How To Start a Cleaning Business: 9 Simple Steps For Success

A cleaning business pays well and has huge growth potential. It is also a great way to be your own boss. This means you can decide your own schedule, payment, and whom to work with. Like every other business, you may feel confused about where to start, the requirements, and more. 

But you are lucky to have landed on this blog because it will guide you through every detail of how to start a cleaning business. We believe that after reading it, you will have enough confidence to get started. So, let’s make this happen together!

Steps on How to Start a Cleaning Business

1. Get the Basics of Cleaning Right

This should be your first step. Because no selling skills can save you if you don’t know the craft itself. You simply can’t go far without it. Your clients will never be happy with your work.

Take the time to learn about cleaning products—what works well and what doesn’t. Understanding which cleaners are safe for different surfaces will help you avoid mistakes that could cost you clients. Many clients complain that cleaners unknowingly damage their surfaces due to using the wrong products.

Don’t let that be you. Master the art of cleaning, and make sure you know how to handle each task with care. This knowledge will set you apart from others and will build trust with your clients.

2. Write Down Your Goals

There should be some clear goals in your mind before starting. You should have a clear idea of where you see yourself in the next few years. Do you want to do it full-time or just as a side hustle? 

You should also know your niche. Decide if you want to work in commercial areas, houses, or events, for example. 

Commercial Cleaning

This is all about cleaning professional spaces like: 

• Offices
• Hospitals
• Schools
• Retail stores

All you need to do is wipe desks, vacuum floors, and sanitise restrooms. For instance, hospitals need thorough disinfection to maintain hygiene. While retail stores require polished floors to impress customers.

Here is an example of commercial cleaners: phs Group

Residential Cleaning

Here, the focus shifts to homes and apartments. It involves tidying up living spaces. You will be dusting furniture, mopping floors, cleaning kitchens, and more in this niche. 

Maid2Clean is one such example that provides domestic cleaning services;

Event Cleaning

As event cleaners, your job is to handle the mess before and after the event. You will be responsible for removing trash, cleaning restrooms, and ensuring the venue looks spotless throughout the event.

CleanEvent Services provides event cleaning services alongside other cleaning services.

So, to start a cleaning business, you also need to decide how you will proceed. Do you have enough resources to hire some employees? Do you want to work alone? Having this clarity at the beginning can help you avoid mistakes in the future.

3. Decide Your Business Name

Don’t stress too much over this step. Your success won’t depend on the name alone. It’s how you run the business that matters most. Just simply pick the name that you want for your business.

You have two options. You can choose your personal name or something else. If you’re working on a smaller scale or just starting, using your name works fine. Pick a name that clearly tells people what your business does. Keep it simple and straightforward. 

For example, NY BRITE has a simple yet effective name for their cleaning business. The logo features a subtle tagline, “Home and Office Service,” making it instantly clear to clients what they can expect. 

4. Register Your Business

After picking a name, the next important step is to get yourself registered. Check if the name is available. Different places have different rules for this. You can check the rules for your location online.

But remember, once you’ve settled on a name, make sure to register it right away. What could be worse than doing well in your business only to find out later that the name was already taken?

5. Choose a Business Structure

Part of registration is selecting your business structure. The most common options for new cleaning businesses are:

• Sole Proprietorship: The simplest structure where you and your business are the same. Easy to set up but no personal asset protection.
• Single-Member LLC: A structure that separates personal and business assets. Offers protection and simple taxes for single owners

You might also need to apply for an Employer Identification Number or EIN. If you plan to hire employees, then it becomes even more important

6. Get Your Legal Matters Sorted

You might need specific licenses to operate legally. It actually varies from place to place. For example, some cities or states require cleaning businesses to hold permits. So, make sure to check the rules in your area.

Next up is bonding. A bond brings confidence to your clients by telling them that you are a trustworthy individual. While it is not always mandatory, it is a way to keep them (and yourself) safe in case something happens on the job, say, harm or destruction. It may seem to be a minor act that can potentially have a major impact.

And don’t skip insurance. This protects your business. If someone slips on a freshly cleaned floor, liability insurance covers it. The same goes for accidental damage to a client’s property. Planning to hire employees? You might need worker’s compensation insurance, depending on local rules.

7. Set Up Bank Accounts and Invoicing

Get your finances in order before taking on clients. Start by opening a business bank account. This keeps your personal and business money separate, which is super important. It also makes you look more professional.

Next, choose an invoicing system. You can use simple tools like Google Sheets or apps like QuickBooks or Wave. Pick something easy for you to manage.

Make sure your invoices are clear. Add your business name, contact info, services provided, and payment terms. A logo can make them look even better. Keeping payments organized is a small step that makes a big difference. Happy clients pay faster—and you stay stress-free!

8. Essential Supplies and Attire

When it comes to physical supplies, people are often scared of having to spend a lot. But no, it’s not like that. Most clients provide you with the supplies—they’ll give you vacuums, sprays, and other cleaners. 

So you don’t have to carry heavy or expensive supplies from house to house. Just keep a small, handy kit with you. It should have some basics like towels and gloves. These are lifesavers in a pinch.

As far as attire is concerned, don’t worry about spending on fancy branded wear to make an impression. Just look clean and comfortable in what you wear. It’s all about being practical and professional.

9. Market Yourself

The next and most important step is to market your cleaning business. Effective marketing can bring in your first clients quickly.

Start by spreading the word in your community. Don’t wait! Get your name out there as soon as possible.

Use simple tools like business cards, flyers, and social media. 

• Business Cards: Design clean, professional cards with your name, contact info, and services. Hand them out at every opportunity. Networking matters!
• Flyers: Print and post eye-catching flyers in busy areas like coffee shops, libraries, or community boards. Include special offers to grab attention.
• Social Media: Create profiles on TikTok, Facebook or Instagram. Share before-and-after photos of your work. You can also share client testimonials and tips for cleaning.

You can also set up a basic website for your business. 

• Share it on social platforms
• Print it on your business cards
• Use it in flyers.

If setting up a website seems like a lot, then you can leave it at the beginning and think about it after 1 or 2 clients. 

FAQs

1. What Type of Cleaning Makes the Most Money?

Specialized cleaning services earn the most. Examples include:

• Post-construction cleaning
• Industrial cleaning
• Medical facility cleaning
• Deep cleaning for high-end homes

These require expertise and often cost more than basic services.

2. Is It Easy to Run a Cleaning Business?

Not exactly, but it’s doable!

• Start-up is simple, but growth takes effort.
• You’ll need good time management and reliable staff.
• Customer service and quality work are key to success.

With dedication, it gets easier over time.

3. How Profitable Are Cleaners?

Cleaners can be quite profitable!

• Small businesses can earn around 20-40% profit margins.
• Expenses include cleaning supplies, travel, and labor.
• Upselling services (like deep cleaning) boosts income.

Consistency and reputation drive higher profits.

4. How Much Should I Charge for 8 Hours of Cleaning?

It depends on your location and service type:

• General cleaning: $25-$50/hour (total: $200-$400).
• Specialized cleaning: $50-$100/hour (total: $400-$800).

Research your local market and adjust for competitive pricing.

Conclusion

A cleaning business is quite a rewarding venture to start. You just need to have the right mindset and preparation. Be clear about your goals—how far you want to go.

Follow every step we mentioned above transparently, and build client trust through effective marketing. Above all, make sure you know how to clean like a pro. If you have all these in place, your success in the cleaning business is just within reach!