Window cleaner
Make people's homes and businesses more pleasant by cleaning their windows, doors or other glass surfaces.
About the job
What it's like
In this role, you'll clean windows, doors and other glass surfaces. Window cleaners travel to homes and businesses to create a pleasant environment for the people who live or work there.
As a window cleaner, you'll work on many different types of buildings. This could include houses, schools, offices, shops and hospitals.
You'll work quickly and efficiently, making sure you're delivering a high-quality clean! Window cleaners should have a strong awareness of health and safety procedures.
A good head for heights is essential! Sometimes, you may be asked to do different types of work while at heights. For example, you could clear gutters and clean paintwork or window frames.
Your tasks might include:
mixing cleaning chemicals and detergents
climbing ladders to clean lower windows
washing windows at a higher level using water-fed poles
using a safety harness to clean windows on high buildings, like tower blocks or high-rise apartments
collecting and recording payments from customers
safely storing equipment like ladders – you'll also transport your equipment between jobs
Fancy working as a self-employed window cleaner? You'll have a few extra tasks. For example, you'll need to promote your cleaning services and plan your schedule.
You'll also be responsible for your accounts (or pay an accountant to do this for you) and managing customers' payments.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Federation of Window Cleaners – explore this independent, non-profit-making organisation that supports the needs of window cleaners in the United Kingdom
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- reliable
- time management
- managing resources
- concentrating
- attention to detail
- respecting
- cooperating
- persevering
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
You don't need to study any specific subjects to do this job. It's more important that you have relevant skills and experience.
There are no strict entry requirements to become a window cleaner in Scotland.
Employers may ask for some literacy and numeracy skills, so it's beneficial if you have a good standard of Maths and English.
An employer is likely to be more interested in your reliability, attitude and willingness to work hard.
Use the My World of Work job search to find window cleaner vacancies.
Apprenticeships
You may have the opportunity to gain a qualification by doing a Modern Apprenticeship in Facilities Services.
Modern Apprenticeships mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
Your work will involve lifting, standing, climbing and carrying. So, it'll help if you're physically fit.
If you're a self-employed window cleaner, it's useful to have good organisational skills.
A driving licence is useful. In fact, it may be essential for some roles.
Some local authorities may need you to apply for a licence before you can legally work as a window cleaner. This licence has to be renewed after a period of time, normally three years.
