels, soap, and belts: Around $50-$100
• Ladder: A 24-ft extension ladder runs around $200-$300
• Vehicle (if you don’t already have one): Used pickup or van can range widely

Altogether, you’re looking at anywhere between $400-$700 if you shop smart and buy only what you need to begin. But if you have a bit more to invest upfront, you can work more efficiently and achieve better client results. 

Optional but Helpful Equipment Costs

You don’t have to start with these if you don’t have the budget - but you’ll want to get them in your arsenal eventually, and it’s worth setting yourself up for success from the get-go if possible:

• Water-fed pole systems: $1,000-$2,500 for purified water and reach up to 50 ft
• Pressure washer (for upselling exterior cleaning): $300-$800
• Upholstery or screen-cleaning tools: $50-$200

Or, if you really want to supercharge your cleaning process, you can look into a professional window washing machine - like the IPC Eagle Hydro Cart Junior. 

At $1,410 it’s not cheap, but this deionizing window washing system can save you money in the long run, help you get cleaner windows faster, and keep you or your operators safer. We’ll talk more about its role in your workflow in a moment. 

Hidden or Ongoing Costs

Don’t forget about the costs that aren’t equipment-related but are just as important to keep your business running:

• Business license and registration: $50-$200, depending on your state
• Liability insurance: Often $400-$600 annually for basic coverage
• Marketing expenses: Flyers, business cards, website, or local ads
• Maintenance and fuel: Ladder repairs, tool replacement, vehicle upkeep

All in, you’re probably looking at around $1,000-$2,500 depending on how you want to start your pressure washing business. So, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to get running. 

What Do You Need to Start a Window Cleaning Business?

We’ve touched on some of the basic startup equipment, supplies, and other business documents you’ll need - but what do you need to start a window cleaning business? We’ll give you both the bare minimum and the nice-to-haves to help you start shopping.

Essential Tools and Equipment

You don’t have to commit to sophisticated window wahsing systems right away. You can get your first few clients with basic everyday tools:

• Squeegees: Your core tool. Go with stainless steel or brass handles, and make sure you have several rubber blade sizes (typically 12", 14", and 18") to handle different pane widths.
• Scrubbers (AKA Strip Washers): Used to apply water and cleaning solution to the window. Look for options with removable microfiber sleeves that you can wash and reuse.
• Extension Poles: Reach higher windows safely from the ground. Aluminum or carbon fiber poles are lightweight, sturdy, and adjustable in length.
• Buckets: A rectangular 6-8-gallon bucket fits most scrubbers and squeegees better than a round one. Pour spouts and handles make your life easier.
• Tool Belt or Holster: Keeps your squeegee, scrubber, and scraper within arm’s reach. A belt with a detachable bucket-on-a-belt (BOAB) helps you move quickly between panes without walking back and forth.
• Scrapers: Used to remove stuck-on debris like paint, stickers, or sap. A retractable safety blade is best. Always check the glass type before use, though.
• Towels & Detailing Cloths: You’ll need lint-free microfiber towels for touch-ups, frames, and wiping up excess water. Keep several dry cloths handy for each job.
• Glass-Safe Cleaning Solution: Commercial-grade window cleaning soap or concentrate. Avoid ammonia-based products on tinted windows.

This will make up the foundation of your window-washing business start-up list if you’re working with a tight budget. But if you have more capital to put to use, look no further than our arsenal of machines.

Set Yourself Up For Success at SweepScrub

Don’t let dated equipment and methods hold you back from thriving in this line of work. You can empower yourself to clean smarter, faster, safer, and better with the right solutions from SweepScrub.

We partner with industry-leading manufacturers to bring you the best window washing machines at unbeatable prices, backed by world-class customer service along the way. Connect today and we’ll help you choose the right setup, or learn more about our personal favorites below:

IPC Eagle Hydro Cart Junior, DI-Only System

A compact, lightweight machine for areas with low total dissolved solids (TDS < 200 PPM). It runs off tap water and doesn’t need any electricity or a booster. 

The single-stage deionization setup removes minerals that cause spotting, so you can deliver streak-free results from the ground up to five stories. Available with or without pole and brush kits. Just connect a garden hose and you’re good to go.

IPC Eagle Hydro Cart Junior, 3-Stage RO System

Need a little more performance? This machine gives you sediment, RO, and DI filtration to remove up to 99% of minerals in any water source. It still runs on tap pressure but can be upgraded with a booster if needed.

You’ll be able to operate up to 3 stories without ladders and get professional-grade results without chemicals. This is a major jump in efficiency for commercial or multi-unit routes.

IPC Eagle Hydro Cart Compact

This powerhouse brings in battery, electric, or gas-powered boost options for more volume and higher reach - allowing you to clean up to 5 stories high from the ground.

The 3-stage filtration puts out crystal-clear water, while the large wheels and small footprint make transport a breeze. It works with fiberglass or carbon fiber poles, includes 100’ of industrial hose, and sets up/breaks down effortlessly between jobs.

IPC Eagle Hydro Cart™, 4-Stage Pure Water Beast

Go all-in from the get-go with this machine, built for high-volume, all-day operation. It features 4 filtration stages, optional booster power (battery, electric, gas), and compatibility with telescopic poles so you can clean glass up to 5 stories with no ladders, chemicals, or guesswork.

This system pays for itself over time as it cuts cleaning time by up to 75% and delivers spot-free glass every time. It’s durable enough for daily commercial use, so you can rest assured it’ll continue to deliver an ROI for years to come.

Get in Touch Today

Whether you're starting with one pole and a DI tank or scaling up with an RO-powered, high-reach system, SweepScrub has the tools to match your ambition. We’ve outfitted everyone from solo operators to nationwide crews. Get in touch today!

Business Essentials

What do you need to start a window cleaning business beyond the machines above, though? There are a few infrastructure essentials as well:

• Job scheduling: Track appointments/follow-ups with a paper log, spreadsheet, or app.
• Payment collection: Make it easy for customers to pay using mobile invoicing tools, card readers, or payment apps. These also save you headaches.
• Branding materials: A simple logo, shirt, and truck magnet help build trust even before you say hello.
• Client communication: A system for quoting jobs, confirming appointments, and asking for reviews goes a long way in turning one-time work into repeat business.

These may sound simple, but most people don’t set them up until they’re already behind. Do it early and you’ll feel 10 steps ahead.

Certifications and Training

You don’t need a formal license to clean windows in most places - but you can work more diligently and set yourself apart with:

• Safety training: Especially if you’ll be working on ladders or above ground level. Fall protection and ladder safety courses are easy to find and well worth it.
• Local business certifications: Registering as a vendor with your city or school district can open up large contracts you might otherwise miss.
• Industry workshops: Organizations like the IWCA (International Window Cleaning Association) offer webinars and resources to legitimize your business and improve your skills.

With all of these things top-of-mind, we’ll walk you through how to start a window cleaning business below so you can land your first contract and start growing the operation!

How Do I Start a Window Cleaning Business Once I Have the Essentials?

We’re not going to bog you down with information overload or cover things that don’t really move the needle, like choosing the perfect business name or getting all the different certifications in the world. Just practical tips to start earning income. 

Step 1: Set Up Your Legal and Financial Foundation

You don’t need to stress too much about choosing between an LLC or a sole proprietorship. These things don’t really matter if you don’t have a client, after all. But, there are a few basic housekeeping items we want to cover:

• Register your business. Most solo window cleaners start as an LLC. It’s simple, affordable, and separates your personal assets from business risks.
• Get a business license. Requirements vary by city/state, so check with your local small business office or chamber of commerce.
• Set up business banking. Open a separate checking account and consider using accounting software like QuickBooks or Wave.
• Insurance is a must. Even basic liability insurance protects you if someone claims damage or injury.

No one likes paperwork, but skipping this stuff leads to bigger problems later. Take a weekend, knock it out, and move forward knowing your business is solid.

Step 2: Define Your Services and Pricing Structure

Start with a clear service list. Do you serve homeowners or other businesses? Are you doing strictly exterior glass? Do you include screens, tracks, skylights, or solar panels? What about high-rise or storefront work?

Our advice is to always start as niche as possible, and then expand down the road as you become known as the “go-to” window cleaning company in a specific segment. 

Pricing out your services is probably something you don’t feel super confident about, and your best bet is to get a sense of what others are charging in your area. Then, price accordingly. 

Residential windows are often priced per window pane or per house. Start with a basic rate (like $5-10 per pane) and adjust based on difficulty. Commercial jobs can be bid for monthly or quarterly service contracts. Focus on consistency, not one-offs. The back-end is where the money is made.

Be clear on what’s included and what costs extra. Customers appreciate transparency, and you’ll avoid awkward conversations when they see the invoice. 

Step 3: Build an Initial Client Base

Forget paid ads for now. Your first dozen clients will likely come from:

• Friends and neighbors: Offer discounted or even free cleans in exchange for reviews and referrals.
• Facebook community groups: Post before/after photos and offer a first-time special.
• Property managers: Drop by in person, leave a card, and be polite.

Nobody likes it, but cold calling and window knocking are still prevalent today for a reason. They work! It’s a numbers game, and you’re going to get hung up on and have the door shut in your face. But every no takes you one step closer to a yes. 

It becomes so much easier once you get your first few clients because 1) you can turn to them for repeat business, 2) you can use them as success stories to attract future clients, and 3) you can ask them for referrals.

Take photos of every job. Post them. Tag your city or neighborhood. Your online presence doesn’t need to be fancy - it just needs to show real, recent work. 

Step 4: Systemize and Grow the Business

You might start out as a solo operator at first, but the goal is to work on the business rather than in the business. That means putting systems in place once your time becomes the biggest bottleneck.

You can hire help or raise prices when you reach capacity. Those are your two options for scaling your income higher. You’ll also start to rely more heavily on systems such as scheduling tools (Jobber or even Google Calendar).

We recommend storing client notes for repeat business, as it makes life so much easier and saves time. You can jot down glass type, access details, preferences, etc. Create templates for quotes, invoices, and reminders to save time as well.

Step 5: Focus on Retention and Referrals

One-time jobs are fine, but like we said earlier, repeat customers are where the money is. Here are a few strategies for improving retention and referrals:

• Offer discounted quarterly or biannual service packages.
• Check in with past customers via email or text before busy seasons.
• Ask for Google reviews then share them in your marketing

Referrals come naturally when people like your work and your attitude. Be friendly, show up on time, leave things cleaner than you found them. It sounds simple, because it is - yet, most window washers fall short here. 

That can be your edge as you start your window cleaning business.

Final Words on How to Start a Window Cleaning Business

A window-washing business start-up doesn’t require a massive investment. Just the right tools, a bit of hustle, and a clear plan. From understanding your startup costs to picking the right equipment and building long-term clients, we hope our guide on how to start a window cleaning business has left you clear on the next steps. 

Want to learn more about how to start a commercial cleaning business? Our blog introduces you to other ventures like how to start a restoration company, how to start a parking lot cleaning business, bathroom cleaning business - the list goes on and on!

But whether you’re looking for the ideal window-washing machine or the best commercial carpet cleaner, tile floor cleaning machine, or anything in between, your search ends here at SweepScrub. 

We bring you helpful resources, industry-leading equipment, and unparalleled customer service from A to Z. Get the gear the pros use at SweepScrub and start your business with confidence!