A cleaning business starter kit costs $275 to $655 and includes a vacuum, microfiber cloths, mop system, and five basic cleaning solutions. Professional cleaners use concentrated products from janitorial supply stores to save money. This guide covers every tool and product you need from day one through commercial jobs.
Why Does Your Cleaning Equipment Matter?
Good supplies and tools are what set a cleaning business apart from someone cleaning with regular household products. The right tools help you clean faster, get better results, and look more professional so you can charge more.
This guide covers everything you need. It starts with the basic starter kit and goes up to heavy-duty equipment for bigger jobs. You will also learn about costs, smart buying tips, and how to take care of your tools.
What Cleaning Supplies Do You Need on Day One?
You do not need to spend thousands before cleaning your first home. Here is the basic starter kit that will handle 90% of home cleaning jobs:
| Item | Quantity | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose cleaner (concentrated) | 1 gallon | $10 – $20 |
| Bathroom disinfectant | 1 gallon | $12 – $25 |
| Glass cleaner | 1 gallon | $8 – $15 |
| Microfiber cloths (assorted colors) | 24-pack | $15 – $30 |
| Flat mop system with washable pads | 1 set | $30 – $60 |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1 | $150 – $400 |
| Cleaning caddy/tote | 1 | $10 – $25 |
| Spray bottles (labeled) | 4-6 | $5 – $10 |
| Rubber gloves | 3 pairs | $5 – $15 |
| Extendable duster | 1 | $10 – $20 |
| Scrub brushes (various sizes) | 3-4 | $10 – $20 |
| Trash bags | 1 box | $10 – $15 |
Total starter investment: $275 – $655. Start at the lower end with quality basics and upgrade as revenue comes in.
Buy concentrated cleaners from janitorial supply stores instead of retail stores. A $15 gallon of concentrated all-purpose cleaner dilutes into 64+ spray bottles — versus paying $4 each at a grocery store. This alone saves $200+/year.
What Cleaning Chemicals Do Professionals Use?
Professional cleaners use a small set of strong, multi-use products instead of dozens of special sprays. Here are the main ones:
The Essential Five
- All-purpose cleaner — Works on countertops, cabinets, outside of appliances, walls, and most hard surfaces. Look for gentle formulas that will not damage surfaces
- Bathroom disinfectant — Made for soap scum, hard water stains, and killing germs. Must be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for germ-killing claims
- Glass cleaner — Streak-free formula for windows, mirrors, and glass. Ammonia-based cleaners work best, but do not use them on tinted surfaces
- Kitchen degreaser — Cuts through grease on stovetops, range hoods, and behind appliances. A must-have for deep cleans
- Floor cleaner — Gentle formula that is safe for hardwood, tile, and laminate. Never use all-purpose cleaner on floors — it can leave a film and damage the finish
Specialty Products (Add as Needed)
- Stainless steel cleaner/polish — For high-end kitchens with stainless appliances
- Granite/stone cleaner — pH-neutral formula that won't etch natural stone countertops
- Toilet bowl cleaner — Acidic formula for removing mineral deposits and hard water stains inside the bowl
- Oven cleaner — For deep cleans and move-out jobs. Use fume-free formulas when possible
- Carpet spot cleaner — For treating stains during regular cleanings
Color-Coded Microfiber System
Stop germs from spreading by using different colored cloths for different areas:
- Blue — Glass and mirrors
- Green — Kitchen surfaces
- Red — Bathrooms (toilets, sinks, tubs)
- Yellow — General dusting and surfaces
This system is the industry standard. It shows clients right away that you are a professional.
How Do You Choose the Right Vacuum?
Your vacuum is your most important tool. It affects how fast you clean, how well you clean, and even your team's health. Here are the main types:
Backpack Vacuums (Best for Speed)
- Why pros love them — Reduces vacuuming time by 30-50% compared to uprights. Free hand movement, easy to navigate stairs and tight spaces
- Best for — Residential teams cleaning 4-6+ homes per day where speed is critical
- Cost — $250-$500 for commercial-grade models
- Drawback — Weight on your back (8-12 lbs) can cause fatigue over long days. Use padded harnesses
Upright Vacuums
- Why they work — Familiar, effective on carpets, and good suction for deep carpet cleaning
- Best for — Heavily carpeted homes and commercial spaces with large floor areas
- Cost — $200-$600 for commercial-grade models
- Drawback — Heavier, harder to maneuver on stairs, and slower in small rooms
Canister Vacuums
- Why they're versatile — Lightweight wand, great on hard floors and above-floor surfaces (curtains, upholstery, shelves)
- Best for — Homes with a mix of hard floors and carpets, above-floor detailing
- Cost — $200-$700 for quality models
Choose a vacuum with a HEPA filter if you clean for clients with allergies or asthma. HEPA vacuums catch 99.97% of tiny particles. This is a great selling point for your marketing, and it makes the air cleaner while you work.
What Mops and Floor Care Tools Do You Need?
Get rid of the old string mop and bucket. Modern flat mop systems are faster, cleaner, and give better results:
- Flat mop with microfiber pads — The industry standard. Pads are washable (200-500 times), and the flat head covers more floor area per stroke
- Spray mop — Built-in spray trigger lets you control moisture. Great for hardwood and laminate floors that shouldn't be soaked
- Steam mop — Kills germs without chemicals using heat. Great for clients who want chemical-free cleaning, but slower than regular mopping
What Equipment Do You Need for Commercial Cleaning?
If you are moving into commercial cleaning, you will need extra tools beyond what home cleaning needs:
- Wide-path vacuum (18-24 inch) — Covers large floor areas quickly. Essential for offices, lobbies, and hallways
- Floor scrubber/buffer — For polishing tile, vinyl, and concrete floors in commercial spaces
- Carpet extractor — Deep-cleans business carpets. Rent one at first and buy when you have enough carpet cleaning work
- Janitorial cart — A rolling cart that holds supplies, trash bags, and tools. A must for buildings with more than one floor
- Wet floor signs — Required for safety compliance in commercial settings
How Do You Manage Cleaning Supply Costs?
Supplies should be 3-5% of your income. Track them carefully to protect your profits.
- Buy concentrated products — When you can mix 1 part cleaner with 32 or more parts water, the cost per use drops a lot
- Buy in bulk — Janitorial supply stores offer 20-40% savings over retail. Buy cases, not individual bottles
- Track usage per job — Know your supply cost per house cleaned. This data is essential for accurate pricing
- Pre-pack supply kits — Prepare daily supply kits for each team to prevent overuse and waste
- Wash microfiber properly — Cold or warm water, no fabric softener (it clogs fibers), tumble dry low. Proper care extends cloth life 3x
Use our Profit Margin Calculator to include supply costs when figuring out your profit on each job.
How Often Should You Maintain Your Equipment?
Taking good care of your tools makes them last longer and work better. Follow this schedule:
- After every use — Empty vacuum bag/canister, wipe down exterior, check for clogs
- Weekly — Wash microfiber cloths and mop pads, clean vacuum brush roll (remove hair and debris), inspect spray bottles for clogging
- Monthly — Deep clean vacuum filters, inspect mop frames and handles for wear, restock supplies from bulk inventory
- Quarterly — Replace vacuum belts (every 3-6 months), replace worn microfiber cloths, inspect all equipment for damage
- Annually — Replace vacuum HEPA filters, evaluate whether equipment needs upgrading, and review supply vendor pricing
What Are the Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Options?
Green cleaning helps you stand out. Many clients — especially families with young children or pets — look for cleaning services that use earth-friendly products.
- Plant-based cleaners — Brands like Seventh Generation, Method, and ECOS offer effective plant-based formulas
- Concentrated refill systems — Cut down on plastic waste by using refillable bottles with concentrated tabs or pouches
- Microfiber over disposables — Microfiber cloths clean well with less chemicals and get rid of paper towel waste
- HEPA-filtered vacuums — Improve indoor air quality while cleaning
Offering a "green cleaning" option at 10-15% higher prices brings in clients who care about the environment and are happy to pay more. Mention it in your marketing and on your quotes.
Invest Smart, Clean Better
Great tools do not have to be expensive — they just need to be the right ones for the job. Start with good basics, upgrade as your income grows, and take care of everything so it lasts. Good supplies pay off with faster cleaning, better results, happier clients, and more profit.
To learn more about building your cleaning business from scratch, read our How to Start a Cleaning Business guide. Use the Price Calculator to include equipment costs in your pricing.