How to Start a Cleaning Business this Year
Are you a talented cleaner with an eye for detail? You could start a cleaning business and begin monetizing your skills.
With a continual need for quality services, you can quickly build a loyal client base for residential and commercial cleaning.
And while new business may sound intimidating, it’s surprisingly easy with the proper plan. So, let’s get into it!
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Why Start a Cleaning Business?
The cleaning industry is attractive based on its high demand – one that continues to grow.
Beyond residential cleaning, cleaning services are needed for construction sites, healthcare offices, shopping centers, and more. Where there’s a commercial building, there’s a cleaning need.
This industry also has a low entry barrier, meaning that necessary equipment and overhead costs are low. You’ll just need basic cleaning supplies, a reliable vehicle, and a contact point.
Steps to Starting Your Cleaning Business
Ready to get started? Follow these steps to get your new cleaning business off the ground.
1. Choose your Niche
Starting off, you’ll likely want to narrow in on a niche cleaning offering. Depending on the services you offer, you’ll need to invest in different types of equipment.
Choose your niche with the knowledge that you can expand your services later on. Common cleaning niches include:
- Residential cleaning
- Commercial cleaning
- Window cleaning
- Home exterior cleaning
- Deep cleaning/waste removal
2. Legal + Business Setup
Once you’ve chosen a focus area, it’s time to focus on the nitty-gritty details. Take the steps to:
- Choose a business name
- Register your business
- Apply for necessary licenses
- Register for business insurance
For more information, check out the Business Setup, Accounting, & Taxes for Freelancers course on Skillshare.
3. Invest in Equipment
Next, you’ll need to invest in some basic cleaning equipment. Purchase tried-and-true products that get the job done. Depending on the cleaning project, your equipment should include:
- Rubber gloves
- Vacuum
- Mop and bucket
- Dusters
- Rags + microfiber cloths
- Product caddy
- Cleaning supplies
- Toothbrush (for small areas)
- Toilet brush
I also suggest investing in eco-friendly brands like Method or Blueland as a selling point.
4. Set Your Pricing Structure
Decide how you’ll charge for your cleaning services:
Hourly rates can work well when you’re starting out, especially for spaces that fluctuate in their needs. If you’re a solo worker on a large job, however, hourly rates likely won’t suit your business model. Clients could get similar work for a lower flat rate.
Flat rates work well for consistent jobs with clients you know. They help you plan and budget accordingly. You may, however, end up being underpaid for large jobs you didn’t account for in your quote.
A hybrid model can help bridge these cons, offering a flat rate for standard cleaning jobs with an additional hourly fee as needed.
Whether you choose hourly rates or flat fees, make sure that you periodically research your local market to keep your rates fair and competitive.
How to Get Your First Clients
You’ve got the basics down. Now, it’s time to start building your client list.
You can find new clients through:
- Word of mouth: Leverage your personal network and ask for referrals. Your skills are in high demand, so don’t be afraid to put some feelers out.
- Online platforms and directories: List your services on websites like Thumbtack, Angi, or local classifieds. This will save you some legwork and allow clients to come to you.
- Create a landing page: Clients need some way to get in touch with you, whether that be a simple business website or a business social media profile. Website builders like Squarespace or Elementor make it easy to get a website up in just a few clicks. Canva is a great tool for custom graphics and logo creation.
- Offer discounts or specials: Offering a first-time customer promotion is a great way to begin building your client base. Once they see how good your work is, clients will definitely want to use your services again. You can even offer a referral system within your existing client base, offering clients a discount when you receive a successful referral.
Managing Finances and Operations
While learning how to start a cleaning business is fairly simple, day-to-day operations require a highly organized person.
Remember to track your income and expenses as you go. You can do this in a simple spreadsheet to start off, then upgrade to accounting software to manage your cash flow. This is essential as it’s important to save for future taxes and investments when income allows.
Automate your systems as much as possible, with incoming payments automatically saving a percentage in a separate savings account.
Tips for Making Your Cleaning Business Successful
Here are a few final tips to make your burgeoning cleaning business a success.
1. Focus on quality and consistency. Your business model is only as good as your product. And a cleaning business is all about exceptional outcomes!
2. Create a solid customer experience, implementing excellent communication and opportunities for feedback.
3. Ask satisfied clients for reviews on Google, Yelp, or your website.
4. Invest in marketing to expand your reach. You can use SEO strategies through a tool like SEMRush, run captivating social media ads, and use email marketing to reach new clients.
5. As your business grows, so should your team! Consider expansion options, including additional staff members or specialty services like organizing or deep cleaning.
Final Thoughts: How to Start a Cleaning Business
Cleaning is one of the best business ideas for new entrepreneurs to explore, with minimal overhead and high demand.
Best of all, it’s easily scalable to your lifestyle, with options from casual work to an expansive business model.
What do you think? Would you consider entering the cleaning industry? Let me know in the comments down below.
