How to Start a Cleaning Business in 2025: Step by Step Guide
Must-Know Insights
- Niche focus matters – Picking the right type of cleaning service shapes your tools, schedule, and target clients.
- Demand research is essential – Validating local need prevents wasted effort and helps find where paying clients actually are.
- Simple planning works best – A short business plan with clear goals and budget keeps you on track without overcomplicating.
- Legal setup builds trust – Registering properly and having insurance gives your business legitimacy and protects your assets.
- Online visibility drives growth – A basic website, strong reviews, and a Google Business listing are key to getting clients early on.
Starting a cleaning business is one of the smartest moves you can make. It doesn’t take a huge investment, and you don’t need a degree or years of experience to begin. In fact, if you’re reliable, detail-oriented, and ready to work, you already have what it takes to get started.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to start a cleaning business, from setting up legally to finding your first clients. Whether you want to work solo or eventually build a team, this article gives you the practical steps and tools to do it right.
Table of Contents
How to Start a Cleaning Business
So while I’d love to tell you that you can just jump in and start taking clients tomorrow, there are a few things you need to get in place first. Starting a cleaning business is simple, but it still requires some planning if you want it to last.
So let’s take it one step at a time.
Step 1: Decide What Kind of Cleaning You’ll Do
You probably already have a general idea of the kind of cleaning you want to offer, but now is the time to get really specific. Not all cleaning businesses are the same. Some focus on residential homes, others take on office buildings or commercial spaces.
Each type of cleaning service requires different tools, pricing strategies, and expectations. For example, residential cleaning usually means smaller jobs you can handle alone or with one helper while commercial cleaning often involves larger spaces, later hours, and stricter insurance requirements.
So take a couple of minutes and think about what people need in your area, what kind of jobs you’d enjoy doing, and what fits your availability. This decision will guide how you run your business, what supplies you buy, and how you reach new clients.
Step 2: Check If There’s Demand in Your Area
This is one of the most important steps, and honestly, a lot of people skip it. Before you spend money on supplies or marketing, take a little time to see if people in your area actually need the kind of cleaning service you plan to offer.
A great place to start is the U.S. Census website. It gives you a clear picture of the population, income levels, and types of businesses in your city or zip code. This helps you figure out if there are enough households or companies that could afford and need cleaning help.
You can also:
- Search for similar services on Google and check how many are nearby
- Browse local Facebook groups to see what people are asking for
- Post in community forums to offer your services and see who responds
- Look at Yelp or Google Reviews to find out how busy your competitors are
This is important, in my opinion, because you probably don’t want to start a business in an area where most people either can’t afford a cleaner or simply don’t need the service. That doesn’t mean you can’t succeed, it just means you may need to drive to a different neighborhood.
Pro Tip: Start with Your Network
The best way to start a new cleaning business with little to no money is to build a strong local network.
That means showing up, talking to people, and getting your name in their ear. Let friends, neighbors, and community members know what you offer—you never know who might need a cleaner.
Step 3: Write a Simple Business Plan
You don’t need anything fancy here. A simple business plan is just a short document that helps you stay focused and clear on what you’re trying to build.
Start with the basics:
- What type of cleaning you’ll offer
- The areas or neighborhoods you’ll serve
- How much you plan to charge
- Your monthly income goals
You should also estimate your startup budget. In most cases, you can start a solo cleaning business for under $2,000. That includes things like basic supplies, insurance, marketing, and gas for driving to jobs.
Besides the budget, include a few key things like:
- How you’ll find your first clients
- What makes your business different
- Your plan for growing in the first 6 to 12 months
You can keep it on one page. The goal is just to get your ideas out of your head and into a plan you can actually follow.
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Step 4: Pick a Business Name and Decide How to Legally Set It Up
This is where things start to feel real. Picking a name makes your business feel official and gives it a clear identity. I suggest starting with something simple, professional, and easy to remember. You don’t need anything flashy—just a name that tells people what you do.
Names like Bright House Cleaning or Metro Maid Services work well. Steer clear of anything that’s hard to spell, overly long, or too similar to other local businesses.
Here are a few tips for picking a name:
- Keep it short and clear
- Use words like “cleaning,” “maid,” or “services”
- Check that the name isn’t already taken in your state
- Look up the domain name to see if it’s available
- Do a quick Google search to avoid any brand confusion
Once you’ve got your name, it’s time to choose your business structure. Most cleaning businesses start as either a sole proprietorship or an LLC. If you’re just getting started and want something fast and simple, a sole proprietorship is fine. But if you’re thinking about long-term growth and protecting your personal assets, I’d recommend going with an LLC.
To make it official, you’ll need to:
- Register your name and business structure with your state
- Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
- Open a separate bank account for your business
Depending on your location, you may also need:
- A local business license
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ comp if you plan to hire anyone
Getting these basics in place protects you as you grow.
Step 5: Get the Basic Cleaning Supplies You Need
As I mentioned earlier, the supplies you need will depend on the type of cleaning service you offer. Residential jobs usually require lightweight, all-purpose tools. Commercial cleaning may need heavier-duty gear and a cart or bag to carry it.
Here’s a basic list to get you started for residential cleaning:
- Vacuum (corded or cordless)
- Mop and bucket
- Microfiber cloths
- Gloves and masks
- Spray bottles
- All-purpose and disinfectant cleaners
- Trash bags
- Scrub brushes or sponges
If you’re doing commercial cleaning, you might also want:
- A rolling bag or cart to carry equipment
- Larger trash can liners
- Floor buffers or industrial vacuums (depending on the job)
You don’t need to buy everything brand new. In my opinion, it’s totally fine to start with what you can afford. Used vacuums and carts can work just as well—just make sure they’re clean, reliable, and safe to use.
Your goal right now is to get the essentials that help you do a great job, without overspending. You can always upgrade as you grow.
Pro Tip: Borrow Instead of Buy
You don’t need to own every supply on day one.
Ask friends or family if they have vacuums, buckets, or extra towels you can borrow to get started.
Step 6: Set Up Your Website and Google Business Page
If you want people to find your cleaning business, you need to show up online. A simple website and a Google Business page go a long way when you’re just getting started.
Your website doesn’t need to be fancy. One page is enough as long as it includes:
- Your services
- The areas you cover
- Your phone number or contact form
- A few reviews once you get them
You can build it yourself using platforms like Wix or Squarespace or hire someone if it fits your budget.
Now for the important part—get your business listed on Google. Go to Google Business Profile and fill out your info. This helps you show up in local searches when someone types “cleaning service near me.”
Step 7: Offer Trial Services and Gather Reviews
When you’re just starting out, one of the most valuable things you can get is a review. It builds trust, makes your business look more credible, and helps new clients feel confident booking with you.
A smart way to earn those first reviews is by offering free or discounted trial cleanings. In exchange, ask for a written review on Google or Facebook. Just make sure you give them your best work. First impressions matter.
You can also use trial jobs to create marketing content. For example:
- Record a quick before-and-after video
- Take photos of the space once it’s clean
- Film yourself explaining how you handle a specific task like baseboards or kitchen sinks
These videos work great on social media and help people see the quality of your work. In my opinion, even doing just 2 or 3 trial jobs like this can give you the reviews and content you need to look professional online.
Start small, show your best work, and ask happy clients to spread the word.
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Pros and Cons of Starting a Cleaning Business
At this point, you’ve got a clear idea of how to get started. But before you dive in, it’s a good idea to look at the pros and cons. Knowing both sides can help you decide if this is the right move for you—and help you plan better for what’s ahead.
Pros of Starting a Cleaning Business
- Consistent Year-Round Demand: People always need cleaning help—whether it’s homeowners, renters, or businesses. The work doesn’t slow down much with the seasons.
- Low Barrier to Entry: You don’t need a license in most areas, and you can start with basic supplies. No degree or special certification required.
- Scalable from Solo to Team: You can start out working on your own, then hire help or take on bigger jobs once you’ve built a steady client base.
- Recession-Resistant Service: Even during tough times, people still need clean spaces, especially businesses, landlords, and short-term rentals.
Pro Tip: Offer Add-Ons for Extra Income
Once you have a client, upsell small extras like oven cleaning, fridge wipes, or laundry folding.
These take little time but can boost your earnings fast.
Cons of Starting a Cleaning Business
- Physically Demanding Work: Cleaning can be hard on your body, especially if you’re doing it full-time. It helps to stay organized and use tools that make the job easier.
- You May Start Slow: It can take time to build up a client base, especially if you’re starting from scratch and don’t have referrals yet.
- You’ll Wear Many Hats: At first, you’ll be the cleaner, scheduler, bookkeeper, and marketer all at once. It takes time to build systems that save you time.
- Client Expectations Can Be High: Some clients may expect more than what was agreed on, especially if there’s no service agreement in place. Clear communication helps avoid issues.
Final Tips Before You Launch
You don’t need everything to be perfect before you start. In fact, waiting until it’s perfect might hold you back. The most important thing is to stay focused, take action, and keep learning as you go. Here are a few tips I wish someone had told me before I launched my own cleaning business:
- Start simple and focused: Don’t overthink your logo, website, or business cards. Just focus on doing great work and getting your first few clients.
- Prioritize great service: A good job speaks louder than any ad. Be on time, communicate clearly, and clean like it’s your own home.
- Track everything early: Keep track of expenses, income, mileage, and client info from day one. It’ll save you a lot of stress later.
- Reviews over Ads: In the beginning, five great reviews will help you more than $500 in ads. Ask for them and make it easy for people to leave one.
- Start before you feel ready: You’ll never feel 100% ready—and that’s okay. Learn as you go, improve along the way, and take the first step now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Start as an LLC?
If you’re serious about your cleaning business and want to protect your personal assets, I’d recommend starting as an LLC. It’s a bit more paperwork upfront, but it separates your business from your personal finances and gives you some legal protection. If you’re just testing the waters, a sole proprietorship is fine to start—but be ready to upgrade later.
Should I Start as an LLC?
In most places, you don’t need a special license just to clean houses. But you may still need a general business license depending on your city or county. It’s best to check with your local clerk’s office or small business department to be sure. Some cities also require a permit to operate from home, especially if you’re storing supplies.
What Kind of Insurance Do I Need?
At a minimum, get general liability insurance. It protects you if you accidentally break something or if someone gets hurt because of your work. As you grow, consider adding:
- Bonding – helps build trust with clients, especially for commercial jobs
- Workers’ comp – required in most states if you hire employees
What Should I Charge?
Rates vary based on where you live and what kind of cleaning you offer. For solo residential cleaning, most people charge between $30 to $60 per hour. For flat-rate pricing, start by estimating how long a job will take, then multiply by your hourly rate. Over time, you’ll get better at quoting based on size, condition, and client expectations.
What’s the Best Way to Get First Clients?
In my opinion, the best way to get your first few clients is to start local and lean on your network. Here’s what works:
- Offer a free or discounted trial clean
- Ask for referrals and reviews from happy customers
- Post in local Facebook groups and community boards
- Leave flyers at coffee shops, laundromats, or apartment complexes
- Claim your Google Business Profile and ask early clients to leave reviews
You don’t need a big ad budget to get started—you just need a few happy clients who’ll spread the word.
Edgardo Ocampo
Edgardo is a digital marketing strategist with over 15 years of experience in SEO, paid advertising, and content writing. He helps entrepreneurs grow service-based businesses through smart, practical marketing strategies that get results.
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