How to Start a House Cleaning Business in 5 Simple Steps [(2024) Update]

A cleaning business is one of the easiest organizations to set up.

You don’t need a lot of experience in the field to launch your own agency.

On top of that, there are always houses that are in need of scrubbing.

That means there are plenty of opportunities for new ventures to enter the market.

So, if you’re wondering how to start a house cleaning business, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about beginning the business.

We’ll also discuss the major benefits of running this type of venture.

How Profitable Is Owning a House Cleaning Business?

According to ZipRecruiter, maids and housekeeping cleaners make around $58,898 annually.

Since there aren’t many overhead costs, most of this sum is profit.

That means, if you operate on your own, you stand to make around $40,000 a year.

Add to that the low running costs of the business, and you can start generating profit straight away.

To boost your revenue, you can also decide to hire a few helping hands.

Initially, they’ll increase your expenses, but they’ll help you expand the scope of your company.

This, in turn, should lead to more income in the long run.

With five extra employees, you can make anywhere between $90,000 and $120,000.

What You’ll Need to Start a House Cleaning Business [& Associated Costs]

In this section, we’ll cover the costs of creating the new venture.

Let’s take a look at the relevant expenses of starting a cleaning business.

1. Licensing

One of the first expenses you’ll make is to acquire a few licenses. These will allow you to run the cleaning agency legally. The pricing of permits can change depending on where you live. Usually, it’ll cost somewhere between $100 to $500.

2. Insurance

When you’re cleaning houses, there’s always a chance you may drop an item.

So, to ensure you don’t have to worry about lawsuits, a good insurance plan is crucial. It’ll protect you and your business from liability. This can cost up to $3,500.

3. Equipment and Supplies

To clean any space, you’ll need a wide variety of tools. Depending on the type of cleaning you plan on doing, this can change.

For standard equipment and supplies, the expenses can add up to almost $5,000.

4. Transportation

Traveling from one appointment to the next will cost money. You also need to take into account the transportation of equipment.

Based on the distances you have to travel, this can run you anywhere between $2,000 and $3,500.

5. Labor

Some cleaning jobs are too large for one person to handle on their own. Because of that, you should hire an employee to help you out. A typical salary will be about $2,500.

6. Start-up Fees

There are some expense fees you should take into account. To register the business and open up bank accounts, you’ll need a budget of $200 to $300.

7. Marketing

One of the toughest aspects of starting a new business is building up a client list.

The easiest way to do that quickly is through advertising. Your initial marketing budget should be around $500 to $1,000.

Do I Need a License or Certificates to Start a House Cleaning Business?

To successfully launch and run a house cleaning business, you need a few permits.

First and foremost, all these ventures should apply for a business license. This will allow them to operate legally and register the company.

Plus, you’ll need the documents to pay taxes and open up corporate bank accounts.

Other than that, some states require cleaners to sign up for special licenses or bonds. The extra paperwork will allow them to work in certain areas for specific clients.

Finally, insurance is a must. There are many areas where you need a policy in place before you can start working.

Why You Should Consider Starting a House Cleaning Business as a Side Hustle

There are plenty of reasons to launch a house cleaning company.

Let’s take a look at why these businesses are incredibly popular.

• Easy Start-up: Cleaning businesses are typically a breeze to set up. Once you have your licenses, you’re free to head out on your first job.
• No Experience Required: You don’t need previous work history in the field to launch the company. There are no job or educational requirements that you have to meet.
• Many Potential Clients: Cleaning is a universal service that most households need consistently. That means, there are plenty of house cleaning jobs all around.
• Flexible Schedule: When you’re self-employed, you get to choose your schedule. You can decide between the morning and night shifts and pick your clients.

How to Start a House Cleaning Business in 5 Simple Steps

With the main expenses out of the way, let’s jump into what you need to do.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to enter the house cleaning industry.

Step 1: Brainstorming Session

Starting a new small business can be a daunting and unnerving experience.

There are countless details you need to account for in a short period.

For that reason, the first step of the process is a brainstorming session.

During this section, you’ll spend a little time considering how you’ll run your company.

To start off, you have to choose a name.

Think of a title that’ll represent you and attract new clients.

Other than that, decide on the services you’ll provide.

Some options are:

• Residential cleaning
• Commercial cleaning
• Airbnb-focused cleaning service
• Deep cleaning
• Spring cleaning
• Window cleaning

Finally, decide on the pricing of your services. This can be a bit tricky, so it’s best to do a little market research.

Examine your competitors and check out how much they charge for different services.

Step 2: Apply for Permits and Licenses

Some organizations take an incredibly long time to issue permits and licenses.

Usually, the process lasts anywhere between 3 and 18 months. For that reason, it’s a good idea to apply for the documents as soon as possible.

At this stage, a business plan isn’t necessary, but it’ll make the process much simpler. It’ll outline your operational needs and help you keep track of the permits you need.

Once you have your license, don’t forget to register your business.

Step 3: Buy Your Supplies

Most of us have a few cleaning products lying around the house.

While this is a great start, these supplies won’t be enough to start a business. So, it’s time for a quick shopping spree.

Although, before you head to the store, make a list of all the items you need.

Focus on tools and equipment that are absolutely necessary for operation. For example, a window cleaner will need a glass scraper.

Creating this list will help you stay focused and on budget.

Step 4: Marketing and Advertising

To pull in clients, you’ll need a strong marketing campaign.

There are quite a few routes you can take depending on your budget.

For an affordable option, you can opt for flyers and brochures. These will only cost a few hundred dollars, yet they have a limited reach.

Other choices include social media campaigns and starting your own website. Those solutions are pricier, but they’ll increase your potential client list.

Step 5: Start Working

With the previous steps, you’re ready to launch the cleaning business.

You should have everything you need to operate.

All that’s left is to book your first appointment and head out to work.

Things to Consider When Building a House Cleaning Business

Besides expenses and licensing, there are a few considerations you have to make.

Here’s a look at what you’ll need to keep in mind when starting a house cleaning business.

Can You Run a House Cleaning Business by Yourself?

Operating a cleaning company on your own is possible, but it’ll be challenging.

You have to run the appointments log by yourself and then head out and spend your day scrubbing.

That’s why most people will launch with at least one other staff member. This will allow you to focus on certain tasks to avoid overexertion.

Client Privacy

As a cleaning business owner, chances are you may have to enter client homes regularly.

You’ll also get access to most of their private spaces. As you can imagine, nobody likes airing out their dirty laundry.

So, privacy is an essential part of house cleaning.

Inspiration: House Cleaning Business Ideas

To help you get started on your journey, here are a few cleaning business ideas.

• Pool Cleaning: Pools and other small bodies of water are usually easy to clean. You’ll be able to book several appointments a day, and you can complete the jobs on your own.
• Organization and Decluttering: Other than cleaning, some people need help organizing. This service involves less heavy lifting, but it’s more mentally taxing.
• Carpet Cleaning: Scrubbing rugs and mats is a tough chore, but it can be profitable. Offer a deep clean for carpets to your clients to boost your revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Similar Businesses to Consider Starting

If you’re still unsure about starting a house cleaning business, here are a few similar ventures.

• How to Start a Pressure Washing Business: This is a specialized version of house cleaning. It’ll allow you to scrub more areas in a shorter time frame.
• How to Start a Lawn Care Business: Taking care of someone’s front yard is easier than home cleaning. Sadly, that means they tend to turn less of a profit.
• How to Start a Car Detailing Business: Detailing requires a lot more skill than cleaning. That’s why the business can pull in a lot of revenue.

Wrapping Up

Figuring out how to start a house cleaning business can be tricky. Luckily, our guide walks you through everything you need to know.

To kick off, start with a brainstorming session. Then, apply for your licenses and buy cleaning supplies. After that, you can advertise and open up your company doors.

Did our guide help you launch a house-cleaning business? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to share the article.