A plain explanation of what goes into a window cleaning quote, from house size and access to conservatories and regular versus one-off cleans.
Window cleaning cost depends mainly on the size of your home, how many windows it has, how easy they are to reach, and whether you choose a regular round or a one-off clean. Extras such as conservatory roofs and awkward access add time, and time is what a quote is really based on. Because every house is different, the most reliable figure is a quote for your own property.
Rather than give general prices that may not reflect your home, this guide explains what a window cleaner looks at when working out a quote, so you know what to expect and what to ask.
What affects window cleaning cost?
Most of the factors come down to one question: how long will it take to do a good job? Here are the main things that make a difference.
Size and type of property
A two-bedroom terrace has far fewer windows than a large detached house, and that is the biggest single factor. The number of panes, the size of the glass and whether windows are split into small sections all make a difference. Georgian-style windows with lots of small panes, or period sashes with glazing bars, take longer to clean properly than a single large pane.
Number of storeys
Upper floors take longer to clean from the ground than ground-floor windows, because the pole has to be extended and handled with more care. Three-storey townhouses, which are common on newer estates around Wokingham and elsewhere, take more time than bungalows.
Frames and sills
Some window cleaners only do the glass. With our purified water-fed pole system, frames, sills and glass are cleaned every visit, which gives a better result and keeps uPVC and timber in good condition. It is worth checking what is included when you compare quotes.
How does access change the price?
Access can make a surprising difference. A house where every window can be reached from an open driveway and a lawn is quick to clean. Things that slow the job down include:
- no side access, so the back can only be reached through a locked gate or a long route round;
- shared alleyways or narrow passages behind terraces;
- windows above flat-roof extensions, porches or conservatories;
- steep gardens, steps or uneven ground;
- dense planting, trees or structures right up against the walls;
- overhead cables near windows, which need extra caution.
None of these is a problem, but they do add time, so it helps to mention them when you ask for a quote.
Condition of the glass and frames
Windows that are heavily soiled, green around the frames or marked with old hard water spots take longer to bring back than glass that is cleaned regularly. Homes under trees, near busy roads or next to building sites also tend to need more work per visit. A window cleaner may ask how long it has been since the last clean for exactly this reason.
Where your home sits on a round
Window cleaners usually plan their days around routes, so travel time is part of the picture too. It is one reason quotes from different companies can vary, even for the same house, and why it is always worth asking for a quote rather than relying on a general figure you have seen online.
Do conservatories and extras cost more?
Conservatories have a lot of glass, often on three sides plus the roof. Cleaning the side glass and frames is usually part of the normal window clean, while the roof is a larger job of its own. A conservatory roof that is green with algae or covered in leaves will take longer than one that is cleaned regularly.
Other features that add to the time include:
- roof windows and skylights;
- dormer windows;
- bi-fold and patio doors with large areas of glass;
- orangeries and garden rooms.
Is regular window cleaning cheaper than a one-off?
We offer two options: a regular six-weekly round, or a one-off clean. In general, regular cleaning tends to work out better value per visit. That is not a sales trick; it is simply that windows cleaned every six weeks have far less dirt on them, so each clean is quicker. Frames that are kept on top of do not need heavy scrubbing, and there is less staining and spotting to deal with.
A one-off clean on windows that have not been touched for many months is a bigger job. Grime builds up in the corners of frames, algae can grow on sills, and the first clean back may take noticeably longer. One-off cleans make good sense for occasions such as moving house, selling, or after building work, but if you want windows that always look cared for, the regular round is usually the most efficient choice.
How to get an accurate window cleaning quote
The more a window cleaner knows about your home, the more accurate the quote will be. When you get in touch, it helps to tell them:
- the type of property and the number of bedrooms;
- roughly how many windows there are, and whether any are unusually large or small-paned;
- whether there is a conservatory, and if you want the roof included;
- how the back garden is reached;
- whether you are interested in a six-weekly round or a one-off clean;
- anything unusual, such as skylights, steep ground or windows above extensions.
What to look for besides price
When comparing window cleaning cost between companies, check that they are insured, what method they use, and whether frames and sills are included. A quote that seems very low may not include frames, may rely on ladders, or may not come with proper insurance. JRH Exterior Solutions is fully insured and uses a purified water-fed pole system from the ground.
Need a hand?
If you would like a clear quote for your own home, JRH Exterior Solutions is happy to help. Our window cleaning service covers six-weekly rounds and one-off cleans across Berkshire, Surrey and Oxfordshire, including window cleaning in Wokingham, window cleaning in Binfield and window cleaning in Camberley.
Request a free, no-obligation quote or call us on 01344 578902.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't you give a price without knowing my house?
Because two homes that sound similar can take very different amounts of time. The number and style of windows, the number of storeys, access to the back, conservatories and how dirty the glass is all affect the job. A quote based on your actual property is fairer and more accurate than a general figure that might be too high or too low.
Is the conservatory roof included in a normal window clean?
The side glass and frames of a conservatory are usually cleaned along with the rest of the windows. The roof is a separate, larger job, so it is best to say when you ask for a quote if you would like it included. It can be added to a six-weekly round or done as a one-off, and it is always cleaned from the ground.
Does it cost more if my windows haven't been cleaned for a long time?
A first clean after a long gap often takes longer, because dirt has built up around frames and sills and there may be more spotting on the glass. That extra time is usually reflected in a one-off clean. Once windows are on a regular six-weekly round, each visit is quicker because there is much less build-up to remove.
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JRH Exterior Solutions is a family-run, fully insured team covering Berkshire, Surrey and Oxfordshire.
