Starting a cleaning business is more than just picking up a mop—it's stepping into a growing market filled with opportunities. With both homes and businesses needing reliable cleaning services, this venture can turn into a profitable gig that scales as you grow. If you’ve been wondering how to start a cleaning business but haven’t quite figured out how yet, this guide is for you.
Learning how to start your own cleaning business can be a stressful process. However, with the right foundation, you have nothing to worry about.
In this section, we explore some basic operational models and key components of a cleaning business.
A cleaning business exists to provide different services depending on the client's needs, whether residential or commercial.
There are various business models you can follow, and these types of cleaning services define what work is to be done, to whom the service is given, and where revenue comes from. Below, we share some of these models:
Businesses mostly need cleaning services after working hours or on weekends, which means that they may pay more per session or enter into long-term contracts with cleaning companies.
A cleaning business generates revenue through several channels:
Within the business, various roles contribute to its overall success
Selecting the right mix of services is important in defining your cleaning business and in attracting your targeted clients. Think about what you are good at, observe the market, and see if there is a need for it. Here are some popular service types you could offer:
This type of cleaning mainly concentrates on home cleaning chores that may include daily, weekly, monthly, and occasional cleaning, including window or appliance cleaning. House cleaning can be done on a routine basis, for instance, weekly or monthly, or maybe a one-time service, for instance, during spring cleaning or before and after an event.
In addition to traditional home cleaning, there’s also a growing demand for cleaning services tailored to short-term rental properties like Airbnbs. These services require a quick turnaround and a high level of attention to detail to ensure that the property is spotless and ready for the next guest. This might include more frequent cleanings, restocking essentials, and ensuring that the property meets the standards expected by Airbnb guests.
Catering to businesses, commercial cleaning requires handling different needs compared to residential cleaning. It may require extra hours, strict rules and regulations, and specific cleaning agents to cover extensive spaces or high-traffic areas. Business consumers usually opt for long-term agreements for services such as daily office cleaning, restroom cleaning, or floor polishing.
This service can be used in homes or business establishments. It covers the cleaning of both internal and external windows and the treatment of spots, streaks, and dirt accumulation. Window cleaning can set you apart from your competition, especially if you have the capability to clean high-rise windows or difficult-to-reach windows.
This focuses on cleaning carpets, rugs, and furniture upholstery—these often require special tools and an understanding of fabrics. This service is important for homes and offices, especially when there are stains, allergens, or much traffic.
These include niche offerings such as post-construction cleaning, eco-friendly cleaning options, and other services like mold remediation or pressure washing. Specialized services can attract specific clientele who need more than just routine cleaning and are willing to pay a premium for expertise.
Market research is the third step when entering the cleaning market and is also crucial as it provides the necessary information on the market and its trends.
It provides insights into local demand, customer preferences, and competitive dynamics—guiding your strategic decisions and helping to identify opportunities and gaps in the market.
Start by analyzing the demand for cleaning services in your area. Conduct surveys to get direct responses from the target market on their cleaning requirements, how often they would prefer the services, and how much they are willing to pay for the services. You can also use Google Trends or any local search data to find out the level of interest people have in certain types of cleaning services.
Another thing you can do is conduct a competitor analysis by studying local cleaning services, the services they offer, their prices, customers’ feedback, and their positioning. Find out who the major players are, what they are good at, and what they may be short of.
Go further into understanding what potential clients consider most important in cleaning services. This may include a desire for environmentally friendly products, the ability to choose a convenient time for the service, certain services such as a deep clean, move-in/move-out clean, or any other services, such as eradication of allergens.
Knowledge of these preferences helps align service provision to market needs and demands. To capture the details of the customers, conduct focus group discussions, customer interviews, and post-period social media listening.
A good business plan can act as a roadmap for your cleaning business. It contains a strategic plan, financial objectives, and operational strategies. The plan not only assists in funding but also defines the direction of the business's growth.
Knowing the legal requirements needed to conduct your cleaning business legally is crucial. This involves registering your business, acquiring licenses and permits, and meeting all the legal requirements of your business at the local, state, and federal levels. Below, we discuss how to open a cleaning business legally.
Start by selecting a business structure—such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation—that best fits your needs. Each structure has its legal concerns, tax advantages, and risks for the owners and managers of the business.
File the necessary paperwork with your state or local government, which may involve registering a business name, securing a DBA (Doing Business As) if operating under a different name, and obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes.
Find out the licenses and permits that are necessary for a cleaning business to be established in your region. This may include a business license and licenses for handling certain products, such as hazardous products and chemicals. Check local regulations to ensure you meet all health and safety standards required for cleaning services.
Ensure that you meet the legal requirements, such as getting the right insurance, general liability, workers' compensation, and, if necessary, bonding insurance, depending on the clients’ and laws’ demands. Know your tax laws concerning the sale of services. If you are required to collect sales tax on services in your state, ensure that you do it correctly and keep good records for your federal and state taxes.
Budgeting and financing are two of the most important factors that you need to consider when starting your cleaning business and keeping it financially stable during the first few years of operations.
Determine the fixed costs you will incur during the early days of your cleaning business - for example, the cost of purchasing cleaning equipment such as vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, mops.
Asides from this, you will also need to purchase cleaning chemicals such as disinfectants, detergents, and other specialty chemicals.
Don’t forget to budget for insurance premiums, business registration fees, and potential lease or rent costs if you need a physical office or storage space.
Look for funding options depending within your income level. Bootstrapping—using personal savings—is a common method for small startups. There is also the option to get small business loans from banks or credit unions or find investors who will invest in your business in exchange for equity.
Business name and brand identity are very important when it comes to creating an impression, so it's important to choose wisely.
Choose a name that describes the services you offer and would be easily understood by your target market. It should be easy to memorize, articulate, and write or spell. Check the availability of the name by searching state and federal trademark databases and securing a matching domain name for your website.
Create main branding features that will help brand your business. This involves creating a logo that will capture the attention of your target market, selecting appropriate colors for your business, and creating an appropriate brand message that will inform your target market of the services offered by your business and your company’s culture.
In addition to business branding, consider developing your personal brand as a leader in the industry. Your personal brand is a powerful tool that can enhance your business’s reputation. Focus on building an authentic presence by sharing your expertise, insights, and values through public speaking, social media, and networking.
Starting a cleaning business requires you to have the right equipment, a good team of employees, and the right price.
Purchase general tools relevant to the services you will be offering, such as vacuum cleaners, mops, steamers, pressure washers, and equipment for cleaning carpets or windows.
Also, ensure you buy top-quality cleaning materials, including biodegradable soaps, sanitizers, scrubbing brushes, dusting mops, and gloves. Ensure that all the tools and products meet the country's health and safety standards.
Hire competent employees who will work hard and are detail-oriented. Conduct background checks to prevent hiring dishonest employees, especially if they will be working in the clients' homes or offices.
Ensure that the cleaning personnel are well-trained on how to clean, safety measures to observe, and how to treat clients in order to achieve uniformity and professionalism.
To streamline the hiring and training process, consider using business apps designed for small businesses. Apps like BambooHR or Workable can help you manage the hiring process, from posting job openings to tracking applicants
Set up your pricing according to your findings and the costs, profit margins you wish to achieve, and your competitors in the local markets. Accept different types of payments, including credit cards, checks, and online payments, to meet the needs of the clients.
You should also develop sound practices for issuing invoices and collecting payments so as to maintain a healthy cash flow.
To keep your financial processes running smoothly and turn your business into a profitable gig, consider adopting business tools that simplify pricing management, invoicing, and payment collection. Platforms like QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or Wave offer robust solutions for tracking expenses, setting up pricing structures, and issuing invoices.
The final step is to market your cleaning business. Marketing is an important factor that will help attract clients and popularize your brand.
Build a website that features your services, cost structure, clients’ feedback, and contact details. We also recommend utilizing SEO techniques so that your website can be easily found by search engines.
Ensure that you are active on the social media platforms that your target market is likely to use to reach out to potential clients and share cleaning tips, promotions, and success stories. Make sure your social media content also follows your brand guidelines to ensure a cohesive and professional image across all channels.
Take advantage of the more conventional forms of advertising and make use of fliers, door hangers, and business cards in your locality.
Establish contacts with other business establishments, property owners, and real estate agents who may require your services or recommend others to you.
Go to community activities and get involved in organizations to create the needed contacts for your business.
Claim and optimize your Google My Business listing to improve your business’s presence on Google. List your business on online directories like Yelp, Angie’s List, and Thumbtack.
Another form of online advertising is the pay-per-click (PPC) which will help you reach out to prospects who are searching for cleaning services in your region.
Promote word of mouth by providing discounts to clients who recommend their friends and families to your business. Use coupons such as end-of-year or beginning-of-year discounts, new customer discounts, or even offering a free service to a loyal customer.
Growing your cleaning business involves diversifying its services, increasing its capacity, and developing customer loyalty.
Consider expanding the range of services you provide—introducing new options like cleaning for healthcare centers and industrial premises or expanding the list of services with more options, such as green cleaning. As you grow, think of switching from residential cleaning to commercial cleaning to expand your reach and boost sales.
Scaling refers to the process of expanding your business's capabilities and operations to meet growing demand while maintaining or improving efficiency and profitability. As your client base expands, scaling becomes essential to ensure that you can continue to provide high-quality service without overstretching your resources.
To scale effectively, hire additional staff as your client base grows, and consider opening new branches or providing new services. And make sure you get more equipment or vehicles to expand your working capacity. Another thing you must do is simplify your operations by using software for appointment management, customer relationship management, and inventory management.
Ensure that you provide your clients with excellent services by listening to them, asking them what they want, and meeting their needs. Offer contracts or loyalty programs to encourage repeat business and build a stable, long-term client base.
Monitor and record other performance metrics, including the rate of clients’ retention, revenue growth, and customer satisfaction. Be aware of changes in the market, customers’ needs, and trends to modify the business strategy and remain competitive.
Before pursuing entrepreneurship, you must determine whether you are ready to start your own cleaning business. Begin by reflecting on your motivations: Are you looking for better pay and more freedom, or do you really have a passion for organizing and cleaning? Knowing why you want to embark on this journey will help you stay on course whenever you face challenges.
You should also think of the requirements of operating a business venture – not only cleaning. Are you ready to handle money, recruit and develop employees, and deliver excellent service? A solid business plan is essential, outlining your goals, strategies, and financial projections to keep your business on track. Consider if you are willing to spend the time and effort for marketing, networking, and building clientele.
Think about the personal challenges involved, like maintaining a work-life balance and handling the stress of business ownership. Are you comfortable taking risks and willing to adapt to changing circumstances? Flexibility, resilience, and a proactive mindset are key traits for success in the competitive cleaning industry.
If the idea of full-time entrepreneurship feels daunting, starting your cleaning business as a side hustle might be a viable option. This approach allows you to test the waters, build your client base gradually, and gain experience without immediately leaving your current job.
So far we’ve discussed how to start a cleaning business thoroughly. However, here’s a quick summary.
The process of starting a cleaning business involves several activities, which include market analysis, business planning, legal considerations, business establishment, and, finally, marketing.
Taking the plunge can lead to rewarding experiences, from achieving financial independence to building something of your own.
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Starting your own cleaning business is possible if you have the right information at hand. A cleaning business can also prove to be quite lucrative. It often involves relatively low start-up capital, mainly for purchasing cleaning products and simple promotional items.
A cleaning business’s profit margin typically ranges between 10% and 28%, which is considered relatively healthy within the industry. However, several key factors influence how profitable your business can be, and understanding these factors is crucial for maximizing your margins. Some include operational efficiency, price models, and services offered.
To newcomers, residential cleaning is the most preferred way to start with. It is less complicated and cheaper as compared to commercial cleaning services. Residential services can be as basic as cleaning or vacuuming. However, commercial cleaning involves more people and equipment.
Marketing is a key factor that needs to be embraced when seeking to find clients in the business world. Specifically, digital marketing, such as local SEO and social media advertising, can work well. Other ways to attract initial customers include providing first-time discounts and customer referrals.
Trust is a crucial element in the cleaning business. And one way you can build trust is by delivering consistent, high-quality services and maintaining professionalism. Asides from this, acquiring bonding and insurance reassures clients of your legitimacy and their protection.
Some of the most significant challenges include managing labor costs effectively while retaining reliable and skilled employees. Maintaining a standard quality of service can also be a challenge as the company grows and as more employees are involved.
Marketing techniques that can be used in a cleaning business include online and offline marketing. It is necessary to have a well-optimized website and active social media accounts where you can post before and after pictures, customers’ feedbacks and other cleaning tips.
To address competition in the cleaning business, you need to come up with strategies that will enable you to set your services apart from those of other cleaners, such as the use of green products, flexible working schedules, or customer relations.
Alex Quin is a full-stack marketing expert and global keynote speaker. Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of UADV Marketing - a member of the Forbes Agency Council.
