Cleaning Residential Homes

Do you find spring cleaning cathartic?

If so, you might have a lucrative opportunity on your hands. It’s easy to make money cleaning residential homes in today’s bustling gig economy.

You don’t even have to go full-time since you can turn your passion for tidying into a side hustle.

An Overview of Cleaning Residential Homes

Some people think residential cleaning gigs are all the same, but that’s not the case.

Many gigs call for regular clean-up jobs around the house, which means that you’ll need to dust surfaces, clean bathrooms, mop kitchen floors, etc.

You could also focus on specialized and detailed gigs, such as deep clean-ups or move-out cleaning. They’re harder, but the pay can be worth it.

Depending on your preference and the gig type, you can charge an hourly rate or estimate a cost for the entire job based on the square footage.

How Much Can Cleaning Residential Homes Earn You?

There’s no doubt that cleaning houses and apartments can be profitable.

The exact income changes based on the services provided, the region, the skill level, and the total work hours.

For reference, the BLS reports that the annual mean wage for maids offering services to buildings and dwellings is $31,700.

Zippia estimates that the entry-level salary is $21,000, but an experienced cleaner could earn around $37,000.

Leveraging a strong social media presence and sharing house cleaning tips online can help you make even more money from the side hustle.

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Side Hustle Cleaning Residential Homes?

The main expense for house cleaning services is the supplies.

The basic supply list (brooms, mops, microfiber cloth, etc.) can cost $200 or $300. If you plan on cleaning carpets specifically, you’ll need a bigger equipment budget, ranging from $500 and up to $2,000.

To bring down the costs, you could ask homeowners to provide the required cleaning supplies. You’ll need to bill at a lower house cleaning rate, though.

Either way, there are additional fees to consider.

Depending on where you are, starting a cleaning business could require a license. This could set you back anywhere between $50 and $200. There are also advertising fees, but you can put in as little as $5 or $10 at first.

Overall, you could start the side hustle with around $500. Note that it’s possible to go bigger and find contractors to work for you with an initial investment of $1,500.

Where Can You Find Gigs Cleaning Residential Homes?

One of the hardest parts about this side hustle is finding house cleaning jobs with trustworthy clients. Some people choose to sign up for professional cleaning companies, like Molly Maid, but that’s not the only option.

Where to Independently Find Gigs Cleaning Residential Homes

You could go solo as an individual house cleaner and advertise your services locally.

To do this, put up flyers, post on neighborhood groups on social media, or go the old-fashioned way and knock on doors.

These approaches take extra time, but they’re affordable and can help you get started.

It could also be handy to network with Airbnb hosts in your area. Cleaning Airbnb properties on the side can boost your odds of getting regular cleaning tasks.

Gig Economy Companies That Offer Gigs Cleaning Residential Homes

You’ve probably heard about people doing odd jobs around the city using platforms such as Gigwalk. You could do the same to find local clients for your new maid service.

TaskRabbit, Craigslist, Takl, Thumbtack, and Housekeeper are all good places to start.

On these platforms, you’ll find listings from homeowners looking for help with tasks and chores ranging from mopping floors to deep house cleaning.

You’ll agree on the details (hourly rate vs. flat fee for the entire house, who will bring the supplies, the expected cleaning schedule, and so on).

The gig could end up as a one-time cleaning service, but hopefully, you can extend it to become a monthly job.

Why You Should Consider Cleaning Residential Homes As a Side Hustle

The cleaning services industry is doing well in North America, and it’s growing quickly in the Asia-Pacific region. Here’s why people find the work lucrative:

• Limited Requirements: You don’t need degrees or a large initial investment to get started. Some training and basic cleaning tools will do.
• Room for Growth: As you become experienced, you can open a house cleaning company, offer advisory services, or become a professional organizer.
• Flexible Hours: Since cleaning professionals make their hours, it’s possible to squeeze in a part-time job or some college classes in your spare time.

Problems With Cleaning Residential Homes

The housekeeping side hustle isn’t without its drawbacks. Here are some challenges that both beginner and professional house cleaners deal with:

• Occupational Hazards: The deep cleaning work is physically demanding, and there’s a risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Cleaning solutions can cause permanent harm to the respiratory system as well.
• Finding Clients: Client reviews and word of mouth hold a lot of weight, and without them, you won’t be able to get more cleaning appointments. There’s also competition from larger cleaning companies to keep in mind.
• Pricing: Choosing a competitive yet profitable hourly rate isn’t easy. Other cleaners can undercut the normal cleaning rates in your area, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about the residential cleaning side hustle? Here are a couple of common inquiries to check out: