How to Start a Cleaning Business: Guide + Costs + Tips + Free Checklist

TL;DR Starting a cleaning business in 2025 is low-cost and high-demand. This guide covers everything—from services and pricing to licensing and client management—with a free checklist and smart tools like FieldCamp to simplify operations.

The US Real Estate Market Size (Rise in Commercial & Residential Buildings)	Expected to grow from $1.70 trillion in 2025 to $1.94 trillion by 2030, at a CAGR of 2.61%
Increase in Demand for Cleaning Services	As per the US Department of Commerce, by the next few years, 80% of dual-income U.S. households are expected to rely on professional housecleaning services.
The US Cleaning Services Market Size	Projected to increase by $37.8 billion at a CAGR of 5.9% between 2024 and 2029.
Initial Cleaning Startup Cost	On average, an individual is expected to spend anywhere between $2,000 to $10,000

The statistics above aren’t just numbers, they validate one simple truth: “The Time is Now.” It’s the perfect time to start your own cleaning business.

Here’s why:

• With a surge in residential and commercial building activities across the U.S., the demand for reliable, professional cleaning services is booming. 
• Also, post-COVID, cleanliness isn’t just expected, it’s non-negotiable. People are more hygiene-conscious than ever, and businesses seek professionals who can deliver spotless spaces with trust and consistency.
• And here’s the best part: this is one of the few businesses with incredibly low startup and operational costs, where you don’t need heavy inventory or a massive staff. 
• All you need to get started is a mop, a van, a strong work ethic, and a solid cleaning business plan.

This exhaustive guide on how to start a cleaning business from scratch in 2025 will walk you through:

• A step-by-step cleaning startup process
• Licensing and legal requirements
• Cost breakdown and budgeting tips
• A real profitability check
• And the right cleaning business software to simplify your early operations

Plus, we’ve answered all your burning questions, so whether you’re wondering about niche cleaning services, pricing, or how to get your first clients, this guide has you covered.

1. Know Your Local Market

Understanding your local market is crucial for running a successful cleaning business. Start by researching cleaning industrial trends, existing janitorial businesses, user needs and requirements etc. in your area. Check online for local cleaning businesses, their Google reviews, basic cleaning services offered, and pricing. Ask neighbors and local businesses about their experience with cleaning providers to identify gaps in the market you can fill.

Validate whether there is demand for residential, commercial, or niche services like post-renovation or carpet cleaning. If there’s a shortage of specialized services, jump on the opportunity and tailor your offerings accordingly.

Do companies really conduct market research? (Reddit) Absolutely. While big corporations may hire research firms, small businesses like cleaning services often do it hands-on. They scan local competitor websites, review Google and Yelp ratings, ask friends or community groups what they expect from a cleaner, and test different services and price points. In the cleaning industry, this type of informal research is not just common, it’s essential to survive and thrive.

2. Choose What Type of Cleaning Services You’ll Offer

Starting a commercial or residential cleaning business offers a plethora of service options. To determine the best fit for your venture, consider the following steps:

1. Identify which cleaning services are in demand.

2. Consider your expertise and the resources at your disposal to deliver that service.

3. Look at the gaps in the market that you can fill and acquire the desired client base.

4. Think about how easily you can scale the services you choose. Services that require less specialized equipment and training, like basic residential cleaning, are often easier to scale compared to more specialized services like biohazard cleanup.

5. Establish clear pricing models for your services. Offering package deals or discounts for recurring services can also attract and retain clients.

Common Cleaning Services to Consider

Here’s a breakdown of various cleaning services you might offer:

Residential Cleaning Services

• Standard house cleaning: Regular cleaning tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and mopping.
• Deep cleaning: Intensive cleaning that covers areas often missed in regular cleaning.
• Move-in/Move-out Cleaning: Preparing homes for new occupants.
• Eco-friendly cleaning: Using environmentally safe products and methods.

Commercial Cleaning Services

• Office cleaning: Maintaining cleanliness in office spaces.
• Retail cleaning: Cleaning services tailored for retail environments.
• Industrial cleaning: Specialized cleaning for factories and warehouses.

Specialized Cleaning Services

• Carpet and upholstery cleaning: Deep cleaning of carpets and furniture.
• Window cleaning: Interior and exterior window washing.
• Post-construction cleaning: Cleaning up after construction projects.
• Pressure washing: High-pressure cleaning for exteriors.

3. Register Your Company Name and Choose a Business Structure

Before launching your cleaning business, it’s essential to secure a name that’s both professional and memorable. Start by brainstorming names that reflect your brand and are easy to spell and remember. Once you’ve shortlisted a few, follow the below given country’s country-specific regulations below for checking availability, registration, and legal compliance.

United States – Business Name Rules:

• Conduct a name search on your state’s Secretary of State website to ensure your name isn’t already taken.
• File a “Doing Business As” (DBA) if you’re using a name different from your own.
• Trademark your business name via the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office if you want national protection.
• Register a domain name to maintain consistency across branding and marketing.

Canada – Business Name Rules:

• If you’re using a name other than your legal personal name, you must register it with your provincial authority.
• Conduct a NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) to check availability.
• File for a trademark with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO).
• Secure your domain early to avoid brand confusion.

United Kingdom – Business Name Rules:

• Register your name through Companies House if you’re forming a limited company.
• Avoid offensive or restricted terms unless approved.
• Run a trademark search to avoid legal disputes.
• Reserve your domain to align with your business identity.

Australia – Business Name Rules:

• Register your name via the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
• Names must not already be registered or too similar to existing ones.
• Trademarking is optional but recommended.
• Domain name reservation should match the business name where possible.

How do I come up with a unique cleaning business name ideas? (Reddit) Start by brainstorming words that reflect cleanliness, trust, or speed—like “sparkle,” “neat,” “fresh,” or “shine.” Then combine them with your name, your location, or your niche (like “eco” or “maids”). You can also try free tools like NameSnack or Shopify’s Business Name Generator to get inspired. Just make sure the name isn’t already taken in your state and grab the domain too!

Once done with the business name, choose your business structure will determine how you file taxes, manage liability, and operate legally. Here are common types across regions:

• Sole proprietorship: Ideal for solo cleaners. Simple to start but doesn’t protect your personal assets.
• Partnership: Good for businesses started with a friend or co-founder. Shared control and liability.
• Limited liability company (LLC) / Limited Company (Ltd): Offers a solid middle ground between simplicity and legal protection. Recommended for growing cleaning businesses.
• Corporation / Company: Best for high-growth businesses looking for robust legal protection. Requires more administrative work and ongoing compliance.

Choose a structure based on how you plan to operate, your risk tolerance, and whether you’ll hire employees or raise investment.

4. Get a Business License and Permits

Securing a business license is one of the important steps in building a trustworthy and legally compliant cleaning business. It shows clients you’re serious and helps avoid costly penalties down the line.

The type of license or permit you’ll need can vary depending on where you live, whether you work from home, and the kind of cleaning services you offer. 

Here’s a Reddit user who just started a cleaning business and is feeling unsure: Should I get a business license and insurance when just starting out? (Reddit) Yes, start small, but start legal. A business license keeps you compliant (and avoids fines), while liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong at a client’s place. Even if you’re doing just a few homes a week, both are worth having early on. Clients will also trust you more if you’re insured and registered.

Luckily, getting licensed is often easier than it sounds—and it’s a small step with a big payoff.

Start by searching your city or county website for business license requirements. You’ll often find a checklist and a portal to apply online.

Here’s what most cleaning businesses may need:

• General business license: Required in most cities to legally operate a service business.
• Home occupation permit: If you’re running operations from home, this may be mandatory.
• Sales tax permit: Needed if you’re selling cleaning products or supplies.
• Environmental permits: Required if you’re handling or disposing of hazardous cleaning chemicals.

Bonus Tip: Some locations offer a combined business registration process where you can register your business name, apply for a license, and get tax details in one go.

5. Get Cleaning Business Insurance

Protect your business with appropriate insurance coverage. Consider bonding your business to provide clients with added assurance of your professionalism and reliability.

Securing the right insurance is crucial to protect your business from potential risks:

• General Liability Insurance: Covers third-party claims for bodily injury or property damage.
• Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): Combines general liability and property insurance, often at a reduced premium. 
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Mandatory if you have employees; covers medical expenses and lost wages due to work-related injuries.
• Bonding: Provides clients with assurance that they’re protected against potential losses caused by employee dishonesty.

Bonus Tip: Consult with insurance providers to tailor a policy that fits your specific business needs.

6. Set Up Accounting and Bookkeeping

Implement a robust accounting system to manage your finances effectively. Use accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero to track income, expenses, and invoices. Maintain separate business and personal accounts to simplify tax preparation and financial analysis. Here’s how keeping a separate account is beneficial:

• Manage business finances separately
• Choose an ideal accounting software to maintain accuracy, speed, and precision while accounting. 
• Maintain accurate records of all transactions to monitor cash flow and prepare for tax season.
• Engage an accountant or bookkeeper, especially during tax time, to ensure compliance and optimize deductions.

Time-Savvy Tip: Instead of juggling spreadsheets, use FieldCamp to automate estimates, invoicing, track payments, and sync with your accounting setup, all from one place. Contact us for more details

7. Buy Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

Invest in high-quality cleaning supplies and equipment. Essential items include:

• Commercial-grade vacuum cleaners
• Mops and buckets
• Cleaning solutions and disinfectants
• Protective gear (gloves, masks, etc.)

Consider eco-friendly products to appeal to environmentally conscious clients.

8. Price Your Cleaning Services

Setting the right price ensures profitability and competitiveness. Develop a pricing strategy that reflects your costs, market rates, and desired profit margins. Common pricing models include hourly rates, flat fees, or per-square-foot charges. Accurately estimate job costs by considering factors like labor, materials, travel time, and overhead expenses.

9. Market and Win Your First Client

Effective marketing strategies will help you attract and retain clients. Here’s how you can draft your marketing strategies to get cleaning clients:

• Create a marketing plan to promote your services. Effective strategies include:
• Building a professional website with service details and contact information
• Utilizing social media platforms to engage with potential clients
• Networking with local businesses and attending community events
• Offering promotions or referral discounts to attract initial clients
• Collect and showcase testimonials to build credibility and trust.

10. Manage Clients and Operations Like a Pro

Once you’ve launched your cleaning business, things get real. Clients start rolling in, jobs get rescheduled last minute, and suddenly you’re juggling:

• Bookings and schedule conflicts
• Field team coordination and job dispatching
• Customer calls, emails, and expectations
• Creating estimates, sending invoices, chasing payments
• Keeping track of who’s done what, where, and when
• Remembering job histories, client preferences, and team performance
• Managing supplies and service availability

It’s a lot, especially if you’re trying to manage it all with spreadsheets, sticky notes, or WhatsApp messages.

That’s Where FieldCamp Comes In

FieldCamp isn’t just another app, it’s an AI-powered field service management software. It’s your command center for running your cleaning business without chaos.

Here’s how it changes the game:

• All client info, one screen

Name, address, service history, contact details, preferences—even past feedback. It’s all in one place when you need it.

• Effortless job scheduling & dispatching

Create jobs in seconds, assign them to the right cleaner, and handle last-minute changes with ease.

• Track jobs and team in real-time

Know exactly where your field professionals are and what stage of the job they’re on.

• Estimates, invoices & payments—built in

Create professional estimates and invoices, send them instantly, and accept payments—all from FieldCamp.

• Email clients without switching tabs

Thanks to Gmail integration, stay in touch with clients directly from their job screen.

• Visual dashboards for smart decisions

Track revenue, active clients, job count, and technician performance—all in one dashboard.

• Product & inventory control

Manage your full list of cleaning services, supplies, and consumables in one place.

Cost to Start a Cleaning Business in 2025

Starting a cleaning business is one of the most affordable service businesses you can launch. But costs can vary depending on your services, location, and whether you’re solo or hiring help.

Here’s a realistic cost breakdown for 2025:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (USD)
Business registration/license	$50-$400
Cleaning equipment & supplies	$500 – $2,500
Insurance and bonding	$500 – $2,000 annually
Marketing and branding	$200 – $1,000
Website and domain	$100 – $300
Accounting software/subscriptions	$0 – $300
Transportation	Variable (if needed)
Field service software (FieldCamp)	$29 – $79/month

👉 Total Estimated Cost: $2,000 – $10,000

💡 Pro Tip: Start lean. You don’t need commercial office space or a big team at the beginning. Reinvest your first few months of profit into growth.

Helpful Tips Before Starting Your Cleaning Business

Before you dive in, keep these practical tips in mind to avoid beginner mistakes and hit the ground running.

1. Niche down smartly

Don’t try to offer every cleaning service. Start with a niche (residential, move-out, or Airbnb turnover) where competition is manageable.

2. Talk to real customers first

Before buying supplies or printing flyers, speak to 5–10 people in your area about what they value most in a cleaning service.

3. Don’t skip insurance

Accidents happen. Having general liability insurance builds trust and protects you from costly claims.

4. Track everything from day 1

Use software like FieldCamp to manage jobs, expenses, and clients from day one—it’s harder to organize things later.

5. Focus on repeat clients, not just one-offs

Offer service bundles or discounts for weekly/bi-weekly cleanings. Recurring clients are the backbone of profitable cleaning businesses.

6. Take before & after photos

It’s not just proof of work—it’s content for your website, social media, and client satisfaction.

7. Always ask for reviews

Word of mouth and Google reviews are gold in this industry. Make it easy for satisfied clients to leave you one.

Conclusion

Starting a cleaning business in 2025 is one of the smartest low-investment ventures, especially with rising demand, minimal overhead, and the flexibility to scale fast.

But success takes more than just getting started. From managing jobs and clients to staying on top of daily operations, organization is everything. If you want to run your business like a pro from Day 1, FieldCamp has your back.

It takes the chaos out of your workflow—so you can focus on what really matters: delivering spotless service and building a brand your clients trust.

• Download our free checklist. One printable resource; No second-guessing, no missed steps.
• Also, follow this guide to start your cleaning journey.
• Let’s talk, in case you want expert insights with organizing jobs, teams, and clients.