Window Cleaning Costs Explained: A Complete UK Price Breakdown
How Much Should I Pay for Window Cleaning in the UK?
Window cleaning is one of those household and business costs that varies more than most people expect. The price you pay depends on property size, access difficulties, frequency, region, and the type of cleaning method used. Because there’s no universal flat rate across the UK, homeowners often wonder what’s reasonable, what’s too expensive, and what a fair ongoing schedule should cost.
This guide breaks down realistic UK window cleaning prices, explains why they vary, and gives detailed examples. It also includes tables and comparison summaries to help you work out what you should be paying—whether for a suburban semi-detached home, a city-centre flat, or a commercial building.
1. Typical Window Cleaning Prices in the UK
The majority of UK domestic window cleaners charge between £8 and £45 per visit, depending on the property size and complexity. Commercial prices vary more widely and are often calculated per window or per hour.
Average UK Prices (Domestic)
| Property Type | Typical Price Range (Per Clean) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | £8–£15 | Easy access, few windows |
| 2-bed terrace | £12–£20 | Front/back clean |
| 3-bed semi-detached | £15–£30 | Most common price band |
| 4-bed detached | £25–£45 | Larger glass areas |
| Large detached / complex access | £40–£80 | Ladders, extensions, conservatories |
These figures assume a standard exterior clean using either traditional mop-and-squeegee or water-fed pole.
2. How Window Cleaners Charge
Most window cleaners use one of four pricing models:
1. Price per visit (most common)
A flat fee based on your house type and window count.
2. Price per window
Less common for domestic, more for commercial. E.g. £0.50–£2.00 per window depending on size and accessibility.
3. Hourly rate
Used mainly for one-off or complex cleans. Average hourly rate: £20–£50 per hour.
4. Per square metre (commercial)
Often used for large shopfronts or offices. Common rates: £1.00–£4.00 per m².
3. Key Factors That Influence Window Cleaning Cost
Prices can vary significantly due to multiple considerations.
3.1 Property Type and Size
Larger homes naturally have more windows. A semi-detached home with 12–16 windows may cost £15–£30, while a detached property with 25+ windows could be £30–£60.
3.2 Height and Accessibility
Height increases difficulty and time.
| Height | Typical Additional Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ground floor only | None | Easiest access |
| First floor | Included in typical price | Reachable with pole |
| Second floor | +£5–£15 | More time + safety |
| Third floor and above | Specialist pricing | May need harness or long pole |
Windows behind extensions, over conservatory roofs, or above garages may also add cost.
3.3 Frequency of Cleaning
The more regularly you book, the cheaper each clean becomes.
| Schedule | Average Cost Difference |
|---|---|
| Every 4 weeks | Cheapest per clean |
| Every 6–8 weeks | Most common plan |
| One-off / ad hoc | 20–50% more expensive |
Example:
A £20 regular clean may rise to £25–£35 for a one-off service due to extra dirt build-up.
3.4 Location in the UK
Prices vary by region:
| Region | General Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| London / South East | Highest | Higher operating costs |
| South West / Midlands | Mid-range | Lots of water-fed pole usage |
| North West / North East | Cheaper | Lower cost of living |
| Rural Scotland / Wales | Lower to mid | Travel time affects price |
Average differences can be £5–£20 per clean.
3.5 Method Used: Traditional vs Water-Fed Pole
Traditional (ladder, squeegee)
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Good for ground floors and small houses
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Usually slightly more expensive due to manual nature
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Leaves very clear finish
Water-Fed Pole (WFP)
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Purified water and telescopic poles
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Faster, safer, no ladders
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Often £2–£5 cheaper per job
3.6 Extras and Add-Ons
Many cleaners offer additional services, which affect price:
| Add-On | Typical Cost (UK) |
|---|---|
| Interior window cleaning | +£10–£50 |
| Conservatory exterior | £10–£40 |
| Conservatory roof | £20–£70 |
| Fascia & soffit cleaning | £30–£100 |
| Gutter clearing | £30–£120 |
| Solar panel cleaning | £5–£15 per panel |
| Skylight cleaning | +£2–£5 per skylight |
| Sash window deep clean | +£1–£3 per window |
A full “exterior wash package” could add £50–£150 depending on the home size.
4. Domestic Window Cleaning Cost Examples
Here are realistic scenarios to help you compare your property.
4.1 Small Flat (1–2 Bedrooms)
Average price: £8–£18 per clean
Frequency: Every 4–8 weeks
Typical issues: Easy access, small job, rarely needs ladders.
Example breakdown:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exterior windows only | £12 |
| Exterior + interior | £22 |
| One-off deep clean | £18 |
4.2 Terraced House (2–3 Bedrooms)
Average price: £12–£22
Terraces often have 10–14 windows including:
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Front bay
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Bedroom windows
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Bathroom window
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Back kitchen window
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Patio doors (optional add-on)
Example pricing:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Regular 6-week clean | £15 |
| Add patio doors | +£2–£4 |
| One-off visit | £20–£25 |
4.3 Semi-Detached House (3 Bedrooms)
One of the most common UK property types.
Average price: £15–£30
Example:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard exterior | £18 |
| Conservatory windows | +£10 |
| Interior | +£15–£25 |
| Fascias & soffits | £40–£80 |
4.4 Detached House (4+ Bedrooms)
Properties may have 20–35+ windows.
Average price: £25–£60
Breakdown:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard exterior | £35 |
| Conservatory roof | £30 |
| High-level windows | +£10–£20 |
| Full home + extras | £80–£150 |
5. Commercial Window Cleaning Costs
Commercial prices depend heavily on complexity, window count, safety requirements, and location.
5.1 Shopfronts
Typical small shopfront:
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£8–£20 per visit
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Usually cleaned fortnightly
Larger shopfronts might pay £20–£50 per clean.
5.2 Offices (Low-Rise)
For small office buildings:
| Floor Count | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1–2 floors | £15–£50 |
| 2–4 floors | £30–£80 |
| 4–6 floors | £60–£150 |
Water-fed poles are common for anything up to 60 ft.
5.3 High-Rise Buildings
These require abseilers, cherry pickers, or BMU cradles.
Typical rates:
-
£45–£100+ per hour for specialist teams
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Or priced per m²: £1.00–£4.00 per m²
Large buildings can pay £1,000–£10,000+ per full clean depending on location and frequency.
6. One-Off vs Regular Cleaning: Which Is Better?
One-Off Clean
Pros:
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Great for pre-sale or after renovation
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Deep clean inside and out
Cons:
-
Costs more: usually 20–50% higher
Regular Clean
Pros:
-
Stable pricing
-
Less dirt build-up
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Better finish
Cons:
-
Slight ongoing expense
Example price comparison:
| Property | Regular Clean | One-Off |
|---|---|---|
| 3-bed semi | £18 | £25–£30 |
| 4-bed detached | £30 | £40–£55 |
| Flat | £12 | £15–£20 |
If you plan to maintain your windows long-term, regular cleaning is usually better value.
7. Window Cleaning Extras: Are They Worth Paying For?
Interior Window Cleaning
Costs £10–£50 extra depending on home size. Good before events or after building work.
Conservatory Roof Cleaning
Costs £20–£70.
Worth it every 6–12 months to keep algae and moss down.
Solar Panel Cleaning
Typically £5–£15 per panel.
Some households skip it, but annual cleaning can improve efficiency.
Gutter Cleaning
Often offered at a discount when bundled with window cleaning.
Expect £30–£120 depending on house size.
8. How to Know If You’re Being Charged Fairly
Use this checklist:
✔ Count your windows
A typical UK semi has 12–16 windows.
✔ Consider height
If you have second-floor or hard-to-reach windows, expect a slight premium.
✔ Compare with regional averages
South East costs more than Wales or Northern England.
✔ Check frequency
Occasional cleans always cost more.
✔ Look at the condition
If your windows haven’t been cleaned for a year, expect a surcharge.
9. Typical Price Ranges by Region
| Region | Typical Price (3-bed semi) |
|---|---|
| London & South East | £20–£35 |
| South West | £15–£25 |
| Midlands | £15–£25 |
| North West | £12–£22 |
| North East | £12–£20 |
| Scotland | £12–£22 |
| Wales | £12–£20 |
These are typical market prices, but individual cleaners vary.
10. Frequency vs Cost: How Often Should You Clean?
Most UK households choose:
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Every 4 weeks – for pristine results
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Every 6 weeks – the most popular
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Every 8 weeks – budget-friendly
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Every 12 weeks – minimal maintenance
Relationship Between Frequency and Cost
| Frequency | Relative Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | Lowest per clean | Busy households, kerb appeal |
| 6 weeks | Moderate | Most families |
| 8 weeks | Slightly higher per visit | Budgeting |
| 12+ weeks | High one-off cost | Minimal upkeep |
11. How Window Cleaning Prices Compare to Other Exterior Services
| Service | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Window cleaning | £12–£45 |
| Gutter cleaning | £30–£120 |
| Fascia/soffit washing | £30–£100 |
| Conservatory roof cleaning | £20–£70 |
| Power washing/patio | £40–£200 |
Window cleaning is one of the cheapest ongoing exterior maintenance tasks.
12. How Much Should YOU Pay? (Estimated Price Calculator)
Use this quick rule-of-thumb.
12.1 Domestic Calculator
Base price:
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Flat: £10
-
Terrace: £15
-
Semi: £18
-
Detached: £25
Add:
-
+£5 for difficult access
-
+£5 for second-floor windows
-
+£5–£15 for conservatory
-
+£5–£10 if one-off
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+£10–£25 for interior cleaning
Example
4-bed detached, conservatory, and one-off clean:
-
Base: £25
-
Conservatory: +£12
-
One-off: +£10
Total: ~£47
13. Tips to Reduce Window Cleaning Costs
1. Book regular visits
Regular customers get cheaper rates.
2. Clean easy windows yourself
You could ask the cleaner to do high windows only.
3. Combine services
Many cleaners reduce the cost when you add gutters or fascias.
4. Reduce obstacles
Move bins, garden furniture, or unblock side gates.
5. Group with neighbours
Some cleaners offer discounts for multiple houses on the same street.
6. Avoid emergency call-outs
Same-day or short-notice bookings are almost always more expensive.
14. Common Mistakes When Comparing Quotes
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Only counting the number of windows (height and access matter more)
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Comparing a one-off price with a regular price
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Forgetting to factor conservatory glass or patio doors
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Assuming prices are the same nationwide
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Not checking what is included (frames? sills?)
15. Summary: What You Should Expect to Pay
For most UK households:
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£12–£22 for a small flat or terrace
-
£15–£30 for a typical semi
-
£25–£45 for a detached home
Extras:
-
Conservatory: £10–£40
-
Interiors: £10–£50
-
One-off cleans: 20–50% extra
Commercial prices vary widely but usually start around £8–£20 for shopfronts and rise for larger buildings.
Final Thoughts
Window cleaning in the UK is generally affordable compared to other exterior services. While prices vary by region, access, and frequency, most homeowners fall within predictable price bands. Understanding the factors that influence cost—height, property size, method used, and whether the clean is regular or one-off—will help you judge whether a quote is fair.
By using the tables and comparisons in this guide, you can estimate what you should be paying and make sure you’re getting good value for your money.
16. Do Window Cleaners Include Frames and Sills in the Price?
Not all window cleaners include frames, sills, and doors as part of their standard package. Traditional cleaners may focus mainly on the glass, while water-fed pole systems naturally wash frames and sills at the same time because the purified water runs over the whole surface.
What’s Usually Included:
| Item | Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Glass | Yes | Standard with every clean |
| Sills | Often | Usually included with WFP |
| Frames | Sometimes | May cost extra with traditional methods |
| Doors | Usually | Front/back doors often included |
If frames are heavily soiled or have years of built-up grime, expect a deep-clean surcharge of £5–£20 depending on the number of frames and level of algae or dirt.
17. Seasonal Pricing: Do Costs Change Throughout the Year?
Most cleaners keep consistent pricing all year, but some small variations do occur.
Seasonal Trends in the UK:
| Season | Pricing Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Steady | High demand; pollen increases dirt |
| Summer | Stable | Easy working conditions |
| Autumn | Slightly higher | Leaf fall + gutter debris |
| Winter | Occasional premiums | Shorter daylight + colder weather |
In winter, some cleaners add £2–£5 due to slower working speeds and more challenging conditions. However, many maintain year-round fixed pricing to retain regular customers.
18. How Long Should a Window Cleaning Visit Take?
The duration of a visit helps justify pricing. Most domestic cleans are quick because experienced cleaners work efficiently.
Typical Time per Property Type:
| Property | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Flat | 5–15 minutes |
| Terrace | 10–20 minutes |
| Semi-detached | 15–25 minutes |
| Detached | 20–40 minutes |
One-off deep cleans, interior cleans, or properties with poor access can double these times. Commercial cleaning varies widely—from 10-minute shopfronts to multi-hour office blocks.
19. Do Window Cleaning Contracts Save Money?
Some window cleaners offer informal service agreements or “routes” where customers commit to regular cleaning. These aren’t formal legal contracts—just recurring schedules.
Benefits of Regular Contracts:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Lower price | Usually £3–£10 less per clean compared to one-off |
| Priority booking | Cleaner attends routinely every 4–8 weeks |
| Predictable schedule | Same day/route each month |
| Consistently clean windows | Less dirt buildup |
Downsides:
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You may pay for cleans even when weather isn’t ideal (though most cleaners work in light rain).
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Some may charge for missed visits if you repeatedly cancel.
20. Can You Negotiate Window Cleaning Prices?
Window cleaning is a competitive market, especially in suburban areas where cleaners operate regular rounds. Negotiation is possible, but it should be approached realistically and politely.
Ways to Secure a Better Price:
| Method | Typical Saving |
|---|---|
| Neighbour group booking | £2–£5 off per house |
| Combine services (windows + gutters) | 10–20% discount |
| Agree to regular visits | £3–£10 off each clean |
| Easy access (gate open, no obstacles) | £1–£3 saving |
However, aggressively bargaining down a cleaner’s price can backfire—many will prioritise loyal, fairly priced homes on their route. A fair and consistent agreement often provides the best long-term value.
Tags: Driveway cleaning, Exterior cleaning, gutter cleaning, Patio cleaning, pressure washing, Roof Cleaning, window cleaning