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Clean windows are satisfying. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional window cleaning company, clean, sparkling windows can completely change how your home or office feels. Sunlight pours in more brightly, your view is clearer, and the whole space seems much fresher. But when it’s time to tackle those panes, you face a choice: grab a squeegee yourself or hire a pro.
Below is a clear, honest comparison of the two options so you can decide what’s right for your budget, schedule, and comfort level.
DIY Window Cleaning
Equipment & Supplies
- Essentials: bucket, quality squeegee, squeegee pole, microfibre cloths, and a mild cleaning solution. You can buy a complete kit like this one.
- Approximate cost: £170 upfront for reusable tools.
- Optional upgrades: extension poles or ladders for upper stories.
Time & Effort
Cleaning the windows of an average single-story home typically takes 2 hours for a beginner, depending on size and number of windows.
Advantages
- Low ongoing cost: After the initial purchase, you only need inexpensive cleaning solution.
- Full control: Choose your preferred products and clean on your own schedule.
- Satisfaction factor: You will enjoy the results, guaranteed!
Drawbacks & Risks
- Safety concerns: Ladders and high windows carry fall risks.
- Variable results: Without practice, streaks and water spots are common.
Professional Window Cleaning
What’s Included
Professional crews arrive with commercial-grade squeegees, purified water systems, and safety gear. Many services also clean window sills and frames.
Typical Costs
- Residential: around £20 for a two bedroom house to £40 for a 5 bedroom house, in the South of England such as Swindon.
- Commercial: usually priced by square footage or cleaning frequency.
Advantages
- Superior finish: Professionals have the technique and equipment to deliver streak-free results.
- Time savings: Your only job is scheduling.
- Safety and insurance: Technicians are trained and insured for ladder or roof work.
Drawbacks
- Recurring expense: Each visit costs more than a DIY session.
- Scheduling needed: You’ll need to plan around their availability.
- Less control who cleans your windows: Many larger companies send a different person to your house each time and this can cause inconsistent results until the new person becomes familiar with your property. For this reason, you may want to choose to go with a sole trader.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | £170 | £20 to £40 per visit (average home) |
| Skill Needed | Moderate learning curve | None for you |
| Safety | Ladder and height risks | None for you |
| Quality | Streaks possible | Can be inconsistent with larger companies. |
| Time Spent | 2 hours per cleaning | None for you |
| Flexibility | Clean whenever you like | Little flexibility |
When to DIY
- You have a one-storey home or easy-to-reach windows.
- You enjoy hands-on projects and have a free afternoon.
- Your budget is tight and you don’t mind a learning curve.
When to Hire a Pro
- You own a multi-storey house or have large glass surfaces.
- You’re short on time or simply dislike the chore.
Safety Tips for DIY Window Cleaning
- Familiarise yourself with ladder safety by reading the guidelines of the Health and Safety Executive and also The Ladder Association. The Ladder Association document contains some really helpful visuals.
- Work with a buddy and wear safety shoes.
- If possible, ask a professional to train you on how to work at height safely.
Bottom Line
If you enjoy a weekend project and want to save money, a DIY window clean can be satisfying and inexpensive – specially if your house is a single storey building. If you value time and safety, hiring a professional is worth the recurring cost, particularly if your house is two or three storey building.
Next Step: Before deciding, gather two or three local quotes. Compare them with the one-time price of equipment and the value of your own time. Note that most window cleaners charge 20% to 50% more for the first clean.
Ready to sparkle? Whether you tackle it yourself or call in the experts, clean windows brighten more than your view—they lift your entire space.