How to Start a Window Cleaning Business in the UK
A real guide for one-man bands
Window cleaning in the UK is one of the easiest trades to start, but it still takes real effort to make it work. It’s affordable to set up, simple to understand, and can build into a solid long-term income — but only if you put in the hours.
Many people think it’s quick money. It’s not. Getting customers takes time. Cleaning to a proper standard takes years of practice. You’ll learn to handle tricky windows, odd extensions, and the weather — all while keeping customers happy.
Tools of the Trade
Most window cleaners now use both traditional tools (squeegee and cloth) and water-fed poles (WFP). Gutters are often cleaned with a vacuum system, but ladders are still needed for certain jobs — like getting to extensions or internal windows.
You don’t need everything on day one. Start simple, buy what you actually need, and learn as you go. Safety comes first — ladders, roofs, and electric poles can all bite if you rush in.
Pricing Jobs
Pricing is learned by experience. Start by working out the day rate you want and base your prices on how long a job takes. No two houses are the same — conservatories, extensions, and awkward layouts all affect timing.
A few quick pointers:
- Always have a minimum charge.
- Don’t underprice just to win jobs.
- Deals are fine, but don’t cut yourself short.
Setting Up the Business
You can run as a sole trader or a limited company — it doesn’t matter much at first. What does matter is a business bank account, so customers can pay you easily by transfer. It also looks more professional. Add a simple website and a Facebook or Google Business page with your photos and service area. They help build trust even if you’re not getting leads from them yet.
Don’t skip the basics:
- Register with HMRC.
- Get public liability insurance.
- Keep simple records of income and expenses.
Getting Customers
The best way — still — is to knock doors. Pick your target area, introduce yourself, and ask if they’d like a quote. It’s slow and tiring, but it works.
Once you clean a few houses on a street, neighbours notice and word spreads. Flyers can help, but face-to-face always wins. Online ads and Google campaigns can be expensive early on. Facebook groups, WhatsApp, and local posts can help a bit, but door-knocking gets you real rounds in the areas you actually want to work.
Extra Services
Once you’ve got a base of regulars, start offering gutters, fascias, and conservatories. These are usually one-off or yearly jobs that pay well and help fill quiet weeks. Think seasonally: gutters in autumn, conservatories in spring. These upsells make a big difference to yearly profit.
Managing Customers
Most customers like a text the night before — it shows respect and avoids surprises. They also prefer to pay after by bank transfer, not cash.
Use a simple scheduling app or spreadsheet to track when jobs are due and who still owes payment. Reliability is everything — turn up when you say you will.
If something goes wrong or you miss a clean, be honest and message them. That builds more loyalty than pretending nothing happened.
Long-Term Side of It
Most domestic cleaning is done by WFP now, but doing the ground-floor windows traditionally gives you an edge and saves water. Many cleaners buy spotless water these days instead of making it — easy, but adds cost. Once you have a regular customer, they’ll usually stay with you for 10–15 years if you’re reliable. You’ll only lose them if they move, pass away, or you stop showing up. Over time you can build a sellable round, or grow by adding staff and vehicles. It’s a slow build, but once your round is full, it’s steady income you can depend on.
The Reality
Window cleaning isn’t glamorous. It’s early starts, cold mornings, aching shoulders, and awkward driveways. But it’s also freedom, pride in your work, and loyal customers who stick with you for years. If you stay consistent, do good work, and show up — you’ll build something solid that lasts.