How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost in Des Moines? (2026 Pricing Guide)
The Quick Answer
For most Des Moines area homes, professional window cleaning costs:
Exterior only: $150-$400
Full service (exterior + interior + tracks): $300-$800
Large or estate homes: $500-$1,500+
The range is wide because pricing depends on your home size, what services you need, and who you hire. I'll break down exactly what affects the price so you know what to expect.
What Affects Window Cleaning Price
1. Home Size (Square Footage)
This is the biggest factor. More square footage generally means more windows.
Home SizeTypical Price RangeSmall (under 2,500 sq ft)$150-$300Medium (2,500-4,000 sq ft)$250-$500Large (4,000-6,500 sq ft)$400-$800Estate (6,500+ sq ft)$600-$1,500+
These ranges assume a typical number of windows for each home size. A 3,000 sq ft home with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout will cost more than one with standard windows.
2. Interior vs. Exterior Only
Exterior only is the baseline service. The cleaner addresses the outside of all windows, which handles most of the visible dirt, hard water, and weather buildup.
Interior cleaning adds 30-50% to the price. It takes longer because you're working inside the home, moving furniture, being careful around decor.
Full service typically includes exterior, interior, and track cleaning. This is the most thorough option and costs 60-80% more than exterior only.
3. Add-On Services
Common add-ons and what they typically cost:
ServiceTypical CostTrack cleaning$80-$200Screen cleaning$40-$150Hard water stain removal$50-$200+Skylight cleaning$15-$30 per skylightStorm window cleaning$5-$10 per window
Hard water stain removal is the wildcard. Light staining caught early might be included with cleaning. Heavy staining that requires restoration compounds can add significantly to the bill.
4. Accessibility
Second and third-story windows require ladders or extension poles. Some companies charge extra for high windows. Others build it into their base pricing.
Windows behind landscaping, in tight spaces, or requiring special equipment may also affect price.
5. Frequency and Plans
One-time cleanings cost more per visit than scheduled service plans.
Typical discounts for recurring service:
Twice a year: 10-15% off per visit
Three times a year: 15-20% off per visit
Quarterly: 20-25% off per visit
Over a year, a service plan can save $100-$400 depending on home size and frequency.
Price Comparison: Budget vs. Premium
Not all window cleaning is the same. Here's what you get at different price points:
Budget Services ($100-$200)
What you typically get:
Exterior only
Crew-based (different people each time)
Quick service, minimal attention to detail
May skip problem areas
Basic equipment
Watch out for:
"Starting at" prices that balloon with add-ons
Rushing through the job
No guarantee or follow-up
Mid-Range Services ($200-$400)
What you typically get:
Exterior or full service options
More thorough work
Better equipment
May offer service plans
Usually insured
This is where most reputable local companies fall.
Premium Services ($300-$800+)
What you typically get:
Full service standard
Owner-operated or highly trained technicians
Attention to detail (tracks, frames, sills)
Consistent quality every visit
Priority scheduling
Satisfaction guarantees
Responsive communication
What you're paying for isn't just cleaner windows. It's reliability, consistency, and not having to manage the process.
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Window Cleaning
I'll be direct: I'm not the cheapest option in Des Moines. I charge premium prices. Here's why my customers think it's worth it.
Cheap usually means fast. A crew trying to hit five houses in a day doesn't have time to be thorough. They hit the obvious spots and move on. Tracks get skipped. Hard water spots get ignored. You paid for a cleaning but didn't get a complete one.
Cheap often means strangers. Budget services use crews. Different people show up each time. You don't know who's at your home or what their standards are. Quality varies visit to visit.
Cheap doesn't mean reliable. The companies charging $99 for a whole house are often the ones who don't show up, don't call back, and leave you waiting.
You get what you pay for. I've re-cleaned windows for customers who hired a cheap service first. They thought they were saving money. They ended up paying twice.
How to Get Quotes
When getting quotes from window cleaners, ask:
What's included? Exterior only? Interior? Tracks? Screens? Make sure you're comparing the same service.
Who does the work? Owner? Trained employee? Random crew? This affects quality consistency.
What's the guarantee? What happens if you're not satisfied or if it rains the next day?
How do you handle scheduling? Can you get a specific time, or is it a "we'll be there sometime between 8 and 5" situation?
Are you insured? What happens if something gets broken?
The cheapest quote isn't always the best value. Neither is the most expensive. The best value is the service that actually delivers what they promise.
FAQ
How much should I pay for window cleaning?
For quality service in Des Moines, expect $200-$400 for exterior cleaning on an average home, or $400-$800 for full service (interior + exterior + tracks).
Why do some window cleaners charge so much more than others?
Premium pricing usually reflects owner-operated service, better reliability, satisfaction guarantees, and more thorough work. Budget services cut costs with crews, rushed work, and minimal accountability.
Is professional window cleaning worth it?
For most homeowners, yes. Professional cleaning takes 45 minutes to 2 hours. DIY takes a full day, requires equipment, and often leaves streaks. If your time is worth more than $30-50/hour, professional service pays for itself.
How can I save money on window cleaning?
Sign up for a service plan (saves 10-25% per visit). Book exterior only if that's all you need. Schedule during off-peak months (June-August, December-February).
Do window cleaners charge per window or per house?
Most charge by home size (square footage) or a flat rate, not per window. Per-pane pricing is more common for commercial buildings.
Ready for a Quote?
If you're in Waukee, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, or Johnston, I'd be happy to give you a quote.
To get pricing for your home:
Call or text: (515) 518-0623
Visit: birdiewindowcleaning.com
I'll get back to you within an hour with pricing based on your home size and what you need.
