How to Start a Cleaning Business in 10 Steps

If you’re considering starting a cleaning business, there’s plenty of opportunity to grow your enterprise. But first, it’s essential to have a solid plan in place to ensure you provide quality service and maintain a loyal client base.

This article offers a step-by-step guide for how to start a cleaning business.

Below you’ll find 9 actionable steps to help you navigate the process and gain the knowledge and experience you need to be successful.

And when it comes to sorting out the legalities and business formation, doola can help streamline the process, making sure your cleaning business is set up right from the start.You can even book a free consultation with our experts to get personalized advice on your specific needs.

Ready to deep dive? Let’s get started.

1. Do the Initial Cleaning Yourself First

The first step in starting a cleaning business is to do the initial cleaning yourself. This will give you hands-on experience and show you what it takes to clean a property thoroughly. This will also help you train future employees by giving them leadership from first-hand experience.

Additionally, by performing the initial cleaning yourself, you’ll be able to ensure that the quality of the work meets the standards of your clients. 

2. Plan the Business Budget

The next step is to organize the finances for your business. It is important to plan a budget that takes into account all of your expenses and income. This includes the cost of supplies and equipment, as well as all advertising and marketing. You should also factor in your overhead costs such as rent, utilities, and insurance.

By creating a detailed budget, you can identify potential financial issues and take steps to address them before they become a problem. This way, you can ensure that your business is financially stable and profitable in the long run.

3. Find Your Niche or Specialty 

In the cleaning industry, finding your niche or specialty is an important factor to consider. By focusing on a specific area of cleaning, such as commercial or residential cleaning — you’ll be able to differentiate yourself from other businesses in the market.

This will help you to develop a strong reputation in your area of expertise and make it easier for potential clients to find you. By specializing in a specific type of cleaning, you’ll be able to focus your marketing efforts more effectively, allowing you to reach your target audience.

4. Choose Your Market

Choosing your market is an important step in starting a cleaning business. This is because your decision will cater to the type of customers you want to serve, the locations where you will work, and the services you will provide.

For example, if you specialize in commercial cleaning services, you will likely target office buildings in a specific area. On the other hand, if you focus on residential cleaning, you’ll target homeowners and renters in a particular neighborhood or region.

If you choose your market carefully, you can develop a business model that meets the needs of your target audience and increases your chances of success.

5. Fund Your Cleaning Business

Funding is a necessary aspect of starting a cleaning business, and with the proper capital, you can invest in top-quality equipment to provide the best service.

Plus, you can invest in marketing efforts to increase your outreach to clients. 

Some examples of funding you can consider are:

👉 Personal Savings 

👉 Venture Capital

👉 Angel Investors 

👉 Asking Friends and Family

👉 Bank Loan

Regardless of the funding method you choose, it’s important to have a solid financial plan in place to ensure a successful launch of your cleaning business.

Revise your basics: Bootstrapping vs. Fundraising: How to Finance Your Startup

6. Register the Business

When starting a cleaning business, you must register your business to ensure legal compliance. So it’s best to do your research when it comes to choosing the right business structure for your operations. Here are some common types of business structures to consider when registering:

📌 Sole proprietorship: A business owned and operated by one person

📌 Limited Liability Company (LLC): A business structure that offers liability protection for the owner(s) while also providing the flexibility and tax benefits of a partnership

📌 Corporation: A legal entity separate from its owners, which provides limited liability protection and potential tax advantages

📌 Partnership: A business owned by two or more people who share the profits and responsibilities

As mentioned, it’s critical that you choose the business structure that best fits your needs and goals. It will ensure the legitimacy of your business and keep your finances safe and compliant.

Once you have chosen a structure, you can register your business with your state or local government and file the necessary paperwork to legally operate your cleaning business.

7. Buy the Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

Next, you will want to buy the right cleaning supplies and equipment. The type of supplies and equipment you need will depend on the services you offer and the size of your business.

For example, if you specialize in residential cleaning, you’ll likely need basic cleaning supplies like all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, and microfiber cloths. However, if you offer commercial cleaning services, you may need specialized equipment like industrial vacuums, floor buffers, and steam cleaners. 

A helpful tip is to research the types of services your competitor offers, thereby choosing the necessary equipment that aligns with your standard of quality.

There are many brands to choose from, but investing in high-quality supplies and equipment will allow you to provide a top-notch cleaning service — giving you an edge over your competition. 

8. Market Your Business and Maintain Clients

Marketing your cleaning business is essential for attracting new clients and building a strong reputation in your community.

Creating a website and setting up social media accounts can help increase your online visibility and make it easier for potential clients to find you. You can also create marketing materials such as business cards, flyers, and brochures to distribute in your local area.

It’s also important to maintain good relationships with your current customers. Positive word-of-mouth can be a powerful marketing tool for building relationships with new customers. This can lead to gaining referrals and potential future clients. 

9. Invest in Offline and Online Advertising

Lastly, investing in advertising can be a time-consuming and costly investment. However, it’s a great way to reach potential customers and grow your cleaning business.

Offline advertising can be sponsoring local events, distributing flyers in your community, or advertising in local newspapers.

Online advertising can include creating digital marketing campaigns through social media and search engines or partnering with popular cleaning websites or apps.

Either way, investing in your marketing efforts is a fundamental element of starting a business. It can potentially be the deciding factor whether your business succeeds or not. 

10. Open a Business Bank Account

Opening a business bank account is a crucial step in setting up your cleaning business. It helps you keep your personal and business finances separate, making it easier to manage your cash flow, track expenses, and maintain accurate financial records.

A business bank account also adds a layer of professionalism and legitimacy to your business, which can be important when dealing with clients and suppliers.

doola can assist in streamlining this process, ensuring your business is set up with the right financial foundation from the start.

Advantages of a Cleaning Business

Now that you know the 9 steps to effectively start your cleaning business, let’s go over some of the advantages of this industry. 

Starting a cleaning business has many advantages, including the ability to be your own boss, flexible working hours, and the potential to earn a good income. The cleaning industry is also always in demand, making it a stable and reliable business opportunity. 

Below you’ll find the key advantages of starting a cleaning business.

Being Your Own boss

One of the biggest advantages of starting a cleaning business is the ability to be your own boss. This means that you have the freedom to set your own schedule and work at your own pace.

Being your own boss can also provide a sense of independence and control over your professional life that many people find fulfilling and rewarding.

High Demand 

The cleaning industry is always in demand, as both individuals and businesses require regular cleaning services. The constant need for cleaning services can prove to be fruitful if you have clients who want to work with you on a regular basis.

Whether you specialize in residential or commercial cleaning, there is always a need for reliable and trustworthy cleaning services. 

Marketable 

Another advantage of starting a cleaning business is the ability to tailor your services to the needs of your customers. This way, you can narrow down your target audience and provide the best value for their needs. By offering specialized services, you can stand out from other cleaning companies and increase your customer base. It also allows you to provide personal attention to each customer and build long-term relationships based on trust and quality service. 

Easy to Manage

Starting a cleaning business is relatively easy to manage, as it requires minimal overhead costs. Unlike other businesses that require expensive inventory or equipment — a cleaning business usually only requires a basic set of cleaning supplies and equipment that you can easily store at home or in a small storage room.

Plus, you do not have to pay for expensive office space because most of the work is done on-site. This makes the cleaning business an extremely flexible and cost-effective business opportunity that you can run from anywhere.

Flexible Work Flow

Starting a cleaning business can offer the flexibility to manage your workload. You can easily hire employees or subcontractors to help you with the operations of your business — allowing you to quickly grow your business without making additional financial commitments.

This way, you can take on more clients and increase your revenue without having to work longer hours or compromise the quality of your services.

What’s more, you’ll be able to set your own schedule — balancing your personal and professional life. 

Scalable

With the ability to hire employees or subcontractors, you can easily take on more clients and expand your services. As your business grows, you can also invest in new equipment and technology to improve the quality and efficiency of your services.

With careful planning and execution, a cleaning business can scale to meet the needs of a larger customer base and create a stable and profitable business for years to come.

Lucrative

Starting a cleaning business can be a lucrative business opportunity, as you can often charge a premium for your services. This is especially true if you specialize in a particular type of cleaning or offer high-quality services that are in demand.

With the potential for high profits and a relatively low start-up cost, a cleaning business can provide a great way to make a living and build a successful career in the cleaning industry. 

💡 Things to Consider as an Entrepreneur

As an entrepreneur, starting a cleaning business offers many advantages, but there are also several things to consider before starting a cleaning business to ensure long-term success.

Below, we will go over some important details to consider before starting a cleaning business. 

Set Realistic Expectations

As an entrepreneur starting a cleaning business, it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself. Realize that building a successful business takes time and effort and that you will need to be patient before your business turns a profit.

Type of Services You Will Offer 

When starting a cleaning business, you should decide on the type of services you will offer. This will build trust and familiarity for your clients and establish your niche in the cleaning business. 

Researching the local market and determining what services are in demand is also essential. Will you specialize in residential or commercial cleaning or both?

Type of Equipment You Will Need

Starting a cleaning business will require some basic cleaning supplies and equipment such as all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, microfiber cloths, vacuum cleaners, and mops.

Depending on the services offered, specialized equipment like industrial vacuums, floor buffers, and steam cleaners may also be required. The type of equipment you choose to buy can determine the quality of your services and credibility as a professional. 

Consider the Legal Requirements 

When starting a cleaning business, it’s important to consider the legal requirements for operating a business in your area.

This includes registering your business with your state or local government, obtaining any necessary permits or licenses, and complying with tax laws and regulations. Following these legal requirements ensures that your business operates legally and avoids potential legal or financial problems.

Marketing Strategy

Developing an effective marketing strategy to promote your services is a major factor to consider when planning for success.

This includes creating a business plan that outlines a budget, marketing plan, and operational plan to ensure that your business is well-positioned to function efficiently in a competitive marketplace.

Start Your Cleaning Business Today

The cleaning business can be a lucrative and satisfying career choice. But it requires careful planning and execution to ensure long-term success. That’s where doola comes in.

doola specializes in helping entrepreneurs with the business formation process, ensuring all legal requirements are met seamlessly.

Whether you’re setting up an LLC, S-Corp, or any other business structure, doola handles the paperwork, compliance, and tax filings, so you can focus on growing your business.

With us, you don’t have to worry about the complexities of setting up your cleaning business.

We take care of everything from obtaining an EIN to opening a business bank account and even providing ongoing CPA support as your business grows. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

Ready to get started? Book a free consultation today, and let doola help you launch your cleaning business with confidence.

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