How to Start a Profitable Cleaning Business in 30 Days or Less

Starting a cleaning business is one of the fastest ways to become your own boss, make great money, and create a flexible schedule that works for your life. You don’t need months of preparation, a big investment, or even a website to get started.

If you follow the right steps, you can launch your business and start making money in just 30 days—or even sooner!

I’ve been in the cleaning business for over 30 years, and I built my success by keeping things simple and strategic. Instead of relying on complicated systems, I focused on getting high-paying, recurring clients and setting up a business that worked for me, not the other way around. Now, I teach others how to do the same.

If you’re ready to get started fast, here’s exactly what you need to do.

How to Start a Profitable Cleaning Business in 30 Days or Less

Step 1: Decide on Your Business Model (Days 1-3)

Before you take on your first client, take a moment to get clear on your business:

✅ Will you work solo or hire a team? I always recommend starting solo—you’ll keep more of your profits and avoid the headaches of managing employees too soon.

✅Will you focus on residential or commercial cleaning? I specialize in residential because it provides consistent income and long-term clients who need weekly or biweekly service. For beginners, residential cleaning is often the easiest way to start—build a solid client base first, then expand into small office cleanings to gain experience before diving into larger commercial jobs.

✅ Will you focus on one-time jobs or recurring clients? If you want steady income, attracting repeat clients is the key.

Once you answer these questions, you’ll have a strong foundation to move forward.

Step 2: Get Your Essentials in Place (Days 4-7)

You don’t need a fancy setup to start, but you do need a few basics:

🔹 Register Your Business – Check your local business registration requirements.

🔹 Get Insurance – Protect yourself and your business from any potential damages or accidents. A general liability policy is a great start.

🔹 Open a Business Bank Account – Keeping business and personal finances separate is a must.

I always tell my students: If you treat your business like a business from day one, it will pay you like a business!

Step 3: Set Up Your Pricing, Policies, and Checklists (Days 8-10)

One of the biggest mistakes new cleaning business owners make is not having clear pricing and policies—which leads to undercharging and miscommunication with clients.

To avoid this:

• Set your pricing based on value, not time. Many cleaners undercharge, but your rates should reflect the quality and results you deliver.

• Create a cleaning checklist to make sure both you and your client are clear on what’s included and what’s not. This avoids confusion and ensures you’re paid fairly for your work.

• Establish policies for cancellations, deposits, and payments so there’s no question about how your business operates.

A strong pricing structure and clear policies will set you up for higher profits and better clients from the start.

Step 4: Get Your First Clients—Fast! (Days 11-20)

You don’t need paid ads or a website to start getting clients. Here’s how to land your first cleaning jobs quickly:

📌 Post in Facebook Groups – Introduce your business in local community groups. Let people know who you are and what you offer.

📌 Tell Everyone You Know – Family, friends, neighbors, and even local businesses can send referrals your way.

📌 Use Local Buy/Sell Groups – Many homeowners look for reliable cleaners in these groups—be the one they find!

Getting your first 3-5 clients quickly will give you momentum, referrals, and cash flow to grow your business.

Step 5: Deliver Amazing Service & Get More Clients (Days 21-30)

Once you have clients, the key is keeping them and turning them into repeat customers.

✨ Follow your cleaning checklist every time so clients always get exactly what they expect.

✨ Offer a great experience, not just a clean house. Be professional, communicate well, and always show up on time.

✨ Ask for referrals. Happy clients are your best marketing tool!

Pro Tip: Encourage new clients to book weekly or biweekly cleanings instead of one-time jobs. This will create consistent, predictable income without always needing to find new clients.

You Can Start a Profitable Cleaning Business in 30 Days!

You don’t need months of preparation or a complicated setup to launch a successful cleaning business. If you focus on getting clients, pricing your services correctly, and using a cleaning checklist to set clear expectations, you can be up and running in just 30 days—and making real money!

💡 Want help getting started faster? Grab my House Cleaning Business Start-Up Guide, which includes pricing strategies, policies, checklists, and more to help you set up your business the right way.

🔥 The next 30 days could change your life—let’s get started! 🚀

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For over 30 years, Trisha built and ran her own successful cleaning business, handpicking her schedule and consistently earning $5,000+ a month—all while working part-time as a solo cleaner. Now, she’s here to help you do the same! Whether you’re just starting solo or already have a small team, Trisha’s vast experience can help you grow your business and boost profits without adding more hours. She'll teach you how to avoid common mistakes new cleaning business owners make and run your business profitably from day one. With over three decades of experience, learning from Trisha is the fastest, most reliable way to launch or scale your thriving cleaning business!