Introduction
The cleaning industry is one of the most lucrative and recession-proof businesses today. With low startup costs, flexible work hours, and high demand, starting a cleaning business from scratch is an excellent opportunity for new entrepreneurs.
Whether you want to start a residential cleaning service, commercial janitorial business, or specialty cleaning (like post-construction or eco-friendly services), this guide will walk you through every step—from planning to launch.
Why Start a Cleaning Business?
Before diving into the steps, let’s discuss why a cleaning business is a smart investment:
✅ Low Startup Costs – No need for expensive equipment or storefronts.
✅ High Demand – Residential and commercial cleaning is always needed.
✅ Scalable – Start solo and grow into a full-fledged company.
✅ Flexible Schedule – Work part-time or full-time based on your goals.
✅ Profitability – Cleaning businesses enjoy high-profit margins, especially with recurring clients.
According to industry reports, the cleaning services market is expected to reach $468.2 billion by 2025. With demand growing, now is the perfect time to start your own cleaning business.
Step 1: Choose Your Cleaning Business Niche
The first step is deciding what type of cleaning business you want to start. Here are the most profitable options:
1. Residential Cleaning
- Home cleaning services (one-time, weekly, bi-weekly, deep cleaning)
- Move-in/move-out cleaning
- Airbnb or vacation rental cleaning
✅ Best for: Solo entrepreneurs or small teams starting out.
2. Commercial Cleaning
- Office cleaning
- Retail & restaurant cleaning
- Medical & healthcare facility sanitation
✅ Best for: Entrepreneurs looking for long-term contracts.
3. Specialized Cleaning
- Post-construction cleaning
- Carpet & upholstery cleaning
- Eco-friendly green cleaning
✅ Best for: Niche markets with higher service pricing.
Step 2: Create a Business Plan
A solid business plan will help you stay focused and attract funding (if needed). Here’s what to include:
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name & Brand | Choose a catchy, professional name. |
| Target Market | Define whether you’ll serve homes, offices, or specialty clients. |
| Services & Pricing | List your cleaning services and set competitive rates. |
| Startup Costs & Budget | Estimate initial investment for supplies, insurance, and marketing. |
| Marketing Strategy | Outline how you'll find and retain clients. |
Step 3: Register Your Business & Get Licensed
Before you start accepting clients, legalize your business:
✅ Choose a Business Structure – Sole Proprietorship, LLC (recommended), or Corporation.
✅ Register Your Business Name – Check availability in your state.
✅ Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) – Needed for taxes.
✅ Apply for a Business License – Required in many states for cleaning businesses.
✅ Obtain Business Insurance – Protects you against liability claims.
💡 Tip: If hiring employees, you'll need workers' compensation insurance.
Step 4: Get the Right Cleaning Supplies & Equipment
Starting a cleaning business requires affordable yet professional cleaning tools. Here’s a basic checklist:
✅ Vacuum cleaner & mop
✅ Microfiber cloths & dusters
✅ Eco-friendly cleaning solutions
✅ Protective gloves & masks
✅ Trash bags & cleaning caddy
💡 Tip: As you grow, consider investing in commercial-grade cleaning equipment.
Step 5: Set Your Pricing Structure
Your pricing should be competitive yet profitable. Here are common pricing models:
| Pricing Model | Best for |
|---|---|
| Hourly Rate ($30–$60/hr) | Small, one-time cleaning jobs |
| Flat Rate ($100–$300 per home) | Residential deep cleaning |
| Commercial Contracts ($500–$5,000/month) | Recurring office cleaning services |
💡 Tip: Research your competitors’ rates to stay competitive.
Step 6: Set Up Your Scheduling & Payment System
Avoid manual paper scheduling—use automated tools for better efficiency. Popular scheduling & payment platforms include:
✅ MaidProfit – Best all-in-one solution for scheduling, invoicing, and client management.
✅ Jobber – Great for small business scheduling.
✅ Housecall Pro – Comprehensive tool for cleaning businesses.
✅ Google Calendar – Basic scheduling option for beginners.
💡 Tip: Offer multiple payment options (credit card, PayPal, Venmo) to make it easy for clients to pay.
Step 7: Market Your Cleaning Business
Marketing is crucial for getting your first clients. Use these proven strategies:
1. Online Presence
✅ Create a website – Use Wix, WordPress, or Squarespace.
✅ Optimize Google My Business – Show up in local searches.
✅ Leverage social media – Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
2. Word-of-Mouth & Referrals
✅ Offer discounts for referrals.
✅ Partner with real estate agents & property managers.
3. Paid Advertising
✅ Run Facebook & Google Ads targeting local customers.
✅ Print flyers & business cards for local distribution.
💡 Tip: MaidProfit automates client follow-ups & reminders to increase repeat business.
Step 8: Hire & Train Employees (Optional)
Once your business grows beyond your capacity, it's time to hire staff.
✅ Background checks – Ensure employees are trustworthy.
✅ Training programs – Teach proper cleaning techniques & customer service.
✅ Uniforms & branding – A professional image builds credibility.
💡 Tip: MaidProfit’s GPS tracking ensures employee accountability.
Step 9: Retain Clients & Scale Your Business
Building long-term client relationships leads to recurring revenue. Here’s how:
✅ Offer Membership Plans – Monthly cleaning subscriptions.
✅ Loyalty Discounts – Incentivize repeat customers.
✅ Automate Follow-Ups – Send reminders for next appointments.
💡 Scaling Tip: Expand into commercial cleaning or franchise opportunities.
FAQs
How much does it cost to start a cleaning business?
Most small cleaning businesses start with $1,000–$3,000 for equipment, licensing, and marketing.
Do I need a license to start a cleaning business?
Yes, many states require a business license and liability insurance.
How can I find my first cleaning clients?
Start with friends & family, social media marketing, and partnerships with real estate agents.
Is a cleaning business profitable?
Yes! Profit margins range from 30–50%, especially for recurring clients.
What is the best software for managing a cleaning business?
MaidProfit is the best all-in-one tool for scheduling, invoicing, and tracking employees.
Conclusion
Starting a cleaning business from scratch is an excellent entrepreneurial opportunity. With minimal startup costs, high demand, and flexible growth potential, you can build a successful cleaning company in just a few months.
🚀 Ready to start? Use MaidProfit to streamline scheduling, payments, and client management!