Key Insights for Window Cleaning Costs
- Most pros charge per window or per pane rather than by the hour, so the total scales directly with how many windows your home has.
- Cleaning both sides (interior and exterior) in a single visit costs more than one side alone, but in many cases is less than two separate appointments.
- Hard water stain removal is almost always quoted separately, adding $50 to $150 to the base cost.
- Second-storey and hard-to-reach windows typically add $3 to $8 per window to the standard rate.
- Booking window cleaning on a recurring schedule often comes at a lower per-visit rate than a one-time clean.
In this guide, you'll read about:
- Average Window Cleaning Costs
- Breakdown: How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost?
- Window Cleaning Service Costs for Houses vs. Condos or High-Rise Buildings
- How to Keep Your Window Cleaning Costs Down
- How Often Should You Schedule Window Cleaning?
- Find a Window Cleaning Pro on HomeStars
- Frequently Asked Questions About Window Cleaning Costs
Average Window Cleaning Costs
For most Canadian homeowners, a standard exterior-only clean on a detached house runs between $150 and $300. A combined interior and exterior clean in the same visit typically costs $250 to $500, depending on window count and property layout.
The table below gives general window cleaning cost ranges by property type and scope.
| Property type and scope | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Small house, exterior only (up to 10 windows) | $100 to $200 |
| Average detached house, exterior only | $150 to $300 |
| Average detached house, interior and exterior | $250 to $500 |
| Large house (20+ windows), interior and exterior | $400 to $700 |
| Condo or apartment, interior only | $80 to $200 |
| Low-rise building (2 to 4 storeys) | $200 to $500 |
| High-rise unit (rope access required) | $400 to $900+ |
Window type also affects per-unit pricing. The table below shows typical per-window costs for common window types, exterior cleaning only.
| Window type | Typical cost per window (exterior) |
|---|---|
| Standard single or double-hung | $5 to $12 |
| Casement or awning | $6 to $15 |
| Sliding or picture window | $8 to $18 |
| Bay or bow window | $15 to $30 |
| Skylight (per unit) | $20 to $50 |
| French or divided-light window | $10 to $25 |
These are general estimates. Your actual window cleaning service cost depends on the factors covered below.
Find window cleaning pros near you on HomeStars
Breakdown: How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost?
Most standard quotes cover the exterior glass, or both interior and exterior if requested. Screens, tracks, and sills are sometimes included and sometimes quoted separately, so it is worth confirming what is in scope before agreeing to a price. Hard water stain removal and frame cleaning are almost always a separate line item. A clear scope agreement upfront avoids misunderstandings on the day of the visit.
Several factors shape the total window cleaning cost from one project to the next, and understanding each one helps you read a quote clearly and ask the right questions before committing.
Labour
Labour makes up the largest share of most window cleaning quotes. Most pros in Canada charge $5 to $15 per standard window for exterior cleaning, with interior cleaning adding another $3 to $8 per window. Where hourly rates apply, expect to pay $40 to $80 per hour depending on your market and the crew size.
Number of Windows
Window count is the single biggest driver of the total. A home with 12 windows will cost considerably less than one with 30, even when all other conditions are the same. Some pros quote a flat rate for a set window count and charge a per-window fee beyond that threshold.
Accessibility
Windows on the ground floor with clear access take the least time. Those on upper floors, above a deck or garage, or partly blocked by trees and shrubs require ladders or extended poles, which adds time to the project. Expect to pay $3 to $8 more per window for second-storey and harder-to-reach locations.
Equipment
For standard homes, pros typically work with squeegees, extension poles, and cleaning solution. Water-fed pole systems use purified water and leave a spot-free finish without a squeegee pass: they are common for two-storey homes. High-rise buildings require rope access, swing stages, or boom lifts, which cost $300 to $600 per day to operate. That cost is folded into the project quote rather than itemized separately, which is one reason high-rise window cleaning costs considerably more per unit than standard residential work.
Products Used
Standard cleaning solution is included in most base quotes. If you prefer an eco-friendly or fragrance-free product, confirm this with the pro upfront as some charge a small premium. Hard water stain and mineral deposit removal are almost always quoted separately because the treatment requires stronger solutions and more time. Budget an additional $50 to $150 for a dedicated hard water treatment.
Property Condition
Windows that have not been cleaned in over a year take more product and more time than those on a regular schedule. Some pros apply a first-time cleaning surcharge of $20 to $75 for properties that need significant work to get up to a standard baseline.
Location
Labour rates vary across Canadian cities. Window cleaning projects in Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary typically cost more than in smaller markets, reflecting local labour costs. In denser urban areas, parking and access constraints also add time to a project.
Note: Prices in this guide are estimates based on typical Canadian market rates. Actual quotes will vary by city, property, and scope. Always request quotes from at least two or three pros before deciding.
Window Cleaning Service Costs for Houses vs. Condos or High-Rise Buildings
The cost difference between residential and high-rise window cleaning comes down to access. A pro with a ladder and an extension pole can reach most windows on a detached house. For anything above the fourth floor, that changes.
Houses
For a typical single or two-storey detached or semi-detached house, most window cleaning projects fall between $150 and $500 depending on window count and scope. Exterior-only cleans are the most common request and cost less than combined interior and exterior visits. Screen cleaning is sometimes offered as an add-on, typically at $2 to $5 per screen.
Condos
Interior cleaning for a condo unit is the unit owner's responsibility and typically costs $80 to $200 for a standard unit with 6 to 12 windows. Exterior cleaning on units above the first or second floor is usually handled by the building's property management and covered through condo fees, not a direct homeowner cost. If you want both sides cleaned in one visit, check with your building management first to confirm which surfaces are your responsibility.
High-Rise Buildings
High-rise window cleaning is commercial in scope even when the building is residential. For buildings above four storeys, pros use rope access, bosun's chairs, or motorized platforms. Individual unit quotes for this kind of access typically start at $400 and can exceed $900, depending on floor height, window size, and the equipment required. Most high-rise exterior cleaning is arranged and paid for through the building corporation.
Get matched with window cleaning pros on HomeStars
How to Keep Your Window Cleaning Costs Down
A few practical steps can reduce the overall window cleaning service cost without cutting corners on the result.
- Book recurring cleanings: pros often charge less per visit to repeat clients, and windows on a regular schedule are faster to clean.
- Clean screens yourself: removing and rinsing screens before the pro arrives reduces on-site time and can lower the quoted price.
- Bundle with neighbours: some window cleaning companies offer a discount when multiple homes in the same area book on the same day, since it cuts travel time between projects.
- Book off-peak: spring and fall are the busiest seasons for exterior cleaning, so summer or winter appointments can sometimes be arranged at a lower rate.
- Treat hard water early: a light mineral deposit is faster and cheaper to remove than an established one, so addressing it at first sign keeps future cleaning costs lower.
You can also consider pairing window cleaning with an exterior house wash if your siding needs attention at the same time. See the exterior house washing cost guide for a breakdown: many pros will offer a lower combined rate for both services in one visit.
How Often Should You Schedule Window Cleaning?
A twice-yearly schedule works for most Canadian homes: once in spring after winter salt and debris, and once in fall before the cold sets in. Homes near busy roads, construction sites, or bodies of water tend to accumulate grime faster and benefit from three or four cleanings per year.
Interior windows generally need attention less often than exteriors. Many homeowners schedule an exterior-only clean in summer and a combined interior and exterior visit in spring or fall.
If you are preparing a home for sale or a special event, a one-time professional clean is a practical and cost-effective option. For a sense of what broader home cleaning costs, see the house and apartment cleaning cost guide.
Find a Window Cleaning Pro on HomeStars
The most direct way to get an accurate window cleaning cost for your home is to hear from pros working in your area. On HomeStars, you can read reviews from other homeowners, browse profiles, and compare past work before deciding who to contact. Post your project for free, connect with window cleaning pros near you, and compare multiple assessments and quotes.
Post your window cleaning project on HomeStars
Frequently Asked Questions About Window Cleaning Costs
How long does a window cleaning project take?
For a typical two-storey house with 15 to 20 windows, an exterior-only clean usually takes one to two hours. A combined interior and exterior clean on the same home takes two to four hours depending on crew size and window condition. When you post your project on HomeStars, ask each pro for a time estimate alongside the quote so you can plan the visit accordingly.
Does window cleaning cost more in winter?
Not necessarily. Fewer companies offer outdoor residential window cleaning in winter, and availability is more limited in regions with severe cold. Where companies do offer winter cleaning, pricing is generally comparable to other times of year, and scheduling lead times can actually be shorter. The main practical consideration is that some cleaning solutions perform less effectively in freezing temperatures, so confirm the approach with any pro before booking.
When is it worth hiring a pro vs. cleaning my windows myself?
For single-storey homes with easy ground-level access, DIY window cleaning with a squeegee and basic solution is manageable. For two-storey homes, hard-to-reach windows, or any situation requiring a ladder above the first storey, the time, equipment, and safety considerations generally make hiring a pro the more practical choice. You can compare window cleaning pros on HomeStars to get a clear sense of what the project costs in your area before making a decision.
What causes streaks after a professional window cleaning?
Streaks usually result from cleaning in direct sunlight (which dries the solution before it can be wiped away), using residue-leaving products, or insufficient squeegee technique on large panes. Pros use squeegees and purified water systems that minimize streaking. If you notice streaks after a visit, contact the pro: most will return to correct the issue at no additional charge under the original project scope.
Are there rebates or programs that offset window cleaning costs in Canada?
Standard residential window cleaning does not qualify for government rebates or incentive programs. However, if you use part of your home as a business workspace, window cleaning for that portion may qualify as a deductible business expense. For rental properties, window cleaning is generally treated as a deductible maintenance cost. The specifics depend on your province and how the property is used, so confirm with a tax professional before claiming anything.