How to Start A Cleaning Business: A Complete Guide

What is a Cleaning Business

A cleaning business is a niche market providing services to individual or commercial clients. These services could range from dusting and vacuuming to cleaning bathrooms in one’s home. They can also be more precise for commercial needs, such as office cleaning, industrial cleaning, and sanitation. 

A cleaning business ensures homes, offices, and public places are fit for human residence, security, and well-being by providing cleanliness and sanitation services. Their services encompass suitable mechanisms and techniques that will not damage surfaces and materials, ensuring the lifespan of spaces and items cleaned. 

9 Easy Steps to Starting a Cleaning Business

Starting a cleaning business can offer a reliable income stream for entrepreneurs and individuals entering this field. To get your cleaning business up and running, here are ten steps you should consider:

1. Conduct market research 

Before entering the cleaning industry, research your target market and the services offered in your area and community. Learn from customer reviews and look for complaints. From there, you can start planning how to improve your services compared to competitors. 

You can also offer extra services that other businesses in your area do not provide. Understanding these market gaps will set your business apart. Some market research you can do is as follows: 

• interviews

• surveys

• analyzing government statistics

• check pay-to-access market reports

From there, you can get an idea of the market gap and then come up with suitable cleaning services. 

2. Choose a cleaning business niche 

After conducting the necessary research, you need to determine your specialty or niche in the cleaning industry. Ask yourself these questions to come up with the right niche for you: 

• Do I have a background in this specific niche? 

• Does this niche have less competition in my area?

• What niche has high demand around the community I’ll serve?

Residential Cleaning 

Residential cleaning serves individual homes and other residential areas. This niche primarily involves cleaning the entire home and can include customized services like routine or carpet cleaning based on client preference. Unlike specializing in a single service, residential cleaning is more of a broad category, as it encompasses a variety of general cleaning services for residential properties.

Commercial 

When you choose a commercial cleaning business, you will handle commercial spaces such as offices, hospitals, hotels, schools, retail stores, and other spaces where businesses operate. Similar to residential cleaning, you offer broad cleaning services that depend on commercial clients' needs. 

Given the more expansive and larger spaces involved, it would be practical to provide various services catering to the needs of these spaces. Offering a comprehensive suite of services can prevent clients from turning to competitors for cleaning needs you don't cover.

Specialty Niche

You can start several cleaning business niches, such as deep cleaning, pressure washing, window cleaning, and more. Try to do a competitor analysis and look for services your competitors don’t offer but are in demand in your community. 

Read More: Residential Cleaning vs Commercial Cleaning

3. Choose a business structure 

After understanding your target market and choosing a cleaning business niche, choose a business structure. You need to determine what is your business structure when processing your registration. 

• A sole proprietorship is excellent if you want to control your business altogether. Here, you are liable for all the business’s obligations.  

• You may opt for a partnership if you launch your cleaning business with two or more people. 

• A limited liability company (LLC) is the best option for medium or higher-risk businesses and if you want a lower tax rate compared to a corporation

4. Create a budget plan  

Having a detailed budget plan will help you to manage your start-up and ongoing costs effectively. Here are some primary expenses when starting a cleaning business: 

Transportation

Transportation is one of the primary expenses of cleaning services. Since clients won’t come to your office to have their space cleaned, you must shoulder the transportation costs to your client’s location. 

Supplies

Cleaning supplies are another major expense when starting a cleaning business. The cost will depend on the size of your business and the services you offer. You can start by purchasing supplies in retail. Look for suppliers that can offer discounts even when you are not buying in bulk. 

They might need proof that your business is registered to offer discounts for your loyalty as a customer. After growing and expanding your business, you may purchase supplies in bulk, which will give you more. 

Equipment

Cleaning business equipment is another expense to include in your budget when you start. Unless you already have access to the necessary equipment, machines, and technologies, cleaning agents for carpets and flooring are another cost factor.  

Software

Including business software in your budget can be cost-effective, allowing you to automate most of your processes. For instance, cleaning business software can automate booking and invoicing for each client, removing the need to schedule them manually. Additionally, you may send an invoice upfront when they fill out forms and provide the necessary information after booking. 

5. Set up your cleaning service’s rates

Setting your cleaning service’s rates is essential in determining whether you’ll get a return on investment.  Typically, you can choose between: 

• hourly rate

• flat rate

• room rate

• square foot rate 

If you plan to serve residential homes, starting with an hourly rate and transitioning to a flat rate afterward is better. Meanwhile, a room or square foot rate might be the better option for commercial clients. 

6. Register your business

To operate legally, you need to register your cleaning business. Don’t consider it a waste of money as this will give you more credibility. Clients will trust your business when they know you adhere to the state’s regulations. 

• Register your business name and ensure it is not yet used by others. 

• Get necessary permits and licenses. Licensing requirements vary depending on location. Typically, you need to have a general business license for your cleaning business. 

• You also need to obtain an employer identification number (EIN) to register your business. This number will serve as an identifier for tax purposes and any financial transactions. 

Read more: Cleaning Business Insurance: Why Do You Need It?

7. Hire and train cleaners

After business registration, you may start hiring staff and cleaners for your cleaning business. Hiring cleaners will make you more productive, as you can accomplish cleaning jobs quickly. Also, consider training your cleaning staff continuously so clients will get the best services they need. In return, they will be your loyal customers and may also refer your cleaning business for providing excellent services. 

8. Promote and market your cleaning business

Effective marketing strategies allow your cleaning business to grow client-based. There are several strategies you can use to promote your business. 

Website and Online Listings 

Having a professional website and being listed on platforms such as Google My Business and Yelp will make it easy for potential customers to find you. Implementing search engine optimization (SEO) strategies can also help your website rank higher in search engine results.  

Adding your website with relevant, keyword-optimized content, such as blog posts about cleaning tips, environmental safety measures, or client testimonials, enriches your site and drives engagement. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your online listings and respond promptly to any feedback to build trust and credibility with prospective clients.

Social Media Advertising 

Social media marketing is another effective strategy for expanding your cleaning business's reach. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn offer effective tools to engage directly with your target audience, showcase your services, and share customer testimonials and before-and-after photos. 

Regularly updating your social media with engaging content, promotional offers, and helpful cleaning tips can help build your brand's presence online. Additionally, you can run targeted advertisements using these platforms to reach the appropriate audience. Consistently interacting with your clients through social media enhances brand awareness, attracts new customers, and fosters a community around your cleaning business.

Local Advertising

To expand your reach, consider direct mail, local publications, and partnerships with real estate agents or local businesses. Local advertising offers the benefit of targeting a specific demographic within your community. By strategically placing ads in community centers, sponsoring local events, or even offering promotions through local radio stations or newspapers, you can increase your visibility among potential clients.

This strategy amplifies brand recognition and fosters a sense of community involvement and support, which can appeal to customers looking to support local businesses. Engaging with the community directly can create a loyal customer base and generate word-of-mouth referrals, significantly boosting the business’s growth and reputation.

Referral Programs

Satisfied customers can be your best advocates. Consider a referral program to incentivize word-of-mouth marketing. The power of personal recommendations, which carry significant weight in a service-oriented business like cleaning. Rewarding clients who refer new customers to your business increases the customer base and enhances customer loyalty. 

This strategy turns your existing customer base into a motivated sales force, driving new business at a lower cost than traditional advertising methods. Furthermore, referred clients are often more loyal because they start their relationship with your business based on trust in the friend or family member who recommended your services. Implementing a well-designed referral program can thus significantly help your marketing efforts. 

9. Maintain your client-based and grow your business

Your job won’t end when you promote your business and get new clients. After getting a client-based, you need to ensure they will remain your loyal customers for years. Therefore, you need to consider the following so your clients will remain loyal to your business: 

Great Customer Service

Excellent customer service like after-sales service or prompt response to inquiries about your cleaning business can make you different from competitors. It can be a game-changer in fostering loyalty and retaining clients in the highly competitive cleaning business landscape. 

When customers feel appreciated through prompt responses to inquiries and the respectful handling of concerns, they're more likely to develop a sense of attachment to your brand. This emotional connection not only encourages repeat business but also transforms satisfied clients into brand advocates. 

They become more inclined to share their positive experiences with friends and family, further extending your market reach organically. In essence, by exceeding customer service expectations, your business can develop a loyal customer base, contributing to sustained growth and enhanced market stability.

Client Retention Programs 

Loyalty programs or special service packages can be another way to keep your clients coming back. It is a potent tool for client retention, incentivizing customers to continue utilizing your services through a rewards system. By rewarding clients for their repeat business with discounts, exclusive offers, or priority service, you not only acknowledge their loyalty but also create an emotional investment in your brand. 

This kind of program transforms occasional customers into devoted followers who look forward to not just the service provided but also the benefits of remaining a loyal customer. Furthermore, such programs often encourage clients to increase their use of your services to maximize rewards, reinforcing their commitment to your brand over competitors. Essentially, loyalty programs build a mutually beneficial relationship, where customers feel valued and businesses enjoy sustained loyalty and increased lifetime value from their client base.

Personalized Services

Creating customized cleaning services to match the unique needs and preferences of each client can significantly enhance customer satisfaction. Offering personalized cleaning packages demonstrates a company's commitment to meeting its specific requirements. 

This personal touch can include accommodating special requests, adjusting cleaning schedules to suit the client's timetable, or offering environmentally friendly cleaning options for those who are eco-conscious. Personalized service also fosters a deeper connection with clients, encouraging them to remain with your service due to the bespoke experience they receive. 

Final Thoughts 

Starting and growing a successful cleaning business requires more than just the initial investment and workforce. This niche market demands dedication, creativity, and a constant strive for improvement. It is also worthwhile to experience doing the business itself to get accustomed to the job. The key to a lasting enterprise lies in building trustworthy relationships with clients and maintaining high standards of service. With these principles at the forefront, your cleaning business is set to thrive and evolve, marking its presence as a leader in the industry.