Window cleaners clean windows and other glass surfaces on buildings. Some work at ground level using ladders to reach upper floor windows. Others work at heights, cleaning windows on high buildings and tower blocks. For this type of work they use power-operated work platforms (or 'cradles') which hang on cables from the building, or ropes and abseiling harnesses.

Window cleaners might also be asked to do other work at heights, such as clearing gutters, cleaning paintwork, painting exteriors and applying protective coatings.

Window cleaners are often self-employed and need to find customers, agree a price for each job, collect payments and complete accounts and tax returns.

Hours and Environment

If you are employed by a cleaning contractor you are likely to work a 40-hour week with the opportunity for overtime. If you are self-employed you will be able to choose the hours you work - you might work longer hours in summer to earn enough money to cover the short days of winter. 

You will usually have to work outdoors in all weathers. You will need to be physically fit as you will do a lot of climbing, lifting and bending.

Skills and Interests

To be a window cleaner, you should:

• be fit and healthy and be prepared to work outdoors in all weathers
• be able to work at heights and climb ladders
• be happy to work alone (although some may work in teams)
• be very safety-conscious
• be able to learn to use power-operated lifting equipment (for high level cleaning).

As a self-employed window cleaner you should also:

• be well organised to plan your own work schedule, and self-disciplined to keep to it
• be able to do paperwork and keep accounts (or find someone to do this for you)
• be able to cost jobs, negotiate prices and persuade customers to pay on time.

Entry

You do not need any particular qualifications to become a window cleaner.

A driving licence is useful, but not essential.

You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Training

When you are working as a window cleaner you may be able to do:

• NVQ/SVQ Level 1 in Cleaning and Support Services
• NVQ/SVQ  Level 2 in Cleaning and Support Services (Windows).

To work at heights you must be trained (and usually have a certificate) in the use of power-operated access equipment or abseiling techniques. You can do rope access courses at three levels through the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA). Please see the Further Information section for contact details.

If you are in a supervisory position you may be able to work towards:

• NVQ/SVQ at Level 3 in Supervisory Management
• City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Cleaning Services Supervision.

Opportunities

Many window cleaners are self-employed, and start-up costs are fairly low. They may work alone, or employ other staff.

Window cleaners are also employed by contract cleaners or specialist window cleaning firms. They may have opportunities to move into supervisory and management positions.

Annual Income

The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.

Working for a contract cleaning company you may earn between £10,000 and £15,000 a year. Self-employed window cleaners decide on their own charges and their earnings will depend on how many customers they have.

Further information

9 Premier Court
Boarden Close
Moulton Park
Northampton
NN3 6LF
Tel: 01604 678710 Association House
99 West St
Farnham
Surrey
GU9 7EN
Tel: 01252 739150 Summerfield House
Harrogate Road
Reddish
Stockport
SK5 6HQ
Tel: 0161 432 8754 2 The Courtyard
48 New North Road
Exeter
Devon
EX4 4EP
Helpline: 08000 567160