Chapter 1 · Learn the Trade
Window Washing
Launch a Window Washing BusinessSimple, Scalable, High-Demand.
Never squeegeed a window? You will learn professional glass cleaning techniques, safety on ladders, and how to deliver a streak-free finish before finding your first paying customer.
The honest numbers, before you start.
$100 - $300
Startup cost
1-2 weeks
Time to first income
$3,000 - $7,000/mo
Income potential
Beginner
Level
Scroll to step inside
Before we start
Where are you starting?
Pick one and we'll take you to the right place. You can change it any time.
What window washing is really like
Honest breakdown of the physical labor and daily routine.
0–0 hours
Time per job
Depends on number of windows and screen difficulty
$0–$0
Typical startup cost
Includes squeegee, scrubber, bucket, and basic ladder
0–0 weeks
Time to first paid job
After mastering technique on your own home
Moderate to High
Physical demand
Frequent ladder climbing and repetitive arm motions
Window washing is about perfection. A single missed spot or streak ruins the entire job.
The equipment is cheap, but the skill is in managing water control—avoiding drips on expensive siding or carpets.
Most of the work involves detailing frames and screens, not just the glass itself.
The income depends on volume. If you charge $150 for a home and do 6 homes a week, that is $900/week before supplies and travel.
Is this for you?
You'll do well if
- You are comfortable with heights and steady on a ladder
- You have an obsession with 'clean' that others find excessive
- You enjoy working outdoors and don't mind getting a bit wet
You'll struggle if
- You are afraid of heights or prone to dizziness on ladders
- You rush through tasks and struggle with attention to detail
- You find repetitive physical work boring rather than meditative
Quick guess
What does one residential exterior window cleaning sell for?
Guess before you see it. Guessing first helps you remember the real number.
$15
The Core Services
What a window washer actually does
14 services people pay for. Here's what each one is, what it takes and what it pays.
01 / 14
Residential Exterior Window Cleaning
Outside of all windows cleaned by squeegee or water-fed pole, frames wiped.
$150-$400 per home
Typical price
1.5-3 hours
Time
02 / 14
Residential Interior & Exterior Window Cleaning
Both sides of all glass, sills wiped, includes basic detailing.
$250-$700 per home ($8-$15 per pane)
Typical price
3-6 hours
Time
03 / 14
Screen Cleaning
Screens removed, washed, dried and reinstalled.
$3-$8 per screen
Typical price
3-5 minutes per screen
Time
04 / 14
Track & Sill Cleaning
Vacuuming and scrubbing window tracks and sills.
$3-$10 per window
Typical price
5-10 minutes per window
Time
05 / 14
Storefront Window Cleaning (Recurring)
Interior/exterior ground-level commercial glass on weekly, biweekly or monthly route.
$25-$150 per visit
Typical price
15-60 minutes
Time
06 / 14
Low-Rise Commercial Window Cleaning
Offices and buildings up to about 3-4 stories using WFP and ladders.
$300-$2,500 per job
Typical price
3 hours to 2 days
Time
Later
And 8 more services as you grow
Hover and scroll, swipe, or use the arrows.
01 / 11 · 5 skills
Equipment, Vehicle & Safety Setup
Quick guess
How many separate skills does a working pro use?
Start here · the first three skills
Learn these three before anything else.
The big three
Three things do the real work.
If you buy nothing else yet, buy these. Together from about $98 at the value tier, less if you buy used.
Squeegees
Squeegee handle and channel
The squeegee is the tool that actually removes water and dirt from the glass to leave it streak-free, so every job depends on it.
The rest of the kit, when you need it.
34 items for day one and 81 in all, sorted by when to buy. Always replace your squeegee rubber blades the moment they get a nick; a damaged blade will scratch glass or leave streaks.
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Practice Strategy
Build your skills
Practice on your home
Clean every window inside and out. Master the edges without dripping.
Help a neighbor
Clean their windows for free in exchange for a Google review and permission to take photos.
Document work
Take photos of the glass looking through the clean window to show clarity.
Safety Rules
- Always inspect your ladder for loose bolts or damaged feet before use.
- Never lean a ladder against gutters if they are plastic or flimsy.
- Maintain three points of contact on the ladder at all times.
- Stay away from power lines—metal ladders and water are a deadly combination.
Practice checklist
Before your first paid job
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From Shop Talk
What people doing this say about learn the trade
No questions here yet. Ask the first one. Professor, our AI, answers right away, and pros can chime in.
See all discussionsWorking window washing pros correct this guide as certified Experts. Become an Expert
See something wrong? Suggest a change to this guide
Common Pitfalls
Mistakes that cost you money
Mistake 01
Using too much dish soap
Excess soap causes sticky residue that collects dirt quickly.
Keep scrolling for the fix
Instead
Use a tiny drop of Dawn or professional cleaner—less is more.
Mistake 02
Cleaning in direct sunlight
Sun dries the soapy solution before you can squeegee, leaving permanent streaks.
Keep scrolling for the fix
Instead
Work in the shade or on cloudy days whenever possible.
Mistake 03
Overreaching from the ladder
This is how accidents happen.
Keep scrolling for the fix
Instead
If you can't reach it safely, climb down and move the ladder.
Question 1 of 2
What is the best way to ensure streak-free glass?
Chapter 1 complete · 1 of 7 steps done
You just started a business plan.
Every choice you made on this page went into it. Scroll to see version 1 of your window washing business.
Built by AI from your choices
Your window washing business, version 1
Updates as you change your choices
Starting point
Not picked yet
Services you'd offer
None picked yet. Tap "I'd offer this" on any service.
Your big three
Squeegee handle and channel · Strip washer · Fiberglass extension ladder · from about $98
First three skills
Work vehicle layout, ladder rack and secure storage setup · Choosing and maintaining squeegees, channels, rubbers and hand tools · Ladder selection, inspection and setup
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- Your plan, saved and growing through all 12 chapters
- Progress kept on every device
- Ask the Professor, 3 questions a day
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Next · Chapter 2
Master the Craft
Every beginner and pro skill of window washing: the video, the steps, the mistakes, a practice drill and the gear for each one.
Are you a working pro in window washing? Help improve this guide