Last spring, we cleaned the outside windows of a two story home in the Brighton area after the spring pollen had settled in. The homeowner had not realized how much the glass had changed until we cleaned the first window. Looking at the clean glass beside the untouched window made the difference obvious.
The glass was hazy. The screens had pollen and debris on them. Some of the tracks had seeds and dirt packed into the corners.
We cleaned the exterior glass, screens, sills and tracks. The homeowner was working that day, so she did not need to stay home while we completed the job.
That kind of job is one reason we believe homeowners should know what they are actually paying for before booking exterior window cleaning.
So, how much should you expect to pay?
How much does exterior window cleaning cost in Livingston County?
Most Livingston County homeowners pay about $5 to $12 per window for exterior cleaning on the first floor and $8 to $15 per window on the second story. A typical 20 to 30 window home runs about $190 to $460 for the outside glass. Screens, tracks and hard water spot removal can add to that.
These are typical ranges we see in Livingston County, not a fixed price list. The final price depends on the number and size of the windows, how easy they are to reach, the condition of the glass and whether screens, sills and tracks need detailed cleaning.
We prefer to look at the home rather than give someone a number based on a guess over the phone. A ranch with twenty easy to reach windows is very different from a two story colonial with the same number of windows.
National pricing guides also show a similar range. This Old House lists approximately $6.40 to $12.80 for a ground level exterior window, while HomeAdvisor reports a national average of about $221 for window cleaning.
If you are comparing this with the window figure in our general cost guide, you can also see the full breakdown of our pressure washing costs for other exterior cleaning services.
Exterior window cleaning price table for Livingston County
| Service | Typical range we see in Livingston County | What it covers |
| Standard window, first floor, exterior only | $5 to $12 per window | Glass and frame wipe |
| Standard window, second story, exterior only | $8 to $15 per window | Ladder or extension work and additional time |
| Large picture window or sliding glass door | $10 to $25 each | Larger glass area |
| French door or divided lite window | $10 to $20 each | Multiple smaller panes |
| Screen cleaning | $2 to $5 per screen | Remove, wash, dry and reinstall |
| Sills and tracks detail | $1 to $3 per window | Seeds, bugs, grit and buildup |
| Hard water spot removal | $10 to $30 extra per window | Mineral treatment on affected glass |
| Whole home, 20 to 30 windows, exterior only | $190 to $460 | Typical two story colonials and ranches |
| Minimum job charge | $100 to $250 | Drive time, setup and smaller jobs |
A minimum charge is common with exterior cleaning because there is travel time, equipment setup and cleanup involved even on a smaller project.
We would rather explain that upfront than arrive at the property and surprise you with an unexpected fee.
Per window or per pane: how do window cleaners price the job?
This is one of the most confusing parts of comparing window cleaning prices.
A window usually refers to the complete window unit. A pane refers to an individual piece of glass.
For example, a standard double hung window may have two sections of glass. A divided lite window can have many smaller sections. A casement window may have one large pane. A sliding glass door has much more glass than a standard window.
That is why simply multiplying a low advertised price by the number of windows does not always give you an accurate estimate.
We count the window units and make note of special glass such as large picture windows, sliders, French doors and divided lites.
The same idea applies to screens and tracks. A home may have twenty four windows, but that does not mean every window takes the same amount of time.
If your goal is to know the real exterior window cleaning cost before scheduling, ask the company whether its price is based on the window, pane, size or overall project.
Is exterior only cheaper than inside and out?
Yes. Exterior only window cleaning is generally less expensive than cleaning both sides of the glass because the inside portion adds additional labor.
For exterior cleaning, the focus is on the outside glass and the exterior areas around it. Depending on the service requested, this can include screens, frames, sills and tracks.
For many homeowners, exterior only is enough to make a noticeable difference in curb appeal.
If the glass has pollen, rain spots, dust, cobwebs or outdoor grime, cleaning the exterior can make the windows look dramatically clearer without paying for an interior service you may not need.
What affects the cost of exterior window cleaning?
The number of windows matters, but it is only one part of the estimate.
When we look at a home, we also consider access, window size, condition, screens, tracks and whether mineral buildup needs additional treatment.
Number and size of windows
We count window units rather than rooms.
A standard bedroom window is usually much quicker to clean than a large picture window. A sliding glass door also has a larger glass surface and takes more time.
Bay windows can require additional work because of their shape and access.
This is why two homes with the same number of windows can have different exterior window cleaning prices.
If you want to get a faster estimate, count the windows on each side of your house and make a note of any large picture windows, bay windows or sliding doors.
Second story, walkouts and hard to reach glass
Height is one of the biggest factors that can change the cost.
A first floor window that can be reached safely from the ground is different from a second story window that requires additional equipment, ladder work or an extension pole.
Lake homes can create another interesting situation. A property near Lake Chemung, Woodland Lake or the Portage and Huron chain may have a walkout basement. From the front, the home may look like a two story house. From the lakeside elevation, some windows may effectively be three stories above ground level.
That changes access and safety requirements.
We do not believe a homeowner should take a ladder onto a second story simply to save a few dollars. Ladder safety is one of the practical reasons people hire a professional.
Screens, sills and tracks
The glass is only part of the window.
Screens collect pollen and outdoor debris. Tracks collect maple seeds, bugs, dust and grit. Sills can hold dirt and organic debris that becomes obvious after the glass is cleaned.
Our exterior window service includes options for screen cleaning and detailed cleaning around frames, sills and tracks.
For screens, the general process is to remove them, wash them, allow them to dry and reinstall them.
If the screens are left dirty, you can still look through cleaner glass and feel like the window is not completely clean.
Hard water spots from wells and sprinklers
This is one of the situations we pay close attention to around Livingston County.
Some homes in areas such as Hartland and Fowlerville rely on private wells. Well water can contain minerals such as calcium and iron. When irrigation sprinklers repeatedly hit the same windows, those minerals can leave orange or white deposits on the glass.
A normal window wash does not always remove this type of buildup.
Sometimes the deposits are surface minerals that can be treated. Other times, the minerals have affected the glass itself and created etching.
That distinction matters.
When we see significant water spotting, we do not want to promise that every pane will come out perfectly clear before seeing the condition of the glass.
We explain what we see before quoting the work. If a pane may retain a faint mark because the glass is etched, we would rather tell you that than promise something the cleaning process cannot deliver.
For homeowners dealing with well water, preventing the problem can also help. If possible, irrigation sprinklers should be adjusted so they do not repeatedly spray the house and windows.
Pollen, bugs and how long since the last cleaning
Michigan gives exterior glass plenty to deal with.
Oak and pine pollen can cover windows during late spring. Cottonwood can add another layer of debris. Homes near lakes can also collect spider webs and insects around exterior windows.
By the time summer is underway, that combination can make the glass look hazy even when the homeowner has cleaned the windows before.
If it has been several years since the last cleaning, the job can also take longer because the buildup is no longer fresh.
This is why seasonal window cleaning can make sense for some Livingston County homes.
Bundling windows with a house wash or gutter cleaning
There is also a practical reason to combine exterior cleaning services.
If you are already planning a house wash, it often makes sense to coordinate the windows around the same visit.
We prefer to wash the siding first and clean the glass afterward. House washing can send dirty water and loosened debris down the exterior of the windows.
Cleaning the windows after the house wash gives the glass a cleaner finish.
Gutter cleaning can also be scheduled as part of a larger exterior maintenance plan. The right combination depends on the condition of your home and what actually needs to be cleaned.
We do not recommend adding services simply because they are available.
Real example: what a two story colonial in Brighton might cost
Here is an example using the typical ranges above.
This is not a quote for a specific property. It shows how the numbers can work for a two story colonial in Brighton.
| Line item | Count | Example rate | Example cost |
| First floor windows, exterior | 14 | $7 each | $98 |
| Second story windows, exterior | 10 | $10 each | $100 |
| Sliding glass doors | 2 | $15 each | $30 |
| Screens removed, washed and reinstalled | 24 | $3 each | $72 |
| Sills and tracks detail | 24 | $2 each | $48 |
| Estimated total | $348 |
That gives you an example total of $348.
If three windows also had well water mineral spots requiring additional treatment, the example could increase by another $30 to $90.
Again, this is an example rather than a quote.
The important point is that you can see where the cost comes from instead of being handed one unexplained number.
For new customers, our current website offer provides $100 off when you mention the First Time Offer. Check that the offer is still active when you request your estimate.
When should you get exterior windows cleaned in Michigan?
For most Livingston County homes, exterior windows make sense to clean at least twice a year.
A common schedule is once after the main spring pollen period and again in the fall after leaves, seeds and summer buildup have accumulated.
Late May through June can be a useful window after the heavy spring pollen has settled.
Fall cleaning can help remove the debris that collects during the warmer months before winter arrives.
Lake homes and houses near busy roads may need more frequent cleaning because they can collect additional insects, dust and outdoor debris.
There is no single schedule that works for every home.
If your windows still look clear after several months, there may be no reason to clean them again immediately. If pollen, water spots and cobwebs are already obvious, waiting another year may not make much sense either.
Should you clean windows before or after a house wash?
Clean the windows after the house wash.
We learned this through normal exterior cleaning work. When you wash siding, roof areas or other parts of the home, dirty runoff can travel across the glass.
We had a Howell family book a house wash and ask about their windows during the same project. We handled the siding first and the glass afterward.
The homeowner told us it was the first time the whole front of the house looked finished at the same time.
That order matters. Clean the dirty exterior surfaces first. Finish with the glass.
Want a real number for your home?
Send us your address and tell us approximately how many windows you want cleaned. If you want screens cleaned too, mention that when you request the estimate.
You do not need to be home for the cleaning. Our process is simple. Give us the address and areas you want cleaned, choose a date, and we take care of the work with a satisfaction guarantee.
New customers can also ask about the current First Time Offer.
DIY window cleaning vs hiring a professional
There is nothing wrong with cleaning first floor windows yourself.
If you have a squeegee, scrubber, bucket and the right cleaning solution, you can handle many ground level windows.
The situation changes when you start dealing with second story glass.
A ladder is not automatically the best solution just because the window is reachable. You need stable ground, proper ladder placement and a safe working position. You also need to control the cleaning equipment while working at height.
Extension poles can help with some windows, but they still require technique.
Hard water can create another problem. A hose attachment may remove loose dirt, but it may not remove mineral deposits from irrigation or well water.
If the goal is simply to rinse pollen from a first floor window, DIY can be reasonable.
If the job involves second story windows, large glass areas, heavy mineral deposits, difficult access or a large number of screens, professional cleaning can save significant time and reduce the need to work from a ladder.
The key is to compare the actual job, not just the advertised price.
Red flags when comparing window cleaning quotes
A low quote is not automatically a good quote. Ask what the price actually includes.
Look for these warning signs:
- No proof of insurance when the company claims to be insured.
- A firm price given over the phone without asking about the home, window count or access.
- No explanation of whether the price is per window or per pane.
- No mention of screens when you specifically asked for screen cleaning.
- No discussion of hard water spots when several panes have visible mineral buildup.
- Aggressive scraping on glass without first understanding the glass type and condition.
- High pressure directed at glass, seals or delicate window components without appropriate care.
- Pressure to pay the entire amount upfront in cash.
- No clear explanation of what happens if you are not home.
Tempered glass and other specialty glass also deserve care. A cleaning company should understand that scraping or using the wrong technique can create problems.
You can also read our guide on how to choose the best pressure washing company when comparing exterior cleaning providers.
How we quote exterior window cleaning at Livingston Pressure Washing
Our process is straightforward.
First, you give us the property address and tell us which areas you want cleaned.
Second, we schedule a date that works for you.
Third, we complete the cleaning and make sure the work meets our satisfaction standard.
You do not necessarily need to be home. If you will not be there, we simply need access to the areas being cleaned and any important instructions ahead of time.
We believe pricing should be clear and simple.
Our company has been providing pressure washing and exterior cleaning services for more than five years and has served more than 1,100 customers. Our approach is centered around safe cleaning methods, clear communication and making sure the customer is happy with the result.
Edward Powell described his experience this way:
“The quality of service was excellent… Quick turn around was on the schedule two days from quote request.”
That is the kind of communication we try to provide from the first request through the completed job.
How to count your windows before you call
You do not need to create a perfect spreadsheet.
A simple count is enough to start.
- Count each window unit on each side of the house.
- Make a separate note for second story windows.
- Identify sliding glass doors and large picture windows.
- Count the screens if you want them cleaned.
- Note any windows with obvious orange or white water spots.
- Mention walkout areas or unusually high windows.
- If possible, send a couple of phone photos with your estimate request.
The more we know before looking at the job, the easier it is to give you a useful estimate.
Exterior window cleaning cost FAQs
How much do window cleaners charge per window in Livingston County?
Typical exterior pricing is about $5 to $12 per window for first floor glass and $8 to $15 per window for second story glass. The final price depends on access, size, condition and additional cleaning needs.
Is screen cleaning included?
Screens are part of our window cleaning service options. Ask us to include them when you request your estimate so the scope and price are clear.
Can hard water spots always be removed?
Surface mineral spots can often be treated, but etched glass may retain a faint mark. We explain the condition before starting so there are no unrealistic expectations.
How often should I clean exterior windows in Michigan?
Many homes benefit from cleaning twice a year, usually after spring pollen and again in fall. Homes near lakes, busy roads or heavy vegetation may need more frequent cleaning.
Do I need to be home?
No. You do not need to be home as long as we have the access needed to complete the work. Gates should be unlocked and pets should be kept safely inside.
How long does exterior window cleaning take?
Many homes can be completed in a few hours. Larger properties, second story windows, numerous screens and heavy buildup can increase the time.
Do you clean inside windows?
Our primary window service is focused on exterior window cleaning. If you need interior glass cleaned too, contact us and ask what options are currently available.
Is there a minimum charge?
A minimum charge is common for professional window cleaning because travel, equipment setup and labor are involved even on small jobs. Typical minimums can range from $100 to $250.
Do you clean windows after a house wash?
Yes. We recommend cleaning the glass after the house wash because runoff from siding and other exterior surfaces can land on the windows.
Get a free exterior window cleaning estimate
If your windows have started looking cloudy, dusty or covered in pollen, you do not have to guess what professional cleaning will cost.
Livingston Pressure Washing provides exterior window cleaning throughout Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Hamburg and surrounding communities.
We are licensed and fully insured, and our company focuses on safe exterior cleaning methods and clear communication. Our goal is simple: to WOW every customer after seeing the after version of our work.
Tony Spurlock described one of his experiences with us:
“The crew showed up early and got right to work. They cleaned everything as promised, and what a difference!”
If you are ready for a real number for your home, request a free estimate and tell us how many windows you need cleaned.
New customers can ask about the current First Time Offer for $100 off.
Call Livingston Pressure Washing at 810 360 1002 or request your exterior window cleaning service page for more information and visit our areas we serve page to confirm coverage in your community.
Livingston Pressure Washing Livingston County Exterior Cleaning That You Can Trust
