​Is window cleaning a good business? Window cleaning and window washing can provide you with a great business income, as long as you’re willing to put in the work.

Here at The Clean Thumb LLC, we’ve been getting a lot of questions from people about forming and running a business. Here are some things you need to know to start a window cleaning business.
 
1. Choose a legal structure.

First of all, you need to choose a name and decide the legal structure of your business. Make sure you consult with a legal professional to figure out the best decision for you, but the main entities are sole proprietorship, partnership, and LLC. The Clean Thumb LLC is an LLC (obviously) because it helps to limit liability if anything goes wrong. To further protect yourself (and your customers), make sure that you…
 
2. Get insurance.

You MUST get insurance. If anything ever happens, you will be glad you did. It’s a small price to pay to have peace of mind. The bonus of having insurance as you start a window cleaning business is that most of your competitors won’t have it. This is a silly mistake that you can use to differentiate yourself in the marketplace.

Again, make sure you check with a professional, but $1M of insurance is a good amount to have if you’re working up to three stories. This should run you around $50-70 per month. Larger properties, such as hotels, may want more coverage.
 
3. Purchase supplies.

 One of the biggest advantages of window cleaning is that you can get started for a relatively small amount of money. Unlike other service businesses, where you might have to spend thousands to get started, it’s possible to equip yourself with the basics for under $300.

I will tell you this – do not go to your local hardware store or big box retailer and expect to find commercial grade equipment. What you’ll find there is “consumer grade” equipment that will not hold up to the demands of constant window cleaning. Because it won’t hold up, it will actually cost you more money in the long run.

Here are some of the basic supplies you’ll need:

• Squeegee – get both a 12-inch squeegee and an 18-inch squeegee. You should also get at least three replacement rubber blades for each squeegee, because the rubber can wear out quickly with daily use.
• Scrubbers – you can get these and screw them onto extension poles to add more reach.
• Sponges – this is an area where you definitely don’t want to go to the big box store. You want to be sure you get a commercial grade sponge, which is typically a natural sea sponge. Natural sea sponges, which are harvested from the ocean, are the most absorbent and long-lasting sponges money can buy. But make sure you order a few of them, because they wear out too.
• Soap solution – each window cleaner has his or her opinion as to the best window cleaning solution, so do your research. However, you might want to consider adding ammonia to your solution, because ammonia will help cut down on grease and smoke stains.
• Towels – get some 100% cotton towels. They will not leave any lint, which is important because you don’t want to leave any residue on the glass you’re cleaning.
• Extension pole – this is great for reaching windows on the second or third story of a building without needing a ladder.
• Bucket – you can get by with a small bucket, but a big bucket is preferred. That way you can fit an 18-inch squeegee in there. Get buckets with a lid if you can, because the lid will prevent window washing solution from splashing if you ever go inside.
• Ladder – while you should be just fine with an extension pole, make sure you have a ladder to get to windows you can’t or don’t feel comfortable reaching.
• Scrapers – windows that are really dirty will need some scraping.

 
4. Learn how to clean windows.

This should be obvious, but even if you think you know what you’re doing, invest in some quality training materials to develop your skills. The truth is that anyone can wash windows, but only a few people can wash windows with expert precision and care. Practice on your own windows, your friends’ windows, your neighbors’ windows, and so on. When someone puts their trust in you to clean their windows and intends on paying you for it, it’s a whole new ballgame. Treat it with the respect it deserves.
 
5. Put your marketing in place.

You can’t officially “start a window cleaning business” until you have customers. After all, no customers means you don’t really have a business. How to market a window cleaning business could fill up an entire book, but flyers and direct mail tend to work really well.