If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a business that’s steady, essential, and relatively affordable to start, the Coverall cleaning franchise might already be on your radar. Commercial cleaning isn’t flashy like food service or retail, but it has one thing those industries can’t always promise: consistency. Offices, schools, and hospitals all need to be cleaned — no matter what’s happening in the economy. That’s why Coverall has grown into one of the largest cleaning franchise systems in the U.S., with thousands of franchisees servicing over 50,000 customers.
But like any franchise opportunity, the numbers, requirements, and risks matter just as much as the appeal. Let’s break it all down so you can decide whether Coverall fits your business and financial goals.
Coverall launched in 1985 in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and has been franchising since the very beginning. Today, it has more than 8,000 franchise business owners across 90 markets in the U.S., Canada, and abroad.
The business model is simple, franchisees deliver janitorial and specialty cleaning services under the Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System, which emphasizes disinfecting and sanitation based on CDC and AORN guidelines. Services typically include:
It’s not just cleaning, it’s professional, science-based sanitation, which resonates with businesses that want healthier workplaces.
Yes, Coverall is actively recruiting new franchisees, especially in major metro areas across states like Texas, Florida, California, and Ohio. The company positions itself as an “accessible” franchise, meaning you don’t need prior cleaning or business ownership experience. Training is built in.
That said, there are minimum financial requirements:
This makes Coverall one of the lowest-cost national franchise systems to enter. It’s designed for first-time entrepreneurs who want the backing of a major brand without needing half a million dollars in startup funds.
Launching a Coverall cleaning franchise is far more affordable than most food, retail, or fitness brands. According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), here’s what you can expect:
You can realistically get started for under $20K on the low end, something almost unheard of in franchising. But that affordability comes with trade-offs, such as ongoing fees.
That 15% combined royalty plus support structure is steeper than most franchises. For context, restaurant brands usually charge 5 to 8%. It’s the price you pay for Coverall’s client pipeline and operational support.
This is where the conversation gets nuanced. The cleaning industry itself is rock-solid: businesses don’t skip janitorial contracts just because times are tough. In fact, demand often increases in periods of heightened health awareness. Coverall franchisees benefit from that demand.
But profitability depends heavily on how you operate.
Coverall doesn’t publish detailed average earnings, but third-party data points to sales-to-investment ratios around 1.5 to 1. Meaning a unit doing $60K in sales might net $40K after expenses if its run lean.
Some franchisees report strong, steady income, while others struggle with client churn and the weight of ongoing fees.
Here’s the tough part. Coverall’s 3-year failure rate is about 52%, compared to an industry average of around 13%. That’s unusually high for franchising.
Why so many closures? It’s mostly attributed to:
The opportunity is real, but success leans heavily on your ability to retain clients and manage costs tightly.
Despite the risks, thousands of entrepreneurs choose Coverall every year. Why?
If you want independence, work-life flexibility, and the backing of a known brand, Coverall checks a lot of boxes, just be realistic about the grind behind the scenes.
Coverall pitches itself as a “business-in-a-box” for cleaning entrepreneurs. Franchisees receive:
Coverall lays out a straightforward path to ownership:
Even with Coverall’s relatively low cost, you’ll still need startup cash and the ability to cover expenses during the first months of growth. Whether you’re looking at a $20K solo operation or investing closer to $60K to scale with staff, having financing in place will make or break your ramp-up.
With Swoop, you can compare funding options in one place. SBA loans, equipment financing, working capital facilities, and more. Instead of chasing lenders, you’ll see what you qualify for and secure the terms that fit your business plan.
Check available business loans today and take the first step toward making your Coverall cleaning franchise a reality.
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Written by
Ashlyn is a personal finance writer with experience in business and consumer taxes, retirement, and financial services to name a few. She has been published in USA Today, Kiplinger and Investopedia.
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