Window cleaner
Make people's homes and businesses more pleasant by cleaning their windows, doors and other glass surfaces.
About the job
What it's like
You would work at homes and businesses, cleaning windows, doors and other glass surfaces to create a pleasant environment for the people who live or work there.
You could work on different types of buildings, including houses, schools, offices, shops and hospitals.
You would:
Mix cleaning chemicals and detergents
Use ladders to clean lower windows
Wash windows at a higher level using water-fed poles
Clean windows on high buildings like tower blocks using a safety harness
Collect and record payments
Safely store equipment like ladders and transport it between jobs
If you are self-employed, you would also:
Market your cleaning services
Plan your own work schedule
Do paperwork and keep accounts (or find someone to do this for you)
Come up with prices and persuade customers to pay on time
You’d need to be able to work quickly and efficiently, and have a good awareness of health and safety.
A good head for heights is essential. You might sometimes be asked to do different types of work at heights, such as clearing gutters and cleaning paintwork or window frames.
Hours
If you are employed by a cleaning contractor, you are likely to work a 40-hour week. If you are self-employed, you will be able to choose the hours you work. You may work longer hours in summer to earn enough money to cover the shorter days in winter.
Environment
You would usually work outdoors in most weather conditions. A lot of the work is done at heights.
Travel
You would normally need a driving license and access to a van to move equipment.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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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.
Food and drink Financial and professional services Digital technologies Construction and built environment
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.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- window cleaning
- working at heights
- safety procedures
- rain gutters
- maid services
- squeegee
- pressure washer
- polyvinyl chloride
- upholstery
- commercial cleaning
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.
You do not need formal qualifications for this job but a good standard of English and Maths is helpful.
Qualifications and experience that show customer service skills and practical skills, such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5).
The SQA Enterprise and Employability Award (SCQF level 4/5) may also be of value as many window cleaners are self-employed.
While working you can study for Scottish Vocational Qualification in Cleaning and Support Services (SVQ level 2). This includes units in working safely at heights and using a water-fed pole system to clean windows and facades.
A driving licence is useful and 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.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Window cleaner'
