Window cleaning: define the work and understand the cost
Ten small windows involve different work from ten floor-to-ceiling panels. For comparable quotes, the amount of glazing, sides to be cleaned and access matter more than the number of rooms in your home.
What does window cleaning include?
Window cleaning does not necessarily include frames or blinds. Have each requested element listed explicitly. Even an inside-and-outside service can exclude parts surrounding the glass.
| Element | Confirm in the quote |
|---|---|
| Glass | Inside, outside or both; include relevant balcony and patio doors |
| Frames and sills | Surfaces and, if wanted, frame rebates accessible when the window is open |
| Blinds and shutters | Specify type, number and sides separately |
| Special residues | Limescale, adhesive and construction dirt may fall outside ordinary cleaning |
Count the windows or estimate the glass area?
An approximate count is enough for an initial request involving ordinary windows. Count one complete window opening once, even if it has two opening sections. Identify large sliding units or a mixture of sizes. The company confirms its billing units before giving a binding quote.
Glass area is more useful for shop windows and large glazed frontages. This means the sum of each pane’s width multiplied by its height, not the floor area of the room. In our request, count this area once and select the cleaning sides separately. Do not put yourself at risk to measure inaccessible windows.
For example, 12 m² of glazing has 24 m² of surface to clean when both sides are included. That does not automatically mean doubling a quoted rate: some tariffs apply per side, while others already include both.
An enquiry might read: “We would like 8 ordinary windows and 2 balcony doors on the first floor cleaned inside and outside, including frames, rebates and sills. These units open inwards. There is also 1 high fixed pane above the stairs. We do not know the total glass area. The visible dirt is mainly pollen and rain marks, with no construction residue. Please price the cleaning of 6 external venetian blinds as a separate option and assess access to the fixed pane. We would initially like a one-off clean.” This describes the amount, scope and main access uncertainty. The company can ask focused questions and explain its calculation without requiring you to measure every window beforehand.
How much does window cleaning cost?
Companies may charge per window, per square metre, by the hour or at a fixed price. Compare the total for the same scope. Travel, materials, minimum charges and work at height can substantially change an attractive starting rate.
Two published Swiss tariffs checked in October 2026 illustrate different models. They are individual examples, not a national price range or a quote from Quoti.
| Example tariff | How to read it |
|---|---|
| CHF 8 per m², excluding VAT | Both glass sides, frames and sills. Add CHF 30 for materials per visit and worker, plus CHF 20–50 travel, excluding VAT. |
| CHF 13 per m², final price | Private windows on both sides, including frames, rebates and sills. Materials and travel within the local service zone included; minimum charge CHF 130. No separate VAT shown. |
Turn a square-metre rate into a total price
For 20 m² of glazing, the first model with one worker gives CHF 160 cleaning, CHF 30 materials and CHF 20–50 travel: a total of CHF 227.01–259.44 including 8.1% VAT. Under the second model, 20 m² multiplied by CHF 13 gives a final price of CHF 260 within the included travel zone.
This calculation assumes ordinary access and normal dirt. It does not rank companies or make differently described services equivalent. Blinds, special residues, additional workers or access equipment may involve further charges.
With hourly rates, count the working hours of everyone involved. Ask for an estimate of total labour or an agreed spending limit. Additional work should require your agreement before it goes ahead.
Materials and access affect the cleaning method
Coated glass, wrapped frames and wood do not all tolerate the same products. Instructions for the actual window help the company choose a suitable treatment. Strong chemicals or metal blades are not a universal answer to adhesive or construction dirt. Ordinary cleaning does not repair scratches or damaged coatings.
Say whether the requested sides can be reached from the ground or by opening the window from inside. For fixed glass at height, the company must plan safe access. The floor number alone does not determine suitable equipment. You do not need to climb a ladder or choose fall protection to submit a request.
Direct sunlight can dry cleaning water too quickly; frost and unsuitable weather can prevent exterior work. Agree how a necessary postponement will be handled.
Prepare a clear request without unnecessary work
Clear sills and accessible windows make the job easier. Agree who will move fragile belongings and protect floors or furniture. Existing damage and difficult residues should be recorded before work begins.
When checking the completed work, go through the agreed windows and sides. Look for visible streaks, drip marks and missed edges on dry glass, as well as dirt left on any frames, rebates and sills included in the job. Compare doubtful areas with their recorded condition before cleaning. If marks remain, establish whether further cleaning is possible or whether they have another cause. Record any agreed remedial work and its date. Before the visit, clarify how to report problems that become visible later and whether a return visit would be charged.
- State the amount and scope. Window type, approximate count or glass area and the sides wanted provide a useful starting point.
- Flag unusual requirements. Mention blinds, high fixed panes or construction dirt. Photos or a site visit can help later, but are not compulsory for the request.
- Confirm the total and appointment. Also agree access, extra charges, any remedial cleaning and the frequency if you want recurring visits.
Frequently asked questions
Are frames and blinds always included?
No. Some tariffs include frames and sills; others cover only the glass. Frame rebates, external venetian blinds and shutters need to be part of the agreed scope. Selecting them in the request makes these requirements clear.
Do I need to measure every window precisely?
Not for the initial request. An approximate count is enough for ordinary windows, with large units or mixed sizes identified. An estimated area is useful for glazed frontages. The company checks uncertain measurements before confirming a binding price.
How often should windows be cleaned?
There is no single interval for every property. Location, pollen, traffic dust and the desired appearance determine the need. A shop window may benefit from regular visits, while occasional appointments may be enough at home.
Will cleaning remove scratches or cloudy patches?
Removing dirt is different from repairing glass. Scratches, damaged coatings and moisture between sealed glazing panes are not resolved by ordinary window cleaning. Have the cause assessed before agreeing to additional treatment.
Can I request outside cleaning only?
Yes. Select the sides you want and indicate their accessibility. A difficult exterior surface may require different equipment from a window that opens from inside.
