Window cleaning cost in Canada: 2026 price guide
Window cleaning cost in Canada: 2026 price guide
Professional window cleaning for a typical single-family home in Canada commonly costs between moderate to higher amounts per visit, with most homeowners paying an amount typical for the market per window. Expect to pay roughly $5–$15 for exterior-only cleaning, with interior access adding about $3–$8 per window on top. A two-storey home with 20 windows cleaned inside and out will generally cost about $250–$400 per visit, varying by condition and location.
A few quick benchmarks worth knowing before you call anyone:
- Exterior only, average home: prices commonly fall within the $150–$250 range
- Interior + exterior, average home: prices generally are roughly $250–$400
- Per-window rate (exterior): varies depending on window size and type
- Per-window add-on (interior): additional charge beyond exterior cleaning
- Toronto/GTA starting prices: generally somewhat higher than provincial averages due to increased labour and overhead costs
Ateliermaids uses a flat pricing model for residential window cleaning in the Greater Toronto Area, so you get a fixed quote upfront rather than an hourly estimate that can creep. Their crews are insured, background-checked, and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Table of Contents
- What does window cleaning actually cost? Sample prices across Canada
- What affects the price: the checklist pros use when quoting
- How pros charge: pricing models you’ll see on quotes
- Cost by property type: what to budget for your home
- How to get an accurate quote: what to measure and what to ask
- Key takeaways
- What homeowners miss when budgeting for window cleaning
- Get a flat, no-surprises quote from Ateliermaids
- Selected sources and further reading
What does window cleaning actually cost? Sample prices across Canada
The fastest way to understand the cost of window washing is to match your property type with a real price example. The table below draws on Canadian market data and regional guides.
| Property type | Exterior only | Interior + exterior |
|---|---|---|
| Condo unit (6–10 windows) | $80–$120 | $130–$180 |
| Bungalow (10–12 windows) | $120–$180 | $180–$280 |
| Two-storey (16–20 windows) | $150–$250 | $250–$350 |
| Three-storey (20–28 windows) | $180–$320 | $300–$400 |
| Large custom home (30+ windows) | $300+ | $400+ |
GTA-specific data shows bungalows ranging $120–$250, two-storey homes $150–$350, and three-storey homes $180–$400 for exterior work. Interior access pushes those figures higher.
A few things worth noting on regional pricing:
- Toronto starting prices for exterior-only work begin around $130 for a bungalow, $170 for a two-storey, and $210+ for a three-storey. Interior + exterior roughly doubles those figures.
- Most companies in the GTA charge a minimum service fee for small jobs, providing a baseline cost regardless of job size. A condo with six windows rarely gets quoted below that floor.
- Smaller cities and suburban markets outside the GTA generally have lower prices than the GTA, though rural areas may vary depending on travel time.
- Broader market data (U.S.-based Angi) puts the average per-visit cost near $221, with a typical range of $150–$302. Canadian urban markets like Toronto sit at the higher end of that band.
Per-pane vs. per-window pricing is a distinction that catches homeowners off guard. A “window” is the whole unit; a “pane” is each individual piece of glass. A bay window with three panes counts as one window but three panes. If a quote is per-pane, count carefully before you agree.
What affects the price: the checklist pros use when quoting
Two homes on the same street can get quotes $150 apart. Here is why.
Number of windows and panes is the most obvious driver, but the type matters just as much. A standard double-hung window is quick. A large picture window, a casement with divided lites, or a floor-to-ceiling panel takes longer and sometimes requires different tools.
Storeys and access change the job significantly. Ground-floor windows take minutes. Second-storey work needs an extension ladder and a second person for safety. Third-storey or higher requires either a longer ladder, a water-fed pole system, or in some cases a lift. Each step up adds labour time and equipment cost.
Window condition is the factor most homeowners underestimate. First-time or neglected windows can add roughly 10–20% to the job for deep cleaning or stain removal. Hard-water deposits from sprinklers or construction runoff require a separate treatment, and that is almost always quoted as an add-on.
Interior vs. exterior scope doubles the time on-site. Many homeowners book exterior-only for the spring clean and add interior access once or twice a year.
Screens and tracks are often not included in a base quote. If you want them cleaned, ask explicitly and expect a small per-screen fee.
Frequency and recurrence affect the per-visit rate. Recurring service discounts commonly lower per-visit cost by roughly 10–20%, and regular cleaning prevents the kind of build-up that triggers deep-clean surcharges.
Pro Tip: The single most overlooked factor that raises a quote is interior clutter and blocked access. A crew that has to move furniture, navigate a cluttered room, or wait for a homeowner to unlock rooms loses billable time. Clear a path to every window before the crew arrives and you may avoid a time surcharge entirely.
How pros charge: pricing models you’ll see on quotes
Understanding the model behind a quote helps you compare two estimates that look nothing alike.
1. Per-window pricing
The most common residential model. The pro counts your windows, multiplies by a per-window rate, and adds any extras. Transparent and easy to verify. Works well for standard homes where windows are roughly the same size.
2. Per-pane pricing
Less common but used by some companies, particularly for older homes with divided-light windows or specialty glass. A 20-window home with divided lites could have 60+ panes, so always clarify before accepting a per-pane quote.
3. Flat per-job (flat rate)
Many reputable pros favour flat, per-home quotes to give homeowners predictable bills and avoid scope creep. You agree on a total price for the job as described. If the crew takes longer than expected, that’s their problem, not yours. Flat rates favour homeowners with larger homes or complex layouts.
4. Hourly pricing
Typical hourly rates run $50–$110 per hour for a small team. Hourly billing works for small, simple jobs but creates uncertainty on larger ones. A vague hourly estimate with no cap is a red flag.
5. Recurring subscription pricing
Some companies offer a lower per-visit rate in exchange for a seasonal or annual commitment. Booking 2–4 times per year is the recommended residential frequency, and a recurring contract typically saves 10–20% per visit compared to one-time bookings.
A worked example: A two-storey home with 20 windows, exterior + interior. At $10 per window exterior and $5 per window interior, that’s $300 total. A flat-rate quote for the same job might come in at $280–$320. If the company quotes $75/hour and estimates 3.5 hours, that’s $262.50, but if the job runs 4.5 hours, you’re at $337.50. The flat rate gives you certainty; the hourly quote gives you a floor but no ceiling.
Pro Tip: Always ask for a flat or per-window quote rather than an open-ended hourly estimate. If a company insists on hourly billing for a standard residential job, ask for a written cap. A professional crew should be able to estimate a standard home accurately.
Cost by property type: what to budget for your home
The table below gives you a quick benchmark by building type, based on Canadian market data.
| Property type | Exterior only | Interior + exterior | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condo unit | $80–$140 | $130–$210 | Balcony glass and sliding doors often extra |
| Bungalow | $120–$250 | $180–$320 | Fastest job; single-storey access only |
| Two-storey | $150–$350 | $250–$400 | Ladder work adds time and equipment cost |
| Three-storey | $180–$400 | $300–$400 | May require water-fed pole or lift |
| High-rise unit | $150–$300+ | Varies | Often exterior only; building access rules apply |
A few property-specific notes:
- High-rise and condo buildings often require the cleaning company to provide proof of liability insurance and WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) coverage before building management grants access. Reputable companies carry both; always ask.
- Bay windows and floor-to-ceiling glass panels add to the baseline because of their surface area and the time required to squeegee without streaks. Expect a per-unit surcharge of $10–$30 per bay window.
- Skylights are almost always quoted separately. Access from the roof adds safety complexity and time. A single skylight can add $25–$75 to a job depending on pitch and size.
- For property managers overseeing multiple units, office and commercial cleaning costs follow a similar per-unit logic and are worth reviewing alongside residential rates.
How to get an accurate quote: what to measure and what to ask
A vague request gets a vague quote. The more specific you are, the more comparable your estimates will be.
Questions to ask every company you contact
- Are you insured and do you carry WSIB coverage?
- Is your quote flat-rate or hourly? If hourly, what is the cap?
- What exactly is included? Glass only, or screens and tracks too?
- Are there extra fees for hard-water stains, high windows, or first-time cleans?
- Do you offer a recurring discount, and what frequency do you recommend for my area?
- What is your satisfaction guarantee policy?
Red flags to watch for: a quote significantly below every other estimate usually means something is excluded, the crew is uninsured, or the hourly rate has no cap. No insurance is a hard no for any job above ground level.
Pro Tip: Send photos with your quote request. A company that quotes accurately from photos without requiring a paid site visit is usually more experienced and more confident in their pricing. It also saves you time.
Key takeaways
Professional window cleaning in Canada typically costs $150–$400 per visit for a single-family home, with flat-rate quotes from an insured provider offering the most predictable pricing.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical per-visit range | Most single-family homes in Canada cost $150–$400; Toronto/GTA runs toward the higher end. |
| Per-window rates | Exterior cleaning runs $5–$15 per window; interior access adds $3–$8 per window. |
| Biggest cost drivers | Storey count, window condition, and whether interior access is included move the price most. |
| Recurring savings | Booking 2–4 times per year typically saves 10–20% per visit versus one-time cleans. |
| Ateliermaids flat pricing | Ateliermaids provides flat, upfront quotes with insured crews and a satisfaction guarantee across the GTA. |
What homeowners miss when budgeting for window cleaning
Most people focus on the per-window rate and forget everything else. The rate is almost never where the surprise comes from.
The real variables are access and condition. A home that hasn’t had its windows cleaned in three years will almost certainly trigger a deep-clean surcharge, typically that 10–20% premium on top of the base price. The crew has to work harder, use different products, and spend more time on each pane. That’s not a hidden fee; it’s a predictable consequence of deferred maintenance. Book annually and you avoid it entirely.
Access is the other one. Homeowners who clear the path to every window, unlock every room, and move furniture away from interior windows before the crew arrives save real time. A crew that spends 20 minutes navigating a cluttered home is a crew that may need to add time to the bill, or simply rush the job to stay on schedule.
There is also a safety argument that rarely gets made plainly: DIY window cleaning supplies run $20–$100, but for any home above one storey, the ladder risk is real and the results rarely match a professional’s. A water-fed pole system or a proper squeegee technique on a second-storey window is not something most homeowners can replicate safely on a Saturday afternoon. The cost of a professional visit is almost always worth it once you factor in time, safety, and the longevity of a streak-free result.
Get a flat, no-surprises quote from Ateliermaids
Knowing the going rate is useful. Getting a quote that actually matches your home is better.
Ateliermaids serves homeowners and property managers across the Greater Toronto Area with flat-rate window cleaning, insured crews, and a dedicated team that learns your property over time. No hourly guesswork, no rotating strangers, and no vague estimates that balloon on the day. Send your window count, storey count, and a few photos of the exterior, and you’ll receive a fixed quote with no obligation.
Book your window cleaning or check your service area to confirm availability in your neighbourhood.
Selected sources and further reading
- Window Cleaning Cost in Canada: 2026 Price Guide
- How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost In Canada
- Exterior Window Cleaning in Toronto: The Complete 2026 Guide — Mantle Blog
- Window Cleaning Prices Toronto (2026 Cost Guide) | DT Cleaning
- How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost? [2026 Data] | Angi
- How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost in Toronto? 2026 Price Guide - Silkwaters Windows and Eaves Cleaning
- How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost in Toronto, Etobicoke & Mississauga?
- DIY vs Professional Window Cleaning: An Honest Comparison