How to Start a Window-Cleaning Business

Starting with market research is key, as it will help you to learn about your customer base and competitors. This should leave you prepared to start your business journey.

Try researching online or reaching out to potential customers and local competitors to check out the competition. The questions at the front of your mind should be:

1. Is there demand for my window-cleaning business?
2. Who is my business aimed at?

Use this research to decide what type of business you want to create. The key types of window-cleaning businesses are:

• Domestic window cleaning: These businesses offer services to smaller residential buildings and some small shops. With generally fewer windows to clean, domestic window cleaning can require more attention to detail and a personal touch. However, it can be a simpler business to start because all you may need is a squeegee, sponges, telescopic poles and ladder, a bucket and cleaning products. 
• Commercial window cleaning: These are businesses that specialise in cleaning the windows of large commercial spaces, such as offices, hotels, shops and restaurants, as well as high-rise residential buildings. As they tend to cover larger and more complex spaces than domestic cleaners, commercial cleaning can be a more involved process that requires tours of premises, specialist equipment and complex or high-risk techniques such as abseiling. It’s also worth bearing in mind that some commercial window-cleaning companies offer additional services, such as gutter clearing, jet washing and sign cleaning.

Think of further ideas to distinguish your business from competitors. Will your work be of higher quality? Will it be better for the environment? Will your customer service be outstanding? Can you accommodate demands that others cannot?

Putting together a business plan and budget is the next step in making your business idea a reality. It should tell you exactly how much money you need, as well as helping you to work out if your ideas can realistically be turned into a business. A business plan will normally be required if you apply for a start-up loan or business loan.

For a detailed guide read our article on how to write a business plan.

You’ll need to create a budget for your window-cleaning business. This should account for all expenses, whether one-off purchases or recurring costs. Major expenses might include:

• Window-cleaning supplies: Budgeting for expendable supplies, such as window-cleaning products and cloths is essential. Bear in mind that buying supplies in bulk can be a cheaper option. 
• Window-cleaning equipment: From basics like squeegees and buckets to sophisticated Reach & Wash systems, accounting for the equipment you need will be a major part of your budget. Consider the cost of the initial purchase and repairs.
• Transport: You might be a domestic window cleaner using a bicycle or a commercial cleaner in a branded van, but you will need to know how much a vehicle will cost to purchase and run. 
• Training: You do not need any qualifications to become a window cleaner but training programmes could improve your skills and understanding of complicated equipment. Training for window cleaners is available from the Federation of Window Cleaners and The British Window Cleaning Academy.

Other more common overhead costs you may need to consider are phone, water and electricity bills, taxes and rents on any premises owned by the business. 

For a detailed guide, explore our five-step guide to creating a small business budget.

As you set up your window-cleaning business, it can be wise to separate your personal budget from your professional one. Here is where setting up a business bank account can be useful for sole traders and a legal requirement for limited companies and partnerships. This will make keeping track of business costs and income simple, avoiding the possibility of muddling living and professional expenses.

The next step is to pick a business structure and then register your business. You should think carefully and consider your options in order to make sure you choose the right business structure to suit your situation.

A solo window cleaner might choose to register as a sole trader for convenience, but if you are planning to start a larger window-cleaning business that will need to seek funding for expansion, starting a limited company could be a better option. Find out more in NerdWallet’s guide to picking a business structure.

» MORE: Should I register as a sole trader or limited company?

As well as registering your business, you will also need to obtain a window cleaner’s licence in order to work in most Scottish council areas. Contact your local council to find out if a licence is required in your area, then apply in person, by post or online. Working as a window cleaner without a licence could land you with a fine of up to £2,500, so make sure everything is in order before your first job.

There are no licensing requirements in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Your window-cleaning business will need money to get started – to help you afford equipment such as water-fed poles, for example. You may need to use more than one funding option to cover start-up costs.

If you plan on making your start by keeping things simple as a solo window cleaner working on small residential or commercial properties, you may be able to get your business off the ground with personal savings. However, if this is not possible or you are attempting to launch a larger window-cleaning operation, seeking a business loan or applying for grants could be for you.

Read our guide to find out everything you need to know about small business funding. 

You cannot have a successful business without finding customers. Once you have everything in place, marketing your window-cleaning business and landing your first jobs should be your top priority. This can be a challenge, so here are some ideas to help get you off the ground:

• Word of mouth: Make some noise about your new venture. Speak to friends, family, neighbours and local businesses – you could find new customers right under your nose.
• Knock on doors: A friendly face-to-face meeting can help you to find new customers. Canvassing might be daunting at first, but it can be a great way to land multiple jobs in the same area.
• Business cards and flyers: These are cheap to make and an easy way to advertise your services. Attach them to notice boards or put them through letterboxes. 
• Get online: Build a website (there are inexpensive online website builders you can use or you can take a DIY approach on WordPress). You can also create a social media page – on Facebook, for instance
• Trade platforms: Websites like Checkatrade or Rated People allow people to connect with local tradespeople and get a quote. It’s likely you’ll have to pay a membership fee, but this can be a great source of customers. 
• Local listings online: Local community groups such as Nextdoor can offer free advertising for your business. You should also make sure your business is featured in local business listings, which you can do for free on sites such as Yell and Local Pages, so potential customers searching for window-cleaning services can find you easily.
• Ask for reviews: You can start by asking customers to review you on sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews.