Window cleaning in the Des Moines metro runs $150 to $250 for most single-story homes and $250 to $400 for two-story homes. That works out to about $8 to $12 per pane, inside and out. Screens and tracks add a little more. Here’s what actually drives the price up or down.
What does window cleaning cost per pane?
Most Des Moines companies charge $8 to $12 per pane for interior and exterior cleaning. Exterior-only usually runs about half to two-thirds of that. A pane means each section of glass, so a standard double-hung window counts as two panes, not one.
That’s why two quotes for the “same size house” can look so different. A ranch in Urbandale with 20 big picture windows is a faster job than a two-story in Waukee with 40 divided panes. Count your panes before you call and you’ll know if a quote is fair.
| Service | Typical Des Moines price |
|---|---|
| Per pane (inside + outside) | $8 – $12 |
| Single-story home | $150 – $250 |
| Two-story home | $250 – $400 |
| Screens | $1 – $3 each |
| Hard water stain removal | Add-on, quoted per window |
Is exterior-only cleaning cheaper?
Yes. Exterior-only window cleaning usually saves 30 to 40 percent because the crew never comes inside and the job moves faster. For a two-story home, that can mean $150 to $250 instead of $250 to $400. It’s a good middle option between cleanings.
Outside glass takes the worst beating here anyway. Road grime, sprinkler spray, and storm-season dust all land on the exterior side first.
What do screens and hard water stains add?
Screens run about $1 to $3 each to brush and wash. Hard water stain removal is a separate add-on, priced per window, because it takes a polishing compound and real elbow grease — not just soap and a squeegee.
Hard water stains are a big deal in the western suburbs. Homes in Waukee, Grimes, and rural Dallas County on well water often get white mineral haze on the glass from sprinklers. Regular cleaning won’t touch it. If your windows still look cloudy after a wash, that’s the problem — see our page on hard water stain removal.
Is it cheaper to do it myself?
Upfront, yes. A squeegee, scrubber, and bucket cost about $40. But a full two-story house takes most homeowners 4 to 6 hours, and the second-story windows mean ladder work. Most people who try it once decide the $250 to $400 is worth it.
And the streaks are real. Pros use purified water and proper technique, which is why the glass stays clear instead of hazy the next sunny day.
How often should Des Moines homes get windows cleaned?
Twice a year works for most homes here: once in late spring after the oak pollen settles, and once in fall before the first freeze. Homes near busy roads or under big trees may want a third cleaning after storm season.
Iowa’s freeze-thaw winters leave a film of grit and salt spray on glass by March, and that yellow-green pollen dust in May coats everything. Cleaning on a schedule also costs less per visit — that’s the whole idea behind our service plans.
Want an exact number? We text free quotes the same day — call or text (515) 642-1986 or grab a quote at everglowexteriors.com.
Last updated: August 2026
Leave a Reply