How to Start a Cleaning Business & Become Successful

You decided you want to start your cleaning business. More than just wanting it, you will do it and be successful. You have the entrepreneurial spirit. You see a need and you know that your service will do well.

The concept is clear. Now, it’s time to transform your idea into reality. And the first question that comes to mind is ‘How do I start my own cleaning business?’

In this guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know to kickstart your cleaning business and make it big. From figuring out who your customers are to making sure you’re ticking all the legal boxes, we’ve got practical advice on how to start a cleaning service,

Let’s get started!

Key Considerations for Your Cleaning Business Startup

Naturally, many questions arise when thinking about starting a cleaning business. Here are some key points to consider: 

• How well am I suited and prepared for starting my business?
• What is my specialty?
• Which of my personality traits are helpful for achieving my goals?

And more practical questions:

• Do I need a license to clean houses?
• How much startup capital do I need?
• What equipment will I need to start a cleaning business?

Let’s help you mentally prepare and get ready for action!

How to Start a Cleaning Business in 1o Easy Steps

Think of starting a cleaning business as constructing a building — you start with the foundation and build on top of that.

1. Get yourself ready with the right mindset
2. Research your market
3. Choose the type of cleaning services to offer
4. Develop your cleaning business startup plan
5. Take care of the legal essentials when opening a cleaning business
6. Choose a suitable name and logo
7. Take care of transportation, equipment, and supplies
8. Work on getting clients
9. Build your professional website
10. Set the Prices for Your Cleaning Business

#1 Get yourself ready with the right mindset

Doing something for the first time probably means leaving your comfort zone. It implies that you swim out of known waters with an understanding of the consequences. So, you have to ask yourself: is that me, and is that something I feel ready for and comfortable with?

Surely, you have thought this through. Ask yourself if you feel you have the necessary traits.

Ask questions like, am I

• In good physical shape? Cleaning is not for the weak-hearted.
• Social? Customer relationships call for social traits, and in this line of work, you will need plenty.
• Organized? Can I handle my administration and bookkeeping, or do I need assistance?
• Ready to accept variable income?
• Flexible enough to extend my services when needed?

If you feel you can answer yes to all the above, you have the mindset to succeed in the cleaning industry. Mind you, those are all personality traits and not skills. Of course, you can perfect those inherent traits along the way.

#2 Research your market

This part of how to start a cleaning agency can be easily answered. Fill in customers’ needs and get paid for that. To find out what those needs are, you research your target market.

There are different ways to go about this. One good method is to test your theories in the work field. You can do this by offering to help friends and acquaintances with their cleaning. They will give you tips and useful feedback.

You want to target your market very precisely. It’s not a question of how many types of customers you can attract. The best way to appeal to potential customers is to focus on what they need to do and adapt to that.

It’s true that the more customers you have, the faster your cleaning business will grow. But don’t forget that if you play into customers’ needs, you will reach a larger segment of the cleaning market, effectively boosting your cleaning service startup.

Interacting with customers will build strong relationships. They will know you are there to give them what they want and will learn to depend on you.

#3 Choose the type of cleaning services to offer

Opening a cleaning business means you have big ambitions, but you must go slow and steady until you reach your goal. Ambitions differ. Some people prefer to stick to a house cleaning business (a residential cleaning business). Others aim at janitorial services, or commercial cleaning.

• Evaluate Your Skills: Determine which cleaning tasks you excel at and enjoy. This insight will guide whether you should focus on residential, commercial, or specialized cleaning.
• Market Research: Understand the specific demands of your local area. Residential services may thrive in suburban regions, while urban settings might benefit more from commercial cleaning services.
• Consider Specialization: Differentiate yourself by specializing in niche areas such as eco-friendly cleaning or high-end residential services, allowing you to command higher rates.
• Plan Equipment Needs: Assess the initial investment required for equipment based on your chosen focus. Residential cleaning generally demands less capital compared to the more equipment-intensive commercial cleaning.
• Stay Flexible: Maintain flexibility in your business model to adapt to changing market conditions and customer preferences, which may shift as your business evolves.

#4 Develop your cleaning business startup plan

When you compose your business plan, concentrate on what you are good at and how you will set up your business accordingly.

A basic business plan looks something like this:

• Who will be my customers?
• What are the cleaning business startup costs?
• How will I promote my new cleaning business?
• What business connections do I already have?
• How much should I invest and what can I expect to get back?
• When do I expect to break even?

You can customize that basic plan into a cleaning services business plan. Do this by asking yourself related questions that will prove helpful.

#5 Take care of the legal essentials when opening a cleaning business

Register your cleaning company

You may elect to register your brand-new cleaning business name as a sole proprietorship with your local register or your deeds office. However, a good way to protect your personal belongings is by registering as a limited liability company (LLC). In this case, you register at the Secretary of State’s office.

Also, get your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you are thinking of hiring employees in the future.

Get your cleaning business license

It’s not always the case but in some states, local governments impose a cleaning business license instead of a regular business license. Check that out by calling your state’s small business administration.

If so, apply with your local government, get your paperwork ready for submission, and open a business bank account. Sometimes you are required to buy a bond.

Don’t feel any stress in getting this done. Just follow these steps:

• Check with your local municipal government.
• Open a business bank account.
• Go to the Small Business Administration’s Licenses and Permits page and find out if you need a cleaning license.
• Follow the application procedure.

To help you get underway, here’s the link to the Small Business Association. You will find all the info you need.

Get that all-important liability insurance

Don’t let workplace-related financial liabilities ruin your business – protect it with business insurance.

Adjust the coverage of your insurance to the size of your startup, so you can keep this cost as low as possible. Approach an insurance advisor to figure this out.

When your business expands, there is a good chance you will start to work with employees who will work in private homes and offices. Then you will see the benefit of getting bonded.

The bond will cover any filed claim for accidental damage. A janitorial bond or janitorial license covers employee theft and client contracts.

Unlike insurance, bonding is meant to protect customers. Still, it protects your business at the same time.

It’s good advertising and proof of honesty and credibility.

Get bonded for a cleaning business

Your insurance software provider can help you out. You can also type “cleaning service bonding” into Google. Once you have found an agency of your liking, apply online, and provide them with:

• The name of your cleaning business
• The amount you want to be bonded for
• The number of employees that work for you
• Your state

The agency will take it from there.

Choose your business model

Hesitant to embark on this adventure all by yourself? You might consider joining a franchise. The client base is already there, which reduces risks.

But if you want to be in total charge of your business, you should run your business independently.

Starting a cleaning business and building your brand requires a lot of confidence. You need to highlight what you can do better.

Once you find your customers, create long-term relationships. Communicate with your customers regularly from the get-go.

#6 Choose a suitable name and logo

Think about what kind of service you offer makes you different from your competitors. If you promote a mainstream product, you can only expect moderate success. You have to play into what sought-after customers are looking for.

Selling your service is much easier when clients immediately recognize why they should choose you. Not another company.

You are in a position to give your customers a personal touch, and that gives you an edge when operating in a crowded market.

It’s important to come up with a catchy name that carries a message your customers can identify with. A brand name is an essential part of your marketing. Customers will know what your service stands for. You can even use a name business generator to brainstorm ideas and automatically check available website domains.

Your logo is a visual representation of your business. It’s your message in an image. Combined with your well-chosen business name it’s a very powerful marketing tool.

#7 Take care of transportation, equipment, and supplies

Pick suitable transportation

You will rely a lot on your means of transport. Driving here to there and parking where it’s permitted. This won’t be relaxing if you drive a huge pickup truck. And it is difficult to change those spare truck wheels or tires for a single person in case of emergencies. Is that necessary for a cleaning business startup?

A hatchback will probably do the job. Make sure it’s maintained well. That’s far more important than investing in a new vehicle.

Purchase cleaning supplies and equipment

A professional cleaning service needs more than just a gallon of vinegar and some castile soap.

Powerful detergents, solvents, abrasives, and acids come in many shapes and some can be expensive. Shopping online and comparing prices is a good start to keep your expenses low.

Buying at big-box stores like home-improvement stores can be best. Especially when they do seasonal prices, deals, discounts, rebates, and promotions. But often you will pay 5% to 10% more for brand-name cleaning products. If you’re okay with that, then you’re better off at stores like Target or Walmart.

Be careful in your use of cleaning products. Avoid using cleaning agents that are too aggressive. To illustrate this, you want your clients’ floors to shine, not to make them look dull by adding loads of cleaning vinegar to your water.

Choose simple work clothes

Choose something practical and neutral that still looks like a recognizable uniform. This way you will leave a professional impression.

#8 Work on getting clients

Tuned-in marketing will get you the clients that need your service. The tools you set up will play a big part in how successful your business will be.

Cleaning service flyers with your logo and details is a good start, or placing an ad in your local newspaper. But since this is the 21st century, nothing beats online marketing.

#9 Build your professional website

You need a business website to build your brand and gain clients. Make it attractive and informative.

• Introduce your cleaning company and the services you provide.
• Make sure your site is easy to navigate. No need to make things complicated.
• Publish operating times, perimeter, contact info, and pricing.

Don’t forget to give your site a human touch.

• An About Us page is more attractive when you include some personal info. Talk a bit about your interests, hobbies and other fun stuff.
• If you use visual media in which you star, don’t overact. Be yourself.
• Your website shouldn’t look like one long advert. Next to promoting your service, give away some tips for example. Produce content that reads like an engaging story.

Don’t forget to post references

Reactions from happy customers are marketing opportunities. Want to know how to get those first testimonials? One way is by offering free cleaning to people you know and ask them to recommend your work to their friends and family.

When you get your first clients, you can ask them for a review, which will help build your credibility and attract more customers.

Bring traffic to your website through social media channels

You want potential customers to discover your services, and you can reach those customers on social media. Future clients are probably on the same platforms as you. Advertising your cleaning service will definitely get you new clients!

For example, set up a business Facebook page with your details and contact information. Maybe use ads. Or sign up to platforms like Care.com, TaskRabbit, or Handy. But DO refer clients to your website.

#10 Set the Prices for Your Cleaning Business

Deciding how much to charge for house cleaning or setting your commercial cleaning prices is all but easy.

When you work for an employer, they will take care of your paycheck. That’s in the past though — now you are going to pay yourself.

Bottom line: Don’t sell your services too cheap. All you need to do is find out what other cleaners in your niche are getting paid. Take the average hourly rate to determine your negotiating price.

A site like homeadvisor.com mentions $50 to $90 for 2 hours of cleaning and $100 to $180 if you are a professional cleaning company. It depends on the size of the premises, how long it will take you, and the type of service you provide.

Janitorial services don’t charge by the hour, but it will come down to $20 to $45+ per hour.

Use accounting software that keeps track of your business expenses and handles invoices

To keep track of what comes in and goes out, you will need a reliable accounting system.

Instead of using Excel spreadsheets, try CPA (Certified Public Accountant) software. They have related features such as invoicing.

With them, you will avoid making mistakes like double data entry and you will waste less of your precious time. 

Ending Thoughts on How to Start a Cleaning Business from Home

To start a commercial cleaning business, you need to have a vision and the ability to offer a service that’s in demand. You need a little capital to finance your enterprise, too.

Efficient marketing that can fall back on accurate market research will help to meet your customer’s needs whilst making money.

Let’s go through our ‘how to start your cleaning business’ checklist:

• Start with a sound business plan and stick to it.
• Prove a service that your customers need.
• Get good equipment.
• Choose a suitable business entity.
• Get insured and protect your clients as well as yourself and your employees.
• Take care of your cleaning licenses.
• Set your price list.
• Promote your business by serving your clients well and with an online presence.

When you prepare with diligence, you can start a cleaning business from your home relatively stress-free. Best of luck!

FAQ for Starting a Cleaning Business

How to open a cleaning business?

To open a cleaning business, conduct market research, create a detailed business plan, register your business, obtain necessary licenses and insurance, and invest in basic cleaning supplies. Promote your services through effective marketing strategies.

How to start a commercial cleaning business?

Starting a commercial cleaning business involves targeting larger business clients. Conduct detailed market research, ensure compliance with legal requirements, invest in commercial-grade equipment, and develop a B2B marketing strategy. Hiring staff may also be necessary from the start. Charging for commercial cleaning also differs from pricing house cleaning. 

How to start a cleaning business with no money?

Begin with minimal equipment using household items and leverage free marketing channels such as social media and word of mouth. Focus on small, manageable jobs and reinvest your initial earnings to gradually build your business. Operate from home to save on costs.

Is operating from home the way to go for my cleaning business?

For sure. You don’t have to invest in renting office space, and you don’t need a showroom. When you run a cleaning business, you visit your customers at their locations. This makes starting a cleaning business a great fit for a mobile business model.

How to start my own cleaning business from scratch?

Want to know how to start a cleaning business with no money? Nothing comes for free. But you won’t need to spend a lot. For most people, the initial startup cost doesn’t require a business loan from a bank, and you don’t have to chase investors or have credit card debts either.

You might think this depends on the scale of your business. Well, startups are small businesses that grow bigger in time thanks to increasing revenue. You can keep your startup investment low. Remember that it’s all about how to start a cleaning agency from home… with no stress.

What budget is needed to start a cleaning business?

When opening a cleaning business,  $1,000 will get you a long way. Chances are you won’t immediately think of hiring employees and pay them an hourly 11 to 12 USD. But starting by yourself means you need to get the following in order:

• Licenses and permits. A sole proprietorship will cost you $30 to $60, and for an LLC $100 to $500 should get you covered.
• About $500 per year. Of course, this will multiply when hiring employees.
• Basic cleaning equipment and products. This will set you back $300 to $600.
• $100 to $200 will allow you to promote your service online and print flyers.