Pressure washing and window cleaning businesses clean the exterior surfaces of homes and commercial buildings, including siding, driveways, decks, roofs, and glass, for per-job or recurring fees. Cleaning is the most-searched small business category nationally in OnDeck’s Google Trends analysis (June 2025 to June 2026). These two niches are popular entry points because the equipment is relatively affordable, the results are visible, and customers can see the difference immediately. For a broader view, see our guide to residential vs. commercial cleaning opportunities.
Pressure washing vs. window cleaning
| Factor | Pressure washing | Window cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Typical customers | Homeowners, HOAs, property managers, businesses | Homeowners, storefronts, offices, property managers |
| Revenue pattern | Often one-time or seasonal, with some repeat | Often recurring on a schedule |
| Equipment | Pressure washer, hoses, surface cleaner, chemicals, trailer or truck with water tank | Squeegees, scrubbers, ladders, poles, possibly water-fed pole systems |
| Key risk | Surface damage, chemical handling, water runoff rules | Fall safety, glass damage, working at heights |
Many owners offer both and add gutter cleaning or soft washing, which uses lower pressure and cleaning solutions for delicate surfaces.
Start-up costs
- Equipment: a commercial-grade pressure washer, hoses, nozzles, surface cleaner attachments, ladders, and safety gear.
- Vehicle or trailer: to carry equipment and water.
- Chemicals and supplies: detergents, sodium hypochlorite and other cleaners, which require proper handling and storage.
- Insurance: general liability is essential, and workers’ compensation applies if you hire employees.
- Marketing: vehicle signage, a website, and before-and-after photos.
Used equipment can reduce costs, but verify pump condition and parts availability. Plan for repairs, since heavy use wears pumps and hoses.
Pricing your services
- By area or per job: pressure washing is often priced by square footage or flat job rates.
- By window count or pane: common for residential window cleaning, with separate prices for interior, exterior, screens, and tracks.
- By time: track how long jobs take to refine your pricing.
- Minimum job fee: protects you from low-profit small jobs after travel time.
Include your costs for labor, fuel, chemicals, equipment wear, insurance, and a profit margin. Customers rarely compare apples to apples, so explain what is included.
Safety and compliance
- Working at heights: use proper ladders and fall protection, and avoid roofs unless you are trained.
- Chemical handling: store cleaners safely and follow label instructions. Some chemicals can harm plants, pets, or people.
- Water runoff: many cities regulate wastewater entering storm drains. Check local rules, especially for commercial properties and chemical use.
- Surface damage: too much pressure can damage wood, siding, and glass. Test small areas and choose nozzles carefully.
Training courses and industry associations offer resources on safe, effective techniques.
Franchise or independent
A franchise provides training, branding, and systems, while an independent business offers lower ongoing fees and more flexibility. SmartBizOpps lists several window and exterior cleaning brands, including Window Genie, Sparkle Wash, Window Ninjas, and Window Gang. These are provided by the companies, so request their disclosure documents and talk with current owners. Our comparison of franchise vs. independent can help you decide.
Finding customers
- Post before-and-after photos and short videos. Visual results sell this service.
- Claim your Google Business Profile and ask each customer for a review.
- Offer neighborhood discounts when you have several jobs on one street.
- Reach out to property managers, realtors, HOAs, and restaurants, who need regular maintenance.
- Offer recurring plans, such as twice-yearly window cleaning, to stabilize revenue.
Seasonality and growth
Demand is strongest in spring and early fall in many regions, and slower in winter in cold climates. Offset seasonality with holiday light services, gutter cleaning, interior window work, or commercial contracts with set schedules. As you grow, consider hiring a crew lead and documenting your process so quality stays consistent. Many owners also explore related home services opportunities to fill slow periods.
Frequently asked questions
Is pressure washing a good business to start?
It can be, thanks to low entry costs and strong visible results, but competition is high and income is seasonal in many areas. Strong marketing and pricing discipline are key.
Do I need a license?
Many places require a business license, and some require specific licenses for certain chemicals or commercial work. Check with your local and state authorities.
Can I do both services with one crew?
Yes. Many owners cross-train and sell bundles, but window cleaning and pressure washing use different skills and equipment, so plan training and safety carefully.
A simple way to start
You do not need to launch everything at once. Many owners begin with one service, such as driveway and walkway cleaning in a single neighborhood, and learn how long each type of job really takes. Photograph every job, collect reviews, and use the results to price better and win the next customer. Once you have a steady stream of work, add a second service or hire a part-time helper. Keep a notebook or spreadsheet of each job’s price, time, and supplies so you know which services actually earn the most per hour.
The bottom line
Pressure washing and window cleaning are accessible, visible, and easy to explain, but the owners who thrive are the ones who price properly, work safely, carry insurance, and build recurring accounts. Start small, document your costs, and grow as your reputation grows.
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
This article is general information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Costs, earnings, and requirements vary by location and by opportunity, so verify details with the company, your state, and a qualified professional before you invest. Listings on SmartBizOpps are provided by advertisers; SmartBizOpps does not endorse or guarantee any opportunity.
