How to Start a Cleaning Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

So you want to start a cleaning business. You like working for yourself and a good Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. This is one of the few businesses you can get going quickly with minimal capital and low up-front costs. And as long as people keep on living busy, messy lives, there will always be demand for reliable cleaners.

But starting a cleaning business from scratch means a lot of decisions. You can make it your full-time gig or keep it as a side hustle. You can keep a cleaning business as small as you like—working in a handful of private homes a week—or you can run a commercial cleaning business with a team. 

And here comes the million-dollar question: how profitable is starting a cleaning business?

You’re going to need more than a great work ethic—your service quality and business strategy could also make or break your success. Here’s how to set your cleaning business up for sparkling success.

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Step 1: Choose your cleaning business niche

What kind of cleaning service do you want to offer—are you starting as a small solo operation? Or do you want to create a national chain of cleaning companies?

Whether you’re figuring out how to start a house cleaning business, a commercial cleaning business, or even an office cleaning business, do your competitor research. What are other cleaning businesses in your area offering? Keep an eye out for things they might be missing and turn those gaps into your opportunity.

Let’s explore some of the more popular cleaning businesses you could start.

Types of cleaning businesses:

1. Residential cleaning services

These businesses focus on cleaning homes, apartments, condos, and other residential spaces. Standard housekeeping services include dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and bathroom and kitchen cleaning. 

There’s always a steady demand for home cleaning services, which is great news if you’re thinking about starting a residential cleaning business.

2. Commercial and janitorial cleaning services

These cater to businesses and commercial spaces—think offices, retail stores and restaurants. Their services include office cleaning, floor maintenance, bathroom cleanup, and common area cleaning. Most likely, you’d be working late nights after these commercial spaces close for business.

3. Specialized cleaning services

Focusing on specific cleaning services can be a smart business choice. If you notice a gap in your area, think about specializing in that niche.

Specialized cleaning services could include:

• Carpets and upholstery cleaning
• Window cleaning
• Exterior cleaning like power washing
• Pool cleaning
• Gutter cleaning
• Post-construction cleanup
• Industrial or warehouse cleaning

4. Green cleaning services

If people in your area are becoming more environmentally conscious, you might consider starting a “green” cleaning service. You’ll need to use environmentally friendly cleaning products—your clients will thank you for it.

5. Move-in/move-out cleaning services

Move-in/move-out services target people or businesses who need a deep cleaning before moving into or out of a property. You’ll need to prepare or restore spaces for the new occupants, and help to make the space feel new again.

6. Special event cleaning services

Special event cleaners are the behind-the-scenes folks before and after weddings, parties, conferences, or exhibitions. It’s a big job making sure that event venues are presentable and clean. You could partner up with an event coordinator, or work with a particular event space.

Step 2: Create a business plan and budget

Once you’ve figured out your target market, it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty of your business plan. Carefully calculate your startup costs, including:

• Business licenses
• Cleaning supplies
• Equipment
• Transportation
• Insurance
• Marketing
• Yearly licensing fees

Planning your cleaning business budget

Before you book your first client or buy your first mop, you’ve got to know how much this thing is going to cost you. A solid budget is the backbone of any successful cleaning business—it keeps you from overspending, undercharging, or flying blind.

Let’s break it down.

Start with your startup costs

These are the must-haves to get your business off the ground. We’re talking:

• Business registration and licenses
• Insurance (yep, it’s non-negotiable)
• Cleaning supplies and equipment
• Transportation—whether that’s your own vehicle or one you need to buy

Create a detailed budget that covers all the above—plus the stuff that’s easy to forget like uniforms, software, or that first round of marketing materials.

Don’t forget ongoing operational expenses

Once you’re up and running, you’ll need to keep cash flowing to cover:

• Fuel
• Vehicle maintenance
• Employee wages (if you’re building a team)
• Marketing and advertising to keep new clients coming in
• Website hosting, accounting tools, and other admin stuff

These costs can sneak up on you, so make sure they’re part of your monthly plan—not last-minute surprises.

Start small or go big—just know your numbers

If you’re bootstrapping, personal savings might get you through the early days. But if you’re thinking bigger from day one, you can always explore small business loans or grants (yep, they’re out there). The important thing is that your plan matches your vision—and your bank account.

Track everything. Project ahead. Stay in control.

Your budget isn’t just a one-time spreadsheet—it’s a living tool.

• Track your income and expenses
• Set goals and make financial projections
• Adjust as you grow

That way, you’re not guessing—you’re making informed, strategic decisions that help your business grow without burning you out or running you dry.

For your startup funds, you can always start small with personal savings. If you’ve got bigger dreams, you can explore loans or grants. 

Step 3: Register your business & get licenses

Once you know who your customers will be and how your funding will work, it’s time to iron out the legal details.

Choose a business structure 

The legal stuff around domestic services like house cleaning or babysitting can get a bit fuzzy, especially if your clients are paying you in cash. How much paperwork and income reporting you need to do really depends on the size of your business—how much you’re earning. 

If you're just casually helping out family and friends, registering your business might be an overkill, especially if you’re running your business under your legal name. 

But if you've got a bigger operation and you stay unregistered, you're leaving some serious benefits on the table: things like personal liability protection, legal perks, and tax breaks. 

And if you start making more than $400 in net earnings—then registering your business isn't optional. You'll need to register and report your income so the IRS doesn't come knocking.

You’ll do so in one of the following ways:

• On your own as a sole proprietor
• In partnership with someone
• As a limited liability corporation, if you want to separate your business and personal finances

Read more about different business types and how to pay yourself as a business owner.

Register your business name

Choosing the right business name is a big deal! It’s a key part of your marketing and branding, so the name should give people a sense of what your business is all about— your services or values (or both!). Make sure it resonates with what you want your brand to represent.

Next, register your business name with the government. Make sure no one else is using the name in your state, then trademark it and register your domain name. Getting your business registered is especially important if you’re going to have corporate clients.

Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Getting an EIN is like a social security number for your cleaning business. Without it, you can't open a business bank account or hire people for your team. 

Applying for an EIN is easy and free. Just head over to the IRS website and fill out the application. You’ll get your EIN immediately after submitting the form. Hang on to this number—you’ll need it for things like tax filings and other essential business tasks, so keep it somewhere safe.

Get the necessary permits & licenses 

Before you start rolling up your sleeves, you need a business license. Your business isn’t legal without one, and if you skip this step you could run into fines or even legal action.

To get your business license, just head to your city’s business development department. They’ll ask for your company details like your services and business setup. You’ll also likely need to pay a fee to apply. Make sure you renew your license every year and repay the fee each time. 

Get business insurance

Insurance for your cleaning business is non-negotiable. It’s there to protect your business—and any employees you bring on board—in case of accidents. Before you get to work, your new cleaning business needs (at minimum) something called general liability insurance.

General liability insurance protects you if: 

• you accidentally damage a client’s property (knock something over, break a window)
• you cause an injury to someone outside your business (someone slips on a wet floor you’ve cleaned)
• you incur legal fees from someone filing a claim

Depending on how your business is set up, whether you own or rent real estate for your work, use accident-prone equipment, and or have a company vehicle, you might also need more specific policies like:

• Commercial auto insurance: if your work vehicle is involved in an accident.
• Commercial property insurance: if real estate you own for your company gets damaged.
• Workers’ compensation insurance: in case you or your employee are injured on the job.

A lot of cleaning companies purchase a fidelity bond—it’s a type of insurance that helps you recover losses if an employee ever steals from a client or causes other financial issues.

Getting bonded is a smart move to give your clients peace of mind and stand out from the competition. Depending on your business, you might opt for a fidelity bond, a surety bond, or even a janitorial service bond if you’re in the commercial cleaning game. It’s all about building trust and protecting your reputation.

Step 4: Purchase cleaning equipment & supplies

Now for the fun part… time to talk equipment! 

When you’re jumping into the cleaning business, having the right tools can make or break your success. Start with the essentials:

Basic Cleaning Supplies

• a vacuum cleaner with attachments to handle different jobs
• a smart bucket and mop system to keep clean and dirty water separate
• dusters (the extendable kind for those out-of-reach spots)
• scrub brushes and squeegees 
• microfiber mops and cloths for cleaning without scratching
• glass cleaner for sparkling windows and mirrors
• an all-purpose cleaner for countertops 
• a disinfectant cleaner to zap germs in kitchens and bathrooms
• a robust toilet bowl cleaner 
• a good stainless steel cleaner for appliances
• specific cleaners for floors and ovens
• protective gloves to shield your hands
• plenty of trash bags for cleanup

A caddy or tote will help you keep small tools and supplies in check. Aprons or utility belts are great for keeping essentials on you as you move through a space. 

Commercial cleaning equipment 

Specialized cleaning equipment for carpets, floors and exteriors can be a great addition  to your services—but make sure to grow as you go. Unless you’ve got a commercial vacuum cleaner, floor scrubber, pressure washer or carpet extractor on hand or can use it for free, investing in these things right off the bat can really add up. 

If you're not offering a service right away, hold off on buying or renting the equipment to help keep costs manageable. Remember that the profits from your first few jobs can be reinvested back into your business.

Step 5: Set your pricing & services

Now it’s time to figure out what to charge for your cleaning services. To get an idea of the going rates in your area, start by researching what your top competitors are charging for similar services. 

From there, decide on a price range that fits your ideal clients—think about what they’d be willing to pay, and pick the pricing structure that works best for you. 

Common pricing approaches include:

• an hourly rate
• a flat fee
• a charge per room
• a charge per square foot

Calculate the total cost for each job, including things like salaries for any people on your team, your overhead, and your taxes. Don’t forget to factor in your profit margin and markup, so you’re making a profit with every job!

Getting all your expenses in line now, in as much detail as you can, will make sure you don’t undercharge and find yourself in the red. 

Step 6: Get your first clients & market your business

Once you’re ready to start taking on clients, it’s time to spread the word! Kick things off by reaching out to friends and family. Then take it to the next level by building your online presence and ramping up your marketing to attract a wider audience. 

Here are some effective ways to get your name out there:

• Google My Business: Setting up your Google My Business profile is a game-changer—it’ll help local customers find you easily when they search for cleaning services near them.

• Social media: Show off your work, engage with potential clients, and create a buzz around your brand.

• Flyers and business cards: Don’t underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned flyer or business card. Sometimes it’s a simple handout that gets you noticed by the right person.

• Local partnerships: Networking and partnerships can really open doors—whether it’s teaming up with other local businesses or connecting with industry pros, it’s all about making those valuable connections.

• Referrals and word-of-mouth: Referrals and word-of-mouth are gold. Nothing helps you grow as much as happy clients leaving glowing reviews. A referral program—with a service discount or other incentive behind it—goes a long way in spreading the word.

Step 7: Expand & scale your cleaning business

Running a top-notch cleaning business involves a lot more than loving your work. It's about building a sustainable business. When you’re ready to grow, here are some ways you can tap into the huge potential of the cleaning industry.

Invest in better equipment 

Upgrading to better equipment can make your tasks easier, improve the quality of your results, and help you stay competitive in the market. Just don’t forget to account for training time, for yourself and your team.

Offer additional services

Adding extra services, like window washing or deep carpet cleaning, can help you stand out and grow your reach. Your clients will love the convenience of getting everything they need from one trusted place.

Secure commercial contracts

Locking in commercial contracts gives you steady work, bigger projects, better cash flow, and a more stable business. Commercial clients could include office buildings, schools, daycare centers, hospitals, or medical offices.

Hire employees or subcontractors

Bringing on employees or subcontractors lets you take on more clients and grow your business without overwhelming yourself. More jobs, without burning out—but only if you grow your team the right way.

Want to clean up business-wise? Meet Homebase.

Organization and quality are a must in this business—and not just when it comes to your supplies and equipment. As you grow, finding and managing trustworthy, hardworking team members will be your biggest challenge.

Set yourself up for success from the get-go. One of the best things you can do when starting a new business is invest in software that can manage your business growth at every stage.

Homebase makes recruiting, interviewing, and hiring people so much easier, letting you post job listings, track applicants, and even schedule interviews, all in one place. When you send people on jobs, we’ve got you covered with easy scheduling and time tracking, payroll tools when you need to pay your people, and team communication to stay in touch with your remote employees. 

Everything a new, growing cleaning business could need—so you don’t have to switch as you get bigger. Get started with Homebase today.

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FAQs about starting a cleaning business

How do I start my own cleaning business from scratch?

To start a cleaning business from scratch, first take some time to research your market and create a solid business plan. Then, decide on your business structure, get the right licenses and insurance, and stock up on the equipment and supplies you’ll need. Once you’re ready to go, build a loyal client base by delivering great service, marketing your services, and encouraging referrals.

How profitable is starting a cleaning business?

Starting a cleaning business in the U.S. can be pretty profitable, especially since demand for both residential and commercial cleaning services is high. Based on national data, cleaning business owners can earn anywhere from around $25,500 to more than $120,000 a year. With low startup costs and the potential for steady clients, it’s a great opportunity to build a profitable business.

What is the average cost to start a cleaning business?

The average cost to start a cleaning business can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on factors like the type of cleaning services you offer and the equipment you need. This usually covers things like insurance, licenses, cleaning supplies, marketing, and any other initial expenses to get your business up and running.

How much should I charge for 8 hours of cleaning?

The amount you should charge for 8 hours of cleaning depends on your location, the type of cleaning, and your experience level. On average, home cleaning rates range from $25 to $80 per hour, while commercial cleaning rates can reach up to $100 per hour. For 8 hours of home cleaning, you could charge anywhere from $200 to $800.

Do I need a license to start a cleaning business? 

Yes, you need a license to start a cleaning business. You might need other permits or certifications if you're offering specialized services, like chemical cleaning or working in certain commercial spaces. It's a good idea to check with your local government or business development center for the requirements in your area.

Can I start a cleaning business with no money? 

You can definitely start a cleaning business with little or even no upfront investment. The key is focusing on building a solid network and making the most of the resources you already have. You can start by using your own basic cleaning supplies or borrowing from friends and family, then ask people you know to refer you to their contacts.

How do I compete with big cleaning companies?

Your success as a cleaner really boils down to the quality of service you offer. Whether you're a pro in a niche area—like carpet cleaning or power washing—or you’re just offering exceptional customer service, you can build a loyal customer base through networking, referrals, and a strong online presence.