How to Start a Cleaning Business in 6 Steps

So you want to start a cleaning business. You want to work for yourself, you love a good Mr. Clean Eraser, and TikTok videos of people cleaning are your new obsession. In terms of starting a new business, a cleaning business may be a good choice. The question is how to start a cleaning company? It’s predicted that the employment rate of maids and housekeepers alone will grow by 6.09% by 2029 and commercial cleaning at a rate of 5.4% by 2025. The big advantage of starting a cleaning business is that you can keep it as small as you like—you cleaning homes in and around your neighborhood—or grow a lucrative commercial cleaning business with a team. Either way, you’re going to need to know how to start a cleaning business. Lucky for you, that’s what this article is all about. We'll tackle what a cleaning business is, the different types, why you should start a cleaning business, and the actual steps to take to get your cleaning business up and running.

What is a Cleaning Business?

A cleaning business is a company that offers various cleaning services to residential, commercial, industrial, or specialized clients. The services you offer can range from general household or office cleaning to more specialized cleaning tasks like carpet cleaning, window washing, post-construction cleanup, and more.

What are the Types of Cleaning Businesses?

One of the advantages of starting a cleaning business is that you’ve got so many options for what type of cleaning you do and how big you grow your business. Let’s explore some of the more popular cleaning businesses you could start.

1. Residential cleaning services

These businesses focus on cleaning homes, apartments, condos, and other residential spaces. They usually offer standard housekeeping services like dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and bathroom and kitchen cleaning. You could be a solo cleaner or you could hire a small team.

2. Commercial and janitorial cleaning services

These cater to businesses and commercial spaces, including offices, retail stores, restaurants, and more. They offer services like office cleaning, floor maintenance, bathroom cleanup, and common area upkeep. You would most likely be working late nights after these commercial spaces close for business.

3. Specialized cleaning services

Some companies specialize in particular cleaning areas, like carpets and upholstery cleaning, window cleaning, post-construction cleanup, industrial or warehouse cleaning, and exterior cleaning like power washing. This is a more niche way of starting a cleaning business.

4. Green cleaning services

Clients are becoming more and more eco-conscious. Green cleaning businesses focus on using environmentally friendly cleaning products and practices, appealing to a clientele where eco-friendly and sustainable cleaning solutions are important.

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. They aim to prepare or restore spaces for the new occupants. These usually involve a chunk of hours to make the space new again.

6. Special event cleaning services

These businesses provide cleaning services before and after events like weddings, parties, conferences, or exhibitions to make sure that venues are presentable and clean. You could partner with a space or with an event coordinator.

Why Start a Cleaning Business?

Ok, but is starting a cleaning business even a good idea? We sure think so. There’s data to back up that the demand for cleaning services is growing. GrandViewResearch found that “Residential housecleaning is approaching $20 billion in annual sales with a projected annual growth rate of 20%.” But, if you want a little more convincing that you’re on the right track, here are some advantages to starting a cleaning business:

• High demand: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a constant need for cleanliness in homes and workplaces—especially with upped protocols in public spaces. The demand for cleaning services has only grown.
• Low initial costs: The startup costs for equipment and supplies are relatively low, making getting into this market accessible for many.
• Flexibility: As a cleaning business owner, you control your work schedule, client base, and services, offering work-life balance.
• Growth potential: Starting small and expanding operations over time is absolutely possible. This means opportunities for growth in different niches or services.

How to Start a Cleaning Business in 6 Steps

Step 1: Do your research

No matter what business you start, you need to do your research, What are the needs of your target market? What are your direct competitors doing and how can you differentiate your cleaning business? What area do you want to specialize in—residential, commercial, eco-friendly cleaning, carpet cleaning, industrial window cleaning, disaster clean-up? This research is going to be the foundation of your business because it helps carve out your unique selling proposition and target audience.

Step 2: Time to decide on your niche

Decide on who’s your target clientele—residential households, businesses, or specific industries like healthcare or hospitality. Consider specializing in a particular cleaning service that differentiates you from competitors, like offering eco-friendly products or specialized deep-cleaning services. Eventually, you’re going to tailor your marketing and service offerings to cater to this niche.

Step 3: Look at the numbers

Calculate your startup costs, including cleaning supplies, equipment, transportation, insurance, marketing, and licensing fees. You can always start out small and use personal savings. If you’ve got dreams of a big business, you can explore loans or grants. Create a detailed budget to cover these expenses and account for ongoing operational costs like fuel, maintenance, and employee wages if they apply. Once you’ve got all of these numbers, figure out how much you're going to charge. Getting all your expenses in line first will make sure that you don’t find yourself in the red because you aren’t charging enough for your services.

Step 4: Take care of the legal stuff

Once you know who you want to help and how much it’s going to cost, you need to handle all the legal stuff. Choose a business structure, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Register your business name and get the necessary licenses and permits required by your state or locality, including liability insurance and bonding. Make sure you’re compliant with safety and health regulations related to cleaning products, equipment, and employment.

Step 5: Market your business and get clients

This step’s always easier said than done. This is why a solid marketing plan is the first baby step to getting clients. Luckily, there are many free or inexpensive ways to market your business and get clients. Build an online presence with a basic website, use social media platforms, and get listed in local business directories. A cleaning business does well with traditional marketing methods like flyers, business cards, and networking events as well. You can also create partnerships or collaborations with related businesses. Once you start to get clients, encourage them to spread the word about your services and leave reviews. Word-of-mouth goes a long way.

Step 6: Grow your business

Now that you’ve got clients and have developed some systems in your business through hard work and practice, consider expanding your services or branching into new markets. You can hire employees to expand your reach, add new services to expand your offerings or franchise your business to expand your bank account. As you can see, starting a cleaning business involves more than cleaning surfaces; it's about slowly building a sustainable business. With careful planning and dedication, you can tap into the potential of the cleaning industry.

Essential Tools & Supplies to Start a Cleaning Business

Getting the Basics Right When you’re jumping into the cleaning business, having the right tools can make or break your success. Start with the essentials: glass cleaner for sparkling windows and mirrors, an all-purpose cleaner for a swath of surfaces like countertops and furniture, and a disinfectant cleaner to zap germs in kitchens and bathrooms. Don’t overlook specific cleaners for floors and ovens, and a robust toilet bowl cleaner is a must for those tricky bathroom jobs. For those shiny surfaces, a good stainless steel cleaner will keep appliances looking their best.

Must-Have Equipment

Your toolkit isn’t complete without the heavy hitters. A vacuum cleaner is non-negotiable, especially one that comes with attachments to handle different jobs. Microfiber mops and cloths are your best friends for cleaning without scratching, while a smart bucket and mop system keeps clean and dirty water separate. Add in dusters (the extendable kind for those out-of-reach spots), scrub brushes for various tasks, squeegees for a streak-free finish on glass, and don’t forget protective gloves to shield your hands. Lastly, make sure you have plenty of trash bags for cleanup.

Specialized Supplies for Specialized Needs

If you’re aiming to cater to a specific clientele or tackle unique cleaning challenges, you’ll want to stock up on some specialized supplies. For eco-conscious clients, green cleaning products are a must. Enzyme-based cleaners work wonders in the kitchen and bathroom by breaking down organic matter. If carpet cleaning is on your menu, invest in a professional-grade carpet cleaning machine. And for those offering outdoor cleaning services, a pressure washer could be a valuable addition.

Organizational Tools and Marketing Musts

Staying organized is key in this business. 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. Shoe covers are a thoughtful touch to protect clients’ floors. Don’t forget to label your spray bottles for easy identification. On the business side, never underestimate the power of marketing. Business cards and flyers are essential for getting the word out. Additionally, consider investing in cleaning business software to streamline scheduling, invoicing, and client management.

Prepare to Clean Up Business-wise with Homebase.

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 expansion now and in the future. Homebase has a suite of tools that can help your business at each stage. Easy scheduling and time tracking as you grow your team, payroll when you need to pay your people, and team communication to stay in touch with your remote employees. Everything a new, growing business could need so you don’t have to switch as you get bigger. And Learn how to start a cleaning company with Homebase.