How to start a window cleaning business

Starting a window cleaning business could be a good option if you’re looking to work for yourself and want a steady source of local customers.

It’s a popular, low-overhead trade you can launch on a modest budget, scale at your own pace, and run locally with predictable, repeat income.

The number of window cleaning services in the UK increased by an average of 6.4% per year between 2019 and 2024, driven by demand from both residential and commercial clients.

You could begin with a basic kit and your own vehicle, then upgrade as your business grows and as year-round demand continues.

Why start a window cleaning business?

Starting your own window cleaning business can be a rewarding venture for those who enjoy being outdoors and engaging in physical work.

Here are just some of the advantages and potential considerations:

Advantages:

• as the boss, you can set your hours, services, and prices
• low start-up costs with basic tools and simple marketing
• steady demand and regular schedules year-round
• no formal training is needed, so you can start quickly
• grow your business by optimising routes, raising prices as reputation builds, and hiring staff as workload increases
• add extra services (such as gutter cleaning) to boost predictable income
• faster payments via direct debit and card readers.

Considerations:

There are also some things you might consider before starting a window cleaning business:

• income can fluctuate with the weather, winter daylight, and cancellations
• it is physically demanding work in all seasons
• higher costs as you scale, such as water-fed poles, sturdy ladders, and insurance, especially if you are working at height
• running the business means time spent on admin, such as preparing quotes, planning routes, invoicing, and vehicle maintenance.

Choosing customers, services, and setting prices

An early decision when starting a window cleaning business is whether to focus on domestic properties, commercial sites, or a combination of both.

Domestic window cleaning could offer regular work close to home, making it a good way to build up a steady list of customers.

Commercial work – such as shops, offices, schools, and care homes – could pay more per visit, but might require quotes, Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS), higher insurance levels, and out of hours access.

In terms of services, many new operators begin with exterior cleaning using traditional squeegee methods before adding water fed pole (WFP) systems for upper floors and areas with awkward access.

You may expand into interior glass, frames and sills, conservatories, fascia and soffit cleaning, gutter clearing, and even solar panel cleaning once your skills and equipment evolve.

Conducting market research

Before launching your start-up, consider conducting market research to see if there is a demand for your services in your area.

Market research may involve looking at similar competitor businesses in your chosen area to understand what they offer and the prices they charge.

You could talk to potential customers to determine what services they need, what they believe your competition is lacking, and what they would be willing to pay.

Pricing should be grounded in local research.

Smaller homes may sit in the lower price bands, while larger detached properties, conservatories, and interior cleans command higher rates due to the time and care involved.

Commercial pricing is typically bespoke and should reflect glass area, height, access, frequency, and safety controls.

Keep payment terms clear and encourage digital payments to reduce admin and speed up cash flow.

These insights could be crucial to the early success of your window cleaning business.

As your business grows, you could review your services and prices using your own results and customer feedback to make improvements.

Read our guide on how to conduct market research.

What equipment do you need?

When starting a window cleaning business, you could begin with some basic equipment, such as:

• rubber squeegees
• applicator/T bar and sleeve
• bucket and bucket on a belt
• scrapers and spare blades
• microfibre cloths
• cleaning chemicals
• extension ladders and ladder stay
• basic PPE (gloves, non slip footwear, high-vis, safety cones)
• a private vehicle for transporting you and your equipment.

All of these items could be found at your local DIY store or online.

As your business grows, you could upgrade your equipment to include:

• a water fed pole (WFP) system with purified water – a long, extendable pole that delivers purified water through a brush at the end for cleaning windows from the ground
• carbon fibre or hybrid telescopic poles – lightweight materials like carbon fibre make them easier to handle, and these can often be extended and locked at different lengths, making it easier to reach awkward or high windows without a ladder
• a TDS meter – a device that measures the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in water, ensuring that it is pure and won’t leave marks on the glass.

Remember to budget for ongoing costs such as vehicle fuel, insurance, a business phone, and equipment maintenance.

Before you start, consider investing in health and safety training for working at height.

Safety and training

While window cleaning may be a low-risk activity, it can become dangerous if you need to clean windows that are high up or located in public areas.

You could also be working around glass and electricity, so safety should be a priority.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 outline the requirements for employers and those managing work at height to ensure all work is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by trained people using the correct equipment.

Aim to avoid work at height whenever possible and use equipment that reduces risk, such as water fed poles for upper floors.

When ladders are necessary, inspect them regularly, position them correctly on stable ground, maintain three points of contact, and avoid overreaching.

Since 2023, the Health and Safety Executive has increased inspections and enforcement aimed at small businesses working at height, including window cleaners.

An annual No Falls Week campaign highlights the growing importance of strict adherence to Work at Height Regulations to ensure safety and avoid penalties.

Useful training could include:

• first aid
• ladder use and maintenance from the Ladder Association.

Hazards to consider

You may also need to stop work due to high winds, slippery ground, or changing conditions.

Before you start any job, it’s a good idea to quickly check for anything that could be dangerous, so you can make changes if needed.

Walk around the area and look out for hazards, such as busy roads or overhead wires. 

Then, put safety measures in place, such as using cones or barriers.

If you or an employee is working alone, you may wish to create a safety plan.

A plan could involve sharing your route and estimated finish time, carrying a charged phone and a first-aid kit, and implementing a basic check-in system with a clear plan in place in case you miss a check-in.

You will also need to follow COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations if you use cleaning chemicals.

You will need to keep Safety Data Sheets, label and store chemicals correctly, use the mildest effective product, never mix chemicals, and wear gloves and eye protection when necessary.

Write a business plan

A business plan is crucial for your start-up – it is a working document that contains several key details for setting up your own business.

Your business plan can help outline your ideas, guide your window cleaning business as it grows, and assist you in securing funding.

Here are just some elements you might include:

• your business goals
• your target market
• the services you want to offer
• your prices
• cash flow forecasts
• marketing plans.

Download our free business plan template.

Business structure and registrations

You will first need to choose an appropriate business structure before you start, as it affects your taxes, paperwork, and personal financial risk.

If you work alone, being a sole trader may be the easiest option.

You retain full control of the business and register with HMRC for Self Assessment to pay Income Tax and National Insurance on your profits.

However, you are personally liable if something goes wrong.

You can choose to operate as a limited company, which is a separate legal entity from you, thereby limiting your personal liability.

This type of structure involves more admin and filings. 

You must register your business with Companies House, and register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within three months of starting to trade.

The company pays Corporation Tax, and you pay tax on any salary and dividends you take from the business.

This structure could also appear more professional to customers.

Operating as a partnership could be an option if you wanted to own a company with one or more others.

A partnership is simple to start, but carries unlimited liability for all partners.

Each partner pays tax on their share of profits via Self Assessment.

An LLP (limited liability partnership) offers limited liability and a more professional image, but it must be registered with Companies House and involves additional administration.

You’ll need to register for PAYE if you employ staff or pay yourself a salary as a company director.

Register for VAT if your turnover exceeds the threshold, or if you choose to register voluntarily.

Licenses and legal requirements

In England and Wales, there is no official licence for window cleaners, but some local councils may have their own rules to follow.

In Scotland, many councils require a window cleaner licence under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act – check your local council.

If you work in public spaces, you must be careful not to obstruct pavements or roads, and use safe cordons and signage.

If you work on sites such as schools, care homes, and certain commercial premises, they may require DBS checks, Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS), and proof of insurance.

What business insurance do I need?

Taking out business insurance can protect you and your business.

Public liability insurance is widely regarded as essential because it provides coverage for injuries to third parties and property damage.

Professional indemnity insurance protects you if the advice, specifications, or recommendations you provide lead to a client’s financial loss.

This may be worth having if you advise on methods, chemicals, access systems, or cleaning schedules.

If you employ someone – even on a part-time basis – employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement.

You may also want to consider vehicle and equipment insurance to cover your vehicle and equipment in the event of damage or theft.

For more guidance, please read our guide to small business insurance in the UK.

Funding your business

There are several ways to fund your window cleaning business.

Personal savings, a bank loan, or a loan from friends and family with clear terms could all be valid options for investing in the equipment and training required.

You might also consider a Start Up Loan, which is a government-backed scheme offering personal loans of up to £25,000 for business use.

Learn more about Start Up Loans.

Your local council could also have grants to help get your business up and running or growth hubs that offer support for training, digital tools, or start up guidance.

Efficient operations

Choosing your window cleaning routes carefully means you can keep jobs close together, helping to reduce travel costs and boost profit.

Focusing on a few neighbouring areas can be a good idea – group customers by street and day, and stick to regular cycles, such as every four or six weeks.

You can use simple scheduling and invoicing software to send reminders, cut no shows, and get paid faster.

Setting up easy payments for customers – bank transfer, card, and direct debit can help you get paid quicker.

Good communication can be essential.

Message customers the day before, arrive at the agreed time, and share photos of completed work if customers aren’t home or when doing commercial work.

How to market your window cleaning business

Marketing your business could help more potential customers discover the services you offer.

You might consider the following:

• flyering your local area
• putting up notices in local cafés and shops
• partnering with estate agents or property management companies
• offering simple incentives such as discount referrals.

You can also create a business website that showcases your service area, provides guide prices, answers questions, and includes an easy-to-use quote form or a WhatsApp link.

Online, you could run targeted ads on Google and on Facebook for the postcodes that your cover.

When trying different marketing tactics, it could be useful to track which ones bring in enquiries, how many turn into paying customers, and what your average job is worth.

This way, you can focus your efforts and budget on the methods that give you the best results.

Learn how to create an effective marketing plan.