Window cleaner

Window cleaners work on houses or larger buildings, such as offices or factories. They collect payment for their services and are often self-employed.

Work activities

Window cleaners clean the windows of houses, shops and large buildings, such as offices and factories. They wash windows using cloths, applicators, squeegees and brushes. Hot water might be provided by the customer, if someone is there. Otherwise, window cleaners carry their own supply. They put cleaning liquids into the water. Window cleaners might work on a ladder (or from a cradle or platform when washing the windows of a high-rise building). They might have to move items, such as plant pots, or ask for cars to be moved, to get to a window. Increasingly, window cleaners use long water fed poles which clean over 80-feet high, with the cleaner working from the ground. This avoids having to use ladders or platforms. If windows need to be cleaned from inside large buildings, the window cleaners put out caution signs. Health and safety are very important issues when cleaning from inside.

Occasionally, window cleaners carry out additional tasks, such as cleaning out guttering on houses or cleaning window frames. They also collect payment from customers, and make sure that worksheets are signed to say that work has been completed to a satisfactory standard. They might have to go back for the payment in the evening or at the weekend if the customer is out. Window cleaners carry their equipment with them, using a car, van or bike, and they make sure everything is kept clean. They might wear protective clothing such as a cap and gloves. Work patterns could depend on the weather. Window cleaners who work for contract cleaning companies might be provided with a uniform.

Personal qualities and skills

As a window cleaner, you need:

• To enjoy working outside in all types of weather.
• To be able to work at a height.
• A good sense of balance and concentration.
• To be safety conscious.
• To work well on your own or as part of a team.
• A friendly and polite manner.
• Good fitness and health; problems with balance, blackouts, use of hands or being on your feet for long periods could make entry to this work difficult.

A clean, current driving licence is an advantage.

Pay and opportunities  

The pay rates given are approximate. Pay rates for window cleaners are in the range of £16,000 a year, rising to £23,000. Window cleaners working for a company often have the use of a company vehicle. Self-employed window cleaners set their own rates, and earnings vary according to the amount of work they do.

Window cleaners normally work Monday to Friday and might work at weekends. There are usually opportunities to work part-time.

Employers are small, local firms dealing with houses and shops, and larger window cleaning companies dealing with high-rise buildings. Opportunities for window cleaners occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Some window cleaners become self-employed contractors, setting up a window-cleaning round in a local community.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Window cleaners often find work by word-of-mouth and through customer recommendations. You may also be able to find work and training through an apprenticeship programme.

Entry routes and training

Most people enter this career directly by applying for vacancies.

Because of health and safety regulations, appropriate training must be given to a new window cleaner. You might also spend some time with a more experienced workmate. Larger contract companies usually have an induction programme lasting for a few days. As well as health and safety at work, the training will include how to use different ladders and cradles properly, customer care, and how to wash and polish windows.

You might be able to work towards certificates and diplomas in cleaning and support services skills. Training courses are offered by the Federation for Window Cleaners (FWC), and the British Window Cleaning Academy (BWCA)

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 courses through the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) and the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF).

Window cleaners who work for a large contract cleaning firm could progress to a supervisory or managerial position. A lot of window cleaners set up their own business. Some window cleaners move into construction.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need to be 16 and have GCSEs (including English and maths), although you may be able to complete these qualifications as part of your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have relevant skills and abilities gained in the building or construction industries, for example, as a labourer; entrants might have gained other practical skills in work using their hands.

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