Do you have an eye for detail and a passion for creating inviting spaces? If so, starting a cleaning business could be a great way to turn your skills into a profitable business.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to start a cleaning business. Whether you’re looking to start a small side hustle or build a full-time business, you’ll gain the knowledge to get up and running.
Is Starting a Cleaning Business a Good Idea?
Starting your own cleaning business is a good choice if you want to break into a growing industry. All you need to get started are some basic cleaning supplies and equipment. This makes it a viable option for budding entrepreneurs who don’t have a big budget. Another plus is that you can start as small as a one-person operation. Then, as your business grows, you can expand at your own pace.
One of the most appealing aspects of opening a cleaning business is the potential for high profit margins. If you keep your expenses low and focus on providing great service, you can build a thriving company.
It’s important to be realistic about the challenges of this line of work, though. Cleaning can be physically demanding. Plus, you’ll need to put in a lot of effort to establish trust with clients and build a reputation in a competitive market.
But if you’re willing to put in the effort, provide excellent service, and work to make your business stand out, you can succeed. There will be challenges, but the low startup costs and high profit margins make it a potentially lucrative option.
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Types of Cleaning Companies Explained
One of the first steps in starting a cleaning company is deciding which types of cleaning your company will offer. There are three main categories to choose from:
Residential
Residential cleaning companies focus on cleaning homes. This can include regular maid services, one-time deep cleans, and move-in/move-out cleaning. These companies typically work with homeowners, renters, and landlords.
Commercial
Commercial cleaning companies work with offices and retail stores, among other brick-and-mortar businesses. They handle tasks like emptying trash cans, cleaning bathrooms, and maintaining common areas.
Specialized
Specialized cleaning service businesses offer niche services that usually require specific training and equipment. While you may have to invest in extra education and supplies, specialized cleaning can be very profitable in the right market.
Examples include:
- Green cleaning using eco-friendly products
- Post-construction cleanup after renovations
- Deep cleaning for carpets and upholstery
- Window washing, especially for high-rise buildings
- Power washing for exteriors and driveways
- Biohazard and crime scene cleanup
The type of cleaning company you choose depends on your skills, interests, and target customers. You might decide to focus on one category or offer a mix of services. Working in multiple areas can diversify your income and appeal to a wider range of customers.
It’s important to strike a balance and not spread yourself too thin. Trying to do too many things at once can make it harder to deliver consistent, quality service. The key is understanding your market and building a solid reputation in your chosen areas.
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What Do You Need to Start a Cleaning Business? Equipment to Consider
Having the right equipment is a cornerstone for starting a successful cleaning business. While your exact needs depend on the types of cleaning services you offer, here are some common supplies and tools to consider:
- Cleaning solutions (all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, glass cleaners)
- Mops, brooms, and dustpans
- Vacuum cleaners
- Microfiber cloths and dusters
- Sponges and scrub brushes
- Protective gloves and masks
- Ladders or step stools for reaching high areas
- Buckets and spray bottles
- Trash bags and recycling bins if the client doesn’t provide them
- Uniforms or branded clothing for you and your team
- Reliable transportation for getting to and from work sites
When starting out, you may be able to use some equipment from your own home. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to invest in professional-grade supplies. Look for durable, high-quality items that hold up to daily use.
You might also consider eco-friendly or “green” cleaning products. These products may be a bit more expensive, but they can help you stand out in a crowded market.
Remember, your equipment is an investment in your business. By choosing the right tools and taking good care of them, you’ll do your best work for clients.
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Starting a Cleaning Business in 8 Steps
Starting any business is a major undertaking, and a cleaning business is no exception. But breaking it down into steps makes the process a lot more manageable.
1. Research Your Market and Competition
Before jumping in, take time to research your local market. Look at other cleaning businesses in your area and assess their services, pricing, and target customers. Identify any gaps in the market your business could fill.
2. Develop a Business Plan
A solid business plan is essential for any new venture. Outline your services, target market, pricing strategy, marketing plan, and financial projections. This will serve as a roadmap for your business and help you get funding if needed.
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3. Choose a Business Structure and Register Your Company
Decide on a legal structure for your business. A sole proprietorship is the simplest option if you’re starting as a solo cleaner. If you’re going into business with a partner, consider forming a partnership. For more legal protection with a little more paperwork, you can choose to form a limited liability company (LLC).
Once you’ve chosen your structure, register your business with your state. You’ll also need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes.
4. Obtain Licenses, Permits, and Insurance
Check with your local government to determine which licenses and permits you need to operate legally. You’ll also want to get insured to protect yourself and your business from potential liabilities.
5. Get Funding
Estimate your startup costs, including equipment, supplies, marketing, and any other initial expenses. If you don’t have enough personal funds to cover these costs, look into options like business loans, grants, and investors.
6. Purchase Equipment and Supplies
Invest in high-quality cleaning equipment and supplies. Consider buying in bulk to save on essentials like cleaning solutions and paper products.
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7. Hire and Train Staff (Optional)
If you plan to start your business with a team, take time to find reliable, trustworthy employees. Develop a thorough training program to ensure everyone follows your standards and procedures.
8. Market Your Business and Build a Client Base
Spread the word about your new cleaning business. Use channels like a business website, social media, flyers, and word-of-mouth referrals. And consider offering promotions or discounts to attract your first clients.
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Tips for Getting Your First Clients
Landing those first clients is a major milestone in starting a business. But it can be tough if you don’t know where to start. Here are some tips that are easy to implement to help you get your cleaning business off the ground:
1. Tap into Your Network
Reach out to family, friends, and acquaintances to let them know about your new business. They may be able to refer you or even want to hire your services themselves.
2. Join Local Community Groups and Online Forums
Get active in local community groups. These can be online (like Facebook or Nextdoor) or in-person. Introduce yourself and your services, and offer special promotions for new clients.
3. Create an Online Presence
Develop a professional website and social media profiles. These should showcase your services, pricing, and contact information. Share helpful cleaning tips and engage with potential clients online.
4. Offer a Referral Program
Encourage satisfied clients to spread the word about your business by offering a referral discount or bonus. Word-of-mouth recommendations can be a powerful way to grow your client base.
5. Partner With Local Businesses
Reach out to local businesses that complement your services. These could be real estate agents, property managers, or home organizers. They may be willing to recommend your services to their clients, especially if they appreciate your work. Consider offering a discounted cleaning to demonstrate your skills.
Win More Jobs, Increase Your Profit, and Support Your Clients With Homeowner Financing
For big jobs like apartment and office buildings, your cleaning clients might be hesitant to pay a lot upfront.
Land more jobs, win more upsells, and get paid faster by offering your customers financing options on-site. We’ve partnered with some of the industry’s best lenders to offer your clients competitive personal loans with quick funding in as early as three business days.