11 Steps On How To Start a Cleaning Business

The cleaning industry is booming. It offers great business opportunities from residential homes to commercial offices, and even specialized facilities like hospitals and schools. The growing demand for cleanliness makes it a profitable industry. Starting a cleaning business isn’t just about scrubbing floors. It’s about scaling a venture to multiple locations, employing teams, and generating recurring revenue. So, let’s explore how to start a cleaning business and what resources you need.

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Cleaning services market size

In 2023, the global cleaning services market was valued at approximately $398.67 billion and is expected to reach $633.18 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%.

Cleaning services play a critical role in both residential and commercial sectors, focusing on removing dirt, contaminants, and infectious agents from homes, offices, hospitals, and other facilities. These services will always be essential for maintaining clean, sanitized environments as they help reduce the risk of illness and promote overall health.

How to start a cleaning business

1. Do a market research

Understanding your market is critical to success.

Start by identifying who your potential customers are.

For example,

• Residential cleaning clients may value trustworthiness and reliability
• Commercial clients might prioritize efficiency and professionalism.

If you want to specialize in a niche, like a hospital or school cleaning, learn the industry standards and compliance requirements.

This research will help you decide which cleaning services you should focus on.

2. Business Model

You have two primary choices here:

• Will you be hands-on with the cleaning (solo)?
• Will you hire a team and focus on managing the business?

Operating solo means lower upfront costs but limits your growth potential.

Running a team allows you to take on more clients and scale faster, but involves higher costs, including wages and management responsibilities.

Choose the model that aligns with your financial goals and personal capacity.

3. Create a cleaning business plan

Consider a business plan as your guiding document. Just try not to spend too much time on it because it should be flexible and change with time.  

Your cleaning business plan should have the following:

• Your services (residential, commercial, or specialized)
• Your target market
• Pricing strategy
• Operational structure
• Financial projections to assess startup costs, expected revenues, and profit margins.
• Marketing
• Equipment

4. Choose a cleaning business name

Creating the perfect name for your cleaning business is crucial. It not only sets the tone for your brand but also makes a memorable impression on potential customers.

The ideal name should be catchy, professional, and reflect the essence of your services.

Here are some tips to create the perfect label for your business.

Tips for Choosing a Cleaning Business Name:

1. Keep it Clear: Your name should immediately communicate what your business does. Words like “clean,” “shine,” “sparkle,” or “maid” can be effective.
2. Make it Memorable: Choose a name that’s easy to remember and pronounce. A memorable name is more likely to get word-of-mouth referrals.
3. Add a Local Touch: If you’re focusing on a specific area, consider including the name of your city, neighborhood, or region. This can make your business feel more personal and community-oriented.
4. Consider Your Web Presence: Check the availability of your business name as a domain. Having a straightforward URL can enhance your online marketing efforts.
5. Avoid Limits: While it’s good to be specific, be careful not to choose a name that could limit your business growth if you decide to expand your services or area.

10 Cleaning Business Name Ideas

• Pristine Pro Cleaners: Emphasizes a professional, thorough cleaning service.
• Sparkle Maid Service: A catchy name that highlights a shining, spotless outcome.
• EcoFresh Clean: Appeals to eco-conscious customers looking for environmentally friendly cleaning solutions.
• Hometown Shine Cleaning: Incorporates a local element while promising a bright and shiny finish.
• Elite Maids: Suggests a high-end, exclusive cleaning service.
• FreshStart Housekeeping: Implies a refreshing, new beginning for clients’ homes.
• Crystal Clear Cleaning: Uses alliteration to make the name catchy and memorable, while highlighting transparency and thoroughness.
• Neat & Tidy: A straightforward, easy-to-remember name.
• Reliable Cleaners: Emphasizes trustworthiness and quality.
• Hygiene Heroes: A fun, engaging name that positions your team as experts in making spaces clean and hygienic.

Choosing the right name is just the first step in establishing a strong brand identity for your cleaning business. Once you’ve picked a name, make sure to register it and secure the domain name to start building your online presence. Happy brainstorming!

5. Start an LLC  

Forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) is important for cleaning businesses. It provides personal liability protection, separating your personal assets from your business liabilities. This can be particularly important if you have employees or work on large commercial projects where legal risks are higher. Additionally, LLCs offer tax flexibility and a simple structure that’s easy to manage.

To start an LLC for free, I recommend ZenBusiness. It simplifies the LLC formation process by handling the paperwork, registration, and filing for you. Besides, they also offer ongoing compliance services to help you stay on top of legal obligations as your business grows.

6. Cleaning business licenses

Each state may have different requirements for business registration, licenses, and permits. Be sure to check local regulations. Cleaning services may also need specific permits for handling hazardous materials or waste disposal.

Remember that being compliant from the start will save you headaches and potential fines down the line.

7. Get cleaning business equipment

Invest in high-quality cleaning supplies. From the start, you may need the following:

• High-quality vacuum cleaners
• Mops
• Eco-friendly cleaning agents
• Tools like carpet cleaners or window washers.

Check out the list of the best vacuums for cleaning business and follow the links to see the reviews from buyers on Amazon.

Best vacuum cleaners for cleaning business

• Bissell Commercial Pro Upright Dirt Cup Vacuum
• Hoover Commercial PortaPower Vacuum Cleaner with Attachments
• Sanitaire Tradition Upright Bagged Commercial Vacuum
• Oreck Commercial XL Upright Corded Vacuum Cleaner

Best backpack vacuum for cleaning business

• Atrix VACBP1 Ergo HEPA Backpack Vacuum
• Hoover Commercial Shoulder Vac Pro Backpack Bagged Vacuum Cleaner

8. Manage your finances with accounting software

As an entrepreneur, you will have to manage tons of processes. And finances are not an exception.

FreshBooks is an excellent accounting software for small businesses.

It will do all the financial tasks for you –

• Simplify invoicing
• Track expenses
• Manages all finances in one platform.

This is especially helpful as you scale and take on more clients. It also integrates with payment platforms, making it easier for clients to pay online. So, If you want to save time – give it a try!

9. Marketing strategy for your cleaning business

I’ve analyzed the most effective marketing strategies and there are three main steps you should focus on while marketing your cleaning business.

Step 1. Create a website for cleaning business

In today’s market, having a professional website is non-negotiable.

• Go to HostGator for professional hosting
• Install WordPress with Hostgator
• Select the theme and add the information on your services, prices, and customer testimonials.
• Integrate online booking feature to increase conversions
• Optimize for local search, as most people will search for cleaning services “near me.”

Step 2. Focus on local SEO

Once you have your website ready, boost your online presence with Semrush

By focusing on local SEO, you can ensure that your business ranks high in search results when potential clients are looking for cleaning services in your area.

Semrush helps optimize your website content, track your rankings, and manage your social media marketing.

Step 3. Do paid advertising

While SEO is crucial, don’t neglect paid advertising. Invest in getting more traffic and leads.

As an option, try sponsoring community events to increase brand visibility. Distributing flyers in high-traffic areas or partnering with local real estate agents can also work well in generating leads.

10. Customer Service

• Remember, that it is much cheaper to retain customers than to acquire new ones.

Consistent, high-quality service is key to retaining clients. Make sure your team is trained not only in cleaning techniques but also in professionalism and customer care. Exceeding customer expectations should be your baseline.

Loyalty programs or referral incentives can help retain clients and bring in new ones. Offer discounts for repeat business or give clients a referral bonus for bringing in new customers.

• Collect reviews

Encourage clients to provide feedback and actively use it to improve your services. Positive reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp can make or break your business, so be sure to ask satisfied clients to leave reviews. Address any negative feedback professionally and quickly.

11. Scale your cleaning business

Once you’ve established a local presence, consider expanding to new cities or regions.

Another option is to franchise your business, creating a model others can replicate in different locations.

A key to scaling up any business is networking. Attend industry events or join cleaning industry associations. Networking with other business owners can open up new opportunities and keep you informed about trends in the cleaning sector.

Conclusion

Starting a cleaning business isn’t just about getting the right supplies. It’s about setting up an outstanding business that can grow with demand. With thoughtful planning, strategic marketing, and a focus on delivering high-quality service, you can create a successful business that not only meets your clients’ needs but scales effectively over time.

Ready to get started? The market is wide open!