Home

Window Cleaner

Do you want to become a Window Cleaner? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Bookmark or recommend this article:

Window cleaners remove dirt and grime on external and internal glass surfaces:

• They use a combination of manual washing techniques, as well as ladders and professional cleaning equipment to reach higher locations.
• They apply detergent and water with a lambswool applicator, and remove it with a rubber ‘squeegee'.
• When cleaning a shop windows or house, the window cleaner is usually responsible for agreeing a price up front, collecting payment and writing a receipt.

Many window cleaners are self-employed, managing their own marketing, staffing and business accounts. They may also do other work, like clearing guttering, painting and applying external protective coatings.

Window cleaners working for cleaning contractors usually work 40 hours a week. Self-employed window cleaners may work longer hours in the summer. Most window cleaners work at heights, which can be physically demanding. They often work outdoors, in all temperatures and weather conditions. Employers usually provide protective equipment.

Earnings for employed window cleaners range from around £10,500 to £13,000 a year. Self-employed window cleaners can earn more than £25,000, depending on the number of clients.

Window cleaners should be:

• fit and healthy
• prepared to work outdoors in all weathers
• able to work at heights
• safety-conscious
• interested in general DIY and maintenance.

There are around 225,000 window cleaners working in the UK. Many are self-employed and some work part time. Some are employed by contract cleaners and specialist window cleaning firms.

No educational qualifications are required to start work. A driving licence is useful for transporting equipment to clients' premises. People can become window cleaners at any age.

Training is essential to use power-operated access equipment or abseiling techniques. Health and safety is also very important. The NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Cleaning: Windows, Glass and Façade Surfaces provides the basic skills and safety knowledge to operate within the new guidelines for working at heights.

Window cleaners may progress to supervisory positions or become self-employed. They can also move into other trades where people work at heights, such as construction, cladding or glazing.

More Useful Resources - Window Cleaner:

Do you know of a useful and relevant website that would be helpful to our users? Tell us about it by emailing