How Window Cleaning Is Priced: Per Pane vs. Per Hour

Per-pane pricing: You're charged a flat rate per pane of glass, with add-ons for hard water treatment, screen cleaning, and stories above grade. This is the most transparent model — you can count your panes before calling, understand the estimate, and compare quotes accurately.

Per-hour pricing: You're charged by the hour for however long the job takes. This sounds simple but creates uncertainty — a dirtier job, a slower crew, or harder-to-reach windows all cost you more. You don't know the final price until after the work is done.

At Foxy's, we use per-pane pricing. We give you a firm estimate before we start. What we quote is what you pay.

Exterior glass cleaning: This is the baseline — every pane on the exterior of the home, cleaned with professional squeegee technique. Includes sill wipe-down.

Screen removal and reinstallation: Screens are removed, cleaned, and reinstalled. This is typically included or available as a low-cost add-on.

Hard water spot treatment: Mineral deposits from sprinkler overspray or rainwater require a specialized treatment solution. This is typically an add-on, not included in the base per-pane rate.

Frames and sills: Exterior frames and sills are wiped down as part of the clean, so you don't end up with spotless glass surrounded by a dusty frame.

Second and third story: Access above grade (using ladders or water-fed poles) typically carries a per-pane surcharge due to the additional time, equipment, and safety requirements.

RainBeGone™ protective coating: A hydrophobic treatment applied after cleaning that causes water to bead and sheet off the glass rather than dry into spots. Available as an add-on per pane, and included on Crystal Clear and Forever Foxy recurring plans.

A standard single-story ranch home with 20–30 panes: exterior cleaning typically runs $100–$180, depending on condition and screens.

A two-story colonial with 40–60 panes: exterior cleaning typically runs $200–$350. The second-story surcharge applies to any panes above the first floor.

A larger two-story home with 60–80+ panes (common in newer Geneva, Naperville, and St. Charles subdivisions): exterior cleaning typically runs $350–$500+.

These are general ranges — the actual price depends on pane count, stories, condition, add-ons, and access. The only way to get an accurate number is a site assessment or a detailed count.

Difficult access: decks, steep grades, dense landscaping, or a sunroom roof under a second-floor window all add setup time for each affected pane.

Hard water buildup: mineral deposits from sprinkler systems require acid-based treatment and additional scrubbing time. Homes near sprinkler zones or with well water on the exterior see this most.

Third story or higher: ladder setup, safety equipment, and time all increase significantly. Water-fed pole systems can sometimes address third-story windows without a ladder.

Construction residue: paint overspray, silicone, stickers, and adhesive from recent work require scraping and specialized solvents. This is typically quoted as an add-on.

French doors and divided lites: true divided lite windows with many small individual panes take significantly longer to clean than a single large pane of the same overall size.

Storm windows: require removal, separate cleaning of both the storm and the primary window, and reinstallation. Priced separately from standard service.

Before getting quotes, do a pane count (see our guide: How to Count Your Windows for a Quote). Knowing your pane count lets you evaluate per-pane rates directly.

Ask each company: Is this a firm quote or an estimate? Per-pane quotes should be firm. Ask what's included (screens? frames and sills? upper stories?) and what the add-on rates are for hard water treatment.

Be cautious of unusually low per-pane rates — they often come with surprise charges for access, screens, or upper stories that aren't disclosed upfront.

At Foxy's, we provide a clear written estimate covering all panes, all add-ons, and the exact scope before we start. No surprises.