How to start a window cleaning business in Denmark

Window cleaning is one of the most accessible service businesses you can start in Denmark. Startup costs are low, the market is stable, and demand is year-round — especially for commercial clients. But “accessible” doesn’t mean “easy.” There are registrations, equipment, pricing, and customers you need to sort out before the first window gets cleaned.

This guide takes you through the eight most important steps from idea to your first customers on the books.

1. Register your business

Everything starts with a CVR number. You can register as a sole proprietorship (EVS) at virk.dk — it takes less than an hour. The industry code for window cleaning is 81.21.00 (General building cleaning). You need to decide whether to register for VAT — and unless you expect less than 50,000 DKK in annual revenue, you’ll likely need to register.

You should also get business liability insurance. If you accidentally scratch a window or damage a customer’s property, it can quickly get expensive without insurance. Most insurance policies for window cleaners cost between 2,000 and 5,000 DKK per year.

Also set up a savings account for tax from day one. As self-employed, you need to pay preliminary tax (B-skat) yourself, and many are surprised by how much needs to be set aside. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 30–40% of your revenue.

2. Invest in the right equipment

You don’t need a large investment to get started. A basic starter kit with a squeegee, applicator, bucket, soap, and a ladder costs between 3,000 and 6,000 DKK. That’s enough to handle most residential homes.

If you want to take on commercial clients or higher windows, a purified water system (telescopic pole with purified water) is an investment of 8,000–15,000 DKK. It’s not necessary from the start, but it opens significantly more opportunities, and many customers prefer it because it’s faster and leaves zero streaks.

Also remember the practical items: a transport box for equipment, microfiber cloths, protective shoes, and possibly a small trailer or rack for the car.

3. Set your prices

Pricing is one of the topics new window cleaners spend the most time second-guessing. A good starting point for residential homes is 200–800 DKK per visit, depending on the size of the home, number of windows, and accessibility.

For commercial clients, most window cleaners charge by the hour — typically 100–200 DKK per hour depending on the scope and frequency. Fixed agreements with commercial clients (e.g., every 14 days) give you a predictable base income that stabilizes your finances.

Avoid going too low at the start to “win” customers. Low prices attract price-sensitive customers who frequently switch providers — and they’re hard to raise prices on later.

4. Find your first customers

In the beginning, the most effective method is the simplest: go door to door in your local area. It sounds old-fashioned, but it works extremely well for window cleaners because you can demonstrate the result immediately.

Create a Facebook page and post regularly in local groups. “Before and after” photos consistently perform well. Also create a Google My Business profile — it’s free and means you’ll show up when someone searches “window cleaner in [your area]” on Google.

Printed flyers in mailboxes can still deliver results, especially in residential neighborhoods. Keep the message simple: what you offer, your price, and a phone number.

5. Plan your routes from day one

Even with just 10–15 customers, route planning starts to matter. If your customers are spread across a large area, you risk spending as much time driving as cleaning.

Think in zones: group your customers geographically and schedule visits in the same area on the same day. This saves fuel, time, and wear on the car. As your customer base grows, a route optimization program like Clientflow can automate it for you.

6. Handle the administration

Administration is the part of the business nobody started out to do — but it can quickly eat up your evenings if you don’t get it under control early.

At a minimum, you need to manage: invoicing (send the invoice immediately, not Friday evening), bookkeeping (use an accounting program like Dinero or Billy from day one), and a customer registry (notes, prices, frequency for each customer).

The sooner you systematize it, the less time you spend on it — and the more time you can spend earning money.

7. Choose the right software

You don’t need an advanced system from the start. But once you have more than 20–30 regular customers, a dedicated window cleaning program starts saving you real time. It brings together customer cards, route planning, invoicing, and communication in one place.

Clientflow is designed specifically for service businesses like window cleaners. It includes AI route optimization, employee management, a mobile app for the field, and automatic invoicing. You can start with a free trial to see if it fits the way you work.

8. Think long-term

The window cleaners who do best are the ones who think in systems from the start. It’s not about growing as fast as possible — it’s about building a business that’s sustainable.

Focus on customer retention rather than constant customer acquisition. A regular customer who pays 400 DKK every 8 weeks for five years is worth over 13,000 DKK — without you spending a single krone marketing to them after the first visit.

Invest in your reputation: be reliable, show up on time, communicate proactively, and do a good job. It sounds simple, but it’s exactly what separates the businesses that grow from those that stagnate.