The Cleaning Authority vs Window Genie
The Cleaning Authority vs Window Genie: The Cleaning Authority costs $50K to $439K to open; Window Genie costs $50K to $150K. The Cleaning Authority has 63 units, Window Genie has 86. SBA loan history: The Cleaning Authority = 86 loans (7.0% default); Window Genie = 122 loans (28.7% default). The franchise with more SBA funded units, a lower SBA default rate, and a lower royalty load is the safer financing bet; see the comparison below.
The Cleaning Authority vs Window Genie: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Analysis based on FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Window Genie requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($50K vs $50K for The Cleaning Authority), a 1% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $50K for The Cleaning Authority versus $75K for Window Genie, The Cleaning Authority has the lower entry fee. Ongoing royalty load is 6% for The Cleaning Authority and 7% for Window Genie, giving The Cleaning Authority the lighter per-unit drag on operating income.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Window Genie operates 86 units to The Cleaning Authority's 63.
SBA Lending Profile
Window Genie has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 122 7(a) approvals compared with 86 for The Cleaning Authority. The Cleaning Authority's peak SBA year was 2015 (17 loans); Window Genie's peak was 2019 (17 loans). Window Genie's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. The Cleaning Authority has the most SBA funded units in OH, with 11. Window Genie leads in TX, with 14. Borrowers should pick the brand whose strongest SBA state matches their own state for warmer lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded The Cleaning Authority deals is $259K vs $154K for Window Genie, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 7.0% for The Cleaning Authority and 28.7% for Window Genie, The Cleaning Authority has the cleaner SBA loss record by 21.7 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 57 (Moderate) for The Cleaning Authority and 51 (Moderate) for Window Genie, giving The Cleaning Authority the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 57/100 | 51/100 |
Health Tier | Moderate | Moderate |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 86 | 122 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 7.0% | 28.7% |
Peer Tier | established | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $50K to $439K | $50K to $150K |
Franchise Fee | $50K | $75K |
Royalty Rate | 6% | 7% |
Ad Fund | 1% | 2% |
Liquid Capital | $40K | N/A |
Net Worth Required | $225K | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Disclosed | Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 63 | 86 |
Franchised Units | 63 | 86 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | 15 yrs | 10 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | N/A | 1994 |
Franchising Since | 1960 | 1996 |
Years Franchising | 66 yrs | 30 yrs |
Headquarters | Dayton, OH | AUSTIN, TX |
Category | Janitorial Services | Janitorial Services |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2026 | 2026 |
Which Is Better, The Cleaning Authority or Window Genie?
Lower upfront capital required
Window Genie
The Cleaning Authority: $50K starting · Window Genie: $50K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Window Genie
The Cleaning Authority: 86 SBA loans · Window Genie: 122 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
The Cleaning Authority
The Cleaning Authority: 7.0% · Window Genie: 28.7%
Larger system & brand presence
Window Genie
The Cleaning Authority: 63 units · Window Genie: 86 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
The Cleaning Authority
The Cleaning Authority: 6% · Window Genie: 7%
More lender financing options
The Cleaning Authority
The Cleaning Authority: 34 unique lenders · Window Genie: 26 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
The Cleaning Authority vs Window Genie: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing The Cleaning Authority and Window Genie is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $50K to $439K.
The Cleaning Authority has 86 SBA loans on record and Window Genie has 122. Those totals are cumulative history rather than a measure of current appetite. Recent lending activity is trending down for at least one of these brands, so current lender appetite has to be checked deal by deal rather than assumed from the totals.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
The Cleaning Authority vs Window Genie, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, The Cleaning Authority or Window Genie?
How much does a The Cleaning Authority franchise cost compared to Window Genie?
Can I finance The Cleaning Authority or Window Genie with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, The Cleaning Authority or Window Genie?
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Page Review
Reviewed by Edward L. Freeman, Founder and Managing Director, PeerSense
- PeerSense is a capital advisory firm that places commercial financing with direct capital sources; it does not lend, fund, or approve loans, and the capital source sets final terms.
- Edward L. Freeman founded PeerSense in January 2020.
- He is a Registered Franchise Consultant with Business Alliance, Inc., a credential issued in March 2022, and worked as a franchise consultant there from March 2022 to May 2023.
- His recorded experience includes a $22 million SBA construction loan, with about $16 million funded on the deal.
- In the 12 months through September 30, 2026, PeerSense tracked 912 publicly announced financings with a disclosed size of $361.32 billion. PeerSense Capital Data Report · Methodology page
Last reviewed LinkedIn profileAbout Edward Freeman