The Cleaning Authority vs Window Genie
The Cleaning Authority vs Window Genie: The Cleaning Authority costs $50K–$439K to open; Window Genie costs $50K–$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, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet, see the comparison below.
The Cleaning Authority vs Window Genie: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Data-driven differentiation pulled from 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 historical 7(a) approvals versus 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. Geographically, The Cleaning Authority concentrates in OH (11 SBA-funded units) while Window Genie leads in TX (14). Pick the brand whose strongest state matches yours for warmest 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 historical loss profile 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 – $439K | $50K – $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 | Not Disclosed | Not 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 | N/A |
Years Franchising | 66 yrs | N/A |
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 historical 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.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories, The Cleaning Authority with 86 SBA loans and Window Genie with 122. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
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
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