How to Start Your Own Window Cleaning Business

Alice Tuffery, writer

Published at 10/11/2018, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min

How to Start Your Own Window Cleaning Business — Photo © window-cleaning-business.jpg

Ever thought about starting a window cleaning business? We’re here to tell you why you should, and provide some top tips for getting the most out of the fantastic opportunity.

Window cleaning is a fairly recession-resistant sector. Most residential customers and, in particular, business owners, continue to pay for thorough window cleaning services when the economy is suffering. So, if you’re thinking about starting a business, why not find out more about this stable business opportunity? There are plenty more advantages…

Reasons why creating a window cleaning business is a good idea

Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the way their houses and businesses look. Even the most impressive buildings look shabby with dirty windows, so window cleaning services are a must for many people.
Modern architects have fallen in love with glass, and many new builds are made entirely from the versatile material. This is great news for window cleaners, as their market is growing all the time.
Most customers aren’t concerned what time their windows get cleaned, as long as they’re pristine by the end of the day. So, you have the flexibility to choose your working hours and fit your job around any existing commitments.
You may opt just to clean windows from the outside, or polish them up internally too. Either way, you’ll probably spend a lot of time outdoors, so if you want a job that gives you more fresh air, window cleaning is a fantastic choice.
You can start a window cleaning business with just a few key pieces of equipment and a vehicle to get you from A to B. You don’t need expensive business premises or the capital to recruit a team of employees, so you can get cracking with a relatively limited budget.
Window cleaning has a reputation for being dangerous – but nowadays, it’s safer than you might think. Lightweight, telescopic poles let you work from the ground so you may not even have to use a ladder…

These days professional window cleaners use ladder-less systems that are able to clean windows up to 60 feet high from the safety of the ground. – The British Window Cleaning Academy

Top tips for starting a window cleaning business

1. Weigh up your options to decide how you’ll get started

You can either operate as a sole trader and grow a customer base from scratch or partner with a franchise. As a sole trader, you’ll knock on doors, talking to people and putting leaflets through letterboxes. It can be an arduous process, and there’s no guarantee your business will succeed in the long term.

Franchising requires an initial set-up fee, but in return you’ll get security, and the chance to work under an established brand with proven systems. You’ll also benefit from the guidance and ongoing support of an experienced franchisor.

>> Read more:

2. Commercial cleaning can earn you more money

If you want to boost your cashflow, you can break into the commercial window cleaning sector. This area can be incredibly lucrative; every business wants to look its best, so you’ll probably be able to pick up long-term contracts for large buildings. If you’re going into this sector, think about whether you’ll clean internally as well as externally. Also, it’s worth bearing in mind that some commercial buildings are so vast you’ll need to use a cherry picker or abseil down the side!

3. Get extra qualifications to lower your insurance costs

Insurance can be expensive for window cleaning businesses, but you can reduce the price you pay by boosting your knowledge and experience. Try completing extra training courses and achieving certificates to bring down your premiums.

4. Choose your customers wisely

Don’t just say yes to every job enquiry you get. It’s worth doing a bit of research to make sure you’ll be able to show your business in the best light. Christopher Turner from The London Window Cleaner says:

We will turn down customers who, for instance, may have a very public building that they only want cleaned once a year. That means it's revolting nine months of the year — and it's my name on that building! People will walk past and see, and think ‘that company's no good!’

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My Window Cleaner

My Window Cleaner is one of the best franchises in the sector – and it’s on the lookout for new investors! You can find out more about the business by heading to My Window Cleaner's profile page on Point Franchise, but here’s an overview of the window cleaning franchise and its investment criteria:

Becoming a My Window Cleaner franchisee: To impress the franchise’s recruitment team, you’ll have to be committed to the business and have the ambition to expand your unit from a single-van operation to a multi-van enterprise. You should also have good communication skills and be prepared to work closely with the franchisor.
How much you need to invest: To become a My Window Cleaner franchisee, you'll need to invest approximately £14,500. The franchise suggests investors can achieve profits of more £65,000 within two years of opening their business.
What you get for your investment: You’ll have the chance to take part in a training programme and get access to ongoing support, but this franchise has plenty of other benefits for investors. Inspired by the way in which digital apps have revolutionised the takeaway and taxi industries, My Window Cleaner has introduced its own digital ordering system. It takes the form of an app, which streamlines booking and payment processes. This helps boost repeat business and automates much of the admin work.

Get started today

Window cleaning businesses can provide consistent, year-round income and a good return on investment. We’ve highlighted one of the best opportunities in this field, but there are plenty of other businesses you may be interested in. Take a look at our catalogue of cleaning franchises looking for new investors. Use the filter tool to sort the selection by investment cost or popularity and find the ideal franchise for you.