Home Cleaning Business: Easy Steps to Start

With the economy being as unpredictable as it is, many people are considering starting their own business. One of the most popular types of businesses that people start for themselves or as a franchise is a home cleaning business.

This business structure can come in varying forms, for example; a residential cleaning business, a commercial cleaning business, window cleaners, carpet cleaners, or janitorial services. If you have been thinking of becoming a cleaning business owner, then read on to learn how easy it can be to get started!

You have probably heard about the gig economy, but do you know what it means? The term gig economy refers to an on-demand labor market where workers are able to work whenever they want. How does this relate to starting your own home cleaning business? If you start your own home cleaning business, then, as business owners, you can be in charge of when and how much money you make!

How to Set Up a Home Cleaning Business

Step 1: Do Your Research

Before you get started, it is important to do some research on the home cleaning business industry. Here are a few things that you should look out for while doing your research:

How much would I make per hour?
How many customers does each company have?
How far away will their locations be from my house?

Step 2: Develop A Plan

If you are serious about starting your own home cleaning business, then it is important to develop a plan before anything else.

How will I find customers?
How much do I want to make per hour?
How long will it take me to cover my start-up costs?
Is this the right job for me, and how can I tell if it’s the right job for me?
How much time will I need to work each week?
How much money do I have set aside in case things don’t go as planned?

These are all important questions that you should ask yourself before starting your own home cleaning business.

Step 3: Get Your Licenses And Permits

Before getting started, it is important to understand what licenses and permits you need in order to start your own home cleaning business.

How will I know which ones I need?
How much do they cost?
Can my friends help me get them, or should I hire a professional?

Here are some of the most common licenses and permits that every person starting their own home cleaning business needs: Business License and a Federal Tax ID Number.

Step 4: Determine The Ideal Time To Start Your Home Cleaning Business

Now that you’ve done your research on a home cleaning business, have a plan in place, and understand what licenses and permits are required for starting your own cleaning business, the last step is to determine when it would be best for you to get started.

How much time should I set aside each week?
How long will my start-up phase take before becoming profitable?
How long will it take before I can make enough money to cover my living expenses?
How much time do I want to spend marketing and bringing in new customers each week?

Step 5: Get Your Equipment Ready

You’ve done your research on the home cleaning business industry, have a plan in place, and understand the licenses and permits that are needed for starting your own home cleaning business. The next step is to get ready by purchasing any equipment or tools that you will need before getting your home cleaning business started.

How much money do I want to spend on equipment?
What should I look for when buying my equipment?
How much time should I set aside each week for buying and setting up my equipment?

You will have to initially invest in:

vacuum cleaner
detergent
cloths
disinfectant spray
mop and bucket
duster
dust pans
litter picker
gloves
all-purpose cleaner
paper towels

Step 6: Find The Right Customers

The next step to starting your own home cleaning business is finding the right customers.

How will you find them?
Are they going to come to me, or am I going to have to go to them?
How much will it cost me each time I service a house, and what should I charge for my cleaning services?
How long do I need to spend marketing my home cleaning business in order to find the right customers?

Step 7: Make Your Home Cleaning Business Website And Social Media Pages

Look professional and spread the word about your new business by creating a professional website and social media pages.

How much time will this take?
How many customers do I need before hiring someone to help me with my marketing efforts?
How will people know that I am the right person for them when they come across my home cleaning business online using Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.?

The easiest way to get a presence online is through one of the following recommended providers:

Go Daddy
Wix
SquareSpace
Webflow

Step 8: Choose A Business Name and Logo

Choose a business name and company logo that will attract customers to your website

How do I know what my home cleaning business name should be?
How important is it for me to trademark my company’s unique brand identity before someone else does?
What if the domain name of my website or social media pages isn’t available?

Best way to create a logo for your business is:

Canva
Graphic Designer on Fiverr or Upwork
Looka
Adobe

Step 9: Determine The Right Home Cleaning Service Rates

It is important to look professional and start marketing your new business, but it’s also very important that you determine the right prices for your services.

What are your startup costs for my home cleaning business?
How much should I charge per hour?
How many hours will my work day be each week?
How much money do I want to make every month?
Is this enough, too little, or too much?
How much money have I made in the past when working similar jobs?
How will this affect my taxes at the end of the year?
How much is advertising, workers compensation, and liability insurance?

Step 10: Get Ready To Clean!

To start off, you will need to be the one cleaning the house. How you clean will be up to your personal preference, but make sure that the customers are happy with how you do it!

After cleaning for a while and gaining experience in what works best for each customer’s home, hire someone else to help out.

Step 11: Hire An Assistant

If you are going to be doing a lot of cleaning, it might make sense to hire someone else. But while they may not be as good at the job as you would be, they will allow your home cleaning business to grow quickly and reach all different types of clients.

Having an assistant is great because they can get started right away without training; they just need to listen and learn from you. This is also another way of making more money because, depending on how much work you can handle by yourself or if your assistant does a good job with the cleaning, maybe you should hire another one!

Step 12: How To Manage Your home cleaning business From Home

Once your business starts growing, it is easy to get out of control. How you manage your business from home will be up to you and what works best for your cleaning company’s needs.

The important thing here is that the management should not take time away from running the business or doing other things like picking up supplies so that they are there when needed.

Step 13: Make Marketing Plans To Get More Customers & Increase Your Sales

Now that you are ready to market your new business, it’s time to create a marketing plan.

How much money should I spend each week on marketing?
How long should my campaign last?
How will I let people know that there is a new home cleaning company in town and that they are the best choice for their needs?
It’s important to market yourself, but it’s also very important not to overspend. How much is too much?
How can I market myself in a way that will bring the most customers to my business and get them interested in my cleaning services?

These are all questions you should ask yourself when making your marketing plan. If you’re not sure where to start, then there’s no shame in taking some time-out and hiring an expert in marketing to help you create your plan.

That’s the best part about starting a home cleaning business; there are so many different ways of doing things and bringing new customers into your door, but only through trial and error will you find out what works best for you.

Step 14: Make A Profit

Once you have found a system that works for your cleaning business, it’s time to make some money!

How much is too much?
How can I create an affordable pricing structure so that my customers are happy but I’m still making enough profits in the end?
How many hours will be required to clean the house?
How much money do I need to take home after buying supplies?

Keep in mind that you will have tax write-offs for all of your business expenses, but remember, it’s never too early to start thinking about taxes!

Step 15: How To Maintain Your Home Cleaning Business By Staying Organized

When you first start your cleaning company, most of the time will be spent learning how to do it correctly.

How can I make sure that my customers are happy without having too many problems?
How hard is this going to be for me, and what if I don’t like doing it?
How can I make my house cleaning business run smoothly?
How much time is going to be required of me each week, and how long will it take until I get a handle on things?
How can I keep track of my money and expenses without a problem?

Step 16: How To Keep Your House Cleaning Business Going Long Term

Once you have been doing this home cleaning business for a while, it’s easy to fall into the routine of just showing up at someone’s house with your supplies and cleaning their home without putting a lot of thought into what you’re doing.

How can I make sure that my customers are always getting the best service possible?
How do I go above and beyond their expectations every time they book with me?

The key to keeping your business going for as long as possible is by making sure that each customer has an amazing experience with you and always looks forward to having you back.

How can I go above and beyond with my cleaning services so that everyone is happy?
How do I keep the customers coming back for more?
What if they don’t come back after one time?

Customer service is something that most people in business forget about these days, but it’s what will keep your business afloat even if the rest of the world is falling to pieces around you.

How can I make sure that my customers are always happy?
How do I keep them coming back for more and becoming regulars so they tell their friends about me?

Step 17: Register Your Cleaning Business

In order for your business to be considered legitimate, you will need to register with the state as a cleaning company.

How do I make sure that my house cleaning services are always legal?
How much time is going to be required of me in this process, and how can it affect me down the road if I don’t follow through?

Make sure that you understand what is required of your business and how to go about doing it, so nothing gets lost in the process.

How do I make sure my cleaning services are legit?
How can I stay organized during this whole process so nothing slips through the cracks?

The best way to move forward is by writing a company mission statement and business plan. Decide whether to register as an LLC (limited liability company) or as a sole proprietorship. Seek business advice from the internet or local business startup support from the government.

Step 18- How To Do Your Bookkeeping

One of the most important parts about starting your own home cleaning business is learning how to do all of your bookkeeping. How can I keep track of my money and expenses so that everything balances in the end? How much time will this take out of my day?

A great way to make sure you don’t forget anything is to use accounting software such as;

Quickbooks
Xero
Sage
Freshbooks
Wave

If you aren’t good with numbers, this might be a difficult part of setting up your own business. But How can I keep track of my money and income so that nothing is missed? How much time will this take out of my day?

Step 19: How to Pay The Cleaning Crew Their Salary And Benefits

Once you have figured out how much money your business makes, you’ll need to work out the finances behind it.

How can I make sure that my employees are getting paid properly?
How do I set up payroll in a way so they get the right amount of pay with all of the taxes coming out correctly every time?

The best way to accomplish this is by choosing one of the following Payroll softwares:

Gusto
Sage
Paychex Flex
QuickBooks Payroll
Workful
OnPay

What types of business insurance should I have?

It’s a good idea to make sure that your cleaning company has adequate liability coverage in case someone is injured while they are at your workspace.

How can I make sure that my business is protected?

The most popular small business insurers are;

Hiscox
Axa
Allianz
AmTrust

Why start a cleaning business?

A cleaning business is usually a good bet for a business because there are low overheads, almost none of the usual operating costs, and reliable demand.

How do you stay motivated when starting your own home cleaning company?

It is important that you find something that will keep you motivated during those tough times, like creating a vision board or sharing your story with friends and family members who believe in your passion.

How am I going to stay motivated during the first few months, or even years?
How am I going to keep up with everything so nothing gets left behind?
How many hours will I need to work, and at what time of the day?

What kind of clients should you look for when starting a cleaning business?

The best kind of clients to look for are those who live in a specific area. How much you charge them will depend on how far away they live from your home and what services they need.

How much you choose to charge can make or break your business, so it is important that you take time to research the prices charged by other cleaning companies in your area.

How much you choose to charge can make or break your business, so it is important that you take time to research the prices charged by other cleaning companies in your area. You might also want to keep all your clients in one area so that you can be the most productive during your day.

What Type of Cleaning Business; Franchise or Independent?

When choosing between opening a franchise business or an independent business, there are a few things to consider.

How much money do you have to put into your business?
How much time are you willing to invest in the development of your business?
How much risk can you handle?
If any of these questions seem overwhelming, it might be a good idea for you to consider purchasing an existing franchise.

What are the best cleaning franchises?

Maid2Clean

Maid2Clean offers the best value franchise in the industry. The cost to open a maid service business is $19,995 for your territory, which includes all equipment needed.

Merry Maids

Merry Maids is the largest and fastest growing franchisor in North America. The cost to open a Merry Maids franchise business is $29,995 for your territory, which includes all equipment needed.

Domestique

Domestique is a reputable, national franchise that offers more than just maid service. The cost to open a Domestique business ranges from $41,500 – $57,000.

Housekeeper USA

The HouseKeeperUSA franchise started with the idea of offering great deals on basic cleaning services while keeping the customer’s home safe and healthy. The cost to open a HouseKeeperUSA business ranges from $30,000 – $41,500.

Maid Brigade

The MaidBrigade franchise has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Starting your own cleaning service with this company will allow you to provide services such as: ironing, housekeeping, and more. The cost to open a MaidBrigade franchise business ranges from $40,000 – $58,500.

MaidPro

The MaidPro franchise has been around for over 35 years, serving homeowners in the United States and Canada with their cleaning needs. Starting your own cleaning service will allow you to provide services such as ironing, housekeeping, and more. The cost to open a MaidPro franchise business ranges from $40,000 – $58,500.

Thomas Cleaning

Thomas Cleaning offers an affordable way to become your own boss. The cost to open a Thomas cleaning business is $25,000 for the territory and includes all training required.

Green Machine Cleaning

Green Machine Cleaning takes the hassle out of finding reliable staff for your cleaning service. The cost to open a Green Machine Cleaner business is $49,500 which includes all equipment needed.

Kleen Team USA

The Kleen Team USA franchise has over 25 years in the industry and has experienced team members that are ready to help you grow your business. The cost to open a Kleen Team USA cleaning service is $24,500 for the territory, which includes all equipment and training needed.

How do I expand my cleaning business?

There are lots of ways to grow your cleaning business. One of the most obvious ways is to offer a range of services. For example;

Deep Cleaning Service

Deep cleaning provides a thorough clean of the workspace and is great for spring cleaning before an open home or a big move out. It usually involves cleaning out all cupboards, fridges, and ovens. A higher hourly rate is usually charged for this service.

End of Lease Cleaning

End-of-lease cleaners make sure that your new rental space looks like it was never lived in by previous tenants. This service typically includes windows, walls, and ceilings, as well as floors, bathrooms, and kitchens. Again, a higher hourly rate is charged for this service.

Hoarding Cleanup

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of clutter in your home, a hoarding cleanup might be just what you need. Your professional cleaning company can help with decluttering and sanitizing the space before it’s ready for move-in.

Window Cleaning

Customers will be impressed with sparkling windows, and you can charge $20 or more for this service depending on how much time it takes to complete the job.

Ironing and Laundry Service

Not all cleaning companies offer laundry services, but they can be a great addition to your business. Customers who don’t have the time or equipment required for ironing will appreciate this service, and you can charge more if it requires extra effort on your part, such as traveling outside of the area where you work.

Vacation Rental Cleaning Service

With the rise of Air BnB and other vacation rental websites, there is an increasing demand for clean and presentable properties.

Many of these types of owners will outsource their cleaning needs to professional companies like yours. By offering this service, you can help your customers keep on top of the maintenance required while they are away from home, which means that when they come back, everything looks great. How much you charge for this service will depend on the size of the property and how many rooms need to be cleaned.

Commercial cleaning

Many cleaning companies offer commercial services to businesses. How much you charge for this service will depend on the size of your customer’s business and how many hours per week they require help with their floors, bathrooms, etc.

Packaging Service

If you have products that need packaging before being sold or shipped out, consider offering a packing service. as well as a cleaning service. How much you charge for this will depend on the amount of work involved and the types of products being packaged.

Hazardous Waste Cleanup

Hazardous waste cleanup is often required after a natural disaster such as flood, fire, or earthquake. How much you charge for this service will depend on how many services you provide and the size of your customer’s property.

Be prepared before disasters strike by researching what hazardous materials are commonly found in homes, offices, etc., so that you can be ready to offer a cleanup service when it’s needed.

FAQs

Is it worth starting a home cleaning business?

What you are really asking Does the reward merit the effort? How much extra money can you make, and how much time would it take? How does starting a home cleaning business compare with having another job, or doing some other kind of work? Is being your own boss important to you? Nobody else will ever have more interest in the success of your home-based business than you. It is up to you to decide if starting a home cleaning business is worth it.

How much money can a cleaning business make?

A do-it-yourself cleaning business can be very profitable. How much you make will depend on how many customers you have, what services they need, and the prices you charge them. If done right, it is possible to earn up to $20 an hour or more for your time doing light housekeeping tasks such as dusting furniture, vacuuming, making beds, and doing laundry.

How much you make will depend on how many customers you have, what services they need, and the prices that you charge them. If done right, it is possible to earn up to $20 an hour or more for your time doing light housekeeping tasks such as dusting furniture, vacuuming, making beds, and doing laundry.

What are the best eco-friendly cleaning products to use?

By choosing to clean with eco-friendly products, your cleaning business could stand out from the crowd.

The most popular brands of eco-friendly detergents are:

Method
Ecover
Bio-D
Seventh Generation
Eco-Zone

How much does it cost to start a home cleaning business?

You will need to invest in equipment like cleaning supplies, furniture polish, laundry detergent, and garbage bags. How much you choose to spend on these things is up to you, but if your customers are not impressed with the quality of the products that they receive, it could damage or slow down your business growth. You can save money by purchasing generic brands at the grocery store or big box discount stores such as Walmart.

You will also need to purchase a website and pay for web hosting, which typically costs less than $100 per year. How much you choose to spend on these things is up to you, but if your customers are not impressed with the quality of the products that they receive, it could damage or slow down your business growth. You can save money by purchasing generic brands at the grocery store or big box discount stores such as Walmart.

In Conclusion

There are lots of ways to grow your cleaning business. It’s a great business model as it offers the flexibility to work when you want and the ability to be your own boss. There’s always a market for this service, and there are plenty of franchise opportunities if you need support setting it up.

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