Keeping the windows of your London property clean isn’t just about appearance—it’s about maximizing your view, letting in more natural light, and presenting a professional image to clients and visitors. Whether you’re looking for residential or commercial window cleaning, knowing the typical costs, pricing structures, and what influences the price can help you make smart decisions and get great value from your chosen service.
This comprehensive guide covers the main factors affecting window cleaning prices in London, the latest average rates, tips for saving money, and answers to frequently asked questions.
How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost in London?
Residential Window Cleaning Prices
Residential window cleaning in London typically is priced per job, not per hour, but both options are available depending on the company.
- Small Flats or Apartments: Prices often start from £32–£35 for a single-bedroom flat. Cleaning a two-bedroom flat averages £45, while a three-bed house might cost £65.
- Houses: Standard rates are £55 for a two-bedroom house, £65 for a three-bedroom, and up to £75 for a four-bedroom house.
- Bungalows & Terraced Houses: Expect to pay around £22–£44 for a bungalow, and £20–£41 for a terraced house.
- Hourly Rates: The average hourly rate for residential window cleaning is £25–£40, depending on size and complexity.
- Per Pane Cost: Some cleaners charge per window or pane. Rates range from £1–£2 per pane for regular windows, with bi-fold doors and special features potentially costing more.
Companies typically set a minimum charge (e.g., £50 or £75 per job), ensuring travelling and setup costs are covered, even if you have only a few windows cleaned.
Example Table: Residential Window Cleaning Rates
| Type of Property | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | £32–£35 |
| 2-bed flat | £45 |
| 2-bed house | £55 |
| 3-bed house | £65 |
| 4-bed house | £75 |
| Terraced house | £20–£41 |
| Semi-detached | £25–£45 |
| Detached house | £40–£51 |
| Bungalow | £22–£44 |
| Minimum charge per visit | £50–£75 |
Commercial Window Cleaning Prices
Commercial cleaning is more complex, frequently requiring specialist equipment and extra safety precautions (think high-rise, glass frontage, or floor-to-ceiling windows).
- Small Shopfront/Commercial Premises: Prices typically start from £100.
- Large Commercial Buildings: Costs can range from £250–£500+ depending on window number, building height, access difficulty, and the need for equipment like cherry pickers or scaffolding.
- Hourly Rates: Commercial window cleaning averages £12–£25 per hour for smaller businesses, but larger projects may be billed per square foot or square metre (10p–30p/ft² or £1–£3/m²).
- High-Rise/At Height Cleaning: Cleaning windows at significant height requires abseil teams and safety gear, with rates from £100–£200 per job.
Example Table: Commercial Window Cleaning Rates
| Commercial Property Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Small shopfront | £100–£250 |
| Large commercial building | £250–£500+ |
| Per hour | £12–£25 |
| Per square foot | 10p–30p |
| Per square metre | £1–£3 |
| High-rise cleaning | £100–£200 |
What Factors Affect Window Cleaning Costs?
Several variables influence the final quote:
- Size and Type of Property: More windows, larger buildings, and multiple floors increase the price.
- Access Difficulty: Hard-to-reach windows (due to height, limited space, or obstructions) require special equipment and extra time.
- Frequency of Service: Single cleans cost more than regular scheduled bookings; many companies offer discounts for repeat visits.
- Location: Central London rates tend to be higher due to congestion charges, parking fees, and travel expenses.
- Additional Services: Cleaning sills, frames, skylights, solar panels, or removing stubborn stains will push up costs.
Tips for Saving Money on Window Cleaning
- Book Regular Services: Routine cleaning can trigger discounted package rates.
- Cluster with Neighbours: Asking neighbours to join can reduce costs via group bookings.
- Clarify What’s Included: Understand precisely what the quote covers (inside/outside, frames, doors, skylights).
- Check for Minimum Charges: If you have a small number of windows, try to optimize for the minimum charge or combine other cleaning tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How often should I clean my windows in London?
A: Most homeowners choose every 4–8 weeks, but frequency depends on building location, pollution, and preferences.
Q2: How do commercial window cleaning companies price their services?
A: Pricing depends on building size, number of windows, access challenges, and service frequency. Quotes might be per-hour, per-job, or per-square-metre.
Q3: Is there a minimum charge for window cleaning?
A: Yes—many providers set a minimum callout cost, usually between £50 and £75, so even small jobs meet their base costs.
Q4: Can I get a discount for regular cleaning?
A: Most London cleaners offer discounted rates for ongoing contracts, scheduled cleans, or combined services (like gutter or facade cleaning).
Q5: Do prices differ for inside vs. outside cleaning?
A: Typically, inside and outside cleaning are priced similarly. For many providers, the “per window” charge applies to each surface.
Q6: Will I pay extra for high-rise or difficult access?
A: Yes—jobs needing scaffolding, cherry pickers, or abseil teams will incur added fees based on risk, labour, and time required.
Q7: Should I pay per pane, per window, or per hour?
A: For most residential jobs, fixed fee per property or per window is common. Complex or large commercial sites may be priced per hour or area.
Q8: Do all window cleaners offer insurance?
A: Reputable window cleaning companies in London are fully insured, protecting you against accidents and damages.
Conclusion
Window cleaning costs in London vary widely based on property size, number of windows, access requirements, and desired frequency, but you can expect a typical one-off residential clean to range from £32–£75, and commercial jobs from £100 upwards for small units to £500+ for large properties. Hourly rates sit around £25–£40.
