How To Start A Cleaning Business In 6 Simple Steps

Does it Pay To Open a Cleaning Business?

There is nothing wrong with wanting to work for yourself.

Opening a cleaning company can be a lucrative small business adventure, depending on several factors, such as

• The business location
• Size of the community the company services
• Number of employees
• Word of mouth, reputation, and quality of work

How Profitable is Owning a Cleaning Business?

A profitable cleaning business can earn anywhere from $20,000 to $140,000 annually, depending on your workload, the region your company services, and your ability to maintain an excellent reputation for stellar work within the community you serve.

According to data collected by ZipRecruiter, the average yearly salary for a cleaning business owner is approximately $55,700 annually in the U.S.A., making this a profitable start-up business option.

What You'll Need to Start a Cleaning Business [& Associated Costs]

If starting a cleaning business sounds like something you are interested in pursuing, there are a few items you will need before the process of starting a business can begin.

Here is a list of essentials you will need before your grand opening and their associated costs:  

• Decide on Business Type: Choose whether your cleaning business will be residential or commercial. Cost: free.
• Pick a Business Name: Decide a catchy name for your new cleaning business. Cost: free. For a list of ideas, check out our Names for a Cleaning Business post.
• Buy Supplies: Purchase business supplies, such as receipt books, brooms, mops, buckets, dusters, cleaning supplies, and a vacuum cleaner. Cost: $200 to $300.
• Advertise: Advertise your business with business cards, social media, newspapers, and local radio stations. Associated cost: $5 to $500.
• Set up a Bank Account: Set up a business account for profits and expenses to be deposited. Associated cost: $5 to $125.

Do I Need a License or Certificates to Start a Cleaning Business?

To start a new business in the U.S.A., you must follow regulations.

Depending on which state you live in, some laws may vary.

Each state has its own definition of self-employed, and most require a business license or bonding to operate.

On top of bonding and licensing, your company may require additional insurance.

Insurance for cleaning businesses protects the owner against lawsuits, accidental damages, and refusals to pay for work completed.

Operating a cleaning business without proper licensing is illegal in most states.

Even if licensing is not required to start a cleaning company in your particular state, it might be a worthwhile investment to attract more clientele and stand out above the competition.

For more about licensing, consult your local tax center or revenue department.

Depending on where you live, business licensing fees range from $50 to $200.

Why You Should Start a Cleaning Business As a Side Hustle

Starting a cleaning business as a side hustle is ideal for several reasons.

Not only is start-up minimal, but a cleaning business lets you set a work schedule catered to your lifestyle.

The following is a list of why starting a cleaning business is among the best side hustles:

• No College Skills Required: A cleaning business is an excellent side hustle where you can make money without a college or university degree. Perfect for anyone who doesn’t mind physical labor.
• Flexible Hours: Starting a cleaning business allows you to set your working hours to suit your family life and lifestyle. Work as much as you like, and make your schedule.
• Be Your Boss: No more taking orders from bosses when you start your own cleaning business on the side. You get to make the rules on this new side hustle.
• The Job Demand is High: People often seek excellent house cleaners. Therefore, if you do a good job with your business, you will have no problem finding plenty of jobs cleaning houses.

How to Start a Cleaning Business in 6 Simple Steps

Thinking of starting a cleaning business?

If so, follow these six simple steps to get started:

STEP 1: Decide on Services Offered

By now, you are seriously considering starting your cleaning business.

The first step is to decide what type of services our new company will offer its clients, such as residential or commercial cleaning, weekly home or apartment cleaning, deep cleaning, spring cleaning, or window cleaning.

STEP 2: Get a Business License

Decide on the name of your new cleaning business and check with your state laws for licensing requirements.

Setting up your business with proper licensing is crucial to ensure trust among your clientele and to run a legitimate business.

STEP 3: Insure Your Business

Insurance is another crucial step for protection against out-of-pocket expenses, such as non-payment for work completed, injury, bankruptcy, and lawsuits against your company.

Depending on your location, the insurance needed for your business may vary.

Check with a reputable insurance company to find out what your business requires.

STEP 4: Purchase Supplies

Thankfully, starting a cleaning business offers relatively low start-up costs.

Start by purchasing basic cleaning supplies, such as brooms, mops, buckets, detergents and cleaning supplies, a vacuum cleaner, feather dusters, and wash clothes.

Cleaning supplies down the road may include widow squeegees, pressure washers, steam cleaners, and floor waxers once your cleaning business makes a profit.

STEP 5: Market Your Business

Once your business is ready to open, it is critical to advertise and market to spread the word and gain new customers.

Set up a website for your business, and spread the word over social media sites, such as Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok.

A powerful presence on social media will help attract new customers to your new business.

To save money, advertise on social media and ask your friends and family to share your posts with others.

Offer draws for cleaning to help reel in new clientele.

Encourage happy customers to leave positive business reviews.

STEP 6: Set Prices and Begin Working

Set your price range for jobs and get ready to go out in the workforce.

Ensure to be courteous with clients, and do a thorough job, so your customers keep returning and recommend you to others.

The best way to help grow your business is to be fair and provide the best service possible so that customers will stay happy and keep returning.

Things to Consider When You Build a Cleaning Business

When building a successful cleaning business, there are several factors to consider.

The location of your business

Choosing a suitable location that will get plenty of traffic and draw in customers is essential when starting a new business adventure.

Business sections are a great place to open a new business because they attract several downtown shoppers.

Rental costs

Decide if you can afford a rental unit for your business or if you can run your new business from a home office to save on rental fees.

If you decide to use a home office for your new business adventure, you must promote your business through advertising and social media posts to attract customers.

Your Budget

Determine how much money you can afford to sink into the initial start-up fees of your cleaning company, such as staffing, supplies, and insurance fees.

Making a budget can help ensure you stay within your spending means until you earn a profit.

Size of Company

Another factor to consider when opening a new cleaning company is whether you are going to be a sole owner or you are going to hire workers for your new business.

Can You Run a Cleaning Business By Yourself?

If so, perhaps start small until you gain a profitable business, then consider expanding.

Cleaning Business Ideas

When considering opening a cleaning business, there are several options to consider.

A Residential Cleaning Company

A residential cleaning company focuses on cleaning homes and apartments rather than offices or businesses.

If you are starting as the sole employee of your business adventure, residential cleaning might be an ideal option.

Commercial Cleaning

A commercial cleaning business involves cleaning for a business, such as offices, schools, municipal buildings, or stores.

This cleaning business is suitable for a larger-scaled cleaning company with several employees.

Window Cleaning

Opening a business that cleans windows could benefit residential clients or commercial businesses and involves cleaning the inside and outside of windows.

Spring Cleaning

Another profitable business idea for your cleaning company could be to offer spring cleanings or seasonal cleanings, such as closing or opening cottages, washing walls, cleaning for new apartment rentals, or an Airbnb-focused cleaning service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get Clients for a Cleaning Business?

The best way to gain new customers for your cleaning business is by starting small and providing quality work.

Getting excellent reviews from your customers and advertising on social media, newspapers and local radio stations will also help spread the word about your business.

How Much Should I Invest to Start a Cleaning Business?

The amount of money you invest in your cleaning business depends on several factors, such as your finances, the size of the business you plan to open, and the amount of money you want to invest in your company.

Each circumstance may vary, depending on the owner.