How to Start a Cleaning Business and Scale It Fast

Thinking about how to start a cleaning business? You're looking at a real opportunity.

The cleaning industry is booming. The global market hit $415.93 billion in 2024 and keeps growing at 6.9% annually. Busy professionals, overwhelmed parents, and businesses all need reliable help keeping spaces clean.

Cleaning business owners earn anywhere from $25,500 to over $120,000 a year, depending on how they build and scale. That's real income potential with relatively low startup costs.

But starting a cleaning business means more than just showing up with supplies. You need business licenses, proper insurance, competitive pricing, and systems to manage clients without burning out. Get these foundations right, and you can grow from solo operator to managing a team.

This guide walks through 8 practical steps for starting a cleaning business in 2025. We'll cover startup costs, licensing by state, insurance requirements, pricing strategies, getting your first clients, and building systems that let you scale without working every weekend.

Whether you're looking for a side hustle or building something bigger, let's break down exactly what it takes.

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TL;DR: How to start a cleaning business in 8 steps

1. Pick residential or commercial cleaning - homes vs. offices and businesses
2. Calculate startup costs - expect $2,000-$6,000 for licenses, insurance, supplies, and marketing
3. Choose your niche - standard cleaning, deep cleaning, or specialty services
4. Register and get licenses - business structure, EIN, local permits
5. Get insurance and equipment - liability coverage plus cleaning supplies
6. Set competitive rates - research local pricing, target 10-30% profit margins
7. Get first clients - personal network, Google Business Profile, local marketing
8. Build systems to scale - scheduling software for appointments and communication

Don't skip licensing and insurance. These separate real businesses from side hustles.

Managing multiple cleaning clients gets messy fast. Homebase helps you schedule appointments and track hours without juggling spreadsheets. 

How much does it cost to start a cleaning business?

Starting a cleaning business won't drain your savings. Most cleaning businesses launch for $2,000-$6,000, covering everything from licenses to your first round of supplies.

The actual number depends on whether you're cleaning homes or offices, starting solo or with a team, and how much equipment you already own.

Startup cost breakdown

Here's what you'll actually spend:

• Business registration: $50-$300 depending on your state and business structure. LLCs provide liability protection but cost more than sole proprietorships.
• Licenses and permits: $50-$500 annually. Most cities require a general business license to operate legally. Some areas add specific cleaning service permits.
• Insurance: $48 per month for general liability coverage, or $580 annually. This protects you from client injuries and property damage claims. Skip this, and one lawsuit could bankrupt your business.
• Equipment and supplies: $300-$600 for the basics—quality vacuums, mops, microfiber cloths, cleaning solutions, and protective gear. Commercial cleaning requires more for industrial equipment.
• Marketing: $0-$200. Start free with Google Business Profile and neighborhood networking, or budget for business cards and flyers.

How to start a cleaning business with no money

Use clients' cleaning supplies initially instead of buying everything upfront. Many homeowners already have products they prefer.

Start with what you own. Your home vacuum and basic supplies can handle your first few jobs. Reinvest those earnings into professional equipment.

Focus on residential cleaning first. Lower equipment costs mean you can launch faster. Add commercial services once you've built capital.

Market for free through personal networks, door-to-door introductions, and social media. Paid advertising can wait until you have steady income.

Funding options if you need them

• Personal savings keep you debt-free but limit how fast you can scale.
• Small business loans range from microloans to $50,000+, but require good credit and a solid business plan.
• Credit cards work for small purchases but carry high interest. Use them strategically for supplies you'll pay off quickly.
• Friends and family loans avoid bank requirements but can strain relationships if things don't go as planned.

Residential vs. commercial cleaning: which should you choose?

Your first big decision: cleaning homes or offices? Each path has different startup costs, schedules, and income potential.

Residential cleaning businesses

Residential cleaning means homes, apartments, and condos. You'll handle kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living spaces for individual homeowners and renters.

Lower startup costs get you running fast. You need basic equipment that costs $300-$600—nothing industrial or specialized.

Work solo without hiring immediately. Many residential cleaners stay one-person operations for years, keeping overhead low and profits high.

Flexible daytime schedules fit normal working hours. Most residential clients want cleaning while they're at work, so you're home by dinner.

The tradeoff? You need more clients to reach your revenue targets. Residential cleaners charge $100-$250 per visit, so volume matters for serious income.

Commercial cleaning businesses

Commercial cleaning targets offices, retail stores, medical facilities, and schools. You're working with businesses, not homeowners.

Bigger contracts mean bigger revenue per client. Commercial jobs pay $200-$900 per visit depending on square footage and frequency.

Recurring revenue creates stability. Businesses sign contracts for regular cleaning—weekly, nightly, or multiple times per week. That's predictable income you can count on.

You'll need a team and more equipment. Commercial spaces require industrial vacuums, floor buffers, and specialized tools. Solo operation rarely works at scale.

Night and weekend work comes with the territory. Offices get cleaned after business hours, which means your schedule shifts to evenings and early mornings.

How to decide

Consider your available capital. Residential cleaning launches for $2,000-$6,000. Commercial requires more investment in equipment and vehicles.

Think about your lifestyle. Want to work days and keep evenings free? Go residential. Okay with night shifts for larger contracts? Commercial works.

Consider your growth plans. Building a side hustle you can run solo? Residential. Want to hire a team and scale quickly? Commercial offers that path.

You can always start residential and add commercial clients later. Many successful cleaning businesses serve both markets once they've built capital and systems.

Need help managing schedules as you grow? Homebase lets you build recurring schedules and manage your team across different client types.

Step 1: Choose your cleaning business niche

Pick 2-3 services you can do really well. Research what competitors offer, spot the gaps, then focus on what you'll deliver better than anyone else.

Types of cleaning businesses

• Residential cleaning: Homes and apartments are growing 8-10% annually. Busy professionals would rather spend weekends with family than scrubbing bathrooms.
• Commercial cleaning: Offices, retail stores, medical facilities. This is where the money is—commercial holds 55% of the market with bigger contracts and steady work.
• Specialized services: Carpet cleaning, window washing, pressure washing, post-construction cleanup. You'll need specific equipment for these.
• Green cleaning: Eco-friendly products are big business. Green cleaning makes up 30% of the industry as more people care about what chemicals go in their homes.
• Move-in/move-out cleaning: Deep cleaning when people transition properties. Real estate agents need reliable cleaners they can count on.
• Event cleaning: Weddings, conferences, parties. Find an event venue or coordinator who needs consistent help.

How to research your local market

Google competitors in your area. What do they charge? What do reviews complain about? Those complaints are openings for you.

Call five competitors like you're a customer. You're not being sneaky—you're learning what people expect. Talk to homeowners or business managers about what bugs them with their current cleaners.

Choosing your niche

Match what you offer to what your area needs. Lots of rentals? Focus on move-out cleaning. Business district? Go commercial. Start with basic equipment that costs $300-$600, get good at it, then expand.

Step 2: Create a business plan and budget

You don't need a fancy 50-page document. But you do need to know your numbers before you book your first client.

Planning your cleaning business budget

Write down every dollar you'll spend to launch. Total startup costs run $2,000-$6,000 for most cleaning businesses, but your number depends on what you're offering and what you already own.

Track your ongoing costs too. You'll spend money every month on gas, supplies, insurance, and marketing. Know these numbers so you're not scrambling when your card gets declined at the supply store.

Here's what eats into your cleaning business budget monthly:

• Fuel costs if you're driving between clients
• Supply replenishment for cleaning products and equipment wear
• Insurance premiums that keep you protected
• Marketing to keep new clients coming in
• Phone and internet for booking and communication

What to include in your business plan

Your business plan answers the questions banks and investors ask—but more importantly, it forces you to think through what you're actually building.

Services and pricing: What are you cleaning and what are you charging? Be specific. "House cleaning" isn't a service. "Standard 3-bedroom house cleaning including kitchen, bathrooms, and common areas" is.

Target market: Who's hiring you? Busy professionals? Property managers? Office buildings? You can't market to everyone, so pick your people.

Competition: Who else is cleaning in your area and what do they charge? You found this in Step 1. Use it to position yourself.

Marketing plan: How will people find you? Google Business Profile, door-to-door marketing, Facebook groups, or paid ads? Write down your first three tactics.

Financial projections: What do you need to earn monthly to cover your costs and pay yourself? How many clients at what price gets you there? Do the math before you quit your day job.

Your business plan doesn't need to be perfect. It needs to be honest. If the numbers don't work on paper, they won't work in real life.

Start simple with a one-page plan. You can always expand it later when you're applying for loans or bringing on partners. Right now, you just need clarity on what you're building and whether it'll actually make money.

Track everything from day one. Every expense, every client payment, every mile driven. You'll need this for taxes, and it shows you what's actually profitable versus what just drains your time.

Step 3: Register your cleaning business and get licenses

Making your cleaning business official protects you legally and opens doors to bigger clients. Here's what you actually need to do.

Pick your business structure

Your business structure affects your taxes and whether you're personally liable if something goes wrong.

Sole proprietorship keeps it simple. You and the business are one entity. Easy taxes, but you're personally on the hook for everything.

LLC (Limited Liability Company) separates you from the business. Someone sues your company? Your personal stuff stays protected. Costs more upfront but worth it.

Partnership splits ownership. Get everything in writing before you start or you'll regret it later.

Most cleaning business owners choose LLC. The liability protection matters when you're in someone's home or office every day.

Register your business name and get your EIN

Pick a name that tells people what you do. Check your state's business registry to make sure nobody else claimed it first.

Lock down the domain name too. Even if you're not building a website today, grab yourbusinessname.com before it's gone.

Get your Employer Identification Number from the IRS website. It's free, takes 15 minutes, and you need it to open a business bank account.

Do I need a license to start a cleaning business?

Yes. Most cities require a general business license to operate legally.

Skip the license and you're risking fines or getting shut down. Commercial clients won't hire you without proper licensing anyway.

Types of cleaning business licenses

Business license (vendor's license): Basic requirement for operating in your city or county. Costs $50-$400 annually depending on where you live. Urban areas charge more. Renew annually or every few years.

DBA (Doing Business As): Required if your business name differs from your legal name. Costs $5-$150 depending on your state. Valid for 5 years in most places.

Special permits: Some areas require additional permits for commercial cleaning services. Check with your city's licensing department.

How to get your cleaning business license

Contact your city's business licensing department. They'll tell you exactly what forms you need.

Fill out the application with your business details. Some cities want proof of insurance and a business bank account first.

Pay the licensing fee. Processing takes 1-30 business days depending on how busy your city is.

Mark your calendar for renewal. Licenses expire, and late renewals mean extra fees.

How much does a cleaning business license cost?

Budget $50-$400 per year depending on your city. Big cities like New York or Los Angeles charge more than small towns.

Some states charge based on your projected revenue. Plan for annual renewal fees so you don't get surprised.

The fines for operating without a license cost way more than the annual fee. Get licensed from day one.

Step 4: Get cleaning business insurance

One lawsuit without insurance bankrupts most small cleaning businesses. Get covered before your first job.

Why you can't skip insurance

You're in other people's homes. Dogs bite. People slip on wet floors. Things break. Without insurance, you're paying for everything out of pocket.

Commercial clients won't hire you without proof of coverage. Period.

Types of insurance your cleaning business needs

General liability insurance covers client injuries and property damage. Someone slips after you mop? Dog attacks during your visit? You break something expensive? General liability handles it. 

Workers' compensation becomes mandatory once you hire employees. Covers their medical bills and lost wages from work injuries. Averages $136 monthly or $1,627 yearly.

Bonding builds client trust

Janitorial bonds aren't insurance—they protect clients if your employees steal. Many clients demand bonding before they'll hire you. Costs around $11 monthly or $126 yearly.

Getting insured

Shop providers like NEXT Insurance, Thimble, or Hiscox. Compare coverage and costs. Start with general liability. Add workers' comp when you hire people. Add bonding to win bigger clients.

Budget $600-$2,000 annually for basic coverage when starting out.

Step 5: Purchase cleaning equipment and supplies

Start with what actually works. Skip the fancy equipment until you've proven demand.

Essential cleaning supplies

Your first jobs need basics that handle bathrooms, kitchens, and common areas:

Cleaning tools:

• Vacuum cleaner with attachments for floors and upholstery.
• Mop and bucket that actually clean instead of pushing dirt around.
• Broom, dustpan, and microfiber cloths.
• Scrub brushes in multiple sizes.
• Rubber gloves that fit properly.

Cleaning solutions:

• All-purpose cleaner for most surfaces.
• Glass cleaner that doesn't streak.
• Bathroom disinfectant for toilets and showers.
• Floor cleaner appropriate for different surfaces.

Budget $300-600 for quality equipment that lasts. Cheap supplies break fast and cost more long-term.

Specialized equipment adds services later

Carpet cleaners, pressure washers, and floor buffers expand what you can offer. Add them once you have steady income and clients requesting these services.

Where to buy

Janitorial supply stores carry commercial-grade products. Wholesale clubs offer bulk pricing once you know what works. Start small, scale up as revenue grows.

Green cleaning attracts premium clients

Eco-friendly products appeal to health-conscious customers. Natural alternatives cost less and differentiate you from competitors using harsh chemicals.

Track every equipment purchase and supply cost. Homebase helps you monitor expenses so you know actual costs when pricing jobs.

Ready to set rates that cover expenses and generate profit? Your pricing strategy determines whether you build a business or work for minimum wage.

Step 6: Set your cleaning business pricing and services

Your cleaning business pricing determines whether you're building a real business or working for minimum wage.

Pricing models that actually work

Hourly rates work when job scope is unpredictable. Residential cleaners charge $25-75 per hour depending on experience and location. Commercial cleaning runs $25-90 per hour.

Flat rates build predictable income. Charge $100-400 per visit for standard residential homes. Set the price based on estimated time, then profit when you get faster.

Square footage pricing fits commercial spaces perfectly. Commercial rates range $0.05-0.25 per square foot. Residential cleaning averages $0.10-0.17 per square foot.

How much to charge for cleaning profitably

Call three competitors as a potential customer. Learn their rates and what's included.

Calculate your real costs: supplies, gas, insurance, drive time between jobs. Add 20-30% profit minimum or you're paying yourself less than your employees earn.

Track actual job times ruthlessly. That house you estimated at two hours but consistently takes three? Adjust pricing immediately or lose money on every visit.

Premium pricing works for specialty services. After-hours cleaning, extreme mess situations, and eco-friendly products command 10-20% higher rates.

Step 7: Get your first cleaning clients

Getting cleaning clients starts with visibility in your neighborhood and online.

Free marketing strategies

Create a Google Business Profile immediately. It’s a free listing that appears when locals search "cleaning services near me."

Start with your personal network. Friends, family, neighbors, former coworkers. Ask them to introduce you to people who need help.

Walk your target neighborhoods during evening hours. Introduce yourself at doorsteps, leave simple flyers with your contact info.

Partner with real estate agents and property managers. They need reliable cleaners for move-outs and property turnovers.

Getting your first five clients fast

Customers are 90% more likely to choose businesses recommended by people they know. Deliver exceptional service on every job. Ask satisfied clients for Google reviews and referrals.

Homebase schedules recurring appointments and sends automated reminders so clients never miss their cleaning—reducing no-shows that cost you money.

Step 8: Build systems to run your business successfully

Learning how to run a cleaning business means organizing schedules, tracking quality, and managing clients without constant chaos.

Operations that actually work

• Schedule efficiently by grouping nearby clients together. Minimize drive time between appointments to maximize daily revenue.
• Document client details in one system. Security codes, pet information, special cleaning instructions—record everything so your team never asks twice.
• Automate appointment confirmations and reminders to reduce no-shows.
• Follow up after each cleaning. Catch problems immediately instead of losing clients to fixable issues.

Expand and scale your cleaning business

Ready to grow your cleaning business beyond solo operation? Here's how to scale without burning out:

Invest in equipment that expands capabilities. Industrial vacuums, floor buffers, and carpet cleaners open doors to larger jobs you couldn't handle before.

Add services that increase revenue per client. Window washing, pressure washing, and post-construction cleanup let you serve existing clients in new ways.

Target commercial contracts for recurring revenue. Office buildings, medical facilities, and retail spaces need consistent cleaning schedules.

Hire help when demand exceeds capacity. You can't scale a cleaning business working alone forever. The question isn't if you'll need help—it's when you'll stop limiting growth by doing everything yourself.

Homebase posts jobs across multiple platforms, handles digital onboarding, and manages team schedules across locations. Build the team that turns your cleaning side hustle into a real business.

Begin your cleaning business journey with Homebase

Starting a cleaning business won't make you rich overnight. But it's real, profitable work with low barriers to entry.

You know what it takes now. Get licensed and insured. Price jobs to actually make money. Clean well. Show up when you say you will. Market where people look.

The work is hard. Schedules get messy. Tracking hours manually sucks. Chasing down payments feels awkward. But these problems have solutions that don't involve drowning in spreadsheets.

Ready to manage your cleaning business like a pro? Homebase helps you schedule clients, track time, send invoices, and get paid faster. Over 100,000 small businesses trust Homebase to run their operations. Try Homebase free today.

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FAQs about starting a cleaning business

How do I start my own cleaning business from scratch?

Pick residential or commercial, register as an LLC, and get insurance. Grab basic supplies for $300-600, snag your local business license, and research what competitors charge.

Start marketing through Google Business Profile and tell everyone you know. Your first clients come from people who already trust you.

What is the average cost to start a cleaning business?

You're looking at $2,000-$6,000 to launch properly. That covers registration, licenses, insurance, supplies, and some marketing budget.

Want to start cheaper? Use clients' existing supplies at first. Market yourself for free by walking neighborhoods and introducing yourself door-to-door.

Do I need a license to start a cleaning business?

Yeah, you do. Most cities require a general business license that runs $50-400 yearly.

Skip it and you're risking fines. Commercial clients won't touch you without proper licensing anyway. Call your city's business licensing office to find out what you need.

Should I start a residential or commercial cleaning business?

Residential costs less to start ($2,000-$6,000) and you work normal daytime hours. Commercial pays more per contract but you're working nights and weekends.

Start residential to build skills and capital. Add commercial clients once you've got systems down.

Do I need insurance for my cleaning business?

Absolutely. One lawsuit without insurance bankrupts you. General liability costs about $48 monthly and covers injuries and property damage.

Hire employees? You'll need workers' comp too. Commercial clients demand proof of insurance before they'll even talk to you.