How to start a window cleaning business

With very low start-up costs, it's no surprise you're thinking about starting a window cleaning business of your own. Here are the ins and outs of what you need to do to kick-start your own window-cleaning business.

Starting a window cleaning business in the UK

Window cleaning is an appealing trade to get into. Residential and commercial properties are always being built—so there's always plenty of glass for you to clean!

In 2023, over 207,000 people in the UK searched for a window cleaner on Checkatrade alone*. This shows that there is a need for window cleaning businesses on Checkatrade.

So, if you’re wondering how to start a window cleaning business, we’re here to help you.

We also have a number of FREE business templates to save you time and give you a helping hand:

• A marketing planning guide to help promote your new venture

• A business development strategy template to help plan your window cleaning business' growth

Creating a window cleaning business plan

Get a head start on your business plan by grabbing our free business plan template below!

The first step for any new business is to create a window-cleaning business plan. This will help you remain focused and make informed decisions.

If you’re hoping to start a window cleaning business, here are some areas to focus on:

Your market

Knowing the market and your customers well is the key to succeeding in any business. You need to ensure that your customers' needs are being met by the services you offer:

• Look for gaps in the market where you can fulfil extra demand

• Look at your competitors, what they charge and the services they offer

• Research how other window cleaners market themselves to see how you can succeed locally

• Research the industry and tools such as water-fed poles to ensure you’re offering customers the best service

Finance

When setting up a window cleaning business, you’ll need to pay attention to numbers:

• Firstly, you’ll need to cover any start-up costs - i.e. will you take out a business loan?

• Secondly, decide how you’ll price up your services - you could use a pricing template

Will you look at how much your competitors charge for guidance? Or will you estimate the cost for products and tools used along with your time on the job? Either way, make sure you make a profit.

Small business financing options for tradespeople

Small business financing is likely to be a major consideration if you're considering running your own trade business. Reasons for start-up business loans include the need for: Small business equipment financing to purchase tools, plant or machinery Purchasing or leasing a vehicle for your trade

Learn more

Business strategy

If you’re hoping to start a window cleaning business, you’ll need to also consider logistics:

• What services you’ll offer

• The hours you’ll work

• The area where you’ll work

• How you’ll source your tools - becoming a Checkatrade member means you could save on tools!

• Whether you’ll hire employees - contractors, employed staff or apprentices?

You’ll also need to decide how you’ll get from one job to the next. If you have a lot of equipment we’d suggest investing in a van for your window cleaning business.

Marketing

To attract customers, you’ll need to get your company name out there. That's where marketing comes in.

You can do this through:

• Local social media groups

• Paid advertising

• Word of mouth

• Handing out flyers

• Signs and advertising

• Getting your van branded with signage

Your business plan should carefully outline your marketing strategy. You'll also need to explain why that's your strategy. This comes back to you knowing the market and your audience.

If you need some help with marketing your new window cleaning business, check out this free download:

Not sure where to start with your business plan?

We have a fantastic guide for how to write a business plan. And a FREE business plan template for you to use. Simply add your email below.

Training and qualifications

You don't need any formal qualifications to become a window cleaner and run your own window-cleaning business.

However, you will need to adhere to Health and Safety Executive guidelines. This is important when using a ladder and working on commercial properties.

Some commercial premises may ask you to show a general health and safety accreditation before they contract the work.

If you plan to use a ladder, check out our working at-height guide to help keep you safe.

Other useful skills and attributes

When you start your own window cleaning business, you'll take on the role of 'the boss'. This is a dream for many.

However, as with any business, you'll need a number of 'soft skills' and personal attributes to help you succeed.

• You'll need to be good at time management getting from one appointment to the next

• You may need to be adept at managing a team and scheduling workload if you employ others

• You need to be physically fit

• You need excellent customer service skills to build a rapport with your clients

• There's also a lot of paperwork and administration that comes with running a business, so good organisation is a must

Don't have time to read all this right now?

Sign up for our 'Become the Boss' series for help getting your window cleaning business up and running in no time.

You'll receive a series of 8 emails containing actionable tips and top advice from fellow tradespeople. At the end of it all, you could be the founder of your new business.

Simply add your email below to make the most of this free business advice.

How to start a UK window cleaning business

In this section, we'll guide you through the practical steps of starting a window cleaning business. We’ll look at business registration, insurance, the equipment you'll need, and how to market your new venture.

Business name and logo

Choose a business name that's unique, memorable, and perhaps a little fun to help you stand out from the competition. Once you're happy, you'll need to register your business name..

1. Register your business with HMRC in order to trade legally

2. Decide on a business structure: sole trader, partnership or limited company.

There are different tax liabilities and regulations for each type of business structure. If you're unsure which structure would be best for you, ask a professional accountant for advice.

How to find a great accountant for your trade business

A great accountant works alongside you to help your trade business grow and become more profitable. Why a trade business needs a great accountant An accountant can: Free up more time for you by handling basic functions, such as bookkeeping and tax returns Support you with financial reporting

Learn more

Business insurance

It’s also well worth getting the appropriate business insurance to prevent any legal or financial issues.

While working on other peoples' property, accidents can happen, for which you could be financially liable without proper insurance.

As a window cleaner, you should think about getting public liability insurance. Checkatrade members are required to have it and can save 20% on the cost thanks to our partnership with Superscript.

How to pick the right tradesperson insurance

It’s worth making sure you’ve got the cover you need, as having the right tradesperson insurance will be an essential lifeline for your business if things go wrong. So, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about finding the right insurance for your trade business. What to look for in

Learn more

Finances

Keep track of any financial records, including money coming in and going out of your account. This will help when it comes to paying taxes and National Insurance.

Running your company finances can be tricky. So, if you’re worried, we’d recommend hiring an accountant, undergoing training, or reading online guides for more details.

Tools and equipment

You won’t need expensive equipment to get started in this industry. In fact, you may even already own some of the essentials.

So, what do you need to start a window cleaning business? Well, your window cleaning business start-up kit should include:

• Bucket

• Ladder

• Window cleaning detergent

• Microfibre cloths

• Squeegee

• Scraper

• Bucket belt

There are various pieces of equipment you’ll need to start a window cleaning business.

For instance, if you plan to work from the ground you’ll need a water-fed pole to reach high windows.

Being a Checkatrade member means you can save on the cost of your equipment, thanks to our partnerships with people like Selco and Tradepoint. Our members can log into our Member's App to check the latest offers and discounts.

Useful checklist for starting a window cleaning business

• Your business plan should include information on how you plan to market, run, fund, and protect your company

• Starting a window cleaning company isn’t too complicated and start-up costs will be anything from £100 upwards

• You can make a good profit by building your own window cleaning business. You’ll need to offer a high-quality service and meet the needs of your customers

• Joining Checkatrade is a brilliant way to attract customers, save on business essentials and give your company credibility

• You don’t need to work at heights, as the technology now exists to allow you to work from the ground

Join Checkatrade to help your new business

Another option available to anyone starting a window cleaning business is to join Checkatrade.

That way, your new business can benefit from the trust Checkatrade has built over the last 25 years. It's a great way to build trust and get customer leads for your new and upcoming business.

• You'll get a business profile on the UK's leading trade directory

• Your search listing can show up on Google, just as a website would

• You can display customer reviews and testimonials on your profile page

• You can also manage customer enquiries on the go, directly from the Checkatrade app

• You get access to our handy quoting and invoicing tool

• You enjoy great offers and discounts on workwear, tools, equipment and more

• You get your work guaranteed up to £1,000 when booked through us (T&Cs apply)

FAQs

How much does it cost to start a window cleaning business?

Getting started in the window cleaning business is as easy as buying the equipment and driving to your customers’ homes.

If you want to build your business, you’ll need to invest in advanced equipment and marketing to reach more customers. You’ll also need a van to transport your equipment and insurance to protect your company.

Is a window cleaning business profitable?

With low start-up costs and overheads, you can build a successful, small business no matter your financial situation. This means that a window cleaning business can be profitable right from the start.

Wondering how much do window cleaners earn? Well**, the amount you’ll make depends on the services you offer**, your experience, the amount you charge and the demand.

Thankfully, window cleaners will always be needed. This is because most people are either too busy or physically unable to clean their windows. Especially on the upper floors.

How much can a window cleaning business make?

Again, this will depend on a range of factors, but as a rough guide, a window cleaner working as a sole trader could expect around £200 per day. This means if you expand your company to include other employees you can earn more and more each day.

How do you charge for window cleaning?

Working out how to charge for your services doesn’t need to be a stressful process. The best way to start is to look at how much your competitors charge. You can then consider how your services stack up against your competitors.

For example, if your services are better quality, or you offer less common services you can charge more.

Do you need a licence to be a window cleaner in England?

No, but you can consider getting accreditation from The Federation of Window Cleaners to show your customers you’re legitimate.