6 Steps To Successfully Start a Cleaning Business

6  Steps to Successfully Start a Cleaning Business

Starting a house cleaning business is one of the fastest and most flexible ways to earn a great income. Whether you're looking for a side hustle or a full-time business, residential cleaning offers low startup costs and high demand. With the right approach, you can create a profitable business that provides financial stability and freedom.

But success isn’t just about knowing how to clean—it’s about pricing your services correctly, setting clear policies, and attracting the right clients who value your work. Without a strong foundation, many new cleaners struggle with underpricing, difficult clients, and burnout.

If you want to start your cleaning business the right way and build a profitable, long-term business, follow these six essential steps.

Step 1: Start Solo

One of the biggest mistakes new cleaning business owners make is rushing to hire a team too soon. While it might seem like hiring employees will make things easier, starting solo is the best way to build a strong, profitable foundation.

Here’s why starting solo is the smartest approach:

✔️ Keep More Profit – Hiring employees means paying wages, covering payroll taxes, and dealing with added expenses. When you start solo, you keep all the profit.

✔️ Learn the Business Inside and Out – Before you train others, you need to understand how long cleanings take, how to price jobs correctly, and how to manage client expectations. Starting solo helps you master the process first.

✔️ Attract Higher-Quality Clients – Many homeowners prefer a solo cleaner over a team of employees because it feels more personal and trustworthy. You can build stronger, long-term relationships with your clients.

✔️ Less Stress & Simplicity – Managing employees comes with added responsibilities, from payroll to scheduling. Starting solo allows you to focus on getting clients and perfecting your business before scaling.

Once you have a solid client base, you can decide if and when hiring makes sense. But by starting solo, you’ll set yourself up for a more profitable, less stressful business from the beginning.

Step 2: Build a Strong Foundation

Before taking on your first client, ensure your business is properly set up for success.

✅ Choose a Business Name & Structure – Decide on a name and register your business. Most cleaners start with either a DBA (Doing Business As)/Sole Proprietorship or an LLC for liability protection.

✅ Check Licensing & Permit Requirements – Laws and regulations vary by state, so check local requirements. I recommend visiting the IRS website (irs.gov)

✅ Open a Business Bank Account – Keep personal and business finances separate for easier bookkeeping and tax filing. Get a business debit card to track expenses

.

✅ Get Insurance – Protect yourself and your business with liability insurance. Many clients and landlords require proof of coverage before hiring you. You can get insurance as soon as you get your first client.

✅ Set Clear Policies – Avoid last-minute cancellations, payment issues, and no-shows by setting expectations early. Grab my FREE ‘2 Must-Have Policies’ Get your copy here

✅ Price for Profit – Many new cleaners undercharge and end up working for less than minimum wage. Don’t price based on time—price based on the value and results of your service.

✅ Get Your Supplies – Stock up on essential cleaning products and tools. Keep it simple—no need to overspend!

Step 3: Get Clients Without Spending a Dime

You don’t need a big marketing budget to start attracting clients. Here’s how to get started for free:

💥 Optimize Your Facebook Profile – Update your personal profile to showcase your cleaning business. Let people know what you do!

💥 Create a Facebook Business Page – Having a dedicated business page makes you look professional and helps potential clients find you.

💥 Join Local Facebook Groups – Engage in community groups where homeowners ask for cleaning recommendations. Offer helpful advice and connect with potential clients.

💥 Leverage Word-of-Mouth & Referrals – Tell friends, family, and neighbors about your services. A personal referral builds trust and makes it easier to get booked.

💥 Get Listed on Google My Business – This allows potential clients to find you when searching for cleaning services in your area. It’s free and boosts your credibility!

💥 Use Flyers & Business Cards – Leave them at local businesses, laundromats, and community centers. Old-school marketing still works!

Step 4: Never Skip the Walkthrough

One of the biggest mistakes new cleaners make is quoting a job without seeing the home first. A walkthrough helps you:

✔️ Assess the home accurately – Avoid underpricing or unexpected surprises on cleaning day.

✔️ Pre-screen the client – Not all clients are a good fit! A walkthrough lets you gauge their expectations and personality.

✔️ Set clear expectations – Discuss what’s included, what’s not, and any potential add-ons. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures client satisfaction.

Step 5: Focus on Long-Term Success

To build a profitable and stress-free cleaning business, you need to plan for long-term growth.

✔️ Raise Your Prices as You Grow – Clients who value quality will pay more. Don’t be afraid to increase your rates as you gain experience.

✔️ Stick to Your Policies – Set clear boundaries to prevent last-minute cancellations, schedule changes, and unrealistic demands.

✔️ Build a Recurring Client Base – Weekly and biweekly clients bring in steady, predictable income—this is the key to financial stability in the cleaning business.

✔️ Get Reviews & Testimonials – Ask satisfied clients to leave reviews on Google and Facebook. Social proof makes it easier to attract new, high-paying clients.

Step 6: Get Support & Keep Learning

Running a solo cleaning business doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Having the right support and resources can help you grow faster, avoid common mistakes, and build a business that truly works for you.

That’s why I created The Profitable Solo Cleaners Society—a membership where I teach solo cleaners everything covered above and so much more to help you succeed. Inside the membership, you’ll learn how to:

✅ Attract high-paying, loyal clients who respect your time and value your work
✅ Set strong policies to protect your business and prevent cancellations, no-shows, and payment issues
✅ Price cleaning jobs for profit, so you're never undercharging or working for less than you deserve
✅ Grow a profitable, long-term business that provides financial freedom—without burnout
✅ And much more!

💡 Click here to learn how the membership can help you!

Starting a cleaning business is one of the best ways to gain financial freedom and control over your schedule. By following these six steps—and getting the right guidance—you’ll build a solid foundation and attract the right clients, so you can earn more while working smarter, not harder! 🚀

Related Articles

The #1 Mistake New Cleaning Business Owners Make

How to Book Cleaning Jobs for Your Cleaning Business

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!