When you’re trying to figure out a window cleaning price, it helps to break down what actually drives the cost. Below you’ll find the main factors, typical UK price ranges (with a focus on Sheffield), and tips to get a transparent quote.
What Determines the Cost?
Residential window cleaning is the service for private homes, usually priced per window or per square metre. The size of the glass, the number of stories, and the type of cleaning required all play a part.
- Glass type factor is whether the pane is plain, tinted, double‑glazed or decorative, which can add 10‑20% to the base rate.
- Accessibility factor is the difficulty of reaching the window - high‑rise ladders or scaffolding increase labour time and equipment costs.
- Location matters - city centre jobs often cost more due to traffic and parking constraints.
Common Pricing Models
Cleaning companies in the UK tend to offer one of three structures:
| Model | Typical range | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Flat rate | £35-£70 per standard double‑glazed window | Homeowners who want a simple quote |
| Square metre pricing | £2.50-£4.00 per m² of glass | Large properties or commercial facades |
| Hourly rate | £25-£35 per hour (incl. travel) | Jobs with many small panes or irregular schedules |
Flat rate pricing is a fixed amount per window, easy to understand but can hide extra fees for hard‑to‑reach panes. Hourly rate is charged for the time a crew spends on site, useful when the job scope is unclear. Square metre pricing is based on the total glass area, common for commercial buildings with huge windows.
Typical UK Price Ranges (Sheffield Focus)
Below is a quick snapshot of what you’ll see in the Sheffield area:
- Single‑storey house, 10 standard double‑glazed windows: £300-£450 (flat rate) or £2.80 per m².
- Two‑storey house, 15 windows with some high‑reach: £500-£700 (includes ladders).
- Apartment block, 30 windows, mixed ground and 2nd floor: £800-£1,200 (hourly, 4‑hour crew).
- Small shop front, storefront glass 12 m²: £30-£45 (square metre model).
These figures reflect current 2025 market rates and include travel, standard cleaning solution, and basic equipment. Extras like stubborn mineral deposits, graffiti removal, or anti‑streak treatments add £15-£30 per affected pane.
How to Get a Fair Quote
Follow this short checklist before you sign up:
- Ask for a written estimate that breaks down labour, materials, and any travel surcharge.
- Confirm whether the price is per window, per m², or hourly.
- Check if the company includes insurance and guarantees.
- Request a site visit if you have unusually high or hard‑to‑reach windows.
- Compare at least three local providers to spot outliers.
Most reputable firms will provide a free on‑site evaluation, especially for commercial contracts.
DIY vs. Professional Service
Doing it yourself can look cheap, but factor in your time, safety gear, and the risk of scratches. A typical homeowner spends 2-3 hours on a 10‑window job, which at a personal hourly rate of £20 equals £40-£60 in labour alone - not counting ladder hire (£15 per day) and cleaning solutions (£5). Professional services bundle these costs, often delivering a better finish and saving you the hassle.
Ways to Lower Your Bill
Here are some realistic tricks:
- Bundle window cleaning with other home‑maintenance services (e.g., gutter cleaning) for a 10‑15% discount.
- Schedule regular cleanings (quarterly) - companies often cut the per‑visit price after the first few sessions.
- Choose off‑peak seasons (late autumn or early spring) when demand is lower.
- Remove heavy dirt or cobwebs yourself before the crew arrives - they’ll spend less time on prep.
Quick Quote Checklist
- Number of windows and total glass area.
- Height and access requirements.
- Glass type and any special treatments needed.
- Preferred pricing model (flat, per m², hourly).
- Potential discounts (bundles, off‑peak, repeat customer).
Having these details ready will speed up the estimate process and give you a clearer picture of the final window cleaning price.
