Many people want to launch a cleaning business because it’s simple to start, always in demand, and can be very profitable with low investment. Whether you want to work alone or build a team, learning how to start a cleaning business is the first step to turning your idea into income.
This industry gives you the freedom to choose your clients, set your schedule, and grow at your own pace. Even if you don't have a physical office, you can smoothly operate your business.
Well, don't know where to start? In this blog, we’ll walk you through eight easy steps to help you get started. So, if you're ready to clean up and cash in, let’s explore how to make your cleaning business a success.
How to Start a Cleaning Business: 7 Steps
Undoubtedly, starting a cleaning business can be a great way to earn money because cleaning services are always in demand. People need help to keep their homes and offices clean. However, starting your own cleaning business can be tricky if you don't plan properly.
Check out the following steps of starting a cleaning business. These steps cover everything you shouldn't skip from the plan:
Step 1: Research and Analyze the Market
Before starting, you need to understand your local cleaning business market. Look around your city or town and find out exactly how many cleaning businesses are already there. Also, learn what services they offer and whether people are looking for home cleaning, office cleaning, or both.
You can also talk to people in your area. Ask them what kind of cleaning help they need. Also, check online reviews of other cleaning companies. See what customers like and dislike. This research will help you decide what services to offer and how to stand out from the competition.
Step 2: Create Your Business Plan
Let's come back to the planning step. It's a simple guide for your business that helps you stay organized. Your plan should include:
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What services you will offer (home, office, deep cleaning, etc)
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Your target customers (families, businesses, landlords)
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How much money you need to start (cost of supplies, marketing, etc.)
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How you will get customers (social media, flyers, word-of-mouth)
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Your short-term and long-term goals (making a profit, expanding services, hiring workers)
Besides, you should include anything related to the following facts and the local facts that you found from the research. Remember that a good plan will help you stay on track and avoid mistakes.
Step 3: Legal Requirements and Licensing
Your business needs to follow some legal rules, like a business license & some permits. Check with your local government to see what papers you need.
In some places, having insurance for any cleaning businesses. It's for protecting them if something goes wrong, like breaking an expensive item while cleaning. It also helps if a customer complains about your service.
Besides all the legal documents, get a simple contract for your customers. A contract should mention:
The cleaning services you will provide.
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How much they will pay.
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How often you will clean.
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How long you'll be in a contract.
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Relevant things your company is not responsible for.
This type of document will help avoid misunderstandings with customers.
Step 4: Getting Equipment and Supplies
To start cleaning, you need the right tools. You don’t have to buy expensive items at first; instead, start with basic supplies, like:
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Cleaning solutions for floors, glass, and furniture.
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Mops, brooms, and vacuum cleaners.
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Sponges, clothes, and brushes.
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Gloves and masks to stay safe while cleaning.
Remember to buy good-quality products that work well and last long. As your business grows, you can buy more advanced equipment.
Step 5: Pricing Your Services
At this point, you are almost there to launch your business. Before that, make sure to decide how much to charge for your cleaning services. Look at other cleaning businesses in your area and learn about the prices they offer.
You can charge customers in three ways:
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By the hour - Example: $20 per hour
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By the job - Example: $50 for cleaning a small apartment
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By contract - Example: $300 per month for weekly office cleaning
We would recommend you start with lower prices to attract customers. Once you have regular clients, you can slowly increase your rates.
Step 6: Marketing and Branding Your Cleaning Business
If no one knows about you, they won’t hire you. That's why marketing is important, especially to help people find your business. Here are some simple ways to market your business:
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Word-of-mouth: Tell your friends and family and ask them to spread the word.
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Flyers and posters: Place them in busy areas like grocery stores or community centers.
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Social media: Create a Facebook or Instagram page and then post pictures and customer reviews.
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Business cards: Hand them out to people you meet.
Besides, you can create a Website for your business. Provide all the information about your business on the website and keep an order page where your customer can directly place an order. Don't know how to create a website? Try the Dorik website builder and make a nice website for your cleaning business without having any technical skills.
However, branding means making your business look professional. Choose a simple business name and logo. Wear a uniform with your business name when you clean. This makes you look trustworthy.
Check out 40 proven small business marketing ideas to boost your success.
Step 7: Hiring Staff (if applicable)
If you get many customers, you may need extra help. Hiring staff will let you take on more work. But hiring the right people is important. Look for people who are:
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Hardworking and responsible.
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Punctual (arrive on time).
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Good at following instructions.
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Friendly and polite to customers.
Hiring some employees is not enough. You must train your employees well. Show them how to clean properly and teach them how to talk to customers in a polite way. Happy customers will recommend your business to others.
So, that is all. Promote your brands, and when you get some orders, make sure to satisfy your customers with good service. It will help you get more customers from recommendations and repeat clients at the same time.
Common Challenges of Running a Cleaning Business
Even though the process of starting your cleaning business is initially very easy, there are some unwanted problems you might have to face if you are not aware of them in advance.
Let’s check out the common challenges you may face in this case:
Managing Competition
There are many cleaning businesses in most towns. So, it won't be very easy to stand out among all those competitors. If your prices are too high, customers may choose others. Also, if your service is not good, they won’t call you again. That’s why you must offer good service at a fair price while being friendly and professional.
Dealing with Fluctuating Demand
Sometimes, you may have many cleaning jobs and other times, very few. For example, people may want extra cleaning before holidays. But during slow months, you may have fewer calls. This change in demand can affect your income. To handle this, try to save some money during busy times.
Maintaining Consistent Quality
Every customer wants their space to be cleaned properly. If your work is not the same every time, people will complain. That's why you must always clean carefully and appoint responsible employees. Remember to make a checklist of tasks to follow in every job. It'll help you keep the quality the same for every customer.
Hiring and Retaining Reliable Staff
Good workers are hard to find and keep. Some may not come to work regularly, while others may leave after a few weeks. So, you must treat your staff well, pay them fairly, and train them properly to make them stay and work well. If they feel respected, they are more likely to provide their best for your company.
Managing Operational Costs
For your business, you need to buy supplies like soap, mops, and vacuum cleaners. Sometimes, the prices of these supplies go up, and that can increase your operational costs. So, keep track of your expenses and buy in bulk to save money. At the same time, remember not to waste supplies.
Handling Customer Complaints and Expectations
Some customers may not be happy even though you've done well. They may think you missed a spot or did not clean well. Still if they are not right, always listen politely. Say sorry if needed and fix the problem quickly. Good communication helps keep your customers happy.
Pro Tips to Build a Strong Reputation in the Cleaning Industry
If you want your cleaning business to grow, you need a strong reputation. People trust businesses that are known for good service. Here are five pro tips to help you build a great name in the cleaning industry:
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Provide High-Quality Service Consistently: Always do your best, no matter how small the job is. Clean every spot, double-check your work, and remember that happy customers will call you again.
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Encourage Customer Reviews and Testimonials: Ask your happy customers to leave reviews online or give short feedback. Good reviews help others trust your business.
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Offer Exceptional Customer Support: Always listen to your clients. Be friendly, polite, and quick to answer calls or messages. If there’s a problem, fix it fast.
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Be Transparent and Honest with Clients: Never hide costs or make fake promises, and tell your customers what to expect. If there’s a delay or issue, inform them early.
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Specialize in Niche Services to Stand Out: You can offer something special, like eco-friendly cleaning or deep cleaning for kitchens. This approach will help you shine among other businesses.
Overall, you have to satisfy your clients and make sure that your employees are happy. Once you manage to do so, keep working hard, and never give up, you’ll automatically find your brand shining among so many competitors.
FAQs
Is a cleaning business profitable?
Yes, a cleaning business can be very profitable. Start-up costs are low, and demand is high in this industry. With good service and loyal clients, you can earn a steady income and grow your business over time.
Do I need a physical office for a cleaning business?
No, you don’t need a physical office to start a cleaning business. Indeed, many small cleaning businesses are run from home. You can manage bookings and calls online or by phone for the operation. However, an office becomes helpful only when your team grows.
What type of cleaning makes the most money?
Generally, commercial cleaning makes the most money in this industry. It includes cleaning offices, schools, or large buildings regularly. These jobs are bigger, pay more, and offer long-term contracts and that's why commercial cleaning is more profitable than small home cleaning jobs.
Conclusion
Starting a cleaning business may seem simple, but success comes from planning, quality service, and consistency. By following the mentioned eight steps, you can build a strong foundation and grow with confidence.
Remember, you don’t need a big budget or an office, just the right mindset and dedication. Whether you're aiming for part-time income or full-time success, this guide gives you the tools to begin.
Now it’s your turn - start small, stay focused, and watch your cleaning business shine.
