Washing windows is a chore that many would rather leave to the professionals. This is particularly true for windows that are located on a home's second story, as well as those that are even higher up on apartment buildings and high rises. Professional window washers have the right tools and equipment to leave windows shiny and streak-free, as well as to protect themselves against wind gusts and potential falls.

If you're interested in starting a window-washing business, you need to make several decisions prior to advertising your services. This includes determining whether you'd like to serve commercial or residential clients, obtaining a business license and business insurance, and stocking up on cleaning supplies and safety equipment.

According to HomeGuide, residential window washers charge per pane, while commercial window washers charge per square foot. Residential window washing costs between $4 and $8 per pane, and the average cost of commercial window washing ranges from $150 to $250 for weekly cleaning of 1,000 square feet or less.

The best solution often depends on how dirty windows are. While most windows can be cleaned with soapy water and a squeegee, sometimes stronger solutions are required to remove thick layers of dirt or grease that have been on the windows for an extended time.

For streak-free windows, the best homemade solution can be made with common household products. Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap, and two cups of water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution liberally on your windows and then remove it with a squeegee or microfiber cloth.

Rather than a pool pole, it's better to use an extendable cleaning pole to wash exterior windows. Many window cleaning poles come with interchangeable sponges or pads so you can apply a cleaning solution and scrub the glass. These poles often come with squeegee attachments to remove excess cleaning fluid.

While Venetian blinds should be washed by hand with soapy water, it's possible to wash woven fabric blinds in the washing machine. When doing this, blinds should be rolled up and placed inside a pillowcase or laundry bag and washed in cold water on the machine's delicate setting.

Exterior windows can be cleaned with the same vinegar and dish soap solution that's used on interior windows. When windows are too high to reach, an extension pole, or in some cases a mop, can be used to apply the solution and scrub the windows clean.

Professional window cleaners use different sets of tools, depending on whether they're cleaning interior or exterior windows. Their tool kit typically consists of squeegees, soft or microfiber cloths, and an extension pole, as well as soap, vinegar, and other cleaning solutions.

To ensure that windows don't streak after cleaning, it's best to start by removing dust and dirt with a dry cloth. Then, clean the windows with a vinegar solution and use a squeegee to remove excess fluid. It helps to dry the squeegee regularly with a cloth or rage.

Commercial window washers can obtain certification through the International Window Cleaning Association, which is dedicated to ensuring that safety standards are met by cleaners at all times. The average hourly salary for window washers is $15.96, according to PayScale.

Most window washers don't expect to be tipped for the work they do; however, as with most industries, tips are often appreciated. If you choose to tip a professional window washer, consider giving them $10 to $20 on top of the bill.

As with other types of businesses, a license is required to open a window-washing business. This can be obtained from the licensing department in the city or town where your business will operate. The department can also advise you about any other requirements, such as insurance.

The toxicity of window washer fluid depends on what ingredients it contains. While a vinegar and soap solution isn't toxic, heavy-duty work sometimes requires the addition of ammonia or other chemicals, so it's important to be careful when working with these fluids.

While robots are useful for many applications, they don't have the maneuverability needed to access tight corners and curves. Because of this, robots typically can't get windows as clean as human window washers.

Window washers typically cease work on tall buildings when winds are strong. While they do use harnesses to keep themselves on their scaffold in the event of a sudden gust, it's not safe for a window washer to be exposed to excessively high winds.