Cleaning Windows

Is your income from your main job not cutting it? You’re not alone, many people are looking for side jobs to put some extra cash in their pockets.

We’re here to tell you that cleaning windows as a side hustle is an excellent option to consider.

In this guide, we’ll provide all the information you need to successfully start your journey as a professional window cleaner.

An Overview of Cleaning Windows: A Primer

Cleaning windows as a side hustle is a great way to supplement your income.

It involves providing your services to residential or commercial clients who need their windows cleaned, whether from the inside or outside.

Apart from requiring you to be in good physical shape, it’s super easy to start a window cleaning business. It’s also easy to find clients because people always need their windows cleaned.

How Much Can Cleaning Windows Earn You?

The exact amount you make by cleaning windows as a side hustle depends on how much you intend to work.

Window cleaners typically charge between $35 and $50 per hour. If you work 40 hours each week, that adds up to a yearly income ranging from $70,000 to $100,000. That being said, it’s going to be difficult to maintain a 40-hour weekly work capacity alongside your main job.

As you become more proficient, you can start charging more than $50 per hour.

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Side Hustle Cleaning Windows?

A major advantage of cleaning windows as a side hustle is that you don’t need that much money to start operating.

Your main start-up expenses will be buying the required equipment and renting a vehicle to get you from one job to the next. If you already have a vehicle that can carry all your equipment, you’ll need even less money to start your window cleaning business.

The equipment and window cleaning products you may need include:

• Plastic spray bottles
• Clean microfiber cloths or lint-free rags treated with fabric softener
• A Squeegee blade
• Liquid dish soap
• Rubber gloves
• Pressure-washer
• White vinegar
• Clean paper towels

You may also want to market your services by buying sponsored ads on popular social media channels like Facebook or Instagram.

Where Can You Find Cleaning Windows Gigs?

Before you can start making money by cleaning windows on the side, you first need to find clients that require that service.

To do so, you can go two different routes: the independent route and the gig economy company route.

Where to Independently Find Cleaning Windows Work

If you decide to try finding work cleaning windows independently, inquiring at the strip malls and business complexes in your area is a great starting point.

These establishments typically have a lot of dirty windows that inevitably need cleaning, and you can be the one to do the job.

Alternatively, you can let people know that you’re open to window cleaning jobs on online platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.

Gig Economy Companies That Offer Cleaning Windows Work

Gig economy companies are another option to consider. These companies have websites and apps that give you exposure and make it easier to find clients who need your services.

You can also find jobs cleaning houses on these platforms.

Here are some websites/apps we recommend:

• Handy
• Thumbtack
• Takl

Why You Should Consider Cleaning Windows As a Side Hustle

There are several reasons why you should strongly consider starting a side hustle cleaning windows.

Here are some of them:

• You get to work outdoors: Nobody wants to stay cooped up in an office all day. In turn, the fact that cleaning windows mainly involves working outside is a major advantage. You get to bask in the sun, and if you’re cleaning an elevated window, you get a bird’s eye view of the city.
• You’ll have a flexible schedule: If you want to start cleaning windows in parallel to your main job, you can do so without issues. You won’t have a fixed schedule, so you can tailor your working hours to suit you best. 
• There’s a lot of growth potential: Over time, you’ll gain more clients and a larger capital reserve. You can use these funds to hire a team of window cleaners to grow your scale of operation and not have to clean windows yourself. 

Problems With Cleaning Windows

Cleaning windows for money also comes with some issues.

Here are some of the obstacles you might face:

• It’s physically demanding: Cleaning windows isn’t an easy task, especially when you consider the physical effort it involves. If you have problems with chronic back pain or any other physical limitations, this side hustle isn’t for you.
• It can be dangerous: You should also consider the dangers and risks involved. If you work on windows in multi-story buildings, you’ll spend a lot of time on top of ladders. As a result, you run the risk of serious injury if you fall off.
• Working in unpleasant weather: Getting to work outdoors is a double-edged sword. If you live in an area with frequent strong winds, cleaning windows won’t be a pleasant experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a couple of questions that people commonly have about cleaning windows as a side hustle: