Written by

Tara Farmer

March 17, 2025

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Jennifer Carlson

Opening a cleaning business

A cleaning business requires minimal initial investment, offers flexible hours, and has significant profit and growth potential. Starting a cleaning company successfully depends on thorough planning, smart marketing, and excellent service quality. In this guide, we'll take you through all the steps to launch your house cleaning or commercial cleaning business.

Step 1: Research the market

Before starting, research your market extensively. Determine if residential cleaning, commercial cleaning, or specialized services (like window or carpet cleaning) fit best. Residential cleaning involves homes, while commercial focuses on offices, retail, and industrial spaces.

Why it's important: Understanding demand helps you tailor your services effectively and target your ideal customer base.

Analyze the competition

Check existing cleaning businesses in your area. Understand their services, pricing strategies, and market reputation. Identify gaps competitors aren't filling—such as eco-friendly services or specialized sanitation—and plan accordingly.

Step 2: Define your cleaning business model

Once you've researched and know the direction you want to take with your cleaning business, decide whether you want to start a new company or buy into a franchise. Each has benefits and drawbacks. Operating independently has much lower startup costs but takes time to build brand recognition.

Since every franchise has its own requirements and protocols, the remaining steps in this guide will be most helpful for those planning to operate independently.

House cleaning, commercial cleaning, & other niches

A niche clarifies your business identity and helps attract the right customers. Possible niches include:

• House cleaning

• Commercial office cleaning

• Commercial retail cleaning

• Airbnb cleaning

• Apartment cleaning

• Doctor's office cleaning

• Carpet or upholstery cleaning

• Green or eco-friendly cleaning services

• Post-construction cleaning

• Window cleaning

Why it's important: Choosing a niche helps streamline your marketing efforts and sharpens your expertise, making you a trusted service provider.

Price your services

Pricing your cleaning services appropriately is crucial. Consider the following pricing methods:

• Hourly rates (common for new businesses and residential cleaning)

• Flat rates per service (ideal for standardized tasks)

• Square footage pricing (popular for move-in/move-out and commercial cleaning)

Analyze competitor prices, factor in your costs, and add a profit margin. Aim for competitive but profitable pricing to sustain long-term business success.

Step 3: Develop a solid business plan

Whether you're starting a home cleaning business, a commercial cleaning business, or any other type of cleaning company, a clear business plan is essential for success. It provides direction, secures funding from banks or investors if needed, and sets measurable objectives. Your plan should outline your services, target market, financial projections, marketing strategy, and growth goals.

Why it's important: A strong business plan positions your cleaning business for sustainable growth and success.

Key sections of a cleaning business plan

Your cleaning business plan should include:

• Executive summary: Brief overview of your business goals

• Business description: Detailed explanation of your cleaning services and niche

• Market analysis: Information on competitors, industry trends, and target customers

• Operational plan: Day-to-day operations, staffing, equipment, and procedures

• Financial plan: Estimated costs, revenue projections, and break-even analysis

• Marketing strategy: How you'll attract and retain clients

Step 4: Register and legally set up your business

Choose a business structure

Select a legal structure like Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Corporation. An LLC is most common due to liability protection and ease of setup. Consult an accountant or legal advisor to choose what's best based on your financial goals, potential liability, and growth aspirations.

Register your business

Register your business name with your local or state authorities. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, required for tax purposes and hiring employees. Check local licensing requirements for cleaning businesses, which vary by city or state.

Insurance and licensing

Insurance coverage protects your business. Essential insurance types include:

• General liability insurance: Covers property damage or accidents

• Workers' compensation insurance: Required if employing staff

• Bonding: Offers customers reassurance against theft or damage

Check state and local regulations to ensure your business is fully compliant.

Step 5: Secure funding and equipment

Estimate startup costs

Startup costs for a cleaning business can range from less than $1,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on your scale and niche. Your initial investment typically includes cleaning supplies, equipment, marketing, insurance, transportation, and possibly staffing costs. Determine your budget clearly and seek funding from small business grants or loans if needed.

Essential cleaning equipment and supplies

Equipment requirements vary depending on the type of cleaning business and your specific niche, but basic equipment for almost any cleaning company typically includes:

• Vacuum cleaners

• Mops and buckets

• Cleaning cloths and towels

• Cleaning solutions (eco-friendly options are popular)

• Disinfectants

• Dusters

• Protective gear (gloves, masks, uniforms)

• Trash bags

• Transport vehicles (if necessary)

Step 6: Hire and train your team

If you don't plan to start solo, finding reliable and trustworthy staff is critical. Conduct thorough interviews and background checks. Clearly outline the job description and expectations. Look for employees who share your values of integrity, reliability, and meticulousness.

Why it's important: Good employees can significantly boost your business reputation and client satisfaction.

Staff training

Consistent, high-quality service depends on excellent training. Provide thorough instructions on cleaning methods, product use, customer interactions, and safety guidelines. Regularly update training as you expand your services. Well-trained employees maintain consistent service quality, leading to repeat customers and referrals.

Step 7: Market and grow your cleaning business

Build a professional website

Your website serves as your online business card. Ensure it includes:

• Clearly outlined services and pricing

• Testimonials and reviews

• Easy booking system or contact information

• Blog content to drive SEO traffic (e.g., cleaning tips)

Local SEO and online presence

Enhance your local online visibility by setting up a business profile on HomeGuide. Regularly update your profile with photos, customer reviews, and relevant keywords. Engage with local directories, Yelp, and social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to boost visibility and credibility.

Networking and partnerships

Form partnerships with local real estate agencies, property managers, offices, and community groups. Attend local business events to network and showcase your services. Offer referral incentives to existing clients. Networking significantly accelerates your business growth and increases your client base.

Promotional offers

Promotions and discounts attract customers. Consider special offers such as first-time client discounts, referral programs, or loyalty rewards. Promotions encourage new customers to try your services and help build a loyal clientele that fuels long-term growth.

Step 8: Manage finances and track performance

Monitor cash flow and expenses carefully. Use accounting software like QuickBooks to simplify bookkeeping tasks, invoicing, payroll, and tax preparation. Regular financial oversight helps avoid unexpected issues, ensures profitability, and positions your business for expansion.

Measure success and growth

Regularly measure your business's performance through customer satisfaction, retention rates, revenue, and employee performance. Solicit client feedback regularly, address concerns promptly, and continuously improve your service quality. Use insights from metrics to refine your business strategies and fuel ongoing growth.

Step 9: Expand your cleaning business

As your business grows, consider expanding your service offerings. Add specialized services like window cleaning, carpet cleaning, or sanitation services. Diversifying attracts new customers, increases revenue streams, and reduces dependency on any single type of client or service.

Scaling your business

Consider opening multiple locations, franchising your model, or investing in advanced equipment to enhance productivity. As you scale, maintain rigorous quality control standards and invest in strong management practices. Strategic scaling increases your profitability, brand recognition, and market presence significantly.

FAQs about starting a cleaning company

What licenses are needed to start a cleaning business?

To start a cleaning business, you typically need a business license, DBA (Doing Business As) registration, and a vendor's license. Depending on your location and services, you may also require occupational licenses, environmental permits, and waste disposal permits. It's crucial to check with local authorities for specific requirements in your area.

How much does it cost to start a cleaning business?

The cost to start a cleaning business can range from less than $1,000 to $50,000 or more. It's possible to start with as little as $500 to $3,000 for a small-scale operation. Key expenses include cleaning supplies and equipment, licenses and permits, and initial marketing efforts.

What supplies do I need to start a cleaning business?

Essential supplies for a cleaning business vary slightly depending on the type of cleaning services offered, but most cleaning businesses need at least the following items to start:

• Various cleaners (glass, surface, toilet bowl)

• Vacuum cleaner

• Duster

• Rubber gloves

• Trash bags

• Broom and mop

• Bucket

• Microfiber cloths

• Disinfectant spray and wipes

Is starting a cleaning business profitable?

Starting a cleaning business can be profitable. The average one-person cleaning business has revenue of $30,000 to $50,000 per year. Profitability depends many factors, such as your pricing strategy, operating costs, and ability to attract and retain clients.

What is a remote cleaning business?

A remote cleaning business is a cleaning service that operates without a physical office space. The owner manages operations, scheduling, and client communication remotely, while cleaners travel directly to client locations. This model can reduce overhead costs and increase flexibility for business owners.