How to Start a Cleaning Business in Maine: Complete Guide

Starting a cleaning business in Maine typically costs $1,000 to $5,000 depending on your business structure and insurance needs. Each state has different rules for registration, taxes, and workers' compensation. This guide covers everything you need to start a cleaning business in Maine, including filing fees, licenses, insurance, labor laws, and local tips.

Why Start a Cleaning Business in Maine?

Maine has a booming tourism industry. Millions of visitors come each year for the coast, mountains, and national parks. All those visitors need clean hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants.

Maine also has one of the oldest populations in the country. Many seniors need help keeping their homes clean. This creates steady demand for house cleaning services year-round.

The state has simple rules and low fees for new businesses. Cleaning services are not taxed in Maine. There is no special cleaning license required.

This guide covers every Maine-specific step to help you start the right way.

How Do You Choose a Business Structure?

You need to pick a legal structure before you do anything else. Maine offers two main choices for new cleaning companies.

Sole Proprietorship

This is the simplest way to start. You do not file anything with the state to begin. Maine treats you as a sole owner the moment you start working.

If you want a business name, you must file a Doing Business As name. File it with your town clerk. This lets you use a name other than your own legal name.

The downside is that you have no personal protection. If something goes wrong, your personal savings are at risk.

Limited Liability Company

A limited liability company is the better choice for most cleaning businesses. It keeps your personal money separate from your business. If a client sues your business, your personal savings stay safe.

To form one in Maine, file a Certificate of Formation. You do this through the Secretary of State website. The filing fee is $175.

You must also file an annual report each year for $85.

You can reserve a business name first for $20. This holds the name for 120 days while you get set up.

How Do You Get an Employer Identification Number and Tax Accounts?

An Employer Identification Number is a free number from the federal government. You need it to open a business bank account. You also need it to file taxes and hire workers.

Apply for free at the Internal Revenue Service website. You get your number right away online.

Maine State Income Tax

Maine has a progressive state income tax. The rate depends on how much you earn. There are three tax brackets:

• 5.8 percent — on the lowest bracket of income
• 6.75 percent — on the middle bracket of income
• 7.15 percent — on the highest bracket of income

You pay these rates on your business profits. File your state taxes with Maine Revenue Services.

Cleaning Services and Sales Tax

Great news for cleaning businesses in Maine. Cleaning services are not subject to sales tax. Maine has a 5.5 percent sales tax on goods.

But house cleaning and office cleaning are exempt. You do not need to collect sales tax on your cleaning work.

Lodging Tax

Maine charges a 9 percent lodging tax on short-term rentals. This does not apply to your cleaning services directly. But it affects the vacation rental market.

Property owners who pay this tax need reliable cleaners. They want their rentals in top shape.

What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?

Maine does not require a special state license for cleaning businesses. The rules are simpler here than in many other states. But you still need a few things in place.

State Business Registration

You must register your business with the Maine Secretary of State. If you formed a limited liability company, this happens during filing.

Sole owners who use a business name should file a Doing Business As name. File it with your town clerk.

Local Business Licenses

Some Maine cities and towns require a local business license. Rules vary by town. Check with your local town office or city hall.

Portland, Bangor, and other larger cities may have extra requirements.

No Special Cleaning License Needed

Unlike some states, Maine does not require any special cleaning industry license. You do not need a janitorial registration. You do not need a contractor license for cleaning work.

This makes it easier and cheaper to get started.

What Insurance Do You Need?

Insurance protects your business from one bad day. Maine has specific rules about workers' compensation. Here is what you need:

• General liability insurance — Covers property damage and injuries at a client's home or office. Costs $400 to $1,200 per year. Every cleaning business needs this
• Workers' compensation insurance — Required by Maine law for all employers. You must have this before your first employee starts work. Maine uses private insurance carriers
• Surety bond — Protects clients if an employee steals something. Not required by law, but many clients ask for it. Costs $100 to $500 per year
• Commercial auto insurance — Needed if you use a vehicle for business. Covers accidents while driving to client homes

For more details on each type of coverage, read our Cleaning Business Insurance Guide.

What Are Maine Labor Laws?

Maine has clear labor laws you must follow when you hire workers. Know these rules before you bring on your first employee.

Minimum Wage

The Maine minimum wage is $14.65 per hour. It goes up to $15.10 per hour in the next adjustment.

Maine ties its minimum wage to the consumer price index. This means it rises each year with the cost of living.

Tipped workers earn a lower base rate. But their tips plus base pay must equal the full minimum wage. Most cleaning workers are not tipped, so you pay the full rate.

Workers' Compensation

Maine requires all employers to carry workers' compensation insurance. There is no minimum number of employees. Even one employee triggers this rule.

The assessment rate is 2.75 percent for the current fiscal year.

Maine uses private insurance carriers. You can shop around for the best rates. The Maine Workers' Compensation Board oversees the system.

Employer Taxes

When you hire employees in Maine, you pay state employer taxes. These include:

• State unemployment insurance — Rates vary based on your industry and claims history. New employers pay a set rate
• Federal unemployment tax — 6 percent on the first $7,000 per employee per year, with credits for state payments
• Workers' compensation — Through private carriers, rates depend on your payroll and claims history

What Safety Rules Apply?

Maine has a partial state safety plan. It covers state and local government workers only. Private cleaning businesses fall under federal workplace safety rules instead.

Federal Workplace Safety Rules

As a private cleaning business, federal rules apply to you. You must keep Safety Data Sheets for every cleaning chemical you use.

Train your workers on how to handle chemicals safely. Teach them what to do if they spill a product. Cover what to do if chemicals touch their skin.

SafetyWorks! Free Consultation

Maine offers a free service called SafetyWorks! through the Department of Labor. They send experts to your workplace at no cost. They help you find and fix safety hazards.

They also help you set up a safety program. This service has no penalties. They do not report you to anyone.

Common Cleaning Hazards

Keep your workers safe from these common risks:

• Chemical exposure — Always read labels. Never mix bleach with ammonia. Provide gloves and ventilation
• Slips and falls — Wet floors are dangerous. Use warning signs and non-slip shoes
• Lifting injuries — Teach proper lifting. Use knee bends, not back bends. Move heavy items in teams
• Repetitive strain — Vary tasks throughout the day. Take short breaks. Stretch between jobs

How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in Maine?

Maine's cost of living is lower than nearby states. But coastal and tourist areas command higher prices.

Factor in your labor costs, supplies, insurance, and travel time between jobs.

Typical pricing ranges in Maine:

• Home cleaning (hourly) — $25 to $50 per hour depending on your area
• Home cleaning (flat rate) — $120 to $300 for a standard 3-bedroom home
• Deep cleaning — $200 to $450 depending on home size
• Move-in or move-out cleaning — $250 to $500 or more
• Office cleaning — $0.05 to $0.15 per square foot
• Vacation rental turnover — $100 to $250 or more per turnover

Prices at the high end are common in Portland and coastal tourist towns. Lower prices fit inland and rural areas.

Use our Price Calculator to find the right rate for your area. For detailed pricing methods, read our Pricing Guide.

What Cleaning Niches Are Profitable in Maine?

Maine has unique cleaning niches. Tourism and an aging population create strong demand. Here are the top options:

Acadia and Bar Harbor Tourism Cleaning

Acadia National Park draws about 4 million visitors each year. Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Southwest Harbor are packed with hotels and vacation rentals.

Turnover cleaning demand is intense from June through October. You can charge premium rates during peak summer months.

Coastal Vacation Rental Cleaning

Maine's coast is lined with vacation rentals. Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach, Camden, and Boothbay Harbor all have strong rental markets.

Wealthy seasonal residents from Boston and New York own many of these homes. They want high-quality cleaning and will pay for it.

Portland Food Scene and Urban Cleaning

Portland is a top food city in the country. It has a growing technology sector and a busy Old Port district.

Restaurant cleaning, short-term rental turnovers, and office cleaning are all in demand. Portland offers year-round work unlike seasonal beach towns.

Senior Home Cleaning Services

Maine has one of the highest median ages in the country at 44.8 years. Many seniors need help keeping their homes clean and safe.

This niche provides steady, year-round work. It is less affected by tourism seasons. You can connect with home health agencies for referrals.

Ski Resort and Winter Tourism Cleaning

Sunday River, Sugarloaf, and Saddleback bring winter visitors. Towns like Bethel, Rangeley, and Carrabassett Valley need vacation rental cleaning during ski season.

This runs from December through March. It pairs well with coastal summer cleaning for year-round work.

How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in Maine?

Getting clients in Maine follows many of the same steps as anywhere else. But a few strategies work especially well here.

Google Business Profile

This is the most important free marketing step. Set up your Google Business Profile with your town name and services. Ask every happy client for a Google review.

Most people search online before hiring a cleaner.

Local Word of Mouth

Maine has a strong "buy local" culture. People trust their neighbors' recommendations. Do excellent work and ask for referrals.

Join your local chamber of commerce. Attend town events. Word spreads fast in Maine communities.

Partner with Vacation Rental Owners

Reach out to vacation rental owners and property managers directly. Offer reliable same-day turnover cleaning.

One good partnership with a rental management company can fill your summer schedule. Check local rental listing sites for owner contact details.

Facebook Groups and Nextdoor

Maine residents are active on Facebook community groups and Nextdoor. Join groups for your service area. Be helpful, not pushy.

When someone asks for a cleaner, your name will come up naturally.

Partner with Real Estate Agents

Maine's real estate market stays busy in coastal towns. Real estate agents need move-out cleaning for listings.

Offer them a referral bonus or a set rate. One good agent can send you work all year long.

For a complete marketing plan, read our Marketing Your Cleaning Business guide. Also check out How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast.

How Much Does It Cost to Start in Maine?

Maine is affordable compared to nearby New England states. Here is a breakdown of what to expect:

• Limited liability company filing — $175 (one-time, through the Secretary of State)
• Name reservation — $20 (optional, holds your name for 120 days)
• Annual report — $85 per year
• Local business license — $0 to $100 per year (varies by town)
• General liability insurance — $400 to $1,200 per year
• Workers' compensation insurance — Varies by payroll (only if you have employees)
• Cleaning supplies and equipment — $200 to $500 to start
• Marketing (initial) — $100 to $500

What Is on Your Maine Startup Checklist?

Follow these steps in order. Complete each item before moving to the next:

1. Choose your business structure — Form a limited liability company through the Maine Secretary of State ($175)
2. Get an Employer Identification Number — Apply free at the Internal Revenue Service website
3. Open a business bank account — Keep personal and business money separate
4. Check local license requirements — Call your town office or city hall
5. Get your local business license — Apply through your town if required
6. Buy general liability insurance — Get at least $1 million in coverage
7. Buy cleaning supplies — Start with the basics and upgrade as you grow
8. Set your prices — Use our Price Calculator and factor in Maine costs
9. Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
10. Book your first clients — Tell friends, post on Facebook groups, join Nextdoor
11. Get workers' compensation insurance — Required before your first employee starts work
12. Register with Maine Revenue Services — Set up your state tax account when you hire

What Are the Best Tips for Maine?

Here are practical tips from cleaning business owners in Maine:

• Plan for seasonal swings — Summer is the busiest time on the coast. Build a client base for winter months before the tourists leave
• Offer vacation rental packages — Bundle turnover cleaning, linen service, and restocking. Rental owners love one-stop solutions
• Use the "buy local" culture — Highlight that you are a local Maine business. People here prefer supporting their neighbors over big chains
• Invest in a reliable vehicle — Maine roads can be rough in winter. You need a car that handles snow and ice safely
• Build relationships early — Maine is a small-state market. Your reputation matters more here than almost anywhere else
• Target the aging population — Senior home cleaning is steady year-round. Partner with home health agencies and senior centers for referrals
• Keep detailed mileage records — Maine is a spread-out state. Driving between clients adds up fast. Track your mileage for tax deductions
• Get your systems in place early — Use software like MaidProfit for scheduling, quoting, and invoices. It frees you to focus on cleaning and growing

What Are the Guides for Nearby States?

Thinking about expanding or comparing rules? Each state has different fees and regulations. Check our other New England state guides below.

Where Do You Find Maine Government Resources?

Here is a complete list of every government website mentioned in this guide. Bookmark these for easy access as your business grows.

What Other Guides Can Help Your Business?

These free guides cover topics every cleaning business owner needs. They work hand-in-hand with this state guide.

Start Your Maine Cleaning Business Today

Maine makes it simple to start a cleaning business. There is no special cleaning license required. Cleaning services are tax-free.

The filing fees are low compared to other New England states.

Start by forming your limited liability company and getting your Employer Identification Number. Get insured, set prices that fit your market, and build local relationships. Then focus on getting your first clients through Google, Facebook groups, and word of mouth.

Tourism, an aging population, and a strong "buy local" culture make Maine a great market. Take the first step today.