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Dirty carpets are a fact of life. And so is having to clean them. But what if you could turn those grimy rugs into the red carpet and start a thriving business?

Learn how to start a carpet cleaning business step by step, along with the costs you can expect and how much money you could make. Plus, explore some handy tips to help your new business shine.

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7 Steps To Start a Carpet Cleaning Business

Starting a carpet cleaning company doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to turning grime into gold:

1. Draft a Business Plan

Every successful business starts with a solid plan. Your business plan is like a map that helps you figure out where you’re going and how you’ll make the journey.

This is where to decide if you want to focus on cleaning carpets in homes or businesses. Residential carpet cleaning might mean more flexible hours, but the jobs are usually smaller. On the flip side, store and office carpet cleaning can lead to bigger jobs and steady work. But you’ll be more likely to work nights or weekends.

You’ll also need to decide if you want to start your own business from scratch or join a franchise. Starting from scratch gives you more control, but it can be harder to get customers at the beginning. Joining a franchise means you have to follow their rules, but you’ll get help with marketing and have a ready base of customers who trust the brand you work with.

2. Purchase Equipment

Making dusty, old rugs feel like brand-new carpets requires the right tools. Here’s a list of the must-haves:

  • Commercial Carpet Cleaner. This heavy-duty type of vacuum removes loose dirt and other particles before deep cleaning.
  • Steam Carpet Cleaner. Steam cleaners use hot water and cleaning solutions to deep clean carpets.
  • Carpet Shampoo, Cleaning Solution, and Stain Removers. These products help you tackle different types of dirt and stains.
  • Safety Equipment. Gloves, goggles, and a mask protect you from chemicals and dust.
  • Carpet Rakes and Brushes. These help loosen dirt and groom carpets after cleaning.
  • Fans or Air Movers. These speed up drying time after cleaning.
  • Reliable Truck or Van. You need a vehicle to transport your equipment to and from job sites.

If you’re on a limited budget, you might want to consider renting to get started. This can help you get going without having to spend too much upfront.

3. Sharpen Your Skills

Your business isn’t likely to succeed if you haven’t mastered the art of carpet cleaning. If you need to brush up on your skills, you can get carpet cleaning training through online courses or even work for another carpet cleaning business first.

4. Get Registered

Make your business official by registering it with your state government. This means choosing a business name and deciding on a business structure, like a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company (LLC). If you need some help, talk to a lawyer or accountant to find out which structure works best for you.

5. Get Licenses and Insurance

Cleaning Carpet business worker

Most areas require carpet cleaning businesses to have certain licenses and permits. In particular, you’ll likely need a business license from the state in which you do business.

It’s also smart—and may be mandatory, depending on your area—to get carpet cleaning insurance. Liability insurance protects you if you accidentally damage someone’s property. Worker’s compensation insurance is a must if you hire employees.

There may be local government requirements in addition to state requirements. Do your research to make sure you’ve done everything right.

6. Market Your Services

With your paperwork in order and a plan in place, it’s time to start chasing your first clients.

Start by creating a website that shows what services you offer and how to contact you. Make sure your site is mobile-friendly and includes before-and-after photos of your work. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are also useful for showing off your work and connecting with clients. Consider running targeted ads to reach people in your area.

Don’t neglect traditional marketing methods. Distribute flyers in local neighborhoods and network with real estate agents and other professionals who might be able to refer you to new homeowners, landlords, and property managers. You can also consider offering special promotions for first-time customers to encourage them to try your services.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERSOnline Marketing for Carpet Cleaning Small Businesses

7. Build a Team (Optional)

As you’re getting going, you may decide to do all the work yourself. But as your business grows or you take on bigger jobs, you might want to hire help. Look for people who are skilled, hardworking, and focused on customer satisfaction.

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How Much Does It Cost To Start a Carpet Cleaning Business?

Starting a carpet cleaning business doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re going solo and already have a vehicle, you can expect to spend a few thousand dollars to get started. This covers things like:

  • Licensing and business registration fees
  • Carpet cleaning equipment
  • Software for accounting, estimating, and sending bills
  • Initial marketing effort

If you need to buy a reliable van or truck, add another $10,000 to $20,000 to your startup costs.

Thinking about joining a franchise instead? This path costs a lot more, typically an additional $20,000 to $50,000 for the franchising fee. But depending on your situation, the benefits eventually outweigh the costs.

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Is Carpet Cleaning Profitable?

Like any business, a carpet cleaning service can be profitable if you manage it well. Many successful carpet cleaners make a good living, with some bringing in over $100,000 a year. And as in any industry, some very successful companies make a lot more than that.

Profitability depends on factors like how many customers you have, your pricing strategy, and how well you manage expenses. As you build a good reputation and get more customers, your income will grow.

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5 Tips To Start Your Carpet Cleaning Business on the Right Foot

High angle view of person cleaning white carpet with professional carpet cleaner

Here are some top tips to help you stand out from the competition and build a thriving business:

1. Find Your Niche

Maybe you focus on eco-friendly cleaning or specialize in carefully cleaning expensive artisan rugs. Either way, having a specialty can help you charge higher prices and attract a specific demographic. Research your local market to identify underserved areas or types of cleaning services that are in high demand but low supply.

2. Invest in Quality Equipment

Good tools make your job easier and help you do better work. Happy customers are more likely to hire you again and tell their friends about you. While it might be tempting to cut costs, remember that reliability and effectiveness can save you time and boost your reputation.

Plus, high-quality carpet cleaning machines last longer than cheap ones. This means that budget tools aren’t always the bargain they might seem at first glance.

3. Develop a Strong Online Presence

A professional website and active social media accounts help potential customers find and trust you. Post helpful content, such as carpet care tips or before-and-after photos, on a regular basis. This is a fun way to engage with your audience and demonstrate your expertise.

4. Put the Customer First

Great service leads to happy customers, and happy customers lead to more business. Always aim to exceed expectations. This might mean offering follow-up calls to ensure satisfaction, providing helpful carpet maintenance tips, or being flexible with your scheduling to accommodate client needs.

5. Create a Referral Program

Offer discounts to customers who refer new clients to you. Word-of-mouth advertising is powerful and can help your business grow quickly.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERSLead Generation Tips for Carpet Cleaning Companies

Win More Clients On-The-Spot With Quick and Professional Estimates From Joist

As a carpet cleaning pro, you want to focus on making your clients’ homes and buildings feel like new—not on writing out estimates.

Create and share estimates in just minutes with Joist’s easy-to-use mobile estimating tool. It’s packed with powerful features built for contractors, including Deposits, Markups, and Photos.