There are many benefits to having clean windows. As well as looking better, clean windows also improve your views and let more light into your home, reducing the need for artificial lighting and saving energy. However, cleaning your own windows can be difficult.

Hiring a professional window cleaning company can take the task off your hands and means the work will be carried out to the highest standard. Get quotes for local window cleaners near you on hipages, and read this overview to find out more about:

• Why do you need to hire a window cleaner?
• What are the different types of window cleaning?
• What are typical services involved for window cleaning?
• How much does window cleaning cost?
• What factors affect window cleaning costs?
• How long does window cleaning take?
• How often do I need to hire a window cleaner?
• What are some tips to prepare for window cleaning?
• What licences or qualifications does a window cleaner have?
• Questions to ask when hiring a window cleaner

Why do you need to hire a window cleaner?

Window cleaning is a home maintenance task where it pays to hire an expert. As well as saving time, you'll also have the peace of mind that your windows will look their best, free from streaks, marks and permanent scratches that may be left when cleaning windows without expertise or the right tools.

Cleaning windows on upper storeys can also involve a risk of falls and other injuries. Window cleaners know how to clean all windows in a property safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

What are the different types of window cleaning?

Depending on your needs, you may want to hire a window cleaner who specialises in domestic or commercial window cleaning.

Domestic window cleaners can clean residential homes of all sizes. They may use traditional window washing methods using ladders, a water-fed pole and other equipment to reach windows that are higher than ground level.

Commercial window cleaning companies usually have larger teams who can clean buildings of all sizes and functions, including high-rises, offices, retail and other establishments. For taller buildings, methods such as mobile elevated platforms or rope or abseil window cleaning may be used.

What are typical services involved in window cleaning?

Window cleaning companies can usually provide both exterior and interior window cleaning on request. They should be able to clean all types of windows, including skylights and stained glass windows.

Some window cleaners may also offer other services, including:

• Cleaning other glass surfaces, such as mirrors
• Scratch or stain removal
• Window steam cleaning
• Cobweb removal
• Cleaning window sills, frames, and fascias
• Cleaning or repairing flyscreens
• Some forms of glass repairs
• Gutter cleaning
• Pressure washing

Not all window cleaning companies will provide these additional services, so you should discuss your needs when you request quotes from window cleaners in your area.

How much does window cleaning cost?

Window cleaner costs may be calculated by the hour or by the individual pane.

The hourly cost of window cleaning can range from $30–$45 per hour, depending on the size and condition of the windows. For high-rises, this can increase up to $90 per hour.

The total cost of domestic window cleaning can range from:

• Apartment - $150–$180
• Small to medium single-storey home - $180–$250
• Large single-storey home - $250–$330
• Two-storey home - $330–$400+

Commercial window cleaning can range from $180 to $1,200 or more, depending on the size of the building and other factors.

If your window cleaner charges per pane, expect to pay around:

• Louvers window - $3 per pane
• Sliding window - $6 per pane
• Casement window - $11 per pane
• Decorative window - $7 per pane
• Individual glass panel - $8 per pane

Window cleaners may also charge a call-out fee, which is usually between $45–$85.

To find out more, read our guides to house cleaning prices and commercial cleaning prices in Australia.

What factors affect window cleaning costs?

Window cleaning prices can vary depending on:

• How many windows do you have
• The size and type of windows
• The condition of the windows
• Cleaning methods and equipment used
• Whether you organise one-off or contract cleaning
• Ease or difficulty of access to your windows
• Whether you need other services
• Your location

Local window cleaner rates vary in different parts of Australia. For example, window cleaning in Perth and WA is generally around $30 per hour, while in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide it's around $35 per hour.

How long does window cleaning take?

The average time to clean windows in a home or small business is between 1 and 3 hours. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to more than 6 hours to clean all the windows in a building, depending on the number of windows and the methods used.

How often do I need to hire a window cleaner?

It's recommended to organise routine window cleaning once a month to keep your windows looking their best, especially for commercial buildings or coastal properties. For other homes, you may prefer to hire a window cleaner every 2 to 3 months.

What are some tips to prepare for window cleaning?

By preparing your windows for window cleaners, you could speed up the job and save on hourly rates. Some tips include:

• Moving furniture and other objects that could block access to windows
• Clearing window sills of items
• Removing curtains and other window treatments or screens that you don't want to be cleaned
• Walking around your house and check for any safety issues around windows

What licences or qualifications does a window cleaner have?

No formal qualifications are required to become a window cleaner in Australia. For larger projects, window cleaners may need to hold a licence, though requirements vary by state and territory.

Questions to ask when hiring a window cleaner

To be confident that you're hiring the best window cleaning service for your needs, you might want to know:

• What window cleaning methods do you use?
• What other services do you offer?
• Are you covered by insurance?
• Can you provide references?
• What's included in my quote?

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.