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Starting your own cleaning business might seem like a simple idea on the surface, but turning that idea into a sustainable business? That’s where things can get a little more complex. From picking the services you’ll offer to getting your paperwork in order, there are a lot of moving parts to think through before your first cleaning job is even booked.
At Swoop, we’ve helped plenty of first-time founders — especially service-based business owners — get their operations up and running. If you’re planning to start a cleaning business, this checklist is designed to help you lay the groundwork with confidence. We’ll cover the essentials, highlight areas where you might want to dig deeper, and share practical insights you can actually use.
So if you’ve been thinking about launching a cleaning business, whether solo or with a small team, you’re in the right place. Let us walk through what starting strong could look like.
Step-by-step guide to start a cleaning business
No matter what niche you focus on — residential homes, offices, commercial buildings, or something more specialized — every successful cleaning business starts with a few core steps. Here’s how you might begin.
1. Choose what cleaning services you'll offer
Before you buy a single bottle of cleaner, you’ll want to figure out exactly what kind of services your business is going to provide. This decision could affect everything from your startup costs to the type of clients you attract.
A few service categories to consider:
- Home/residential cleaning – Recurring weekly cleanings, deep cleans, or move-in/move-out packages.
- Commercial cleaning – Offices, retail spaces, restaurants, or medical facilities.
- Specialized cleaning – Carpet cleaning, window washing, post-renovation cleanup, or eco-friendly services.
You don’t need to offer everything at once. Many cleaning business owners start small and add services over time based on what their clients ask for.
2. Write a business plan
A solid business plan can help you stay organized and show potential lenders or partners that you’re serious. It doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should give structure to your vision.
Key sections to include:
- Type of cleaning services you provide
- Who your target customers are
- What your prices might look like
- Your startup costs and how you plan to cover them
- Where you’re planning to operate, and how you’ll market yourself
Even if no one else sees it, a business plan could serve as your roadmap for the first year of growth.
3. Register your company name and choose a business structure
Once you’ve sketched your plan, it’s time to make things official.
What this step involves:
- Picking a business name that’s not already in use
- Registering that name with your state or local government
- Choosing a legal structure — like a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation
A lot of small business owners opt for an LLC, since it offers personal liability protection without the complexity of a corporation.
4. Get a business license
Depending on where you live, your state or city may require a license before you can legally start cleaning for clients.
What to check:
- Does your city require a general business license?
- Do you need a specific cleaning permit?
- Are there zoning restrictions if you’re running the business from home?
These requirements can vary widely, so it’s worth calling your local business office or checking your state’s website.
5. Get cleaning business insurance
Accidents happen. Having the right insurance could save you a lot of headaches — and in some cases, it might even be required to win contracts.
Consider these coverage types:
- General liability insurance – Covers accidents, property damage, or injuries during a job
- Janitorial bond – Reassures clients that they’re protected in case of theft or damage
- Workers’ comp – If you have employees, this might be required by law
- Commercial auto insurance – If you’re driving a company vehicle, personal insurance probably won’t cover you
Clients, especially commercial ones, often expect a proof-of-insurance certificate before they’ll sign on.
6. Set up accounting and bookkeeping
Even small cleaning businesses can get messy behind the scenes if the finances aren’t in order. Keeping clean books from day one could help you avoid confusion — or worse, tax trouble — down the road.
Here’s what that might involve:
- Opening a separate business bank account
- Using accounting software like QuickBooks, Wave, or FreshBooks
- Tracking all income and expenses
- Putting aside money for taxes (quarterly payments are common for small businesses)
If you’re not a numbers person, it might be worth hiring a bookkeeper early — even just a few hours a month could help keep things in shape.
7. Stock cleaning supplies and equipment
Once your paperwork is handled, you can start gathering the supplies you’ll need to get the job done right.
Some basics to consider:
- Disinfectants, sprays, and floor cleaners
- Microfiber cloths, mops, vacuums, and buckets
- Gloves, masks, or safety goggles if needed
- Trash bags, paper towels, and any specialty tools (like carpet shampooers)
Tip: Start with the essentials and upgrade your gear over time. Focus on products that are effective, affordable, and safe for a range of environments.
8. Research the market
Before setting prices or launching ads, you’ll want to get a sense of what the local landscape looks like.
Helpful questions:
- Who are your competitors?
- What services do they offer — and how do they price them?
- Is there a gap in the market you could fill?
- What neighborhoods or businesses aren’t being served well?
You might check Google Maps, Yelp, and social media to see who’s already active nearby.
9. Learn how to price your cleaning services
Pricing isn’t just about what competitors charge — it’s about what your time is worth, how much your supplies cost, and what clients are willing to pay.
Common methods include:
- Hourly rates – Often used for residential services
- Per-job or flat fees – Great for one-time or deep cleans
- Square footage – Standard in commercial settings
To avoid undercharging, be sure to include your time, materials, transportation, and a buffer for taxes and profit.
10. Market your cleaning business
Even if you’re the best cleaner in town, you still need people to know you exist, and effective marketing can help with this.
Some ideas to get started:
- Set up a basic website with your services and contact info
- Create a Google Business Profile for local SEO visibility
- Print business cards or flyers for neighborhoods you want to target
- Offer discounts to friends and family in exchange for reviews
- Post before-and-after shots on Facebook or Instagram
Word of mouth is powerful, but consistent visibility might be what helps you get your first few clients.
How do I get clients for your cleaning business?
Building a client base can take time, but here are a few effective ways to get the ball rolling:
- Knock on doors or leave flyers in target neighborhoods
- Join local community Facebook groups and answer cleaning-related questions
- List your business on Thumbtack, TaskRabbit, or Yelp
- Reach out to real estate agents who need help prepping homes for sale
- Offer limited-time promotions to encourage trial bookings
11. Learn how to manage your cleaning business and client relationships
Once you’ve got clients, keeping things organized becomes even more important.
Helpful tools and habits:
- Use a CRM or booking app to manage your schedule
- Send appointment reminders and follow-up emails
- Keep detailed records of each job and any special client notes
- Ask for feedback and respond to concerns quickly
Managing expectations well is often what keeps clients coming back — and recommending you to others.
12. Hire and train cleaners
If demand starts picking up, you might not want to turn away jobs, or handle them all yourself.
When you’re ready to grow:
- Create a simple hiring process and job description
- Post listings on local job boards or referral groups
- Train employees on your standards, processes, and tools
- Set up payroll and comply with labor laws in your state
Good team members can make or break your business, so invest in hiring slowly and training well.
How much money do I need to start a cleaning business?
Startup costs can vary depending on what services you’re offering and how big you plan to go right out of the gate.
Here’s a rough breakdown of common expenses:
- Business registration and licenses: $50 – $500
- Insurance and bonding: $300 – $1,200
- Basic cleaning supplies: $300 – $1,000
- Equipment (vacuum, mops, tools): $500 – $2,500
- Marketing and website setup: $250 – $1,000
- Transportation (if needed): $2,000 – $15,000
So, depending on your approach, you might start with under $2,000, or you might need closer to $10,000 or more if you’re aiming to scale quickly.
How Swoop can help
Starting your cleaning business might begin with a mop, a logo, and a few loyal clients, but scaling it could require more. Whether you’re looking to register your company, buy equipment, hire staff, or bridge the gap between invoices and income, funding might play a key role in your success.
At Swoop, we help small business owners find smart, tailored financing options. Our platform connects you with lenders and tools that suit your stage, industry, and goals, without overwhelming paperwork or confusing terms.
So if you’re ready to turn your cleaning business from an idea into a thriving operation, check out the business loans Swoop has to offer and let’s explore what funding could look like for you.
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