If you're new to Window Cleaning I'm sure you'll be hungry to know what the potential is, how much can you make in a day, how many houses can you clean on average and how long should you be spending on each job?
Often the answer to each question is dependant on a few factors, but even with this in mind, we can shed some light on what an average Window Cleaner might expect.
How many houses can a Window Cleaner clean in a day?
This is dependant on a few factors such as the size of the property, the number of windows and the distance between jobs, however many Window Cleaners aim to cover 15-20 properties in a day, assuming an average 3 bedroom property in the UK. This is a handy benchmark to aim for but by no means the measure of a successful business.
It is generally accepted that pure water cleaning is quicker than traditional cleaning on the whole. But of course there are exceptionally quick traditional cleaners and slow-and-steady pure water cleaners that love to tell us otherwise.
How long should a Window Cleaner take per house?
This is a great example where quality and quantity are not at all connected, how long a property takes is dependant on the size, how often it's cleaned and the method of cleaning. First time cleans often take twice as long as what might be considered a 'maintenance clean', as part of a 4 weekly service. Ultimately the measure of a successful job is simple, are the windows clean?
If you can get through 15-20 standard domestic properties in a working day, you will be around the UK average
How much can a Window Cleaner earn each day in the UK?
Working as an employee, a Window Cleaner can expect on average between £8-£12.00 per hour, however most Window Cleaners are self employed, at which point the earning capabilities are unlimited!
In fact, the only thing limiting a business is the owner's vision, commitment, and preparation. That said, many self employed Window Cleaners aim to earn between £150.00 and £200.00 per day.
Primary factors influencing the amount of money that can be earned include the area and the type of work being completed. Commercial work in Westminster is likely to come with a somewhat different price tag to residential work in Inverness. However, along with that comes increased operating costs and so ensuring you charge sufficiently to cover your costs is important to keep your business afloat
Do Window Cleaners need a license in the UK?
Window Cleaning Licenses are currently only required in Scotland, and not in Wales, England or N. Ireland.
Whilst you do not need a license outside of Scotland, it is recommended you obtain correct insurances. This is covered in greater detail as part of our Starting a Window Cleaning business guide.
In Scotland, a Window Cleaner’s licence is required as part of the Civic Government Act 1982. You can find more information on the Gov.uk website. To apply you will need public liability insurance, passport photos and employers liability insurance (if applicable).
This information is accurate as of the date of publishing, we recommend using the Gov.uk website for up to date information licensing in your area.
Do Window Cleaners work in the rain?
Gone are the days when Window Cleaners were foiled by a light drizzle, modern Window Cleaning (with pure water) is effective in almost all weathers. Rain water is almost pure and so will not do any harm. Some Window Cleaners prefer not to work in the rain, though this is generally just down to personal preference or because customers request that they don't.
In todays world we find that Window Cleaners can often set their customers expectations. If you briefly explain why cleaning in the rain is not a problem, and always turn up on time in the rain or shine, customers will often understand and actually prefer the regularity.
Find out more about Pure Water Window Cleaning here
How often should I have my Windows Cleaned?
Most Window Cleaners work on a 4, 6 or 8 weekly rotation, or monthly. It is not unusual for a Window Cleaner to charge more for the first clean and less on each subsequent clean - to cover for the additional time needed on Windows that have not been cleaned for some time.
Keeping to a rota allows you to keep a steady flow of work and a neat schedule. If you live near the seaside or somewhere dirt builds up quickly, then 4 weekly is ideal - alternatively you may find that 4 weekly is overkill and so 6 or 8 weekly might be a better fit with your customers.
Do Window Cleaners still use the ladders?
Quite often you hear rumours within the industry that 'ladders have been banned' or that 'Window Cleaners are no longer legally able to use ladders, this often is a misunderstanding of the 'working at height' regulations that came into force in 2005. Ladders are not banned for Window Cleaning, but it is important to use them safely and have a working understanding of the working at height regulations.
That said, most modern Window Cleaning (with pure water) is done from the ground, with no need for ladders. This is the preferred way to clean for the safety of the Window Cleaner and the peace of mind of the property owner.
Many Window Cleaners still carry ladders in case of one-off jobs or difficult to reach locations, even if the majority of their work is done from the ground.
Ladders are still a useful tool however Window Cleaners are encouraged to avoid them where possible and ensure they are used safely. The HSE brief offers these simple to follow guidelines
- Do as much work as possible from the ground;
- Ensure workers can get safely to and from where they work at height;
- Ensure equipment is suitable, stable and strong enough for the job, maintained and checked regularly
- Make sure you don’t overload or overreach when working at height
- Take precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces
- Provide protection from falling objects
- Consider your emergency evacuation and rescue procedures.
We recommend paying close attention to the working at height regulations to ensure your working practices are up to standard.
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If you have any questions that are not covered, please get in touch with our customer support team using our contact page. Our knowledgeable team are happy to help!
