As China approaches the Spring Festival, traditionally associated with thorough house cleaning to welcome good fortune, the domestic services industry experiences a significant seasonal surge. This annual cleaning ritual has particularly intensified demand for window cleaning specialists, creating both economic opportunities and serious safety concerns for workers operating in high-rise environments.
Beijing resident Wang Zhaoge, who annually employs cleaners for her 18th-floor apartment, expressed deep apprehension: ‘Watching domestic workers lean precariously from windows without protective equipment is genuinely terrifying. My husband consistently reminds them to prioritize safety, as the visual perspective from our elevation is frankly dizzying.’
The financial dynamics of this seasonal market reveal interesting patterns. Early bookings typically command rates between 100-300 yuan ($14.30-$43) per hour, while last-minute reservations can nearly double these costs. Wang recalled paying 480 yuan for two hours of service when booking merely two weeks in advance last year, compared to 260 yuan for identical service with more advance planning this season.
Industry data from platform 58 Daojia indicates a remarkable 200% increase in window cleaning orders during the 2024 pre-festival period, alongside a 40% overall rise in domestic service requests. The platform has not yet released comparable statistics for the current year.
Legal expert Yao Junchang of Beijing’s W&H Law Firm highlights the complex employment landscape: ‘Labor relationships in this sector remain poorly defined. While some workers maintain formal contracts with service companies, many operate as independent platform registrants or private contractors—the latter group facing the highest risks with minimal protection.’
Yao emphasized that employers bear responsibility for providing appropriate safety equipment, noting that workplace injuries could potentially involve shared liability among workers, companies, and clients given the elevated risks associated with high-altitude cleaning.
Recognizing these challenges, seven central government agencies including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security jointly issued guidelines in June 2024 promoting industry development through enhanced worker protections. These measures encourage commercial insurance coverage for accidental injuries and employer liability, with local governments offering subsidies to companies investing in such safeguards for their employees.