Guide
Window cleaning cost: inside vs outside
Professional window cleaning usually costs $8 to $16 per window for both sides. Here's what you'll pay for your home, how much you save cleaning only the outside, and when it's worth doing yourself.
Updated October 12, 2026 · By the Trade Pricing Control team · Where our prices come from
Cost by home size: inside and outside vs outside only
| Home (approx. windows) | Inside & outside | Outside only |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 sq ft (15) | $120 – $250 | $100 – $150 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25) | $200 – $400 | $120 – $240 |
| 4,000 sq ft (40) | $320 – $640 | $190 – $385 |
Small jobs often hit the company's minimum, which is why a small home's outside-only price doesn't drop much. Ranges assume standard windows on one or two stories.
Inside and outside, or just outside?
- Outside only makes sense when the inside glass is easy to reach and you don't mind doing it yourself. The outside is where the dirt, pollen and hard water spots build up, and it's the side that's hard to reach.
- Both sides is worth it for a spring clean, before selling or hosting, or if you have tall or hard-to-reach inside windows. Booking both sides also means one visit and a single minimum charge.
Price by window type
| Window type | Cost per window |
|---|---|
| Single-hung, double-hung, casement, sliding | $8 – $16 |
| Picture window | $10 – $25 |
| Bay or bow window | $15 – $30 |
| Windows above the 2nd floor | $10 – $40 |
| Sliding glass door | $10 – $25 |
Extras that add to the bill
| Extra | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Screen cleaning | $2 – $5 per screen |
| Tracks and sills | $1 – $3 per window |
| Frames | $2 – $4 per window |
| Paint or sticker removal | $5 – $15 per window |
Some companies include screens, tracks and sills in their standard price, so always ask what's included before comparing quotes. The first cleaning can cost more if the windows haven't been done in years or have hard water stains.
How often should windows be cleaned?
Most homes do well with a professional cleaning twice a year, usually in spring and fall. Homes near the coast, busy roads, construction or in dusty areas may need it every three months. Many companies discount recurring visits.
A fall window clean pairs well with other end-of-season jobs: gutter cleaning, leaf removal and hedge trimming. Many companies discount a bundled visit.
DIY or hire a pro?
Ground-floor windows are a manageable DIY job with a bucket, a scrubber, a good squeegee and a lint-free cloth. Work on a cloudy day so the glass doesn't dry with streaks. Hire a pro for second-story windows, anything that needs a tall ladder, hard water stains, or when you'd rather not spend a weekend on it. A crew typically finishes an average home in 2 to 4 hours.
Questions to ask before you book
- Is the price for inside and outside, and are screens, tracks and sills included?
- Do you charge extra for second- or third-story windows?
- Are you insured?
- Do you offer a discount for recurring visits?
Tipping isn't required, but if you're happy with the work, 10% to 15% of the bill or $10 to $20 per person is a common thank-you.
Run a window cleaning business? Price jobs per pane with the price per pane calculator or by the whole home with the window cleaning pricing calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to clean windows inside and out?
Most companies charge $8 to $16 per window for both sides, with a $100 to $250 minimum. An average home with about 25 windows usually costs $200 to $400.
Is outside-only window cleaning cheaper?
Yes. Cleaning only the outside typically costs around 60% of the inside-and-outside price, though small homes may still pay the company's minimum charge.
How much does window cleaning cost per pane?
About $8 to $16 per standard window for both sides. Picture windows run about $10 to $25, bay or bow windows $15 to $30, and windows above the second floor $10 to $40.
How often should I get my windows cleaned?
Twice a year, in spring and fall, suits most homes. Coastal homes, homes near busy roads and dusty areas may need cleaning every three months.
Do window cleaners clean screens?
Many do, either included or for about $2 to $5 per screen. Ask before you book so you can compare quotes fairly.