You’re already good at cleaning. Friends ask you to do their place. Maybe you’ve cleaned for someone else’s company and thought, “I could do this myself.”
You can. A cleaning business is one of the cheapest to start. What trips people up isn’t the cleaning. It’s the business stuff around it.
Short on time? Want customers calling a real business number, with the greeting already recorded for you? See how
Decide what kind of cleaning you’ll do
Pick one lane to start. You can add more later.
- Residential: regular house cleaning (weekly, every two weeks, monthly). Steady, repeat work.
- Deep cleans and move-outs: bigger one-time jobs, higher price, less predictable.
- Commercial: small offices and shops, often evenings. Fewer clients, bigger contracts.
Most solo cleaners start residential. Repeat clients make your week predictable fast.
Handle the paperwork (it’s less than you think)
This isn’t legal advice. Requirements vary a lot by state and city, so check your state’s business site and your city or county before you start.
- Choose a structure. Sole proprietor is the default. Many cleaners form an LLC for the liability protection. See LLC vs sole proprietor.
- Register your business name if you’re using one (a DBA or your LLC name).
- Get an EIN. It’s free from the IRS and keeps your SSN off paperwork.
- Check local licenses. Some cities require a general business license.
- Get insurance. General liability covers damage in a client’s home. Many cleaners also get bonded, because clients ask.
- Open a business bank account so money in and out stays separate. More on that in our business bank account guide.
For a deeper dive: if you go the LLC route, LLC University’s how to start an LLC guide and Northwest Registered Agent’s LLC guides by state cover the filing steps and fees where you live.
Figure out your pricing
There’s no single right price. It depends on your area. Three common ways cleaners charge:
- Hourly: simple to explain, but clients don’t know the total up front.
- Flat rate per visit: based on bedrooms, bathrooms, and condition. Clients like knowing the price.
- Per square foot: more common for commercial work.
To set your number, call or check a few local cleaners and see what they charge. Then add up what you need: your time, supplies, gas, insurance, and taxes. Don’t price yourself into working for nothing.
Charge more for first cleans and move-outs. They take longer, every time.
Get your starter supplies
You don’t need a van full of gear. A starter kit:
- Vacuum (a good one, it’s your main tool)
- Microfiber cloths, lots of them
- Mop and bucket
- All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, degreaser
- Scrub brushes, sponges, a toothbrush for corners
- Gloves, trash bags, a caddy to carry it all
Ask each client if they want you to use their products or yours, and note any allergies.
Get your first clients
Your first clients will almost always come from people who know you.
- Tell everyone. Friends, family, neighbors, your kids’ school parents.
- Set up a free Google Business Profile. It’s how people nearby find you. Here’s our Google Business Profile setup guide.
- Ask every happy client for a review. Here’s how to get more Google reviews without being awkward.
- Neighborhood Facebook groups and Nextdoor. Post once, helpfully, not spammy.
- Flyers in the neighborhoods you want to work in. Our flyer guide is written for lawn care, but the same rules apply.
A quick text you can send people you know:
“Hey! I’m starting my own house cleaning business. If you or anyone you know needs a regular clean or a move-out clean, I’d love the chance. Text me and I’ll send you a quote.”
Look legit from day one
Clients are letting you into their home. Small things build trust:
- A business name on your quotes and invoices
- A clear invoice every time you get paid
- A professional greeting when you can’t pick up (here are voicemail greeting examples, including one for cleaners)
- A business number, not your personal cell on every flyer and listing
That last one matters more than it seems. Once your personal number is on flyers and Google, it’s out there for good.
Start with a business number, set up for you
With GBPN, you get a separate business number that rings the cell you already carry, for $30 a month total, taxes and fees included.
- We record your business greeting for you. No hearing your own voice nine times.
- Business calls announce themselves, so you answer with your business name.
- Business hours, so client calls go to voicemail at dinner while your phone stays on for family.
- Text your clients from the business number.
A real person sets it up with you. 30-day money-back guarantee.
See available business numbers
FAQ
How much does it cost to start a cleaning business? It can be low. Supplies, insurance, and any state or city fees are the main costs. Insurance and fees vary by state.
Do I need a license to start a cleaning business? It depends on your city and state. Many places require a general business license. Check your local government’s website.
Should I get bonded? Many residential clients ask about it, and it can help you win jobs. Talk to an insurance agent about bonding and liability coverage.
How do I find my first cleaning clients? Start with people you know, then add a Google Business Profile, reviews, and local groups. Word of mouth grows fast when you’re reliable.
Do I need an LLC for a cleaning business? Not required, but many cleaners choose one for liability protection. Compare LLC vs sole proprietor.
Written by the GBPN team
We're a family-owned company that has set up business phone numbers for small businesses since 2017. We write these guides from what we hear from owners every day.
