The best places to find cleaning contracts are government bid sites, property management companies, and direct outreach to local businesses. Commercial cleaning contracts range from $500 to $10,000 or more per month. This guide shows you how to find, bid on, and win cleaning contracts.
What Types of Cleaning Contracts Exist?
Not all cleaning contracts are the same. The type you go after shapes your income and schedule. Here are the four main types.
Residential Recurring Contracts
These are weekly or biweekly cleaning jobs for homes. They bring steady money every month. Most home cleaning contracts pay $400 to $800 per month per client.
Homeowners like having the same cleaner each time. This builds trust and leads to referrals.
Commercial Contracts
Offices, stores, and medical buildings need regular cleaning. These contracts pay $500 to $5,000 or more per month. You may need extra workers and bigger tools.
The steady income makes the effort worth it. Many office contracts run for one to three years.
Government Contracts
Schools, courthouses, and government offices need cleaning too. These pay $2,000 to $20,000 or more per month. They are harder to win but very reliable.
Government work requires more paperwork. But the pay is great and the work is steady.
One-Time and Seasonal Contracts
Move-out cleanings, post-construction jobs, and deep cleans fall here. They pay well per job but do not repeat.
These are great for filling schedule gaps. They also help you meet future regular clients.
Start with home cleaning contracts to build your skills. Then add office or government contracts as you grow. Read our How to Start a Cleaning Business guide for the full startup process.
How Do You Find Cleaning Contract Opportunities?
You will not win contracts if you do not look. Here are five proven ways to find work.
Network with Property Managers
Property managers control hundreds of units. They always need reliable cleaners. One good relationship can bring dozens of jobs.
Find property management companies near you. Call them and offer a free walk-through. Show your insurance and references.
Reach Out to Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents need move-out and staging cleanings. These jobs come up often. Visit open houses and hand out your business card.
Offer a special rate for their first cleaning. Agents who like your work will call you again.
Contact Office Managers Directly
Many small offices do not have a cleaning contract yet. Walk in and ask for the office manager. Bring a one-page sheet with your services and prices.
Focus on offices with 5 to 50 workers. Follow up within one week if you do not hear back.
Use Online Platforms
- Thumbtack — homeowners post requests and you send quotes
- Google Business Profile — free listing for local search results
- Nextdoor — neighbors recommend local businesses
- Yelp — claim your page and get reviews
- Facebook groups — post services in local groups
Read our How to Get Cleaning Clients guide for more ideas.
Join Local Business Groups
Your local Chamber of Commerce holds networking events. Many business owners there need cleaning help. Join and attend every meeting you can.
Other business owners become your referral network. They send you work and you return the favor.
How Do You Bid on Cleaning Contracts?
A strong bid wins the job. Here is how to build one.
Do a Walk-Through First
Never give a price without seeing the space. Walk through every room and take notes. Note the size, floor type, and special requests.
Calculate Your True Costs
Add up labor, supplies, drive time, and overhead. Then add your profit margin on top.
For detailed pricing formulas, read our Pricing Guide.
What to Include in Your Bid
- Company details — name, contact, and license number
- Scope of work — every task in each room or area
- Schedule — how often and what days
- Price breakdown — total and what it covers
- Insurance proof — liability and bonding certificates
- References — two to three current clients
- Terms — payment, cancellation, and contract length
Use our Quote Generator to create polished bids fast.
Send your bid within 24 hours of the walk-through. Speed shows you are eager and organized. Read our How to Bid on Commercial Cleaning article for more details.
How Do You Win Government Cleaning Contracts?
Government contracts pay well and last a long time. Here is how to find and win them.
Register on the System for Award Management
This is the official government database for contractors. You must register before you can bid. Registration is free at sam.gov.
You will need your Employer Identification Number and bank details. The process takes about two weeks.
Look for Small Business Set-Asides
The government reserves many contracts for small businesses. These limit competition to companies your size. Check the Small Business Administration website for special programs.
Where to Find Government Listings
- sam.gov — main site for federal contracts
- State procurement websites — each state posts its own contracts
- County and city websites — local governments post bids online
- Bid notification services — paid services that email matching listings
Start with local and state contracts. Work up to federal bids as you gain experience.
How Do You Close the Deal?
Sending a bid is only half the work. Here is how to turn it into a signed contract.
Follow Up Within 24 to 48 Hours
Most people skip the follow-up. That is a mistake. Call or email within one to two days.
Present Value, Not Just Price
Clients do not always pick the cheapest bid. Show them what makes you different. Share reviews and before-and-after photos.
Handle Objections with Confidence
Some clients push back on price or terms. Listen to their concern and respond with facts. Break down what is included in your price.
Offer a Trial Period
A 30 to 90 day trial lowers risk for the client. Most clients who try a trial end up signing long-term. Great work speaks for itself.
How Do You Keep Contracts Long-Term?
Getting a contract is great. Keeping it is even better.
Build a Quality Control System
Check your team's work often. Use a cleaning checklist for every job. Do surprise inspections monthly.
Communicate with Clients Often
Reach out every month. Ask if they are happy and if anything needs to change. This small step shows you care.
Plan for Contract Renewals
Start renewal talks two to three months before the contract ends. Offer a small loyalty discount. Clients who feel valued are more likely to renew.
Always Exceed Expectations
Do a little more than required. Leave a note after each cleaning. Happy clients tell others about you.