Top 3 Cleaning Business Mistakes to Avoid

Top 3 Cleaning Business Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s the truth — starting a cleaning business is exciting, but it’s also incredibly easy to mess up… Not because you’re lazy, unmotivated, or not cut out for it, but because no one really tells you what actually matters when you're first getting started.

You’re out here doing your best to make it work — saying yes to anyone who wants a cleaning, pricing low just to land the job, stretching yourself thin, and hoping things will somehow “just figure themselves out.”

You’re watching YouTube videos, scrolling through advice in Facebook groups, maybe even trying to copy what other cleaners are doing… but deep down, it still feels like you're guessing.

You’re second-guessing your prices, wondering if you’re doing too much or not enough, and crossing your fingers that each new client doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

And the worst part? You’re working hard — really hard — but the money doesn’t reflect it. You're cleaning your heart out, trying to keep everyone happy, and yet it feels like you're stuck in survival mode instead of actually building something solid.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone — and you’re not stuck.

In this post, I’m breaking down the 3 biggest mistakes cleaning business owners make when they’re new to the business. And I’ll show you how to avoid them so you can build a business that actually works for you — one that’s profitable, sustainable, and doesn’t burn you out.

And if you want to shortcut the guesswork? Grab my free guide at the end — 2 Must-Have Policies for Your Cleaning Business — so you can stop winging it and start showing up like a pro.

❌ Mistake #1: Taking Every Client That Comes Your Way

When you're just getting started, it’s tempting to say yes to everyone. You want the income. You want the experience. You don’t want to miss out.

But here’s the truth: not everyone is your client.

Some people will underpay, over-demand, or make you dread going to work. And when you fill your schedule with the wrong clients, you crowd out the right ones.

Instead, get clear on who you actually want to serve:

• Do you prefer weekly residentials or deep cleans?

• Do you want to work with busy families or small offices?

• What kind of homes (or clients) are your dream jobs?
  

You’re building a business — not just taking whatever you can get. Saying no to the wrong people makes space to grow the business you actually want.

💸 Mistake #2: Underpricing Your Services

This one stings — because I see it constantly. You’re afraid to charge too much. You think people won’t pay it. So you price low, hoping it’ll help you get clients.

But underpricing doesn’t just hurt your income — it hurts your confidence.

You’re not selling cleaning — you’re offering peace of mind, time freedom, and a trusted service. And that has real value. When you price too low, you’re telling clients your time and energy aren’t worth much.

Let’s flip that:

• Price for the level of service you’re delivering.

• Know your numbers — what does it actually take to make a profit?

• Don’t just aim to “get by” — aim to build something sustainable.
  

When you charge what you're worth, you attract better clients — and build a business that actually works.

🛑 Mistake #3: Not Setting Clear Client Expectations

This is a big one. Most problems between you and a client come from one thing: unclear expectations.

Maybe a client thought you’d clean inside the fridge — but you didn’t.
Maybe they expected you to stay longer — but you had another job scheduled.

It’s not that you did anything wrong. But if you never communicated what’s included (and what’s not), it opens the door to frustration on both sides.

The fix? Set expectations early and clearly.

• What’s included in your standard clean?

• How should they prepare for your arrival?

• What’s your cancellation policy?
  

When clients know what to expect, they’re more satisfied — and you’re more protected. You avoid awkward conversations, resentment, and burnout.

💡 Quick Recap:

Here’s how to avoid the top 3 mistakes:

1. Stop saying yes to everyone. You’re not for everyone — and that’s a good thing.

2. Stop underpricing. Your time, skill, and energy are valuable. Price like it.

3. Start setting clear expectations. You deserve clients who respect your boundaries and time.
   

Want an easy way to start protecting your business — even if you're brand new?

Grab my freebie: 2 Must-Have Policies for Your Cleaning Business — a simple yet powerful resource to help you set clear boundaries, avoid misunderstandings, and communicate like a pro from day one.

These are two of the exact policies I used to completely transform my own cleaning business — and now I’m giving them to you, absolutely free.

Whether you're just starting out or already have a few clients, these policies will give you the confidence and professionalism you need to stand out, attract better clients, and run your business on your terms.

You’ve got what it takes to build a profitable, reliable cleaning business — one that gives you freedom, stability, and clients who respect your time. Let’s get you there, faster… and smarter.

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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!