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Last updated: 7 January 2025

How to become a window cleaner

Window cleaners are needed in towns and cities across the UK. Whether you work on standard residential properties or on large multi-storey buildings, you’ll never be short of work. Want to know how to become a window cleaner?

How to become a window cleaner
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Why should you become a window cleaner?

If you like working outdoors and being your own boss, becoming a window cleaner is a great choice.

With over 194,000 job searches for a window cleaner on the Checkatrade website in 2024*, there is a lot of existing customer interest out there!

To clean windows for a living, you’ll:

  • Have to be reasonably fit and healthy

  • Need to feel comfortable when working from heights

  • Need a strong work ethic

  • Have to develop good people skills

If you feel like you tick all these boxes, then a career as a window cleaner could be just for you.

But what's involved in that process? Is it as simple as picking up a bucket and going for it? This article gives you the lowdown.

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What does a window cleaner do?

A window cleaner cleans windows! Of course they do. There is, however, more than just cleaning windows in this profession. But it has to start somewhere.

Depending on the type of work you'll end up doing, jobs that you’ll also need to do include:

  • Mixing and preparing cleaning chemicals and detergents

  • Climbing ladders or using cradle and rope devices on high-rise buildings

  • Cleaning windows by hand

  • Using water fed poles to clean windows

  • Cleaning other relevant glass structures such as roofs and screens

  • Know your COSHH responsibilities and appropriately deal with substances

One of the first things to decide as a window cleaner, is the type of work you want to do.

When starting out, you'll likely only want to focus on the basics of cleaning windows. However, as you grow in confidence and experience, you may want to diversify your skillset. For example, by offering drain or gutter cleaning services as well.

Get a strong start as a new window cleaner

Find more work in your local area with Checkatrade

What types of windows need cleaning?

When you become a window cleaner, you’ll need to decide what sector you want to focus on.

Some areas of window cleaning that you may want to target include:

  • Residential properties

  • High-rise buildings

  • Commercial buildings (e.g. Offices, shops, leisure centres)

  • Local authority buildings (e.g. Hospitals, schools, etc)

Your location will greatly affect the types of windows you clean. If you are based in a city, there will be more commercial buildings and high-rise properties with windows you can clean. That could potentially lead to more lucrative contracts.

If you’re based in a small town or rural area, as commercial properties are scarcer, you’re more likely to gain work cleaning residential property windows. However, in rural areas, homes can often be larger, leading to more (or larger) windows.

Whatever you decide to do, you’ll need some high-quality equipment to get started.

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What equipment does a window cleaner need?

Depending on the jobs you do, it is unlikely that you'll need to invest in lots of expensive high-tech equipment as a window cleaner. Or at least, not when you're just beginning.

To start out with private properties, the following items should be sufficient:

  • A lightweight but sturdy bucket

  • An extendable ladder

  • Cleaning products (e.g. Detergent, specialist window cleaning solution)

  • A squeegee and microfibre cloths

  • A window scraper

  • A bucket belt and other appropriate PPE

However, if you diversify and start working on high-rise buildings, you’ll also need to invest in extra safety equipment and a means of accessing higher levels.

Having the right equipment when you need it can make the job a lot easier, and could ultimately lead to a better finish. Which leads to happier customers.

Get a strong start as a new window cleaner

Find more work in your local area with Checkatrade

How to become a high-rise window cleaner

As mentioned above, becoming a high-rise window cleaner will require more equipment. You will also have to be comfortable working at heights.

Other things to consider with high-rise window cleaning include:

  • Additional PPE and workwear (such as helmet and harnesses)

  • Some knowledge of scaffolding or temporary safety structures

  • Longer brushes / water pipes

  • Different types of insurance

Becoming a cleaner of high-rise windows means you should have a good knowledge of working from height regulations and associated health and safety rules.

There are various courses available that will provide you with the essential knowledge to safely work from height.

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How to train to be a window cleaner

Window cleaners often learn through experience. A good place to start is to try out your window cleaning skills on your own property.

Got it nailed? From there you can start offering your skills out to your friends and family.

There are other options to training as well:

Once you’ve gained some window cleaning experience, you can start advertising your services in your local area to win more customers.

Get a strong start as a new window cleaner

Find more work in your local area with Checkatrade

What qualifications does a window cleaner need?

Many window cleaners will operate without formal qualifications. However, official training courses with the BWCA will provide accreditation.

Often, with a good work ethic, determination and some business planning, you’ll soon be able to become a successful window cleaner.

When working as a window cleaner, however, you will need to follow the Health and Safety Executive guidelines.

If you really want to invest in your window cleaning career, getting accredited for working at height is also a great idea. There are a number of training providers for this, such as from the British Safety Council.

Having a recognised health and safety qualification will give your customers confidence that they are working with a professional window cleaner.

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Starting out as a window cleaner with help from Checkatrade

One of the best ways to gain more window cleaning work is by becoming a Checkatrade member.

All Checkatrade members get access to a range of exclusive benefits including:

  • Discounts on tools, equipment, materials, and insurance

  • Marketing materials to help grow your business

  • More leads that convert into paying customers

  • Guarantee on the jobs you do (naturally, T&Cs apply)

  • Access to the multi-purpose trades app (for job management, offers, quoting and more)

  • A trusted reputation with the Checkatrade tick

  • An online profile where you can promote your building skills

As a Checkatrade approved window cleaner, you can highlight to your customers that you are a fully vetted and approved trader.

Get the process started today and you’ll soon be winning new work as a Checkatrade approved window cleaner.

Being a Checkatrade approved and guaranteed member

What do you need to become Checkatrade approved?

Becoming a Checkatrade member comes with a whole host of benefits, but the biggest has to be gaining our seal of approval. Homeowners tend to expect a commitment to quality when it comes to the Checkatrade tick, which can help you to win more business. Here are the checks you'll need to pass to join our directory.

Learn more

FAQs

How much does a window cleaner earn?

As a registered sole trader working as a window cleaner, you can expect to earn around £200 per day.

Have a read of our article on how much do window cleaners earn to find out more.

Do I need a license to clean windows in the UK?

In general, the answer is no. In England and Wales, window cleaners do not require a license.

In Scotland, however, you will need to apply for a license from most local authorities if you are looking to clean windows professionally.

How often do window cleaners clean windows?

This varies for different window cleaning companies. Most professionals will advise that you should have your windows cleaned at least every three months.

Some window cleaners suggest as regularly as every two weeks. Others recommend window cleaning should be done twice a year.

Checkatrade members get more for their money

Our members save ££££s every year on business essentials

* Internal search data from users of the Checkatrade.com website in 2024

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