How to Start a Cleaning Business (Step-by-Step Guide)
Starting a cleaning business is one of the most affordable and scalable service businesses you can start. Many successful cleaning companies begin with just basic equipment and a few clients, then grow into full residential or commercial operations.
Starting a cleaning business can cost as little as $300 to $1,000, depending on the services you offer and the equipment you purchase.
Whether you want to start a house cleaning service, a commercial janitorial company, or a vacation rental cleaning business, the key is building the right foundation from the beginning.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to start a cleaning business the right way so you can launch confidently and build a profitable company.
Below is a quick overview of the steps to start a cleaning business, followed by a detailed guide for each step.
Quick Answer
To start a cleaning business successfully, follow these 10 basic steps:
1. Choose the type of cleaning services you will offer
2. Create a simple business plan
3. Register your cleaning business and obtain any required licenses
4. Open a business bank account
5. Get cleaning business insurance
6. Purchase essential cleaning equipment and supplies
7. Set your cleaning service pricing
8. Find your first cleaning clients
9. Set up scheduling and invoicing systems
10. Focus on growing your cleaning business
Recommended Software for Cleaning Businesses
Many cleaning businesses use software to manage scheduling, invoices, payments, and customer communication.
Top tools used by cleaning companies:
Jobber – Best All-In-One CRM
Manage scheduling, invoices, payments, and customer communication in one platform.
Housecall Pro – Best for Field Service Teams
ZenMaid – Best for Maid Services
BookingKoala – Best for Automated Scheduling, Online Booking, Recurring Cleanings
Table of Contents
STEP 1
Choose Your Cleaning Business Type
Before starting your business, decide what type of cleaning services you want to offer. Different types of cleaning businesses have different startup costs, schedules, and client expectations.
Many cleaning companies begin with residential cleaning before expanding into commercial cleaning services as they grow.
Common cleaning business types include:
Residential Cleaning
Cleaning private homes, apartments, and condos. This is the most common type of cleaning business and often the easiest to start.
Commercial Cleaning
Cleaning offices, retail stores, and commercial buildings. These contracts are usually larger and often occur after business hours.
Vacation Rental or Airbnb Cleaning
Cleaning short-term rental properties between guest stays. This type of cleaning often requires fast turnaround times.
Many cleaning companies begin with residential cleaning and later expand into commercial services as they grow.
Step 1 Checklist
Before moving on, make sure you have:
✓ Decided what type of cleaning business you want to start
✓ Identified your ideal customers (homes, offices, rentals)
✓ Considered your schedule and service area
✓ Chosen whether you will focus on residential or commercial cleaning
STEP 2
Create a Simple Business Plan
A cleaning business does not require a complex business plan, but you should clearly define a few basic things before launching.
Start by deciding:
• What services you will offer
• Your target customers
• Your service area
• Your pricing strategy
For example, some cleaning businesses specialize in recurring weekly home cleaning, while others focus on move-out cleaning or commercial contracts.
Having a simple plan will help you stay focused and make better decisions as your business grows.
Step 2 Checklist
Before moving forward, make sure you have:
✓ Chosen a business name
✓ Registered your business with your state
✓ Applied for an EIN if needed
✓ Checked local licensing requirements
STEP 3
Register Your Cleaning Business
Once you decide on your services, the next step is registering your business.
Many cleaning business owners choose to form an LLC (Limited Liability Company) because it separates personal and business finances and provides liability protection.
Form Your Cleaning Business the Easy Way
Many new cleaning business owners use an online service to form their LLC and handle required filings.
Northwest Registered Agent
✓ Fast LLC formation
✓ Registered agent service included
✓ Privacy protection
Typical steps include:
• Choosing a business name
• Registering an LLC or other business structure
• Getting an EIN from the IRS
• Checking local business licensing requirements
Setting up your business properly from the beginning helps protect your company and builds credibility with customers.
Step 3 Checklist
Before moving forward, make sure you have:
✓ Chosen a business name
✓ Registered your business with your state
✓ Applied for an EIN if needed
✓ Checked local licensing requirements
STEP 4
Open a Business Bank Account
Keeping your business finances separate from your personal finances is extremely important.
Opening a business bank account allows you to:
• Track income and expenses clearly
• Simplify tax preparation
• Accept payments professionally
• Build business financial history
Many banks offer business checking accounts designed specifically for small service companies.
Recommended Business Bank Accounts
A dedicated business account keeps your finances organized and helps you track income and expenses.
Bluevine Business Banking
✓ No monthly fees
✓ High-yield interest
✓ Simple online setup
Using a dedicated business account also helps establish credibility with customers and vendors.
Learn more in our guide to the best business bank accounts for cleaning businesses.
Step 4 Checklist
Before moving forward, make sure you have:
✓ Opened a separate business bank account
✓ Chosen a payment method for customers (cash, card, online)
✓ Set up a way to track business expenses
✓ Separated personal and business finances
STEP 5
Get Cleaning Business Insurance
Insurance is one of the most important protections for a cleaning business.
Even experienced cleaners can accidentally damage property or break valuable items while working in a client’s home or office.
Common types of insurance for cleaning companies include:
• General Liability Insurance
Protects against property damage and accidents.
• Bonding
Provides protection for clients if theft or loss occurs.
• Workers Compensation
Required if you hire employees in most states.
Compare Cleaning Business Insurance
Many cleaning businesses get coverage online in minutes.
✓ General liability coverage
✓ Designed for service businesses
✓ Instant quotes
Having proper insurance protects your business and gives customers confidence in your professionalism.
Compare options in our cleaning business insurance guide.
Step 5 Checklist
Before moving forward, make sure you have:
✓ Obtained general liability insurance
✓ Considered bonding for customer protection
✓ Verified coverage for employees if you hire staff
✓ Reviewed policy coverage limits
STEP 6
Purchase Essential Cleaning Equipment
One advantage of starting a cleaning business is the low startup cost.
Most cleaning companies begin with a small set of essential equipment such as:
• Vacuum cleaner
• Microfiber cloths
• Mop and bucket
• Cleaning sprays and disinfectants
• Gloves and protective supplies
Basic Cleaning Equipment Checklist
You can start with simple supplies like:
• microfiber cloths
• vacuum
• mop system
• disinfectants
As your client list grows, you can invest in higher-quality equipment and expand your cleaning kits.
Many successful cleaning businesses started with only a few hundred dollars in supplies.
See our full cleaning business equipment list.
Step 6 Checklist
Before moving forward, make sure you have:
✓ Purchased basic cleaning supplies and tools
✓ Organized equipment for easy transport
✓ Tested products for effectiveness and safety
✓ Calculated supply costs per job
STEP 7
Set Your Cleaning Prices
Pricing is one of the most important decisions when starting a cleaning business.
Most companies charge using one of three pricing models:
•Hourly Pricing
Charging a set hourly rate for cleaning services.
• Hourly Pricing
Charging a set hourly rate for cleaning services.
• Flat-Rate Pricing
Charging a fixed price based on the size of the home or job.
Per-Room or Per-Square-Foot Pricing
Common for commercial cleaning contracts.
Research local competitors and adjust your pricing based on your market, experience, and services offered.
As your business grows, you can refine your pricing strategy to improve profitability.
To learn how to set profitable rates, see our guide on how to price cleaning services.
Step 7 Checklist
Before moving forward, make sure you have:
✓ Researched local cleaning service pricing
✓ Chosen hourly or flat-rate pricing
✓ Calculated labor and supply costs
✓ Created a basic pricing structure for common jobs
STEP 8
Find Your First Cleaning Clients
Getting your first customers is often easier than people expect.
Some of the most effective ways to find cleaning clients include:
• Asking friends and family for referrals
• Posting in local Facebook groups
• Creating a Google Business Profile
• Distributing flyers in your service area
• Listing services on local marketplaces
Providing excellent service to your first few clients often leads to referrals and repeat business.
Many cleaning companies grow quickly through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Learn more in how to get your first cleaning clients.
Step 8 Checklist
Before moving forward, make sure you have:
✓ Created a basic online presence (Google Business Profile, social media)
✓ Told friends, family, and local groups about your services
✓ Considered local advertising or neighborhood apps
✓ Prepared a simple customer booking process
STEP 9
Set Up Scheduling and Invoicing Systems
As your business grows, managing schedules, payments, and customer information becomes more important.
Many cleaning businesses use scheduling and management software to help with:
• booking jobs
• tracking clients
• sending invoices
• managing employee schedules
• accepting payments
Using the right systems early can save time, reduce mistakes, and make your business more professional.
See our guide to the best scheduling software for cleaning businesses.
Step 9 Checklist
Before moving forward, make sure you have:
✓ Chosen a scheduling system or software
✓ Set up invoicing and payment tracking
✓ Created a repeat customer scheduling process
✓ Organized client contact information
Best Software for Managing a Cleaning Business
Most successful cleaning businesses use software to manage bookings, invoices, payments, and customer communication.
Jobber – Best Overall CRM for Cleaning Businesses
✓ Online booking
✓ Automated invoicing
✓ Customer management
✓ Scheduling
Growing Your Cleaning Business
Once your cleaning business is established, the next step is building systems that help you grow.
This may include hiring additional cleaners, expanding into commercial contracts, improving marketing, and implementing software that helps manage your operations efficiently.
With the right structure and systems in place, a cleaning business can grow into a highly profitable and scalable service company.
Jobber
Best All-In-One CRM for Cleaning Businesses
Helps manage scheduling, invoices, payments, and customer communication from one platform.
Housecall Pro
Best for Managing Field Service Teams
Schedule jobs, dispatch cleaners, and collect payments from one dashboard.
ZenMaid
Best for Residential Maid Services
Software designed specifically for residential cleaning companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Cleaning Business
Can I start a cleaning business by myself?
You can start a cleaning business by yourself, and many successful companies begin as solo operations. Starting alone keeps startup costs low and allows you to build a client base before hiring employees or subcontractors. As your schedule fills up, you can expand by adding additional cleaners and taking on larger contracts.
How much does it cost to start a cleaning business?
Starting a cleaning business can be very affordable compared to many other types of businesses. Many cleaning companies launch with a few hundred dollars for basic equipment and supplies. Typical startup costs include cleaning tools, transportation, insurance, and business registration fees. Some entrepreneurs begin by investing between $300 and $1,000 to get their first clients.
Is a cleaning business profitable?
Yes, cleaning businesses can be highly profitable when managed well. Residential cleaning services often charge between $100 and $250 per visit depending on the size of the home and services provided. As you build recurring clients and hire additional cleaners, your revenue and profit potential can grow significantly.
Do I need a license to start a cleaning business?
Licensing requirements vary depending on your city and state. Many areas require a basic business license, while others may have additional permits for service businesses. It is always best to check with your local government or small business office to confirm the requirements for your area.
Should I start a residential or commercial cleaning business?
Both residential and commercial cleaning businesses can be successful. Residential cleaning is often easier to start and requires less equipment, making it ideal for beginners. Commercial cleaning contracts can be larger and more consistent but may require more equipment and experience.
How do cleaning businesses get clients?
Many cleaning businesses find their first customers through referrals, local Facebook groups, neighborhood marketing, and Google Business listings. Providing excellent service to early clients often leads to word-of-mouth referrals that help grow the business quickly.
Next Steps for Growing Your Cleaning Business
Now that your cleaning business is properly structured, the next step is building systems that help your company grow and operate efficiently.
Explore our guides below to continue building your cleaning business the right way.
• Cleaning Business Scheduling Software
• Best Business Bank Accounts for Cleaning Businesses
• Cleaning Business Insurance Guide
• Accounting Software for Cleaning Companies
Continue Learning About How to Start a Cleaning Business
If you’re building a cleaning business, these guides will help you continue setting up and growing your company.
• Structure Your Cleaning Business
• Cleaning Business Equipment Checklist
• How to Price Cleaning Services
• Best Scheduling Software for Cleaning Businesses
Start Your Cleaning Business Today
If you’re ready to start your cleaning business, these tools will help you get started quickly.
• Form your business
• Open a bank account
• Get insurance
• Set up scheduling software