How to Start a Cleaning Business: A Guide in 7 Steps

A cleaning business can be a great option if you want to start a new business with low overhead, no typical operating expenses, as well as consistent demand. Cleaning services have smaller start-up costs than other businesses, and this is one of the few ventures you can start easily with little money, as long as you’re able to work hard for a small return and incremental gains.
Regardless of some advanced cleaning chemicals and appliances, most cleaning jobs will use the same items as you use for your own housework. Formal preparation or certifications are not needed for traditional home and office cleaning, but that does not make the job any easier. There would not be such a wide demand for domestic cleaners if it were easy. Cleaning, however, can be a profitable and rewarding industry for anyone with a strong work ethic and a respectful nature toward customers.
An acquaintance or family member who works in the cleaning services sector would be a valuable resource, but don’t panic if you’re developing your cleaning company from scratch. Eventually, a track record of high-quality service and satisfied clients are the keys to running a profitable cleaning company.
Continue reading to learn what you need to know about starting a cleaning company.
Types of cleaning business
House Cleaning & Maid Services
House cleaning agencies often have three types of house cleaning services: daily, move-in/move-out, and spring/deep cleanings. Furthermore, these programs are typically provided on a one-time basis or on a recurring basis, such as weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
Small Office Cleaning Services
Small office cleaning is normally included in the list of services provided via House Cleaning & Maid Services. The main distinction between residential and small office cleaning is whether or not the office needs you to buff and dust the floors and when you will be able to start working. Residential cleaning hours are usually between 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. However, you may be required to clean a small office after working hours or after the office closes.
Commercial Cleaning Services
Starting a commercial cleaning service is not the same as starting a residential cleaning service. Commercial services are much broader and necessitate a larger workforce. Additionally, cleaning is typically done every night after working hours, and there is a separate price system that involves bidding. Cleaning activities even necessitate a variety of skill sets, such as knowing how to care for industrial flooring with buffers and polishers. Therefore, if you are new, the residential house cleaning service is your best choice.
Business Setup
Although there are no hard and fast rules for creating a cleaning business plan, you must follow certain protocols.
1. Get Registered
A business must be licensed before it is formed; otherwise, the company will not get any legal services from the state or provenance. There are some items to be concerned about, which are mentioned below.
- Research state and local laws
- Apply for a license
- Collect Employer Identification Number
- Check copyright issue
- Research state tax requirements
2. Create A Brand
The brand name carries a lot of weight, and it’s a great weapon for communication. Any business’s longevity and sustainability would be jeopardized if good contact is not maintained. Certain aspects must be included when designing a logo and name.
- It should be memorable and meaningful (descriptive and persuasive)
- It must have certain characteristics such as likability (fun and interesting, rich visual and verbal imagery, aesthetically pleasing), transferability, adaptability, and protectability (legally, competitively).
3. Get Protected
When you’re doing business, there’s always a chance of something going wrong. Hence, ensuring financial security is important. Having insurance coverage would give you more confidence. It will help the pinnacle of the turnover curve.
4. Buy Necessary Equipment
The two most expensive aspects of basic cleaning services are supplies and transportation. Cleaning costs can range from very minimal for an individual cleaner too much higher for an enterprise with a multiperson team and company vehicle, depending on the services you provide. Once you’ve determined your transportation and contingency plans, you can begin to quantify the other costs of launching your project.
5. Advertise Properly
Being noticed where prospective clients are searching for your services is the secret to promoting your cleaning business. Google is one of the first sites where potential clients search for service providers. So, the first step should be to go to Google and search keyword words like home cleaning, maid services, house cleaning, cleaning services, etc. as well as your city/town. Other than some cleaning service providers in your city, the sites/links that appear on the first page of Google are where you want to be searched and identified. However, before you spend your time attempting to get listed on these sites, you must create a website for your business.
A website can help you to establish trust with potential clients and distinguish yourself from the competitors. It would also provide a way for consumers to learn more about what you sell and contact you or get an estimate from you. Before you begin selling your services, inform your friends and family on Facebook about your cleaning business and encourage them to spread the word. On Facebook, you can even join multiple community groups. The key is to become a valuable member of the community and become the go-to guy for cleaning.
6. Focus on Competitive Pricing
Price is one of the most effective ways to attract customers to a business. Irrelevant prices will divert consumers’ attention away from the business. It is quite difficult to have a fair price to consumers when beginning a small company. However, the pricing should be reasonable.
7. Get Organized with Cleaning Software
As an owner, you have to spend a significant amount of time cleaning the houses, filing permits and documents, and replenishing cleaning supplies. However, in addition to listening to customers’ demands and loading up on supplies, you must keep track of your budget, manage staff schedules, process customer invoices and report relevant account records, and plan for other company fees and taxes. Cleaning software can help you to organize and manage your company much more effectively than a pen-and-paper method. Consider keeping the staff or supplier schedules, account notes, client lists, and payment information in a spreadsheet. However, even with systematized sheets, it often becomes cumbersome and confusing. Nevertheless, all of these complications can be eliminated by using all-in-one software
Such software can also help you improve your reputation when it comes to promoting your cleaning business by including multiple features such as review requests, customer surveys, marketing automation, and many more. Keeping the branding consistent—from the tools you use to the uniform you and your staff wear—can do wonders for the reputation of the new business.
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Cleaning can seem to be an easy business, but it is not. Until you make cleaning a part-time or full-time job, it’s a good idea to spend a few days “on the job” to make sure you’re cut out for the job.
In a cleaning service, you will gradually take on more jobs and more clients as you gain experience. When you work out your schedule and gain loyal clients, you’ll be able to maximize your time and spending while also providing outstanding service, assuming you take the necessary precautions ahead of time.
Video Credit : Young Entrepreneurs Forum