How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost in Australia?
Whether you're a homeowner wanting sparkling windows or a business owner maintaining professional premises, understanding window cleaning costs is essential for budgeting. Australian window cleaning prices vary significantly based on location, property type, and service requirements, so let's break down what you can expect to pay.
Residential Window Cleaning Costs
Standard Home Window Cleaning Prices
For a typical Australian home, window cleaning costs range from $150 to $400 per service, depending on your property size and location. Here's what influences these prices:
House size and window count:
- 2-bedroom unit: $80-$150
- 3-bedroom house: $120-$220
- 4-bedroom house: $180-$280
- Large family home (5+ bedrooms): $250-$400
Most professional window cleaners charge per window or offer package deals based on property size. Individual window cleaning typically costs $8-$15 per standard window, including both interior and exterior cleaning.
Additional Residential Services
Screen cleaning adds $3-$5 per screen, whilst window sill and frame cleaning might increase costs by 20-30%. If you have French doors or sliding doors, expect to pay $15-$25 per door due to their larger surface area.
High or hard-to-reach windows requiring ladders or specialised equipment can increase costs by 50-100%. This includes second-storey windows, skylights, or windows above extensions.
Commercial Window Cleaning Prices
Office Buildings and Retail Spaces
Commercial window cleaning operates on different pricing structures, typically calculated per square metre or per window with volume discounts.
Small offices and shopfronts: $2-$4 per square metre Medium commercial buildings: $1.50-$3 per square metre Large office complexes: $1-$2.50 per square metre
Many commercial clients opt for regular service contracts, which can reduce per-visit costs by 20-40%. Monthly cleaning is common for retail spaces, whilst offices might schedule quarterly or bi-annual services.
Specialised Commercial Services
High-rise window cleaning requires certified professionals with specialised equipment. Costs range from $3-$6 per square metre, with minimum charges often applying. Post-construction cleaning commands premium rates of $4-$8 per square metre due to the extra effort required to remove paint, adhesive residues, and construction debris.
Factors Affecting Window Cleaning Cost
Location and Accessibility
Metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne typically see higher prices due to increased overheads and demand. Regional centres often offer more competitive rates, sometimes 20-30% lower than capital cities.
Ground-floor accessibility keeps costs reasonable, whilst multi-storey properties require additional safety equipment and insurance, increasing prices accordingly. Properties with difficult parking or narrow access may incur additional fees.
Frequency of Service
Regular customers enjoy significant savings:
- One-off cleans: Full price
- Quarterly services: 10-15% discount
- Monthly contracts: 20-25% discount
- Fortnightly services: 25-30% discount
Window Condition and Type
Heavily soiled windows that haven't been cleaned for years require extra time and effort, potentially doubling standard rates for the first clean. Specialty glass types like tinted windows or heritage leadlight windows need careful handling and may attract premium pricing.
Getting Value for Money
What's Included in Professional Services
Quality window cleaning services should include:
- Interior and exterior window cleaning
- Squeegee and cloth finishing for streak-free results
- Basic frame and sill cleaning
- Removal of cobwebs around window areas
- Professional-grade cleaning solutions
Choosing the Right Service Provider
Licensed and insured professionals protect you from liability whilst ensuring quality work. Ask potential cleaners about their insurance coverage and whether they're members of professional associations like the Australian Window Cleaning Association.
Get multiple quotes but remember that extremely low prices often indicate corner-cutting on safety, insurance, or service quality. A reasonable quote should fall within the ranges mentioned above for your property type.
When to Clean Your Windows
Spring and autumn are popular times for window cleaning, with many services offering package deals during these periods. Post-storm cleaning might be necessary but could command premium rates if demand is high.
Consider your local environment – coastal properties might need more frequent cleaning due to salt spray, whilst homes near busy roads accumulate grime faster.
DIY vs Professional Window Cleaning
Cost Comparison
DIY window cleaning requires an initial investment in quality equipment:
- Professional squeegee: $25-$50
- Extension pole: $40-$80
- Cleaning solutions: $20-$30 annually
- Safety equipment for multi-storey: $100-$300
Whilst DIY saves money on labour, professional results require skill and practice. Factor in your time value – professional cleaners complete jobs much faster than homeowners.
Safety Considerations
Working at heights poses significant risks. Professional window cleaners have appropriate training, safety equipment, and insurance. Two-storey homes and commercial buildings should always use professional services for safety and liability reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my windows professionally cleaned?
Most Australian homes benefit from professional window cleaning 2-3 times per year. Coastal properties or homes in dusty areas might need quarterly cleaning, whilst properties in sheltered suburban locations can often manage with twice-yearly services.
Do window cleaners provide their own water and equipment?
Professional window cleaners bring all necessary equipment and cleaning solutions. However, they'll need access to a water source unless they operate a fully self-contained service (which typically costs more).
What happens if it rains after my windows are cleaned?
Rain doesn't dirty clean windows – it's the dust and grime that cause streaking. Professional cleaning removes these contaminants, so light rain won't affect the results. Most reputable cleaners offer guarantees and will return if you're unsatisfied with the results due to weather.
Should I clean inside windows myself to save money?
Many customers choose this approach, having professionals handle the exterior and difficult-to-reach windows whilst managing accessible interior windows themselves. This can reduce costs by 30-40% whilst maintaining professional results where they matter most.
Are there additional costs I should expect?
Transparent quotes should include all standard costs. Additional charges might apply for heavily soiled windows (first-time cleans), removing paint or stickers, cleaning window tracks, or accessing difficult areas. Always clarify what's included before booking.