Londoners tend to notice when their windows cross the line from “lived in” to “blocking the autumn sun.” The city’s mix of older brick, new builds with floor‑to‑ceiling glass, tree‑lined streets, and busy roads means grime accumulates fast. When clients ask what window cleaning should cost, the honest answer is that it depends. There is a logic to the Window cleaning service pricing though, and if you understand how professionals calculate jobs, you can predict your bill, spot fair quotes, and tailor the service to your priorities.
This guide takes you through the factors that push a price up or down, along with realistic ranges for homes and small commercial spaces. It also folds in related work like eavestrough cleaning, vinyl siding cleaning, and broader exterior house cleaning, since many homeowners book these together for efficiency. While the focus is London in Ontario, the same approach helps if you are comparing window cleaning companies anywhere across the city.
The anatomy of a quote
A good quote reflects time, risk, and materials. For window cleaning services, those three elements show up through window count and style, access difficulty, height, dirt level, and whether you want inside and outside or just outside. If you are using professional window cleaning services, you also pay for insured labour, travel time, and job guarantees.
For a typical detached home in London with 18 to 24 panes, you will often see a baseline of 120 to 220 CAD for exterior only, and 180 to 320 CAD for inside and out. That range assumes one to two stories, standard casements or sliders, and no unusual obstructions. Prices drift upward for more glass, complex access, third stories, storm windows, or long‑neglected dirt. A small office with street‑level storefront glass might come in at 60 to 120 CAD per visit for a maintenance clean, rising if it includes ladder work or hard water stain removal.
Unlike painting or roofing, a cleaner can walk your exterior and price within minutes. The clarity of that walkthrough is your friend. Ask what is included per pane, whether frames, sills, and screens are part of the standard, and how they handle scraped paint flecks or construction debris. The best window cleaning companies explain choices in plain language, no jargon.
Window types and why they matter
Not all panes are equal. A large fixed picture window is faster than a small multi‑pane French window, and a second‑story bay is slower than a ground‑floor slider. Tilt‑and‑turn units speed things up, old storm windows slow everything down. London’s housing stock has plenty of older wood frames and storms that need careful handling, especially in neighbourhoods like Old North and Woodfield, where original glazing can chip if cleaned aggressively.
Screens add minutes per window, and where screens are brittle from sun exposure, removal needs a gentle hand. Some companies quote screens at a flat per‑screen rate, others as a percentage add‑on. If your quote looks surprisingly low, double check whether screens are included or priced separately.
On modern builds around the city’s newer subdivisions, full‑height glass makes ground‑level exteriors simple with water‑fed poles. Interiors can take longer because the glass runs behind furniture and treatments. If you book residential window cleaning every six months, the second visit is faster and often discounted, because the initial deep clean does most of the heavy lifting.
Height and access: ladders, poles, and rope work
Most residential jobs cap at two stories, and that keeps costs moderate. Add a third story or a walkout basement that turns the back into a pseudo third story and you pay for the extra time and safety kit. Water‑fed poles reach 40 to 60 feet, and when paired with pure water systems, they cut ladder time and leave fewer streaks. The system matters because pure water dries spot‑free and cleans frames as well as glass, but it also requires filtration tanks and maintenance, which is part of what your bill covers.
In tight laneways or over gardens, the crew needs to move carefully. If access involves climbing over flat roofs, working around power lines, or negotiating tight angles, expect a surcharge. For small commercial jobs in downtown London with upper windows over sidewalk traffic, companies may need off‑hours scheduling or lightweight barriers, which slightly increases the price.
Rope access for taller commercial façades is a different tier entirely, usually quoted by the day with a two‑technician minimum. Most homeowners never encounter it, but if your condo board is pricing exterior glass, rope or swing stage methods drive the number more than the square footage does.
Dirt level and the hidden cost of hard water
The difference between a six‑month clean and a two‑year clean is the time it takes to remove stuck‑on contaminants. Pollen, road dust, insects, and spider webs rinse off quickly. Mineral deposits from hard water are another story. London’s water is moderately hard, and if sprinklers hit windows, you will see spotting that gradually etches the glass. Removing light hard water stains adds 3 to 8 CAD per pane. Severe buildup can double the time and requires abrasives or specialty acids used by trained hands.
Construction cleanup is its own category. Removing paint flecks, silicone, or stucco haze calls for razors and non‑scratch pads. Many window cleaning companies will quote construction cleans by the hour because every pane is different. If you are wrapping a renovation, ask the contractor to protect glass during the project. Ten minutes of taping saves an hour of scraping later.
Inside versus outside
Most clients start with exterior only, since that is what catches window cleaning london ontario the light and what neighbours notice. Inside makes a visible difference as well, especially in winter when the angle of the sun shows every smudge. Interior work adds shoe covers, drop cloths, ladder padding, and the courtesy time of moving carefully around belongings. That is why inside and out is not simply a 2x price of the exterior. It is usually an extra 40 to 70 percent depending on furniture density and window treatments.
If you work from home or have pets, tell the crew. Professionals schedule around nap times, Zoom meetings, and anxious dogs. Clear sills where possible. You will shave time off the visit and potentially a little off the bill if the company prices partly by time.
Packages that combine more than glass
Window cleaning rarely stands alone. In practice, clients often bundle eavestrough cleaning services, vinyl siding cleaning, and general exterior house cleaning into the same day. There is efficiency in setting ladders once and circling the property for multiple tasks.
Eavestrough cleaning in London Ontario typically lands in the 120 to 240 CAD range for a single‑story home, and 180 to 320 CAD for two stories, depending on linear footage and debris level. Gutter guards slow things down, which nudges the price upward. If a downspout is clogged, expect a modest add‑on. Many crews use camera checks or water tests to confirm flow before they leave. Pairing eavestrough cleaning with window cleaning services often yields a package discount, since the ladders and safety gear are already deployed.
Vinyl siding cleaning is usually priced by the square foot and the level of organic growth. London’s shaded sides tend to host mildew, especially near trees. A low‑pressure soft wash works better than blasting with a pressure washer, and it protects window seals. If your goal is curb appeal for a spring listing, a combined soft wash of siding plus a full window clean can make a home photograph dramatically better.
How professionals think about time on site
Experience shows in how crews sequence the work. On a typical three‑bedroom home, two technicians can complete an exterior‑only window cleaning service in 1.5 to 2.5 hours, including screens and sills. Add interiors and you are at 2.5 to 4 hours. Complexity pushes that further. Technicians trained on water‑fed poles move quicker and safer on upper stories, but they will switch to hand tools for stubborn spots or hydrophobic glass where pure water beads and leaves marks.
Travel time matters, especially for local window cleaning services that cover all corners of the city. A window cleaning company absorbs some travel within its base pricing. Jobs that require crossing town during peak traffic, or that sit well outside the usual route, may carry a small surcharge or a higher minimum. Booking “window cleaning near me” often earns you a better time slot and more flexibility if weather interferes.
Seasonal pricing and weather realities
London’s climate shapes the calendar. Spring fills quickly as homeowners shake off the winter and prepare for gatherings. Fall books fast for the same reason and for eavestrough cleaning before freeze‑thaw cycles. Shoulder months can be quieter, and some companies pass that lull on as off‑season pricing.
Cold alone does not stop exterior work. Professionals clean windows in sub‑zero weather with additives that prevent freezing on the glass, but extreme wind or icy footing may force a reschedule for safety. Rain is a common worry. Light rain does not ruin a clean window, especially if pure water is used, but heavy downpours can. Many window cleaning companies offer a rain‑day touch‑up guarantee that covers rework on affected panes within a short window at no cost.
Residential versus commercial expectations
Residential window cleaning carries more variables inside the house: children’s rooms, plants, blinds, collectibles. Commercial work often trades those variables for repetition and frequency. A café with a 12‑foot storefront might book weekly exterior cleans for 20 to 35 CAD per visit, with a monthly interior add‑on. Small offices often set a quarterly schedule, with prices lower per visit due to consistency. A bank branch with high glass but predictable access usually sits in the middle.
In residential window cleaning, many homeowners prefer a spring and fall cadence. If your budget allows for one annual visit, choose spring and pair it with exterior house cleaning. If you live near a busy road, you might prefer midsummer when road dust is highest. Matching timing to your environment saves money because you are cleaning for when it shows, not by arbitrary dates.
Price signals that indicate professionalism
When you compare window cleaning companies, the number is only part of the story. A well‑run window cleaning service will document insurance and WSIB coverage, explain safety practices, and offer a clear scope of work. The quote should spell out what is included: glass only or frames and sills, screens, interior track wipes, stain removal policies, and a touch‑up warranty.
A very low quote can mean one of three things: the company is new and buying market share, the scope is narrower than yours, or corners will be cut. None of these are deal‑breakers on their own. New companies can deliver excellent results, and a narrow scope can fit a tight budget. Ask questions. If answers feel vague, keep shopping.
When to pay a little more
You do not need the top price to get a solid clean. You might choose a higher quote if any of the following apply: fragile heritage glass, extensive hard water stains, complex interior spaces with valuable furniture, or the need for early morning or weekend scheduling. It also makes sense to pay for consistency. If a crew keeps notes on your property, remembers the sticky latch in the sunroom, and knows how to work around your garden beds, the job is smoother and your windows stay safer.
The same thinking applies to eavestrough cleaning London Ontario homeowners book each fall. A reliable crew that clears all gutters, flushes downspouts, and documents problem spots is worth a moderate premium because a missed clog can lead to fascia rot or ice dams that cost far more than the savings from a discount clean.
How add‑ons change the total
A pane count forms the base, but certain line items materially change the quote. Examples include screen removal and washing, storm window disassembly, detailed track cleaning beyond a quick wipe, paint scrape, and hard water stain removal. You might also see fees for skylights, glass railing panels, or solarium roofs where access takes extra time.
If you have a mix of needs, a package is often cheaper. A typical bundle might include exterior windows, eavestrough cleaning, and a soft wash of vinyl siding on the north face where algae shows. Grouped together, technicians can ladder, rinse, and move around the house in one circuit, trimming setup time and passing those savings along.
Practical ways to keep your price down
A few simple steps cut time on site without compromising quality. Move patio furniture away from large windows the day before. Unlock gates. Pull back heavy drapery from problem panes. If screens snap out easily, stack them for faster washing, though many companies prefer to handle removal to avoid damage. Share priorities. If you care most about the front elevation for curb appeal, say so. A flexible cleaner will adjust their effort and possibly the price.
You can also set a maintenance rhythm. Twice‑a‑year exterior cleans keep glass from developing stubborn buildup. Once glass stays relatively clean, pure water systems work faster, crews spend less time scraping, and the price per visit often drops for returning customers. Commercial properties already use this logic. Homeowners can borrow it.
Comparing quotes with a clear eye
Prices comparable across London for similar scope indicate a healthy market. Outliers are worth inspecting. Ask for an itemized estimate. You should see a pane or section count, interior versus exterior notes, screen count, any stain or scrape allowances, and height or access surcharges explained. Timelines matter as well. A small home should not require three separate days. Efficient scheduling and adequate staffing are part of professional window cleaning services.
If speed is prioritized over thoroughness, the job looks fine on day one but leaves water runs on sills, missed corners, or streaks in certain light. If thoroughness is prioritized without process, you overpay for time spent solving the cleaner’s own inefficiencies. You want the sweet spot: a team that moves with purpose, uses the right tools, and checks work in changing light.
What “local” buys you
Local window cleaning services know the city’s quirks. They can predict which side of your house tends to stain from sprinkler overspray. They are used to the wind tunneling down wide streets near the Thames River, and they plan ladder placement accordingly. When a hailstorm leaves pockmarks in screens on the west side, locals have seen it before and quote replacements honestly. They also show up fast for rain‑day touch‑ups because they are 10 minutes away, not 45.
A local window cleaning company often has relationships with property managers, realtors, and contractors. That network helps when you need a pre‑listing rush or a post‑renovation cleanup and everyone else is booked. If you search “window cleaning near me,” read past the ads. Check for genuine reviews that mention punctuality, care inside the home, and responsive communication. Price is important, but reliability protects your time.
Realistic price snapshots
Price ranges help when you want to sanity‑check a quote. These examples reflect common scenarios across London, assuming typical access and condition.
- Bungalow, 15 to 18 exterior panes, no storms: 100 to 160 CAD exterior, 160 to 240 CAD inside and out. Two‑story detached, 22 to 28 panes with screens: 140 to 220 CAD exterior, 200 to 320 CAD inside and out. Townhome, three levels at the back with walkout: 160 to 260 CAD exterior, 240 to 380 CAD inside and out, depending on access. Small storefront, single bay of glass: 60 to 120 CAD per visit exterior, 90 to 160 CAD with monthly interior add‑on. Eavestrough cleaning on a typical two‑story detached: 180 to 320 CAD, add 20 to 60 CAD if downspout clearing requires disassembly. Vinyl siding soft wash on a modest façade or north wall: 120 to 220 CAD as an add‑on, more for whole‑house washing.
These numbers compress or expand based on frequency. Set a quarterly schedule and per‑visit pricing drops. Book a one‑off after years of neglect and you will sit at the high end.
Safety, insurance, and why it affects your bill
Window cleaning looks simple until you are three rungs up on wet aluminum faced with a thorny climbing rose. Professionals treat risk as a budget line. Insurance premiums, fall‑arrest training, proper ladder feet, stabilizers that protect gutters, and pure water systems that reduce ladder time all exist to keep people and properties safe. They cost money, and that investment shows up in your quote.
It is also what stands between you and liability if something goes wrong. If a crew member slips, an insured, WSIB‑compliant company handles the claim. If a tool scratches a tempered pane, a reputable firm will replace it. That peace of mind has a price, but it is far less than replacing a pane on a custom picture window.
The ripple effect of workmanship
Good window cleaning goes beyond the shine. Pro crews spot failing caulking, hairline cracks, fogged double‑pane seals, and warped frames early. They will flag clogged weep holes or gutters that are backing up. I have seen thousands of windows, and the same pattern recurs: small water problems become big repair bills if ignored. It is not your cleaner’s job to diagnose everything, but a practiced eye often saves you money by catching issues at the maintenance stage.
The same applies to eavestrough cleaning. Crews report sagging runs, pulled spikes, or joints that weep under flow. A 20 dollar tube of sealant at the right moment prevents a 600 dollar fascia repair. If your window cleaning company includes basic reporting in their service, that intangible value offsets a few dollars on the price.
How to request a quote that lands where you want
Here is a simple, practical way to request pricing that yields consistent apples‑to‑apples responses:
- Share your address or neighbourhood, number of stories, and an estimate of pane count or photos of each elevation. Clarify scope: exterior only or inside and out, include screens and light sill wipe, and any known stains or construction residue. Note access issues: dogs, gates, alarm systems, or limited driveway space, plus any skylights or solariums. Ask about packages if you also need eavestrough cleaning or a soft wash of vinyl siding. Request proof of insurance and a brief written scope with any guarantees, including rain‑day touch‑ups.
You can do this over the phone, but emailing a short checklist with photos gives the company enough to price accurately the first time.
A note on sustainability and products
Many pros in London have shifted to pure water systems that eliminate detergents for exterior glass. Inside, they use minimal, low‑VOC solutions. Microfiber cloths, channel rubbers swapped regularly, and controlled water use all matter. If environmental impact weighs in your decision, ask how the company cleans, disposes of wastewater when soft washing, and protects landscaping. Sustainable practices overlap with quality, because the methods that avoid harsh chemicals also tend to protect seals, paint, and plants.
Choosing value without overpaying
Fair pricing sits where expertise, efficiency, and care meet. If you chase the very lowest number, be prepared to manage the job more closely. If you pay at the top without a reason, you subsidize overhead that does not necessarily translate to better work. For most homeowners in London, mid‑market pricing from a local, insured, well‑reviewed window cleaning company delivers the best value. Pair the visit with eavestrough cleaning in spring or fall, consider a light vinyl siding cleaning if algae shows, and set a cadence you can maintain.
When you do this, two things happen. Your home looks better in every season, and the maintenance you invest in costs less over time. That is the quiet arithmetic behind a clean pane: a small, predictable expense that prevents larger, unpredictable ones. And with London’s sun finally breaking through after a stretch of grey, you will see the payoff the moment it hits the glass.
Clearview Brothers Window Cleaning London, ON (226) 239-5841
Clearview Brothers provides professional window cleaning, eavestrough cleaning, siding cleaning, and screen cleaning services in London, Ontario. Their eco-friendly methods and advanced equipment deliver streak-free windows, clear gutters, and refreshed exteriors that enhance curb appeal and protect your home.