Windows are a big aspect of a house or a business. Washable, clean windows can add aesthetical value to a structure, illuminate spaces, and make up the overall look of your property. Residential or commercial window cleaning service is required, no matter how small or large the project is. Find out how much window cleaning costs to help with planning and informed decision-making.
The cost of window cleaning in Australia can differ based on several factors including type of property, number of windows, size of windows, accessibilities, and cleaning technique. The cost may vary from under $90 for a light-duty residential job to thousands for a high-rise commercial project. This comprehensive cost guide will explore the factors influencing window cleaning prices in Australia, average costs for various services, tips to save window cleaning costs and how to hire window cleaning professionals.
Factors Influencing Window Cleaning Costs
The cost of cleaning windows is dependent on different factors. Although the prices can be inferred according to some general rules, one should also think about the individual factors that play a role in the total cost. They are exhaustively from property type, the number of windows and the dimension of the windows, usability, window type, and window cleaning specifics.
- Property Type
The type of property you own plays a major role in determining the cost of window cleaning. Residential properties are usually cheaper to clean than commercial ones. Furthermore, buildings or high-rise buildings with multiple floors may need further specialized equipment, safety equipment and techniques during window cleaning operations, which causes an increase in cost. One-storey homes are typically cheaper than multi-storey homes, and apartments are more cost-effective than independent homes because they have fewer windows.
- Window Size and Number
The area of the windows and the number of windows in the main building or property of your home or office, for instance, will also directly affect your window cleaning price. The larger windows require more time and effort to clean as opposed to smaller units. If you have several windows, this will also increase the total cost, as more cleaning products, labour, and time will be required. For instance, cleaning multiple small windows can take just as long as cleaning fewer large windows.
- Accessibility
Window accessibility is another important factor. Windows hard to reach, e.g., high up on a building or behind trees, can necessitate special equipment such as ladders or scaffolding for safe cleaning. This complication of the task increases its complexity and may lead to a higher cost. This factor has a strong impact on commercial buildings or multi-storey residences, which typically require special equipment and procedures, e.g., rope access for high-rise windows.
- Cleaning Level
When a significant amount of dirt, grime, or stains has built up on the windows, the cleaning process will probably take longer, and will probably require more powerful cleaning agents. For instance, windows victim of hard water spots, mould, and heavy dust might require additional handling. Cleaning activities regularly are usually inexpensive tasks compared to jobs that need specific care or specialized products to remove hard stains, which will then result in even higher costs.
- Window Type
The kind of pane on your property can also affect how much it costs to clean. Simple single-paned windows are usually simpler (not to mention cheaper) to clean than more complex window constructions, including casement windows, double-paned windows and large picture windows. Specialty windows, such as decorative or stained-glass windows, may require special attention and care, driving up the price due to the delicate nature of the glass. The more the design or material was, the higher the cost could be.
- Location
Your location within Australia can have a significant effect on window cleaning prices. Prices are generally on the higher side in the major cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, due to the increased levels of cost of living and service demand. On the other hand, with a smaller number of businesses in suburban lands and small residential areas, prices are cheaper, as there is less competition and fewer operational costs. Even in the context of a city, the price of window cleaning may differ due to the service provider being required to go over a greater distance to reach an address.
Average Window Cleaning Cost by Cities
Window cleaning cost depends on the city because operational costs change from city to city:
- Sydney: $150-$330
- Melbourne: $150-$300
- Brisbane: $120-$260
- Perth: $130-$210
- Adelaide: $90-$280
- Canberra: $110-$300
Window Cleaning Services And Their Costs
Window washing rates can vary greatly but here are a few average rates to possibly get an idea of how much is involved:
- Residential Window Cleaning
The average cost to clean a residential property's windows is usually about $150-$330. Smaller homes or condos might have prices around $150, whereas larger houses with more windows or additional stories can cost upwards of $330. These will quite possibly vary depending on the size of the homes, the number of windows, and the difficulty of the job.
- Commercial Window Cleaning
Cost-wise, commercial window cleaning usually costs more than residential window washing. For small to medium-sized commercial natured buildings, expenses may vary from $180 to about $2,000. On the other hand, large commercial buildings such as those that are multi-story or high rise in height surely would cost much more, sometimes above $1,200. The most important consideration in this regard is the size and complexity of the building's windows.
- Hourly Window Cleaning jobs
Some window cleaning service providers charge hourly charges. Average hourly ragging for window cleaning generally goes up to range between $44-60 hourly. This is wherein the hourly charges apply to the job being uncertain where it is being cleaned. Such rates depend on the accessibility of windows and size and so on regarding how dirty they are.
- Exterior Window Wash
This is a widely required service for private and businesses alike. Outer scratching of windows is generally around $390 these days, but normally it varies from $90 to $1,400 according to the size of the area and the tough washing activities that need to take place. Larger homes or those used as commercial buildings will most likely fall on the higher end of the range.
- Gutter Cleaning Services
Gutter cleaning is about to have nothing to do with window cleaning; however, many companies offering window cleaning can take care of it as an additional service. The cost for gutter cleaning generally ranges from $120 to $450, depending on the size of the building and the extent of the cleaning needed.
Window Cleaning Costs by Property Type
Each property type requires different amounts of labour, time, and equipment, which results in varying costs for window cleaning. Following is a more detailed cost description of window cleaning for different property types:
- Apartment/Unit:
Window cleaning of apartments costs about $150 to $180, on average. These characteristics are usually one or two stories in height, with little glazing and thus easier to clean and cheaper to keep clean. On the other hand, a more expensive apartment or apartment in a busy area of a city may be costlier.
- Small to Medium House (One Storey)
Costs of cleaning one-storey windows are on average between $180 to $250. This type of house may contain more windows than a small (apartment) house and less "downstairs" room may necessitate ladders to access it. Total cleaning expense grows in proportion to the number of windows that have to be cleaned.
- Large House (One Storey)
Larger ground-level units could take some, longer-to-clean, and would cost, per window cleaner, $250 to $330. The upper end of that spectrum is usually reserved for houses with large glass windows or hard-to-reach areas.
- Two-Storey House
Window cleaning for a double-storey house is usually around $300 to $400. Both the increased height and the number of windows complicate the work. The cost could also increase if the windows are big, are in hard-to-get-to locations and/or need something special, ordinary cleaning products, to handle the accumulated grime.
- Three-Storey and Larger Homes
House window cleaning for homes with three or more stories can begin at $400. The greater stature necessitates specialized equipment, i.e., scaffolding or ladders, leading to higher expenses. Multi-storey houses, for example, have windows that are difficult to clean and hence more time-consuming and labour-intensive.
- Commercial Buildings
Land and buildings (e.g., offices, shops, and factories) come at different prices according to their area and site. Window cleaning of a commercial building begins at about $180 to $2,000. Specialized equipment and methods that can include rope access cause these jobs to be much more expensive.
- High-Rise Buildings
Buildings with several floors, e.g., office towers and multi-storey apartments, are the most costly to clean as special safety facilities and tools are required. These buildings can cost anywhere from $1,200 to several thousand dollars for a complete window cleaning job. Because of the complexity and risk involved in working at altitude, a competent professional with the necessary skills and training is needed.
Different Window Types with Cleaning Costs
The style of the window in your house or office can impact the cost of cleaning. Certain window types are more complex, remote, or require specific cleaning methods. Here are the typical costs for different window types:
- Single Pane Windows
These are conventional windows with a single sheet of glass. Cleaning costs for single-pane windows are typically around $3 per pane.
- Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are commonly found in homes and apartments. These windows have two panels that slide on top of each other. The cleaning cost for sliding windows is typically about $5 per pane of glass.
- Decorative Windows
Curtaining windows (which are sometimes seen in historical residences and structures) consist of a pattern embellishment or stained glass. These frames are more fragile and have to be handled and cleaned with care. Typical cleaning costs for decorative windows are around $5/pane.
- Casement Windows
These windows have a side hinge and have an outward swinging shape. They need thorough cleaning because of their construction, which is more difficult to access. Cleaning a casement window usually costs $7 per pane.
- Storm Windows
Storm windows are constructed to withstand the elements and are commonly made up of multiple panes of glass. They are not always easy to clean because of their construction, and the price of these windows is usually about $7 for each pane.
- Large Picture Windows
Picture windows are extended, stagnant windows that are made to offer unqualified looks out of the window. These windows are usually more difficult to clean because of their size, costing at least $15 to clean each window.
- Tri-Fold Bay Windows
Bay windows, tri-fold type are bigger, and their cleaning methods are different. The cost of cleaning a tri-fold bay window is usually (around) $28 per window because of its intricate nature.
Hire the Right Window Cleaning Service
To guarantee the task of window cleaning properly, it is critical to locate a reliable and satisfactory window cleaning service. Following are some tips for choosing the ideal window cleaners near you:
- Insurance and Certification: Ensure that the window cleaning company holds full insurance with the qualification to work at height. This prevents liability in the event of accidents.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Check online reviews or ask friends and family for recommendations. A credible company has good reviews from customers.
- Quotes and Pricing: Get quotes from many service providers and compare them to see if a quote is too good to be true. While the most affordable option may not always offer the nicest service, a head-to-head comparison of quotes can help you to secure a fair price.
- Experience: Seek out companies that have experience (ideally, in the case of high-rise cleaning or specialty glazing), if you are looking for a cleaning service. Experienced professionals will know how to safely perform hazardous cleaning work.
Final Words
Window cleaning costs in Australia depend on many factors, such as a property's type, number of windows, window size, and access as well as the particular cleaning needs. Prices are typically in the range of $150-$330 for residential homes and multi-story/commercial buildings, but much more for high-rise buildings. To gain the best value for a job, it is also necessary to know what determines the price.
Although you may wish to do the cleaning work yourself, it is practical to either call a professional cleaners or to have it done by a reputable professional services company to guarantee high-quality work, particularly for hard-to-reach, or delicate window surfaces. Always research and compare services before committing, and choose a reliable, insured, and experienced window cleaner to get the best results for your property.
