A window cleaning side hustle is a great way to earn extra income with minimal investment. It’s simple to start, requires basic equipment, and has a steady demand. Whether you want to make a few hundred dollars a month or grow into a full-time business, window cleaning is a profitable side hustle.
In this guide, you'll learn how to start, find clients, set prices, and grow your business.
Why You Should Consider A Window-Cleaning Side Hustle?
Window cleaning is an excellent side hustle because it’s easy to learn and has low startup costs. Here’s why you should consider it:
- Low Investment – You only need a few basic tools to get started.
- Flexible Schedule – You can clean windows in the evenings or weekends.
- High Demand – Homeowners and businesses always need clean windows.
- Scalable – You can start small and expand into a full business.
A window cleaning side hustle is a fantastic way to earn extra income with low startup costs and minimal risk. It’s easy to learn, and you don’t need expensive equipment to get started.
Many homeowners and businesses regularly need their windows cleaned, ensuring a steady stream of potential clients.
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What You Need to Start a Window Cleaning Side Hustle
You don’t need expensive tools to begin. Here’s a list of essentials:
Basic Window Cleaning Equipment
- Squeegee – Essential for streak-free windows.
- Bucket – Holds water and cleaning solution.
- Microfiber Cloths – Used for drying edges and touch-ups.
- Scraper Blade – Removes stubborn dirt and grime.
- Extension Pole – Helps reach higher windows.
- Cleaning Solution – You can use dish soap and water or a commercial window cleaner.
Starting a window-cleaning side hustle requires only a few essential tools. A squeegee is a must-have for streak-free windows, ensuring a clean, professional finish. A bucket holds water and cleaning solution, making it easy to dip and rinse your tools.
Microfiber cloths are great for drying edges and wiping away excess water without leaving streaks. A scraper blade is useful for removing stubborn dirt, paint, or stickers from glass surfaces.
An extension pole helps reach higher windows without needing a ladder. For cleaning solutions, you can use dish soap and water or a professional-grade window cleaner.
With these simple tools, you can efficiently clean windows and provide top-quality service to your clients.
Safety Gear
- Ladder – Needed for second-story windows or skylight windows. It is best to have a 20 foot ladder to ensure you can get to just about anything. This Leveleve 20ft extension ladder is great choice to start out with.
- Gloves – Protects your hands from chemicals.
- Non-Slip Shoes – Prevents slipping when working on wet surfaces. If you want high-quality shoes that guarantee both comfort and grip, I highly recommend Cougar Paws.
Safety is crucial when starting a window-cleaning side hustle, especially when working on higher windows. A ladder is essential for second-story or skylight windows.
A 20-foot extension ladder, like the Leveleve 20ft, is a great choice to reach most areas safely. Gloves protect your hands from harsh chemicals and rough surfaces, preventing irritation or injury.
Non-slip shoes are important for maintaining stability on wet surfaces. If you’re looking for high-quality footwear, Cougar Paws are an excellent option, offering both comfort and superior grip.
Investing in proper safety gear reduces the risk of accidents and ensures you can work efficiently and professionally while keeping yourself protected on the job.
Business Essentials
To run a successful window cleaning side hustle, you need to take care of a few business essentials. A business license is necessary to operate legally, so check your local regulations for requirements.
Having liability insurance is crucial as it protects you from potential accidents, property damage, or customer claims.
Marketing is also key to attracting clients. Invest in flyers, business cards, and a simple website to promote your services effectively.
An online presence, such as a Google My Business listing, can help you reach more customers. By ensuring you have the proper legal and promotional tools, you can build a professional, trustworthy business that attracts steady clients and grows over time.
- Business License – Check local requirements for operating legally.
- Liability Insurance – Protects you from accidents or damage.
- Marketing Materials – Flyers, business cards, or a website to attract clients.
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How to Find Clients for Your Window Cleaning Side Hustle
Finding customers is the key to success. Here are the best ways to get your first clients:
Start with Friends and Family
- Offer discounted or free services to build a portfolio.
- Ask for referrals to their neighbors or coworkers.
Use Online Platforms
- List your services on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Nextdoor.
- Create a Google My Business profile for local searches and to gather reviews.
- Join local Facebook groups and promote your services.
- Start a website with Bluehost for $1.99 a month.
Door-to-Door Marketing
- Distribute flyers in neighborhoods with large windows.
- Offer a first-time discount to attract new customers.
- Talk to business owners who may need regular cleaning.
Partner with Local Businesses
- Offer deals to real estate agents, property managers, and store owners.
- Network with cleaning companies that don’t offer window services.
Attracting customers is essential for a successful window cleaning side hustle. The best way to start is by offering discounted or free services to friends and family.
This helps you build a portfolio and gain referrals to their neighbors or coworkers. Online platforms are great for visibility.
List your services on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Nextdoor to connect with potential clients.
Creating a Google My Business profile increases local search visibility and allows customers to leave reviews.
Joining local Facebook groups and launching a simple website with Bluehost for just $1.99 a month can further expand your reach.
Traditional marketing still works. Door-to-door marketing with flyers in neighborhoods with large windows is effective. Offering a first-time discount can encourage potential customers to try your service.
Speaking directly with business owners can also lead to recurring commercial clients. Partnering with real estate agents, property managers, and store owners can generate more business.
Additionally, networking with cleaning companies that don’t offer window services creates valuable referral opportunities. By combining these strategies, you can build a solid client base and grow your window cleaning side hustle into a profitable business.
How to Price Your Window Cleaning Services
Pricing depends on the job size, window type, and location. Here’s how to set competitive rates:
Common Pricing Methods
- Per Window Pricing – $5 to $15 per window, depending on size and difficulty.
- Hourly Pricing – $40 to $75 per hour.
- Flat Rate Pricing – A set price for the entire house or building.
Factors That Affect Pricing
- Number of windows – More windows mean a higher price.
- Height of windows – Second-story windows require ladders and cost more.
- Dirt level – Extra dirty windows take longer to clean.
- Frequency of cleaning – Offer discounts for repeat customers.
Setting the right price for your window cleaning side hustle depends on factors like job size, window type, and location. There are several pricing models to consider.
One common method is per window pricing, typically ranging from $5 to $15 per window, depending on size and difficulty. Hourly pricing is another option, with rates between $40 to $75 per hour. Some cleaners prefer a flat rate for an entire home or building, which simplifies billing.
Several factors influence pricing. The number of windows affects the overall cost, while higher windows require ladders and extra effort.
Extremely dirty windows take more time to clean. Offering discounts for repeat customers can encourage loyalty. Finding the right balance ensures fair pricing while maximizing your earnings.
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Tips to Grow Your Window Cleaning Side Hustle
Provide Excellent Customer Service
- Always be on time and professional.
- Use high-quality cleaning products for the best results.
- Follow up with customers to ask for reviews and referrals.
Offer Additional Services
- Gutter cleaning, screen cleaning, and pressure washing can increase your income.
- Bundle services together for higher sales.
Market Your Business Consistently
- Post before-and-after pictures on social media.
- Run local ads on Facebook or Google.
- Print business cards and leave them with satisfied clients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underpricing Your Services – Charge what you’re worth.
- Ignoring Safety Precautions – Use proper gear to prevent falls.
- Skipping Marketing Efforts – Promote your business regularly to find new clients.
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Final Thoughts
Starting a window cleaning side hustle is an excellent way to earn extra income while maintaining a flexible schedule.
It requires minimal investment, making it one of the most accessible side hustles to begin. With basic equipment, proper pricing, and smart marketing strategies, you can attract clients and generate steady income.
The key to success is consistency. Providing excellent customer service, offering competitive rates, and promoting your business regularly will help you stand out from the competition.
Over time, you can expand by adding additional services like gutter cleaning or pressure washing to increase your earnings.
By following this guide and taking action, you can transform a simple side hustle into a thriving business. Start today, and watch your window cleaning side hustle grow into a profitable venture!
