5 Steps Towards Your Low Cost Cleaning Business Startup

Starting a low cost cleaning business startup does not seem glamorous at all. But let’s just be honest, everyone needs a clean space, and there is sky-high demand for that. The best part? You don’t even need a million dollars or a fancy degree. 

If you’ve ever felt stuck, wondering how to escape the 9-to-5 grind or struggling with the fear of high startup costs, this is your chance. A cleaning business offers something rare in today’s fast-paced world: low barriers to entry, steady income potential, and a service people always need. Plus, you’re solving a pain point that busy professionals, families, and even businesses face every day, finding reliable, affordable cleaning solutions.

And if you stick around, we’ll walk you through exactly how to turn this simple, low cost cleaning business startup idea into a scalable business that not only covers your expenses but leads you to long-term success. 

Let’s get started!

What is a low cost cleaning business startup?

Starting a low cost cleaning business startup is not as easy as it seems. However, if the idea of doing this is something you’ve always dreamed of, it’s staring you in the face and you can do it for a low cost and completely practically.

A low cost cleaning business startup offers some real perks:

Low start up and running costs – you can base the business out of your home so your largest expenses at first will be equipment and a vehicle. If you don’t already have these you can buy them second hand.

Plenty of work: During downtimes, there’s always a need for cleaners and you can help your business grow.

There are some challenges as well. It’s physically demanding, it’s a difficult market to get into and it’s hard to be standout. It’s very competitive so you need to price the right way. Finally, a business running is stressful and filled with paperwork.

If you have time management skills, sharp eyes, and you’re friendly and reliable, then you could be the new low cost cleaning business startup the industry needs.

Five Important steps towards your Low Cost Cleaning Business Startup

1: Kick off with some market research and a business plan.

Look up your area’s cleaning services. What’s available? What’s needed? What’s the current price point for your work, and what are your competition’s strengths and weaknesses? Is there anything that is not being served in the marketplace? Talk to your friends, family, storekeepers, local Airbnb, business associations, and anyone who’s used your competitors.

Identify your target market: do you clean houses and flats or commercial premises?

Then you’ll need a business plan; whether you are looking for a start-up loan, government grant, private investment or just a direction to take for the right direction.

Your plan sets out your business goals, the services you can offer, and your pricing.

• Work out how much you’ll need to survive until the business breaks even. Including marketing, website development, insurance and advice from legal, and accounting abroad, these costs quickly eat up. (Pro tip: In my opinion, you can build your website through a website builder platform.)
• Know your running costs and decide your profit margin.
• Establish a price list. How are you charging for a room, per square metre or per job? Or will you participate in contracts?
• You want to make your prices competitive, but not the lowest-priced cleaner on the block. What value-added services and packages could you provide?
• So, test your prices out with your target market and see what kind of feedback you get and whether there is any market demand for this second tier of pricing.
• Think about creating a quote/proposal template.

2: Look for legal requirements

One of the important steps towards setting up your own low cost cleaning business startup is by determining the best business structure for you.

Sole Proprietor

It’s a single-person business. The simplest structure of all, the owner takes the profits and losses and reports them on their personal tax return. However you will need insurance, sole owners have no legal protection and if something goes wrong you could lose your personal assets as well as your house and bank account.

Partnership

It is a business, and at least two people are its owners. Geographically dispersed partnership arrangements should include profit share (how much each partner gets) and start-up contributions (money, assets, or time). So again, nothing’s protected if anything goes wrong.

Company

While it’s more complicated to operate as a company, there are advantages it brings.

• You’ll pay tax at a lower rate
• You keep the assets and debts of the business separate from your assets and debts.
• Getting funding & investment, growing your business, and selling your business in the future is easier

Franchise

Buying into a franchise gives you:

• Brand awareness and marketing
• Providing training and support for staff
• A proven business model
• Upright-established systems and processes

Buying into a franchise is expensive and you won’t get much help, advice or marketing. Perhaps you don’t have control over decisions. That’s why if you plan to do it this way, make sure you do your research!

What other requirements are there? Some businesses might require you to register your company, to register it with your tax authority, get liability insurance and if they require a cleaning business permit or license.

3. Get the required cleaning supplies and equipment

Will you buy your equipment, or use what you already have? You can also buy second-hand to help bring the costs down.

You’ll just need the basic cleaning supplies for businesses:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Mop, bucket, and broom
• Toilet brush
• Scourers and sponges, gloves, cloths and wipes.
• Dustpan and brush, dusters, and window squeegees
• Bottles and spray triggers
• Safety signs (for commercial premises).
• Paper towels, face masks and hand sanitizer.

You will need a vehicle or van even if you plan to stay somewhere close to home, but once again you can buy second-hand. (But you could bike, after all, and be known as ‘The wash cycle.’) One investment that’s worth the money is eye-catching signage on your vehicle: Your business name, logo, and contact details. Especially if they’re in traffic, people can’t miss you.

Use high-quality commercial-grade cleaners instead of regular supermarket cleaners. Likely, they will provide you with training and how-to information. Always keep a small supply on hand and never see it as a good time to buy in large amounts that you will not actually use for a month. Think about making something about your products and your point of difference. The next thing I think about is choosing eco-friendly cleaners that are cruelty-free (not tested on animals), hypoallergenic, pet and goldfish-friendly, and chemical-free.

Will you wear a uniform? That professional touch is a company shirt and black trousers. Be mindful to go through your expenses to make sure you aren’t going over the limit come tax time.

4. Create a Solid Strategy to Win Clients

So you’ve found your niche and your unique selling point (USP). Your business name is only simple, positive and cool and it’s available. You’ve got a great logo that they love and you’ve printed up the business cards. How do you get clients?

A marketing plan is needed.

Share the Goal

Get a list of people who may become potential clients. Inform friends and family to spread the word and put the word out with local publications and radio. Go to community events, do leaflet drops and put flyers in letterboxes with tempting opening offers.

But network, network, network. Approach real estate agents and property managers as they have client referrers that you could benefit from. Call up shops, Airbnb or holiday rental organizations. Make sure everyone in your area knows.

Work for your web and social media presence

Invest some time to build a website: Should be simple and look good on smartphones. Add your values and mission statement as part of your story to show people what’s important to you. Have a Facebook page and at least one other social media platform (maybe Instagram).

Set your prices

Offer clients a discount for referrals and add special offers with your cleaning packages.

Get the basics right

• When you pick up the phone, be friendly and professional. Say you are, be there when you say you will.
• Keep your employees’ police checked and well vetted – they’re going into people’s homes.
• Go above and beyond. Providing exceptional service is rare, and if you do, then your clients will not only stay with you but become your marketers, telling their friends, families and colleagues about your business. Leaving a handwritten note with dried lavender, giving discounts to repeat customers, or leaving a card on a client’s birthday with a couple of homemade cookies is all it takes to leave a big impression with little things.
• Do not hesitate to respond quickly to any type of customer feedback and then easily improve your business in accordance to that feedback.

And remember: The best advertising is word of mouth, so get testimonials from satisfied customers. There are great ways to build your customer base: reviews, referrals and ratings.

5. Take care of operational activities and plan for growth

Being the only one who’s doing all the cleaning means that your income is based on how much you can work (and don’t get paid, and can lose your clients if you’re sick or on holiday). That means you will plan to grow your business as the owner, not as the hired hand.

Detail it all in a written process – you’ll save yourself a smaller training time and cost, and quality control. Once you’ve done that, you can do with the processes what you want. If you need some extra help, you can subcontract or employ staff. Subcontractors are all fully trained and are equipped and ready at a moment’s notice. They’re expensive and quality control is difficult.

Consider building your team as your business grows. You need people who are going to go and do the work, who are vetted and have great references.

• You’ll be advertising job openings, and interviewing and training your new hires.
• You’ll also have to follow legal obligations (superannuation, sick leave, holiday pay) 

If you want to scale your low cost cleaning business startup, reach out to new markets, or start adding new services. You’ll have to bottle up training and better equipment, but services of that type sell at premium price points and attract fewer competitors.

Final Thoughts

Starting a low cost cleaning business startup may seem impossible, but can be launched easily by following the aforementioned 5 critical steps. Also, if you wanna discuss anything related to the idea of a low cost cleaning business startup, Reliable Startup is here to listen to your thoughts.

Contact us today to know more!

FAQs

How much money do I need to start a low cost cleaning business?

Starting a cleaning business can be incredibly affordable. You can start with as little as $500-$1,000, depending on the equipment and supplies you need. Basic items like cleaning solutions, microfiber cloths, mops, and a vacuum are often enough to begin.

Can I run a low cost cleaning business startup from home?

Absolutely! A cleaning business doesn’t require a physical office. You can handle scheduling, marketing, and client communication from home, making it one of the most cost-efficient businesses to operate.

Do I need insurance for my cleaning business?

Yes, having general liability insurance is essential to protect you in case of accidents or damages while working at a client’s property. Some clients may specifically ask for proof of insurance before hiring you.

What are the biggest challenges in this business?

Challenges include finding reliable clients, managing your schedule, and handling physical demands. However, with good organization and clear communication, you can overcome these hurdles effectively.