How to Start a Cleaning Business: Guide + Costs + Tips + Free Checklist
May 20, 2025 - 19 min read
May 20, 2025 - 19 min read
Table of Contents
| 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:
This exhaustive guide on how to start a cleaning business from scratch in 2025 will walk you through:
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.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Why 2025 is the Perfect Year to Start Your Cleaning Business
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. |
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.
Here’s a breakdown of various cleaning services you might offer:
Residential Cleaning Services
Commercial Cleaning Services
Specialized Cleaning Services
Grab Your Free Cleaning Business Startup Checklist
This checklist walks you through every step to start your cleaning business the right way. No fluff, just actionable steps.
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:
Canada – Business Name Rules:
United Kingdom – Business Name Rules:
Australia – Business Name Rules:
| 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:
Choose a structure based on how you plan to operate, your risk tolerance, and whether you’ll hire employees or raise investment.
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:
| 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. |
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:
| Bonus Tip: Consult with insurance providers to tailor a policy that fits your specific business needs. |
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:
| 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 |
Invest in high-quality cleaning supplies and equipment. Essential items include:
Consider eco-friendly products to appeal to environmentally conscious clients.
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.
Pricing Made Simple with FieldCamp
Skip the guesswork. FieldCamp lets you create accurate quotes using preset service rates and real-time job logs. Track labor, mileage, technician notes, and photos—all from one place.
Effective marketing strategies will help you attract and retain clients. Here’s how you can draft your marketing strategies to get cleaning clients:
Once you’ve launched your cleaning business, things get real. Clients start rolling in, jobs get rescheduled last minute, and suddenly you’re juggling:
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:
Name, address, service history, contact details, preferences—even past feedback. It’s all in one place when you need it.
Create jobs in seconds, assign them to the right cleaner, and handle last-minute changes with ease.
Know exactly where your field professionals are and what stage of the job they’re on.
Create professional estimates and invoices, send them instantly, and accept payments—all from FieldCamp.
Thanks to Gmail integration, stay in touch with clients directly from their job screen.
Track revenue, active clients, job count, and technician performance—all in one dashboard.
Manage your full list of cleaning services, supplies, and consumables in one place.
FieldCamp Turns Your Cleaning Chaos into Control
Whether you’re just getting started or planning to scale your operations, FieldCamp brings structure, visibility, and speed to your business.
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.
Before you dive in, keep these practical tips in mind to avoid beginner mistakes and hit the ground running.
Don’t try to offer every cleaning service. Start with a niche (residential, move-out, or Airbnb turnover) where competition is manageable.
Before buying supplies or printing flyers, speak to 5–10 people in your area about what they value most in a cleaning service.
Accidents happen. Having general liability insurance builds trust and protects you from costly claims.
Use software like FieldCamp to manage jobs, expenses, and clients from day one—it’s harder to organize things later.
Offer service bundles or discounts for weekly/bi-weekly cleanings. Recurring clients are the backbone of profitable cleaning businesses.
It’s not just proof of work—it’s content for your website, social media, and client satisfaction.
Word of mouth and Google reviews are gold in this industry. Make it easy for satisfied clients to leave you one.
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.
A field service report is a document that records the details of a job done by a technician, including work performed, time spent, materials used, and customer sign-off.
Starting costs typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the services you offer, the equipment you need, and whether you plan to hire help or operate solo.
Yes, most states and cities require a general business license, and some may need specific permits (especially if handling chemicals). Insurance is also strongly recommended.
Absolutely. With low startup costs and high demand, cleaning businesses can be highly profitable—especially with recurring clients and efficient scheduling.
Yes. Many successful business owners start solo with basic tools and expand once they gain consistent clients.
FieldCamp simplifies job scheduling, client management, invoicing, tracking, and even performance analytics—so you can focus more on service, not spreadsheets.
Start where demand is highest in your area. Residential is easier to begin solo, while commercial contracts are higher in value but often require a team.
Build a local online presence, offer first-time discounts, and leverage referrals. Also, join community Facebook groups or partner with local realtors/Airbnb hosts.
