Is Window Washing a Good Business?

You’ve probably seen more and more window-washing companies popping up, and it’s not hard to see why. These types of service-based businesses are a tried and true to start earning income with minimal training or start-up costs.

But is window washing a good business for YOU? We’re here to help you set your expectations and weigh the pros and cons of starting this venture. We’ll talk about window washing business income and expenses, time commitment, and job enjoyment.

You’ll also learn about some of the downsides to cleaning windows for a living, because it’s not all sunshine and rainbows like social media would lead you to believe. It’s hard work, and it’s only becoming more competitive as people discover the benefits of window washing work.

The key takeaway, though, is a window cleaning business can be a fun, fulfilling, and lucrative opportunity for the right person. You just have to be comfortable putting yourself out there to get your first few clients and willing to work your tail off when you do land contracts.

We’re here to help set you up for success with our unparalleled lineup of window washing machines at SweepScrub, which can improve operator safety, results, and efficiency all at once. Invest in yourself today by connecting with our experts - we’ll help you find the right systems! 

What Goes into a Window-Washing Business?

Running a window-washing business involves a lot more than grabbing a squeegee and bucket. It’s a real, hands-on service business that requires smart systems to scale. 

The job itself is really simple, though. Clean windows safely, efficiently, and without leaving streaks. Customers, be it residents in affluent neighborhoods or businesses with their own facility, will pay a pretty penny if you can do this consistently. 

Most days involve traveling to job sites, unloading gear, prepping the work area, and completing residential or commercial window cleanings. That might mean ladder work, ground-level panes, or hard-to-reach sunrooms.

Your arsenal will likely consist of professional-grade squeegees, extension poles, scrubbers, and buckets. But there are more sophisticated methods that save you time and empower you to work safer and more efficiently, like IPC Eagle’s Hydro Carts. 

These let you clean high windows from the ground without ladders or chemicals, and they guarantee water quality for a streak-free finish. We’ll talk about how these machines can support your workflow later on.

But beyond the glass you’ll also need to act as a business owner - you’ll manage scheduling, invoices, and customer communication. Some pros stay solo, while others grow into multi-van crews. You can make this business whatever you want it to be.

That said, is window washing a good business for you?

Is Window Washing a Good Business?

The short answer is window wahsing can be an excellent business if you approach it with clear expectations, the right tools, and a focus on quality work. There is a ton of room for profit and you can scale it as high as you like.

Be clear, though, it’s not always as glamorous as you might think. It can be tough to get the ball rolling with so many window washers vying for the same contracts, and the work itself can be exhausting if you don’t have the right equipment. 

We want to help you set your expectations below. 

Is a Window Cleaning Business Profitable?

This is the most common question we get asked: is a window cleaning business profitable? Yes. Profit margins are strong when you price your services correctly and run your operation efficiently. 

Basic equipment costs are low compared to other trades, and ongoing overhead (like supplies, insurance, and transportation) is manageable. Even our machines, which cost anywhere from $1,500-$4,000+, pay for themselves fast with time savings and superior results.

But let’s get more specific about the type of window washing business income you can expect. Solo operators often earn $50-$100+ per hour, depending on their market and efficiency. Just think about what’s possible with a few clients per day! You can easily build a stable, reliable income without a physical storefront or expensive tools.

Commercial clients are where the real money is made, though, because they’re easier to get on recurring contracts. Your best bet for window cleaning business profit is going to be office parks, schools, apartment buildings, and retailers who need monthly or quarterly cleaning.

Flexible Schedule and Scalable Operation

Flexibility is another major perk of starting your own window cleaning business. You can start part-time and grow at your own pace. It’s easy to schedule jobs around other commitments, and you get to work outside in the sun with minimal desk time.

Scaling is easy if you decide you want to earn more window washing business income, too. Add a second set of tools, train a helper, and take on more jobs. Or, simply raise your prices!

Many window cleaning companies stay lean with just 1-3 people and still do six to seven figures annually. Others expand into pressure washing, gutter cleaning, or other exterior maintenance services to increase revenue per stop. You get out of this business what you put in.

Recession-Resistant Demand in Many Markets

Businesses and property managers still want clean, presentable buildings - even during economic slowdowns. After all, smudged glass at retail locations and offices can be detrimental to customer perceptions.

Sure, luxury spending might dip - but even in residential areas, higher-income homeowners would rather pay a bit of money to outsource this task regardless of market conditions.

What to Consider Before Diving In

So is window washing a good business? It definitely can be, but there are a few “cons” to consider before you go out and invest in your first window-washing machine and start knocking on doors:

• Physical demands: This is hands-on work. You’ll be standing, stretching, climbing ladders (unless you invest in pole systems), and working in the elements. This isn’t a bad thing for the right individual who loves moving all day rather than sitting at a desk.
• Client management: Washing windows can be fun - but some of the client facing stuff isn’t as exciting or fulfilling. You’ll be quoting jobs, answering calls, sending invoices, and keeping customers happy. Being reliable and communicative is just as important as being good with a squeegee.
• Seasonality: Winter can slow things down in cold climates. Some cleaners shift to indoor jobs, while others use this time for marketing, maintenance, or vacation. Business tends to stay steady year-round in warmer areas.

The bottom line is this: yes, window cleaning is a good business. But like any trade, it rewards consistency, care, and effort. Keep your customers happy, keep your workflow efficient, and you’ll build something that lasts. We’ve got some tips to help you do just that below!

Tips on Making the Most of Your Window-Washing Venture

We have a more thorough guide on how to start a window cleaning business if you want more specific insights on every step of the process. But here are some ways you can boost profits, productivity, and enjoyment from this venture. 

Earn Higher Profits With the Right Machine

A good machine does more than save time. It improves safety, consistency, and finish quality. Trust us, clients notice when you can clean faster and leave a better result. That’s what keeps them coming back for more. 

So, set yourself up for success from the jump with SweepScrub, your one-stop shop for commercial cleaning equipment and supplies online. 

We source the latest-and-greatest from the top manufacturers in the industry, including an array of window washing machines from IPC Eagle to help serious window cleaners cover more ground, safely and efficiently:

• IPC Eagle Hydro Cart Junior (Single-Stage DI): Lightweight for soft water areas with low total dissolved solids (TDS). Simple to use for one-person crews working up to five stories without chemicals or ladders.
• IPC Eagle Hydro Cart Junior (3-Stage RO/DI System): Higher water purity for streak-free results, even in areas with high TDS. Fully portable and expandable with optional booster pumps for up to 3 stories using standard tap pressure.
• IPC Eagle Hydro Cart Compact (3-Stage System): Packs high-volume pure water output into a portable frame with big rear wheels. Great for mobile teams or facilities crews cleaning multiple buildings without returning to a van or refill station.
• IPC Eagle Hydro Cart (4-Stage System): The most advanced option with full RO/DI filtration and powerful pump options. Reaches up to five stories, reduces setup time, and cuts labor by up to 75% for large commercial jobs.

Get in touch with our team today, and we’ll talk about your goals and clientele to match you with the right machine. Work smarter, not harder, with SweepScrub!

Build Repeat Business From the Start

Finding clients is hard, especially at first when you’re unproven. So, nurture those relationships once you form them! After all, most clients won’t rebook automatically unless you make it easy. Offer simple, no-pressure maintenance plans - monthly, quarterly, or seasonal. 

Set reminders to follow up. Keep a list of previous jobs and preferences so you can personalize communication. The easier you make it for them to say yes, the more they will.

Market Yourself Like a Local Pro

Professionalism doesn’t mean a giant ad budget. You just need to be visible, clear, and trustworthy. That means you should:

• Make sure your vehicle and uniforms (if any) are clean and branded. 
• Show before/after photos on social media. Ask satisfied clients for reviews and referrals. 
• Keep your website or Google profile up-to-date so people can find and trust you at a glance.

Streamline Your Workflow for Better Efficiency

This goes back to investing in more sophisticated window-washing machines. The less time you spend on a job, the more jobs you can do per day. The more jobs you do per day, the more window washing business income you can earn!

But there are other things you can do to streamline efficiency as well. Preload your gear, label your hoses, and group jobs by neighborhood when possible. Train yourself or your operators to move smoothly through your processes so no movement is wasted. 

Even if you shave just 5-10 minutes from every job, that adds up in the long run and means you could potentially squeeze in an extra client every day. We all have the same 8-working hours daily, it’s up to you to make the most of them!

Know When to Hire or Expand

Eventually, you’ll reach a point where you’re turning down work or burning out. You have two options at that point: hire help or start charging higher prices. Maybe both!

Start by bringing in someone to actually do the service delivery. That way you can focus on growing the business - making more calls, knocking on more doors, optimizing your digital presence, looking into more advanced machines/methods, etc.

Stick to small teams at first and maintain high quality. You’ll need to take your time training whoever you hire so this can feel like a step backwards at first, but it pays for itself in the long run.

You can slowly expand with confidence once you have steady clients and a system that works - whether that’s adding routes, trucks, or even service types. Or, you can decide you’re content with your company’s cash flow and continue to let it run as is!

That’s the beauty of a window cleaning business. It can quite literally be anything you want it to. You’re in complete control. Take the next step towards bringing your business to life now!

So, Is Window Cleaning a Good Business For YOU?

In closing, is window washing a good business? We think it’s an attractive opportunity because it’s a flexible, profitable, and surprisingly low-overhead business - especially if you approach it with the right mindset and tools.

But, it’s not for everyone. Think carefully about whether you enjoy physical work, interacting with clients, and being your own boss before jumping in. If you answered yes to those questions, then there’s just one thing left to do.

Whether you’re trying to learn how to start a restoration company or a bathroom cleaning business, the right equipment makes all the difference. That’s why aspiring entrepreneurs and established companies looking to take the next step turn to SweepScrub.

From the best commercial carpet cleaner to tile floor cleaning machine, this is where the nation’s top cleaning companies and janitorial teams come to source their essentials. Shop today or get in touch for one-on-one support!